Improving FC Data Systems and Stock Assessment Capacity

20 set a stage for the implementation phase with the support of the USAID-SFMP and USAID- UCC FCMCBSP.

2.4 Improving FC Data Systems and Stock Assessment Capacity

As part of a comprehensive improvement strategy of the fisheries data collection systems, the SFMP conducted a series of technical trainings for the Fisheries Commission-FSSD staff: Fisheries Commission’s staff were trained in fish data collection systems. The primary objective of this event was to strengthen the capacity of the Fisheries Commission’s staff in modern techniques in fisheries sampling and statistical computing using MS Excel. The FC staff identified challenges preventing the advancement of staff with modern techniques in fisheries data collection. The FC staff had the opportunity to learn the new techniques on biological sampling including maturity, fecundity and the collection of fish age and growth information followed by a special training on the use of MS Access for fisheries databases and database development. At the end of the training, the trainees created a database relative the biological data collected and managed to do queries and develop reports. The SFMP provided computer equipment to the FC-FSSD to improve the quality of fisheries data processing at the central data center in Tema. A local area network was setup by SFMP in collaboration with FSSD trained staff to allow data exchange and data entry on a web- based database. Two officers from FC-FSSD completed a six month training in computer networking and data management. This allowed the FC-FSSD to improve the quality of the data by increasing efficiency and timeliness of data analysis and easy access by fisheries managers. Figure 4 Participants at the Fisheries Data Collection Systems workshop Figure 5 Participants at the fisheries sampling and databases workshop 21 Following the capacity development program, SFMP provided computer equipment to the FC-FSSD to improve the quality of fisheries data processing at the central data center in Tema. A local area network was setup by SFMP in collaboration with FSSD trained staff to allow data exchange and data entry on a web-based database. These initiatives allowed the FC-FSSD to improve the quality of the data by increasing efficiency and timeliness of data analysis and easy access by fisheries managers. The SFMP and FSSD continued working on the fisheries data improvement process through special meetings and technical workshops. A pilot project on the use of mobile technologies tablets for fisheries data collection was identified as urgent for monitoring the performance of the national fisheries management plan, in the absence of a comprehensive ME plan. SFMP trained FC-FSSD staff in Kobo-Toolbox and other steps in setting-up data forms in electronic tablets. The data entry and processing backlog improved considerably in the last year with the support of SFMP training, equipment and technical support. The data entry backlog was reduced from about 8-9 months to 3 months. The SFMP worked with the FSSD to develop a cooperative research project for an industry- based trawl survey to monitor the performance of the fisheries management measures set to begin in November 2016 with a three-month closed fishing season for industrial trawlers. The project involves fishing one selected industry vessel which will be equipped with scientific sampling equipment and electronics to monitor fisheries resources twice per year in the absence of a dedicated research vessel. The project was well received by FC and the fishing industry representatives from GITA. The WARFP accepted the project and is providing appropriate funds to support the design and implementation. A first collaborative survey is set to begin in February 2017.

2.5 Fishing Capacity Assessment