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Spanish and British scientists assess fishery resources in Gibraltar
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Scientists at the Oceanographic Centre of Cadiz of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) and a UK fishing research specialist are collaborating in fisheries resources assessments in the Rock of Gibraltar.
The agreement was reached between the consultant hired by the Government of Gibraltar and researchers Ignacio Sobrino Yraola and Juan Gil Herrera, in a meeting in which the parties discussed the technical aspects based on the information available.
The experts analysed the series of abundance of key species and the seasonality of resources and identified the biological aspects depending on the type of species.
"The main problem encountered when analysing the information available consists in associating certain catches to a particular area, since they correspond to a total landed at auctions, regardless of the source," Sobrino explained.
"Deficiencies in the biological information of the main species (size, age, maturity, etc.) have also been identified, making it difficult to carry out an advisory process," the IEO researcher added.
In addition, the researchers also agreed to maintain contact in the future for possible clarifications on the information provided and likely future joint collaboration in future research projects assisting the fishing activity advisory in the area, as the statement of the IEO indicates.
Sobrino told the agency Europa Press that the British specialist Indrani Lutchman was provided with a summary that has enabled her to complete the information available in relation to the Spanish legislation on the subject.
"Of course, [the legislation] is in line with the EU law," he said, but he stressed that the "great interest" is focused on the exploitation pattern of the fleet.
For the expert, if the Gibraltar Government intends to implement management measures for fisheries in the future, it would be necessary to develop a research project aimed at resolving this issue in advance.
13-08-12
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