Demersal Discards

The At-Sea Observer Programme plays a vital role in collecting commercial catch and bycatch data from Ireland’s demersal fishing fleets. As part of this programme, observers gather information on fishing effort, catch composition and detailed morphometric data on fish species, both wanted and unwanted catch, including length, weight, age, and sex. Sightings of bycatch species such as birds, marine mammals, and reptiles are also recorded. Sampling efforts are designed to reflect the fishing activity across various grounds, including the Porcupine Bank, Stanton Bank, the back of the Aran Islands, and the Smalls. The programme uses a stratified metier approach, meaning fishing trips are grouped based on vessels using similar gear types and targeting similar species. This ensures representative and scientifically robust data collection. Established in 1993, the programme boasts one of the longest-running discard data time series in Europe. The data collected by the Marine Institute feed into both national and international stock assessments, which are essential for evaluating the status of fish stocks. These assessments are coordinated by ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas), and the resulting scientific advice informs fisheries management policies at multiple levels including the Irish Government, industry stakeholders, and the European Union.