Overview of the state of data collection and scientific advice in the European Outermost Regions with case study on a roadmap towards regular stock assessment in French Guiana

The European Commission has recognised a need to assess the state of fisheries data collection and of scientific knowledge relevant to the adoption of fisheries management measures in all nine of the EU Outermost Regions (ORs; 6 French, 2 Portuguese and 1 Spanish). ORs face very specific challenges due to their distant location and their biodiversity hot-spots on the one hand, and limited access to regional coordination and knowledge sharing platforms on the other hand.

This 18-month Specific Contract provides an overview of the state of fisheries data collection and scientific advice and knowledge in support of fisheries management in each OR in the form of a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. In addition, a specific case study on French Guiana shall build on this work to develop a detailed road map of all necessary actions towards establishing a regular stock assessment of the red snapper fishery.

To support the analysis, a comprehensive literature review will be completed to identify/review:

•    Fish stocks and other marine organisms and associated fisheries; 

•    Institutional structures in place to support data collection in support of fisheries management; 

•    Funding mechanisms, including EMFF; 

•    Current state of national and regional data obligations; and, 

•    Fisheries management and conservation measures. 

The review will be complemented by in-country stakeholder consultations to help identify the shortcomings or obstacles to develop a sound scientific basis for fisheries management. A synthesis of the SWOT analyses and recommendations will bring together the results from all nine ORs in one overview.