‘Self-sampling’ fisheries data project makes appointment

A PROJECT which aims to see fishermen “self-sample” pelagic stocks to improve fisheries data collection has made a new appointment.

Dr Katie Brigden has joined the EU-funded PANDORA project, which is based at the NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway, as its leading fisheries scientist.

It hopes to develop a platform where Scottish pelagic fishermen can “scientifically sample mackerel, herring and blue whiting to enhance our knowledge of these stocks, which in turn will be used as part of the scientific input for their sustainable management”.

The project will work in partnership with NAFC Marine Centre, the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, Marine Scotland and the fishing industry itself.

Brigden recently finished a PhD with the University of Aberdeen and the South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute in the Falkland Islands, where she worked with the fishing industry in her studies on Patagonian toothfish on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.

She said: “I’m excited to take up the role of fisheries scientist on the PANDORA self-sampling project.

“It’s a great opportunity to work with industry in developing data collection methods which will provide high-quality data to inform science and management.”