South West fishermen have been invited by Defra to continue a long-standing initiative to encourage fishermen and scientists to work together.
Westcountry beam trawler and stern trawler skippers from Brixham to Newlyn have taken part in Fisheries Science Partnership (FSP) for many years and, together with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), have developed advanced net designs and new modes of net construction (such as "square mesh panels") to greatly reduced discards.
Defra says that since 2003, when the FSP programme was first funded, more than 75 industry-inspired projects have been carried out. It said: "Subject to funding being available, ideas for proposals are now invited from fishermen for projects to be undertaken in the 2011/12 financial year.
"Continuation of the FSP programme is dependant upon the outcome of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review, so proposals are prepared at the proposer's risk. At this stage, there is no guarantee of funding after March 2011. Potential applicants should be aware that the objectives of the FSP are to provide information from commercial fishing catches on key stocks to supplement data sources traditionally used in fish stock assessments. In addition, to investigate concerns raised by fishermen on scientific assessments or on stocks not currently assessed; investigate innovative scientific methods and/or more selective/environmentally friendly fishing methods, and support the work of the European Regional Advisory Councils. To be eligible, projects must meet one of these objectives, be practical and able to deliver a solution."
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