EastMed TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS 03

REPORT OF THE SUB-REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON COLLECTION AND ORGANIZATION OF DATA

14-17 SEPTEMBER 2010 BATROUN, LEBANON

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The conclusions and recommendations given in this and in other documents in the Scientific and Institutional Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean series are those considered appropriate at the time of preparation. They may be modified in the light of further knowledge gained in subsequent stages of the Project. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of FAO or donors concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or concerning the determination of its frontiers or boundaries.

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Preface

The Project “Scientific and Institutional Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean- EastMed is executed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and funded by Greece, Italy and EC.

The Eastern Mediterranean countries have for long lacked a cooperation framework as created for other areas of the Mediterranean, namely the FAO sub-regional projects AdriaMed, MedSudMed, CopeMed II and ArtFiMed. This fact leaded for some countries to be sidelined, where international and regional cooperation for fishery research and management is concerned. Following the very encouraging experience of technical and institutional assistance provided to countries by the other FAO sub-regional Projects,

EastMed

was born to establish multidisciplinary expertise necessary to formulate appropriate management measures under the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the principles of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF to ensure rational, responsible and participative fisheries management

The project’s longer-term objective aims at contributing to the sustainable management of marine fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean, and thereby at supporting national economies and protecting the livelihoods of those involved in the fisheries sector. The project’s immediate objective aims at supporting and improving the capacity of national fishery departments to increase their scientific and technical information base for fisheries management and to develop coordinated and participative fisheries management plans in the Eastern Mediterranean sub-region.

FAO – EastMed Project HQ Androu 1,112 57 Athens

Greece Tel: +30210 8847960 Fax +30210 8837600

E-mail: Eastmed@fao.org URL://www.faoeastmed.org

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Publications

EastMed publications are issued as series of Technical Documents (GCP/INT/041/EC – GRE – ITA/TD-00) and Occasional Papers (GCP/INT/041/EC – GRE – ITA/OP-00) related to meetings, missions and research organized by or conducted within the framework of the Project.

Occasionally, relevant documents may be translated into national languages as EastMed Translations (GCP/INT/041/EC – GRE – ITA/ET-00)

Comments on this document would be welcomed and should be sent to the Project headquarters:

FAO – EastMed Project Androu 1,112 57 Athens Greece Eastmed@fao.org

For bibliographic purposes this document should be cited as follows: EastMed, 2010. Report of the Sub-Regional Workshop on Collection and Organization of Data. Scientific and Institutional Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean. GCP/INT/041/EC – GRE – ITA/TD-03:

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Preparation of this document

This document is the final version of the Report of the Sub-Regional Workshop on Collection and Organization of Data, organized by the FAO-EastMed Project (Scientific and Institutional Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean) in Batroun (Lebanon), 14-17 September 2010.

Acknowledgements

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Municipality of Batroun, that provided hospitality and technical assistance in the organization of meeting are gratefully acknowledged.

EastMed, 2010. Report of the Sub-regional Workshop on Collection and Organization of Data. Scientific and Institutional Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Eastern Mediterranean. GCP/INT/041/EC – GRE – ITA/TD-03. Athens 2010: 25 pp.

ABSTRACT

The Sub-regional Workshop on Collection and Organization of Data was carried out in Batroun, Lebanon from 14-17 September 2010. Representatives from Greece, Italy, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Gaza Strip and West Bank and Lebanon as well as from FAO attended the meeting. In the Workshop the national data collection schemes were presented and differences, weaknesses and difficulties were discussed. In particular the data collection schemes of Cyprus, Italy and Greece follow the EU framework on data collection requirements, while their surveys are conducted according to the Medits and Medias protocol. In Palestine landings are collected on a census basis and effort on a yearly basis. In Turkey the Fisheries Information System comprises different programmed modules such as National fleet registry, Logbook, Sales notes, Registry of fishermen, and Biological. The catch is collected by the use of the logbooks. In Egypt, the General Authority for Fish Resources Development, GAFRD runs a statistical system, which covers all the landing sites for marine and lakes catches and most of the River Nile landing sites. GAFRD collects fisheries data by two methods 1) Whole survey collecting system and 2) Random Sampling System. In Lebanon there is no any collection scheme running. A vessel census, which has been produced by the MedFisis in 2004/2005, has not been updated. An effort is carried out in the North Lebanon by University of Balamand, which was stressed to be integrated to the whole country. Experiences from the EC Data Collection Project and GFCM Operational Units framework (Task 1) were presented. Automatic routines are needed for transferring data from national data base to Task 1. The artisanal fishery was considered as the major sector in the area which has difficulties to be monitored and thus the project was asked to take the necessary initiatives.

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Table of Contents

. Opening of the Meeting and election of the Chairman……………………………. 01

National fisheries data collection programmes of EastMed participating countries......................................................................................................................

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Experiences from the EC Data Collection Project and GFCM Operational Units framework...................................................................................................................

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Methodological standards in sample-based fisheries surveys.................................... 06

Statistical Monitoring of Small Scale Fisheries in North Lebanon 2005-2010.......... 07

Visit to sampling sites and Computer Laboratory...................................................... 08

Discussion and Conclusions....................................................................................... 09

Adoption of the workshop report.............................................................................. 10

Annexes

Annex 1. List of participants....................................................................................... 12 Annex 2. Agenda........................................................................................................ 14 Annex 3. Terms of Reference for the Sub-regional Workshop on collection and

organization of data……………………………………………………… 15

Annex 4. Landings data form.................................................................................... 17 Annex 5. Effort data form......................................................................................... 19 Annex 6. Template for a combined catch-effort data collection scheme................... 21 Annex 7. Template for alternative effort data collection scheme.............................. 24

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RREPORT OF THE SUB-REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON COLLECTION AND ORGANIZATION OF DATA

BATROUN, LEBANON 14 – 17 SEPTEMBER 2010

Opening of the Meeting and election of the Chairman The EastMed Project Meeting on Data Collection was held at the Oceanographic Institute in Batroun, Lebanon from 14 to 17 September, 2010. The meeting was attended by experts from Greece, Italy, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt , Gaza Strip and West Bank and Lebanon (Annex 1). The chairperson, Mr. Samir Majdalani, and the rapporteurs, Ms. Marie-Louise Hayek, Ms. Mona Assaf and Ms Yendi Ghossein, were appointed. The agenda was adopted without any changes (Annex 2), while the arrangements of the meeting were also discussed. The objectives and expected results of the workshop were highlighted by the Project Coordinator, Dr. Constantina Karlou-Riga. She stressed the importance of data collection and the needs for training particularly in species identification and improving the data collection methods. She also referred to the need of allocating funds to implement data collection schemes. She pointed out that although valid statistics are key element in fisheries management, measures in some cases should be taken as a precautionary approach. Finally she stated the Terms of Reference of the workshop (Annex 3).

During the discussion followed, the GFCM Statistical matrix TASK 1 was broadly discussed. In particular, the difficulties of filling it were stressed, while the importance of data availability was highlighted. It is also noted that some countries offered assisting less proficient countries.

The official opening of the workshop that was under the patronage of His Excellency, Dr. Hussein Hajj Hassan, the Minister of Agriculture, was presided by Dr. Chadi Muhhana, the Director of the Oceanographic Institute. The Mayor of the City of Batroun, Mr. Marcellino El Hark, welcomed the participants and offered all the resources of the Municipality of Batroun in supporting the Project. The FAO Representative, Dr. Ali Moumen, gave a brief presentation highlighting the importance of the Workshop to the Government. Then the Minister of Energy and Water, His Excellency, Mr. Bassil Gebran in his turn mentioned the deterioration of the fisheries resources in Lebanon due to bad practices and to the overuse and abuse of coastal areas. He highlighted the reactivation of the Oceanographic Institute to revive the fisheries resources. Finally the Minister of Agriculture stressed the importance of statistics for taking proper management decisions. He conceded that available information is not sufficient. He also highlighted the decline of the resources due to the pollution and the bad practices as mentioned before, he recognized the need to improve the livelihood conditions of fishermen being the poorest community in Lebanon and he referred to the need of training both fishermen and Fisheries Departments staff. Finally he stressed the importance of aquaculture to repopulate the sea, which is expected to be done through a foreseen project funded by Italy.

The Project coordinator in her turn thanked His Excellency, Dr. Hussein Hajj Hassan, the Minister of Agriculture for taking under his patronage the workshop and hosting the meeting. She then gave a brief description on the project framework, objectives and expected

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outcomes, she explained the reason of implementing such a project in the area and finally she presented the project activities to be implemented during the first year of the project as agreed at the Inception Meeting (Athens 19-20 April 2010).

National fisheries data collection programmes of EastMed participating countries

Cyprus Mr Marios Josephides, described the data collection scheme which follows the EU framework on data collection requirements. Cyprus collects catch, effort and biological indicators. Surveys also are conducted according to the Medits Protocol. He also informed the WS that Cyprus has the capacity in filling the GFCM TASK 1. Concerning the Cyprus fishery he indicated that this is mainly artisanal. The data on landing and effort are collected daily, data from the artisanal fishery are collected on a daily basis on a 15% of the fleet, while for vessels over 10 meters the data are collected by the use of logbooks. The discussion developed was focused on accuracy and validity of the collected data

Gaza Strip and West Bank Mr Madi from Gaza Strip stressed that the landings are collected daily by the staff of fisheries department on a census basis at the auction. Those data are processed in excel file and monthly/yearly records are calculated. Data for fish prices and effort are also collected on a yearly basis. He informed the participants on the fleet composition and the fishing zone, which is restricted to only 3 n.miles because of the Israeli occupation. Due to the limited fishing zone, the fishermen use very small mesh size (4 mm form knot to knot) wishing to compensate the losses.

In Gaza Strip, a research was carried out for stock assessment in 1998-1999. But whatever data collected were transferred uncompleted to the Danish Institute because of the militant conditions in the area. However, it is a need to repeat the research taking benefit of the existed expertise in the fisheries departments in case the necessary funds be found

During the discussion it was noted that there is no any Government subsidy for the development of the fishery sector and that any development is subsisted by donations.

Turkey

1. National fisheries statistics system Turkish Statistics Institute (TURKSTAT) is the competent authority for statistics and undertakes its duties in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA). While statistics on marine products has been compiled by TURKSTAT and MARA, the statistics on freshwater fish and aquaculture production has been compiled from 81 Provincial Directorates by MARA. Survey results are published annually by TURKSTAT after evaluated by a special committee.

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Marine products statistics have been compiled by two types since 1980; the first one is the full census for large scale fishermen with boats > 10 meters and the second one is through sampling for small scale fishermen with boats < 10 meters

2. Data Collection systems

Fisheries Information System (FIS) The MARA, as the main authority responsible for fisheries, has developed a Fisheries Information System, to a large extent, through the assistance provided by the European Union. FIS comprises different programmed modules such as National fleet registry, Logbook, Sales notes, Registry of fishermen, and Biological Parameters. The catch information is collected using the logbook and landing declaration document. The logbook includes the details of the catches (estimated by the skipper) by gear-type and zone. The landing declaration contains landings and port arrival data and any information on transshipments. Fishing vessels over 12 meters in length are under legal obligation to complete a landing declaration. Since the end of 2008, accumulated logbook data has been recorded in FIS. MARA plans to shift to an electronic logbooks system. Data on the “first hand sale” of fish is also collected.

The vessel registry is the most important part of the FIS because the vessel is the main unit of operation related to all of the different information sources. All vessels have to be registered to obtain a fishing license. An initial census has been undertaken of the fleet. Although there are 277 fish landing ports along the Turkish coastlines, 36 port offices with high tech equipment for providing simultaneous data into the FIS have recently been constructed in the main landing ports.

Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Alongside with the establishment of the FIS, a VMS has been also developed. Although FIS is partly active, VMS is fully functioned. Currently, 190 vessels have transponders.

3. Problems and future plans Currently, logbook is obligatory for the vessels over 12 meters. This means collection and recording of 250,000 logbooks per year. If logbook obligation is going to be extended to vessels over 10 meters, then there would be a need to record about 500,000 logbooks which would require considerable amount of labor and organization.

In order to make the logbook data collection and recording less burdensome, it is planned to shift to electronic logbook system. To reduce marketing cost and accelerate marketing, virtual auction is on the country’s agenda. Works on development of a specific device to function as an integrated system comprising VMS and Automatic Identification System (AIS) are underway.

It was stated that collecting biological parameters has been planned to start in the near future. The landings for vessels less than 12 meters are carried out on a survey basis once a year. Concerning economic data, only prices which are recorded at the auction, are collected.

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Greece Dr A. Kapantagakis gave a brief description on the Common Fishery Policy objectives and presented then in details the EC current data collection framework, Reg (EC) 199/2008 and which is the collection scheme followed by the country.

During the discussion the participants asked about the resources requirements to undertake the data collection in Greece. The Greek representative informed that two institutes and one private firm are involved in the collection scheme and that about 30-35 persons are used for this purpose on a part time basis. He stressed that a flexible organization is needed to carry out the endeavours since it cannot be done by rigid government ministries.

Egypt Mr. Ahmed Salem briefly described the Egyptian systems/procedures/methods used to collect and organize fisheries data. Egypt has a long coast, extending for about 2450 km, (11200000 feddan, eleven million and two hundred thousand feddan) together with a continuous continental shelf of about 53000 km2 bordering the country on the north along the Mediterranean Sea coast and the East along the Red Sea, with the Suez and Aqaba Gulfs.

Most of the fishing operations are concentrated in the coastal zone, from Alexandria to Port Said, about 300 km in length using principally trawls, at depth of 10-100 m. The rest of the shelf is hardly exploited. The shelf area is estimated to be about 87120 km2. In the Mediterranean Sea fisheries, the fishing grounds are located on the wide continental shelf in front of the Delta and the Sinai Peninsula. They have a coastline of about 1100 km long, which is extended from Sallum in the west to Rafah in the east. The continental shelf of 200 m deep along the coast is largely composed of salty mud and muddy sands.

Grouping marine fishing vessels in the Mediterranean Sea By engine hp and fishing methods in 2008

Engine power Trawling Purse seining Long line Trammel nets

Up to 10 hp 0 0 64 154 10> to 50 hp 0 0 302 276

50> to 100 hp 64 26 884 94

100> to 200 hp 682 161 17 6

200> to 500 hp 337 51 0 0 >500 hp 12 0 0 0

TOTAL 1095 238 1267 524 Except of 3124 motorized vessels, there are also 1379 boats about, which are propelled by sail The General Authority for Fish Resources Development, GAFRD (through its hierarchal system) run a statistical system, which covers all the landing sites for marine and lakes catches and most of the River Nile landing sites. GAFRD collects fisheries data by two methods

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1- Whole survey collecting system. 2- Random Sampling System.

The Central Statistical Department in Cairo at the end of each year prepares total records for each region by species, landing site and month.

Mr Salem mentioned that the data collected by census need about one month to be delivered to the HQ and for this reason is of questionable validity. He therefore stressed the need for improving the system and providing knowledge to the staff.

Italy Mr. Dario Pinello gave the following information on Italian fisheries

Italian fishing fleet is composed by 13335 vessels. The total production accounts of 216567 tones, corresponding to an amount of 1082 mln Euros. More than 800 landing points are scattered along the 7400 Km of coastline.

Considering the characteristics of the Italian fishery (high number of species caught, spreading of the fleet along the coastline, vast number of landing points available), and also the ineffectiveness of logbook system, he pointed out that the most efficient method to collect data is the sample survey. The survey, a multivariate sample survey, permits to have an evaluation of the following data:

• Total landings and prices per species

• Fishing effort and activity • Landings per unit of effort

• Socio-economic data The Official National Archive of fishing vessels (ALP) includes the total of vessels, the sampling units are vessels belonging to the ALP and the sampling design is a stratified sampling. The stratification is done using geographical, technical and dimensional criteria. The geographical variables are the FAO-GSA; the technical variables are the fishing system and the dimensional variable is the Length over All (LOA). From the combination of the above variables 201 different strata are obtained. The sample allocation across strata is obtained by Bethel method. The sample size contains almost 1500 units, the 12% of the total, and the sample error per species is almost 3,5%. The data collection is conducted by data collectors, people with strong relationship with fisheries sector (category associations and service centre of fisheries). Being part of the sector, they can easily contact with the owners and be present during the landing phase. The network is selected and trained by IREPA and is annually reviewed. The workforce is comprised of 65 data collectors, who are also in charge of data entry and who are paid by questionnaire field. The data entry is realized with specific software developed by IREPA. The order of questions can be defined as “funnel-shaped”. General questions are in the start, which then lead to the collection of target information.

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The above described methodology overcomes difficulties/uncertainties when acquiring data in the fish markets and other official sources or from operators’ statements. These difficulties, which are due to the nature of the sector, can be summarised as follows:

� During the sale phase at landings, part of the product is taken directly by wholesalers, fishmongers or restaurants under pre-defined agreements, while another part goes to the fish market.

� The sector uses different or very long fish names and this happens because of the difficulty in identifying similar species which cannot be commercially distinguished. Different local names are also used.

� The inherent underestimation in information on the landings and prices declared in the invoices of the operators for fiscal reasons

Lebanon Mr. Samir Majdalani indicated that the only official data for Lebanon are the results of its 2004/2005 vessel census carried out with the assistance of Medfisis. He indicated that Lebanon has 2,662 vessels. Although the data are still useful, in order to be used for catch assessment surveys they need to be updated. No socio-economic data are available except for few fragmented efforts done by some NGOs. Lebanon is not familiar with GFCM Task 1 requirements and requires technical and logistic assistance. No official catch assessment surveys were ever performed. The only data available are from the work performed by University of Balamand for North Lebanon. Lebanon needs to appoint, train and equip data collection staff and extensive capacity building.

Experiences from the EC Data Collection Project and GFCM Operational Units framework

Mr Pinello presented the GFCM TASK 1 framework and explained the various boxes needed to be filled. During the discussion many participants stressed that this task is very laborious and that automatic routines are needed for transferring data from national data base to Task 1, in case data are available. This method would also reduce the risk of errors in manually re-inputting existing data; such errors are likely to occur under the present manual process. There were questions about the precision levels. It was stated that only estimates are found in the Task 1 statistical matrix and that any accuracy is on the country responsibility.

Methodological standards in sample-based fisheries surveys

Dr. Constantine Stamatopoulos on behalf of the Marine Resources and Coastal Zone Management (MRCZM) program at the Institute of the Environment (IoE) of the University of Balamand (UoB), reviewed commonly used sampling methods in fisheries surveys. The presentations and discussions were focused on the generic aspects of data collection schemes and on the formulation and interpretation of basic statistical indicators concerning the cost/effectiveness of data collection programmes. The presentation included the following topics: (i) general aspects of sample-based fishery surveys; (ii) generic approaches for estimating catch and fishing effort; (iii) definition and measurement of sampling accuracy; (iv) target populations and statistical units; (v) case studies and simulated data collection

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schemes; (vi) available literature and training modules and, (vii) templates for commonly used data collection schemes for catch/effort.

During the discussion the following points were stressed:

o Computer systems or equivalent integrated sets of utilities used in sample-based fishery surveys should be flexible enough to adapt to any scheme employed in the field for collecting the data. In addition, sampling frames that are automatically generated from vessel databases should take into consideration eventual seasonality aspects of home ports and/or fishing gears.

o An effective connecting link of reliability among different target populations, such as landings and boat activities, is the sampling accuracy. Sample-based fishery survey programmes should always monitor the accuracy of estimated variables and include accuracy indicators at reporting level.

o Selection of a specific data collection scheme among alternative scenarios has direct implications on the type and size of the target population to be surveyed and therefore on the sampling requirements for a given level of accuracy. In this respect data schemes dealing with “composite” population elements (i.e. results of laborious measurement) require fewer samples than those schemes involving simple elements (such as YES-NO or 0-1 answers); the advantage of fewer samples however would at times be counter-balanced by greater risks of measurement errors.

o Use of available FAO literature on fisheries statistical development, supplemented by focused training modules that combine theory with live examples, should assist data producers and users in their effort to set-up well-defined data collection programmes.

In conclusion the following points were stressed:

� Fishing effort and fleet capacity are supposed to be measured at homeports, while landings at landing sites.

� A frequent constraint in catch/effort assessment surveys is the update state of the vessel data which are used to generate sampling frames for extrapolating sample effort.

� Sampling should be carried out over a minimum of eight sampling days, except in specific cases such as recreational fisheries.

� The training module developed by the University of Balamand addresses all of the above issues.

� Under FAO umbrella a global project on fisheries statistics (FAO STF – currently operating in China) is ongoing. This project has generated a large experience about the subject. Any benefit from this project to the EastMed project could be explored.

Statistical monitoring of small scale fisheries (artisanal fishery) in North Lebanon 2005-2010 Dr Manal Nader of MRCZM – IoE - UoB presented the ongoing “Assessing small scale fisheries in North Lebanon”. . The main goal of the initiative is to establish long-term monitoring of commercial fish species landings and effort in order to develop appropriate management plans based on scientific data to sustainably benefit from the resource.

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The data collection is an indirect method where data is collected twice per week all year round. The data is gathered from the four main fishing harbours and main fish markets while fishing effort is obtained from the records of the Lebanese Army that records boat activity on a daily basis. The variables currently being evaluated are:

� Fishing gear type (Entangling Nets, Fences, Surrounding nets Lines, Pots) � Fish species landed per gear type: Quantity (Kg) � Average fish size (# Fish/Kg) � Prices (L.L./Kg) � Fishing effort: Total number of fishing boat outings during 24 hours; and number of

fishing boats per gear type Data is then entered into FLOUCA utility (Lebanese term for fishing boat and stands for Fish Landing Operational Utility for Catch Assessment) based on the generic software and standard statistical methodology available on the web by the FAO. The system is structured into three distinct but inter-related components:

� FLOUCA 1: creates automatically sampling frames (i.e. extrapolating factors) for the

estimation of fishing effort. It is not used currently as at the launching of a monitoring system, a fishing vessel register was not available. The recent publication of the MEDFISIS report by the Ministry of Agriculture that includes the register will allow the use of this component

� FLOUCA 2: Works on sample data and generates monthly estimates on catch, effort, CPUE, prices, values, average fish weight and number of individuals in the catch. The collected data is entered into this component of the system

� FLOUCA 3: Integrates monthly estimates into year-based databases. It is the principal program for reporting raw and grouped data. Data from this component can easily be exported to EXCEL for further statistical analysis

� FLOUCA.Net: is a utility that reads records of estimates produced by FLOUCA 2 and

automatically generates web-supported reports. It involves all monthly estimates as well as a synthesis of yearly figures. Variables reported are catch, effort, CPUE, prices, values and compound accuracy of estimation (expressed as %).

In addition the following points have been raised:

� The term landing should be used instead of catch. � The fishing effort is quantified on the basis of 24 hours as it is forbidden for any boat

to go out at sea for more than 24 hours. � The data accuracy decreased from 96% in 2006 to 90% in 2009. The decrease in

accuracy of the collected data observed through FLOUCA utility over the five years period is due to the fact that instead of 2 data collectors who were working at the beginning of the project only one collector has remained due to lack of resources. The 90% accuracy though is the acceptable limit for such data collection schemes.

� FLOUCA results show a decreasing trend in landing as well as in the fish size for the past 5 years.

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The team of the MRCZM – IoE – UoB developed the FLOUCA utility and continuously updated it to make it useful to the decision makers. It is recommended that partnership between the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture and the University of Balamand be established to obtain landing data for all Lebanon and make the collection utility sustainable at national scale. It is hoped that the EastMed project can play a catalytic role in this direction.

Visit to sampling sites and Computer Laboratory The participants accompanied by MRCZM - IoE - UoB team, visited two fishing ports and practiced collecting landings and effort data using template for catch (Annex 4) and effort (Annex 5) adopted specifically for FLOUCA by the MRCZM – IoE - UoB. Later they practiced entering those data into FLOUCA 2 at the Computer Laboratory at the University of Balamand. In addition the attendees had the chance to run a trial for analysis of the collected data using FLOUCA 3. Two additional examples of templates for data collection of landings and effort respectively are illustrated in Annexes 6 and 7.

Discussions and Conclusions Concerning the EU member countries, those countries follow the EU collection scheme guidelines. During the discussion the Cyprus representative pointed out that the WS was important and useful since it gave the opportunity to understand the laborious process in collecting the data, which have to be used eventually in stock assessment. He suggested then for the preparation of guidelines for the data collection schemes through the EastMed Project to be circulated among the participating countries, which should harmonize the results as obtained by the possible different systems. Turkey stressed that different systems can exist among the countries although the results should be comparable. In addition, the minimum number of variables to be collected in order to perform stock assessments has to be agreed upon by the participating to the project countries. The Turkish colleagues pointed that in addition to the logbook data, necessary measurements such as integrating biological module to the FIS to collect biological parameters has recently been taken for vessels > 12 meters. Although surveys for smaller vessels (artisanal) have been done on a yearly basis, this application is not appropriate for stock assessment and therefore they asked for assistance through the project.

The Egypt representative, Mr. A. Salem stressed the weaknesses of their collection scheme, which are hopefully overcome by the upcoming pilot survey in November. A team will be formed to be trained. An invitation was extended to the Lebanese team to participate.

Italy, based on Italian experience, stressed the complexity and impracticability of the logbook system in the Mediterranean area. He also highlighted the efficiency of the present sample survey data collection system for the Mediterranean fishery. He emphasized that the data should be always accompanied by statistical quality indicators such as those used by the FLOUCA utility of the MRCZM – IoE - UoB as presented and discussed at the WS. All the participants stated that the project should focus on the artisanal fishery which characterizes the Eastern Mediterranean countries fisheries. Mr. Madi of the Gaza Strip stressed the need of obtaining a functional software and statistical scheme for the collection and processing of data. Regarding software by MedFisis, which is shortly expected to deliver, he requested that a 6-month trial period should be given including technical support.

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Mr. S. Majdalani said that officially Lebanon is not ready to carry out catch assessment surveys. However, Lebanon has a functional system developed by the MRCZM – IoE - UoB. Lebanon is thinking of having a cooperation protocol with the University to use their system together with Lebanese Ministry staff to carry out a CAS for the whole country so that Lebanon will have real data and not imaginary estimates. Dr. D. Mokdad mentioned that henceforth the Ministry budget has a component to be used for fisheries. This will help in obtaining estimates which can probably show the decrease of the fish stocks and subsequently the need of implementing management plans.

Several representatives suggested having through the EastMed Project a sub-regional training course on data collection by the use of the expertise of the MRCZM – IoE - UoB. The suggestion was highly welcome by all the participants. The logistics and venue place would be accordingly decided when the time comes.

The participants strongly recommended that activities focusing to the fishermen awareness should be carried out through the project.

Major Conclusions

� Some of the EastMed countries have not yet established regular statistical monitoring programmes for their artisanal fisheries. In view of the urgent need for timely and reliable data on catch/effort and basic biological variables, the EastMed project should take immediate action to assist countries to set-up such programmes.

� Sample-based data collection programmes ought to aim at timely and reliable information, the accuracy of which should be measurable and controlled by data producers and be also transparent to data users. In this respect use of the FAO Technical Papers in addition to the exchange of expertise among countries are highly encouraged.

� Focused training of national experts in basic sampling theory and in applications that make use of case studies is essential for upgrading national capacity. EastMed would greatly assist in this sector by sponsoring such training courses.

� Countries should choose the set of utilities and programs that best suit short- and medium-term requirements. Basic criteria in implementing computer-based approaches at national level include: adaptability to variable data collection schemes, coherence with GFCM and other international statistical standards, unrestricted operational platform, transparency in statistical computations and diagnostics, multi-lingual operations, web-supported data diffusion, portability of programs and data and, built-in tutorials.

Adoption of the workshop report and closure of the meeting The Workshop Report was adopted on Friday, 17 September 2010.

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ANNEXES

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Annex 1 List of participants

Cyprus Marios Josephides Fisheries and Marine Research Officer Fisheries Resources Division Department of Fisheries and Marine Research Ministry of Agriculture Natural Resources and Environment Email: mjosephides@dfmr.moa.gov.cy Tel: +357 22807866 Fax: +357 22775955 Egypt Ahmed Salem General Manager Information department General Authority for Fish Resources Development, GAFRD E-mail:ahmedsalem.gafrd@gmail.com Tel: +2/0123178501 (mob) Tel. +2/02-22620117(office) Fax: +2/02-22620117 Shereen Salah Officer General Authority for Fish Resources Development, GAFRD Email: ShereenSalah.GAFRD@gmail.com Tel: +2/0128743374 FAO Constantina Karlou-Riga EastMed Project Coordinator E-mail: konstantina.riga@fao.org Tel: +30/210 8847960 (office) +30/6945874145 (mob)

Pedro Barros Fishery Resources Officer FAO HQ, ROME +3906 570 5646E-mail: pedro.barros@fao.org Anthoula Adossides Project LOAD E-mail:anthoula.adossides@fao.org adossi@hotmail.com Marie-Louise Hayek Lebanon FAO Office E-mail: marielouise.hayek@fao.org Yendi Ghossein Lebanon FAO Office E-mail: Yendi.Ghossein@fao.org Greece Argyris Kapantagakis Institute of Marine Biology of Crete Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Crete Network Operation Center E-mail: akap@imbc.gr Tel: +30 81 243368 International consultant Constantine Stamatopoulos Fisheries resources monitoring and assessment E-mail: cstamat@gmail.com Italy Dario Pinello Economic Research in Fishery and Aquaculture (IREPA) Salerno, Italy E-mail: dariopinello@yahoo.com Tel: +393479836785

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Lebanon

Samir Majdalani Department of Fisheries & Wildlife Ministry of Agriculture Lebanon E-mail: sem@cyberia.net.lb Tel + (961) 01849600-611 110 (office) + (961) 03384421 (mobile) Dahej El Mokdad Head of the department of fisheries and wildlife Ministry of agriculture E-mail: dmokdad@agriculture.gov.lb Anthony OUBA Officer Oceanographic Institute E-mail: anthony_ouba@hotmail.com Mona Assaf Officer Ministry of Agriculture E-mail: assafm_1@hotmail.com Hussein Nassar Officer Ministry of Agriculture E-mail: hnassar@agriculture.gov.lb

hnassar71@hotmail.com Manal Nader Director Institute of the environment University of Balamand Email: manal.nader@balamand.edu.lb Tel: +961 6 930250 ext 3925 Manale Naji Abou Dagher Program Assistant Institute of the environment University of Balamand Email: manal.aboudagher@balamand. edu.lb Tel: +691 6 930257

Shadi Adib El Khoury El Indary Program Assistant Institute of the environment University of Balamand Email: shadi.elindary@balamand.edu.lb Tel: +691 6 930257 Turkey Erdinç Guneş Program Coordinator DG, for Agricultural Research Ministry of Agriculture E-mail: egunes@tagem.gov.tr erdincgunes67@gmail.com Tel: +90/312 3157623(240) Murat Toplu DG Protection and Control Ministry of Agriculture E-mail: murat@kkgm.gov.tr m_toplu@hotmail.com Tel: +90 312 4174176 (Ext.3013) Ozcan Ozen Faculty of Fisheries Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University E-mail: oozen@yahoo.com Gaza Strip and West Bank Mohammad Qamhiyeh Deputy General Director of Fisheries, MOA E-mail: mqqm@yahoo.com Tel: +97/022403306

+97/0599836758, +970598931028

Abdalnasser S.H. Madi Deputy Director of Marine Environment Protection Ministry of Agriculture of the Palestinian Authority E-mail: nnnasser2000@yahoo.com

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Annex 2

Agenda

1. Opening session and arrangements of the meeting

2. Adoption of the agenda 3. Appointment of Chairperson and rapporteur(s)

4. Outline of the objectives of the workshop and expected results 5. National fisheries data collection programmes of EastMed participating

countries. 6. Experiences from the EC Data Collection Project and GFCM Operational

Units framework. 7. Methodological standards in sample-based fisheries surveys

8. Statistical Monitoring of Small Scale Fisheries in North Lebanon 2005-2010.

9. Visit to sampling sites and Computer Laboratory 10. Discussion and Conclusions

11. Adoption of the workshop report

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Annex 3 Terms of Reference for the Sub-regional Workshop on collection and organization

of data

Beirut, Lebanon 14-17 September 2010

According to the 1st Coordination Committee meeting (Athens, 19-20 April 2010) of EastMed Project a sub-regional workshop on collection and organization of data has been agreed to be held. The activity is under the project objective to Strengthening National Capacity on Fisheries Data Collection. The terms of reference for the workshop are the following:

1. Review the systems/procedures/methods used in each country for collection and organization of fisheries data (include all types/subsets of data);

2. Identify common issues and main differences in the systems of the different countries;

3. Provide an overview and discuss different systems, processes and methods currently advocated to design and carry out fisheries data collection systems and used successfully in other countries or regions

4. Identify the needs of the different countries; 5. Find coherence with the requirements of the GFCM Task 11;

6. Find coherence with the requirements of the on-going EC project on Data Collection

7. Design a programme for working with the countries to improve the capacity for data collection

8. Prepare an adequate report of the meeting 9. Notes:

a. Two consultants both with expertise in data collection programs will be in charge of the workshop. The one will bring fisheries experience from the Eastern Mediterranean and the other one will bring experience from the EC Data Collection Project and GFCM Operations Units framework.

b. The consultants of the workshop will provide the participants with a template for the report of the system on data collection, so that the information collected from all participants will be systematically organized and will cover all the essential points;

c. The templates to be prepared on data collection will refer to catch, effort and biological indicators (length, weight, sex, maturity stage, gonad/liver weight and age) per fishing technique;

d. This workshop should be organized before the GFCM regional workshop on data collection for Task 1 reporting, if possible

1 Visit GFCM website: http://www.gfcm.org/gfcm/en

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EastMed Project will function as the Technical Secretariat of the workshop. EastMed will request the countries through the national focal points to appoint the members to the workshop as soon as possible, before the 2010 GFCM regional workshop on data collection for Task 1 (Rome, 29 September to 1 October 2010).

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Annex 4: Landings data form

Marine Resources and Coastal Zone Management Program Institute of the Environment - University of Balamand

______________________________________________________________________

Fish Landings Operational Utility for Catch Assessment- FLOUCA

Commercial fisheries assessment in North Lebanon: Fish Landings

Date…………………...................

Data Collector..…….…………....

Port Fishing gear Fish species Weight

(Kg) # fish /Kg Price (LBP)

B: Batroun Port T: Tripoli Port K: Kalamoun Port A: Aabdeh Port

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EXPLANATION This template is filled by the field data collector through personal interviews with fishermen at their homeports on the same day of their fishing activity.

Date: Refers to the date on which data was collected. Data collection covers fishing activity over a fixed period of 24 hours (Please refer to Fishing Effort Template for further explanation) Data Collector: Refers to the name of the field data collector that is also included in the FLOUCA utility during data entry. This will allow an efficient tracing of the information in case of need. Port Refers to the port from which data is collected and according to its letter code

Fishing gear Line, Entangling nets, Surrounding nets, Pots & traps or Nets (fences). Gear-type is collected according to FAO categories

Fish species Refers to the species for which the data is being collected

Weight (Kg) Refers to the total quantity of fish landed per Kg

# fish/Kg Refers to the number of individual fish per Kg. Gives an indication of the size of the fish landed. Time series will allow to identify species of management concern

Price/Kg (LBP) Refers to the price per Kg in Lebanese Pounds fetched by the fishermen for their landed product

B Entangling nets

Siganus rivulatus

2 14 8000

B Entangling nets

Siganus luridus

0.5 10 10 000

T Entangling nets

Siganus luridus

5 8 7000

B: Batroun T: Tripoli K: Kalamoun A: Aabdeh

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Annex 5: Effort data form

Marine Resources and Coastal Zone Management Program Institute of the Environment - University of Balamand

______________________________________________________________________

Fish Landings Operational Utility for Catch Assessment- FLOUCA

Commercial fisheries assessment in North Lebanon: Fishing Effort

Date Port Gears # of active boats of

Total boats at port Line

Entangling nets Surrounding nets Pots & traps Nets (fences)

Line Entangling nets Surrounding nets Pots & traps Nets (fences)

Line Entangling nets Surrounding nets Pots & traps Nets (fences)

Line Entangling nets Surrounding nets Pots & traps Nets (fences)

B: Batroun Port

T: Tripoli Port

K: Kalamoun Port A: Aabdeh Port

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EXPLANATION

Fishing effort data per gear-type is collected from the Lebanese Army check points at the ports of Aabdeh, Tripoli and Qalamoun. The Lebanese law prohibits fishing boats to remain at sea for more than 24 hrs and therefore the Lebanese Army check points have the responsibility to keep daily records of each boat that leaves and returns to the homeport and launch search missions for any boat that exceeds the 24 hr period at sea. As for the port of Batroun, the information is collected from the fishermen due to the absence of a Lebanese Army check point.

Date Refers to the date on which data was collected. Data collection covers fishing activity over a fixed period of 24 hours

Port Refers to the port from which data is collected and according to its letter code

Gears According to FAO categories

# of active boats of Total boats at port Refers to the # of active boats by gear-type from the total number of boats at homeport

26-1-2010 T Line 72 Entangling nets 252 Surrounding nets 0 Pots & traps 36 Nets (fences) 0

26-1-2010 K Line 0 Entangling nets 33 Surrounding nets 0 Pots & traps 2 Nets (fences) 10

B: Batroun Port

T: Tripoli Port

K: Kalamoun Port A: Aabdeh Port

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Annex 6

22

23

24

Annex 7

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Beneficiary countriesCountries with waters included in the GFCM Geographical Sub-Areas (GSAs) 19-20 and 22-28

DonorsGreece• Ministry of Foreign Affairs• Ministry of Rural Development and FoodItaly• Ministry of Agriculture Food and Forestry Policies European Community• Directorate General of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG-MARE)

Hellenic Ministry of RuralDevelopment and Food

Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs

ITALIAN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOODAND FORESTRY POLICIES

FAO – EastMed Project

1 Androu str. 112 57 Athens GreeceTel: +30 210 8847960 Fax: +30 210 8837600 E-mail: Eastmed@fao.org http: //www.faoeastmed.org