Since 2000, a European framework for the collection and management of data on professional and recreational fisheries has been in place. This framework was last reformed in 2008, giving rise to the DCF regulation funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (FEAMPA). Under this framework, member states collect, manage, and transmit a wide range of scientific data in support of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). In France, the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) coordinates the design and implementation of a national work plan within a partnership of public institutions.

The MNHN joined this partnership in 2012 and implements a standardized protocol for the collection of biological data on Chondrichthyans, including Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) and Holocephali (chimaeras) in the Northeast Atlantic. This data collection is based on a structured sampling plan aimed at characterizing biological parameters of populations (morphometrics, sex ratio, maturity stages, stomach contents, etc.).

Sampling is carried out during visits to auction halls, allowing the collection of data on all commercial catches from professional vessels. It may be complemented by observations made during fisheries survey campaigns conducted by Ifremer, which provide a standardized and spatially structured sampling framework to improve data representativeness.

The data collected by the MNHN are anonymized in accordance with the European GDPR regulation and then integrated into the national work plan dataset. It includes biological data, fleet activity data, and socio‑economic information related to fisheries, marine aquaculture, and the fish processing sector, as well as the data needed to assess the impact of EU fisheries on the marine ecosystems of the Northeast Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the French outermost regions (RUP).

Each year, France submits this information to various international working groups operating notably under the auspices of ICES, ICCAT, and GFCM*, in response to their standardized data calls. These intergovernmental organizations ensure the analysis, validation, and integration of these data into their stock assessment models.

Following this work, the organizations issue scientific advice and recommendations addressed to the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) of the Directorate‑General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) of the European Commission. This advice and these recommendations form the basis of the discussions held during the meeting of EU Fisheries Ministers at the end of year n, with the aim of setting fishing opportunities for year n+1. These decisions result in the establishment of TACs (Total Allowable Catches) and the allocation of quotas among Member States, or at the Union level when international waters are concerned.

The national work plans of Member States and the annual reports are available on the European Commission’s website at the following address: WPs and ARs - Data Collection Framework - DCF - European Commission

* ICES: International Council for the Exploration of the Sea – ICCAT: International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas – GFCM: General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean

Online documents:

Protocole_Suivi_EOS_2024.pdf
EOS_Sampling_protocol_2024.pdf

Funding: Co funding EU fund FEAMPA Specific objective 1.4 • Ministère Chargé de la Mer et de la Pêche

Project coordinators: Thomas Barreau, Patrice Pruvost    

Realization: Station marine de Dinard (2017 - 2027 ) • Thomas Barreau, Sébastien Mayot, Christelle Paillon