Regional cooperation is meant to improve the efficiency of data collection through sharing of expertise, data, best practices, knowledge and collaborative tasks. The RCGs bring together several Member States to coordinate planning and implementation of data collection .Their workplan across the year, from one round of the annual technical meetings to the next, is supported with the setup of the Intersessional Subgroups.
In these subgroups the experts concentrate on specific Thematic Focus Areas, and sometimes they are pan-regional. During the relevant RCG’s technical meetings, the different ISSGs present progress and hurdles encountered across the period and propose the update of their Terms of Reference with the tasks and targets for the new intersessional period for approval. The work performed by ISSG is essential for RCG technical meeting preparation and meeting discussions.
Some of the RCGs refer to the ISSGs as Working Groups, their general purpose is the same, although there may be slight differences on their procedures to adapt to the dynamics of the RCGs to which they are more directly related.
Access to ICES Sharepoint for RCG Intersessional Subgroups (ISSGs)
ISSG End users and RCG
Background
The group was established to review and streamline dialogue between data providers (RCGs) and end users (ICES, Commission) in order to identify effective processes to meet end-user needs and allow the RCG to prioritize its activity relating to future data collections, storage and transmission functions.
General description
The main goal of the group is to maintain an effective communication channel between end users and the RCG. Annual information meetings between ICES, Commission and RCG chairs are held to ensure good cooperation and to be able to follow the progress over time.
Chairs: Chairs of the RCG NANSEA and RCG Baltic
ISSG Transversal issues
Background
The group has been ongoing since 2018, starting with a workshop discussing the methods used to assign métier codes to transversal data, issues and best practices, and the following years as an RCG ISSG.
General description
Since 2021, the group changed name to ‘ISSG on Métier and transversal variables issues”, also including tasks related to the definition and calculation of transversal variables dealing with issues and best practices. The group manages a list of métier codes and reference lists used for assigning the metiers.
Chairs: Josefine Egekvist (DNK), Sébastien Demanèche (FRA)
ISSG Recreational
Background
Recreational fisheries data is collected by individual Member States (MS) according to the Basic Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the multiannual data collection framework (EU) 2016/1251 and the control regulation EC (NO) 1224/2009. However, there is no standardization between countries and in general there is no one-size fits all approach due to the diverse nature of the sector and cultural differences. Challenges in recreational fisheries data collection are data gaps (no data collected), periodicity of surveys (no time series), and single instead of multispecies surveys. Also often lacking is economic and social data to evaluate the sectoral contribution and ensure fisheries are ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable.
ISSG Recreational Fisheries was established in 2021, because the RCG NANSEA and RCG Baltic needed progress with regional sampling plans for Marine Recreational Fisheries (MRF). The EU-MAP states the relevance of the regional approach for these fisheries, including evaluating end users’ needs for biological data collection, coordinating national surveys of MRF, and defining potential thresholds. Although the new regulation has a pre-defined list of species per region, there are several important MRF target species that are not on the list.
General description
ISSG Recreational Fisheries aims to harmonize recreational fisheries data collection particularly on a regional level. For this subgroup to work properly, it is needed to ensure that the right people are involved, including experts from WGRFS, DCF, and RCG ECON. National Correspondents (NC) need to be approached to ensure that relevant bodies are contacted to ensure expert participation.
This ISSG aims to fit on preparatory work for decision making, including input for Regional Work Plans (RWPs). The ISSG Recreational Fisheries coordinates with the relevant ICES EG (WGRFS). ISSG Recreational Fisheries focuses on defining a species list at a regional level, working on regional sampling plans for shared stocks, and making MRF data available for advice.
Chairs: Harry V. Strehlow (DEU), Eneko Bachiller (ESP)
CS pelagic freezer trawlers NEA
Background
The EU freezer trawler fleet targeting small pelagic species (mackerel, herring, horse mackerel, blue whiting, sprat and argentine) in the North Atlantic and North Sea was identified by the RCG as a potential candidate for the development of a regionally coordinated sampling plan. As a result, the ISSG was first established in 2019.
General description
The fleet comprising mainly Dutch, German, UK and French flagged vessels is sampled currently by the Netherlands and Germany.
The primary aim of this subgroup is to propose a statistically robust regional sampling plan for the European pelagic freezer trawler fleet to be considered for inclusion in a regional workplan.
Chairs: Harriet van Overzee (NLD), Jens Ulleweit (DEU)
Surveys
Background
This ISSG was first established in 2016 and mainly deals with the cost-sharing of research surveys-at-sea under the DCF EU-MAP. In addition, the group monitors implications of external factors on surveys from a DCF perspective and reacts when appropriate and requested.
General description
The ISSG links to the regionalisation process within and act as focal point for RCG contact. One of the main aims of the group is to review proposed substantial changes to the design, set-up or other aspects of surveys having an impact on MS’s Work Plans, effort and/or budget allocation, or obligations. The ISSG contributes to Regional Work Plans with regard to surveys and finally also discuss new challenges in fishery-independent data collection due to usage and protection of marine areas.
Chairs: Sieto Verver (NLD), Christoph Stransky (DEU)
ISSG Diad
Background
The intersessional subgroup for diadromous was first developed as ‘diadromous sub group’ under RCG BALTIC /NANSEA (RCG DSG) in September 2017, which was then transformed into a full pan-regional ISSG on diadromous fishes in late 2019. The ISSG diadromous fishes is a specialised subgroup focusing on coordination and advice of data collection and regional workplans on diadromous fishes (primarily eel, salmon, sea trout) in line with the DCF regulations
General description
The ISSG Diad focuses on improving assessment-driven data collection for diadromous fishes under the EU Data Collection Framework (DCF) and on strengthening the interaction between data end-users and experts in diadromous fish data collection. The group promotes direct input from end-users, such as ICES expert groups and workshops, STECF, and RFMOs, on specific data needs to improve stock assessments, harmonise methodologies, and address regional differences and challenges in data collection. The group’s overall objective is to ensure that end-user requirements for diadromous fishes are reflected in national and regional work plans, thereby providing suitable data for the best possible scientific basis for management and policy advice. This includes data from both commercial and recreational fisheries as well as fisheries-independent information such as those stemming from electrofishing and recruitment monitoring.
The tasks of the ISSG Diad include identifying and describing end-user needs in terms of variables, frequency, and intensity of data collection, coordinating these needs at regional level to promote harmonised approaches, and suggesting realistic timeframes for implementation. Given the broad range of diadromous fishes with diverse life cycles, habitats, and stock structures, the work of the ISSG relies on continuous exchange within the organisational structures of the RCGs and with identified end-users.
Chairs: Marko Freese (DEU) (since 2020), Josefin Sundin (SWE) (since 2024), Simon Weltersbach (DEU) (since 2024)
ISSG CS small pelagics Baltic
Background
In [year] RCG Baltic agreed to use the fisheries for small pelagic species as a case study for the development of a regional sampling programme in the Baltic Sea. The pelagic fisheries target western Baltic herring, central Baltic herring, herring in Gulf of Bothnia, herring in Gulf of Riga and sprat.
General description
The main aim of the group is to establish and implement a regional sampling programme for small pelagics in the Baltic. Regionalization understood as a step approach with different target levels or steps along the process, that go from “no coordination” to “common monitoring strategy” and “joint data collection”. This gradient naturally entails a different capability of sampling to meet the needs of national and regional end-users.
The case study for small pelagics in the Baltic Sea has been included in the 2025-2027 Baltic Regional Work Plan.
Chairs: Marie Storr-Paulsen (DNK), Katja Ringdahl (SWE)
ISSG CS trawlers Iberian Waters
Background
Trawl fisheries in Iberian waters (27.8.c and 27.9.a) are operated mainly by Portuguese and Spanish vessels which land mostly in national ports. These fisheries are multi-specific and important in terms of landed weight and value.
In recent years there has been an interest in developing and implementing a regional sampling plan for these fisheries aiming at optimizing the sampling effort and quality of biological data on these fisheries.
Work towards this end has been developed in previous projects FishPi (2016-2018) and FishPi2 (2018-2019), specifically building theoretical scenarios of regional sampling plan, respectively for single species and multi-species. This work has been further developed in Project Fishn’Co and in the RCG NANSEA through the ISSG Case Study on the trawl fishery in Iberian Waters which was established with this purpose in 2019.
General description
The work of the group focuses in using existing data on fisheries landing and effort to theoretically design possible alternative scenarios of distribution of on-shore sampling effort among Portuguese and Spanish fishing ports of 8c and 9a. The best scenarios were selected based on bias and precision of the estimates produced by the scenarios (in simulations); and also based on feasibility and suitability of the scenarios (i.e. if effort in each port could be implemented as proposed in the scenarios, if relevant ports with landings of relevant metiers/fleets/species are included, and if foreign landings could be sampled).
In 2025-2027, work is being developed towards the implementation in practice of a pilot study focusing on sampling of foreign landings from Portuguese vessels in Spanish ports of 27.9.a and 27.8c, followed by an evaluation of the estimates obtained. And further work will be developed after this stage.
Chairs: Rita Vasconcelos (PRT).
RCGs associated: NANSEA
ISSG SSF
Background
The intersessional subgroup evaluation of the data collected for the Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF), was established in 2019 with the aim of improving coordination in the collection of SSF data, in order to improve the knowledge of these fisheries.
General description
The aim of the group is to identify the data to be collected based on the needs of the main end-users. The regional coordination approach is the best way to carry out the analysis in compliance with regulations like the EUMAP, where the necessary data are identified for sustainable fisheries management in accordance with the Common Fisheries Policy and, in this case, for Small-Scale Fisheries. Additionally, the information on activity collected within this ISSG can also be used to address other relevant EU directives, such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Marine Spatial Planning, Habitats and Birds Directives.
The work of the group is carried out in collaboration with the main ICES working groups focused on issues related to commercial fisheries sampling methodologies (e.g., WGCATCH).Additionally, there is also PANREGIONAL collaboration with other RCGs (e.g., Med & Black Sea, RCG ECON) where knowledge of these fisheries is also important.
Chairs: Estanis Mugerza (ESP), Maksims Kovsars (LVA)
ISSG EMT
Background
The intersessional subgroup on Electronic Monitoring Technologies was established in 2021, under the umbrella of RCG NANSEA and RCG Baltic, to ensure that initiatives made on developing new electronic technologies and the use of these technologies to improve fisheries data collection in EU Member States as well as initiatives made in third countries are disseminated. In 2025, during the Liaison Meeting it was decided to broaden the scope for the ISSG to be pan regional and include experts from other regions.
General description
As a first step the group initiated the development of an itinerary of the use of the following data collection technologies:
- Electronic monitoring (EM)
- Machine learning development, e.g., for automatic species identification and catch weight estimations in real-time
- Electronic measuring boards
- eDNA for species identification, etc.
Second step would be initiation of cooperation whenever possible for cost efficiency in fisheries data collection by the use of electronic technologies.
Chairs: Gildas Glemarec (DBK), Sander Delacauw (BEL – ILVO)
ISSG NC
Background
The ISSG National Correspondents (ISSG NC) was first established in 2020, as an initiative of the RCGs NANSEA and Baltic. National correspondents from NANSEA and Baltic Member States are the participants of this group.
One of the first tasks of the ISSG NC was to amend the rules of procedure (RoPs) for the RCG NANSEA and RCG Baltic, since both RCGs decided to hold their annual meetings back-to-back. As a result, RCG NANSEA and RCG Baltic have combined RoPs.
General description
Over the years the group has assessed the viability of making the ISSG NC work more pan regional to address common issues. To achieve this, the group liaises between different RCGs, and national correspondents from other Member States outside NANSEA and Baltic areas are invited to discussions when needed.
Chairs: Anja Boye (DNK), Anna Hasslow (SWE), Sieto Verver (NLD)
ISSG Stomach sampling
Background
Fundamental changes in the importance of natural versus fishing induced mortality have been observed in the North Atlantic while moving towards maximum sustainable yield (MSY) management targets.
Back in 2014 the FishPi project (EU MARE/2014/19) concluded that the lack of coordination in different stomach sampling campaigns in the North Sea led to unbalanced sampling effort resulting in a lack of statistically sound sampling of all key species needed for food web characterization and ultimately a barrier for moving towards an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF).
Consequently, the intersessional subgroup for the regionally coordinated stomach sampling was established in 2019 to improve this situation.
General description
The main aim and purpose of this group is the development, implementation and coordination of a regionally coordinated stomach sampling plan in the North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat.
This sampling programme has started in 2022 through a coordinated stomach sampling campaign during the North Sea International Bottom Trawl Survey (IBTS) in quarters 1 and 3 and this group will work on the further establishment of this programme and a subsequent system for stomach content analysis, data processing and coordination.
Chairs: Pierre Cresson (FRA), Matthias Bernreuther (DEU)
ISSG Regional overviews
Background
The intersessional subgroup on RDB catch, effort and sampling overviews (former name of this group) was established in 2018 to streamline and facilitate the work on the fisheries and sampling data of the MS and prepare data overviews in advance of the RCG meetings. Before the subgroup was set up, the different RCG conducted data analysis and overviews separately with minimal exchange, resulting in redundancies and efficiency loss. Furthermore, a substantial part of the work was being carried out during the RCG meetings themselves and so not readily available to inform RCG preparation and meeting discussions.
General description
RDBES data are used to produce fisheries and sampling overviews which are intended to support the analysis and resolution of specific issues raised and discussed within RCGs, for which technical decisions are required. In addition, they will provide a regional overview that can inform discussions on how to implement or improve the sampling at regional level. Additionally, as a request from the RCG the group is also working in producing figures about the landings in foreign countries in order to identify the need for bilateral agreements. Therefore, it is essential that the specific requirements and priorities of the RCGs are clearly communicated to this ISSG, to ensure that these outputs are produced in alignment with their intended use and decision-making needs.
The tasks and code developed in the subgroup work are present in the RCG-RDBES-Overviews GitHub repository which is used collaboratively by the ISSG members.
Chairs: Ana Cláudia Fernandes (PRT), Lucía Zarauz (ESP)
ISSG RWP
Background
[under construction]
General information
[under construction]
Chairs: Maria Hansson (SWE), Els Torreele (BEL)
ISSG ETPs
Background
The intersessional subgroup for the optimization of case studies for Endangered, Threatened and Protected and Species (ETPs) bycatch sampling and monitoring was first established with the aim of improving coordination in the collection of ETPs bycatch data at regional level.
General description
The main tasks that have been carried out during the last years have been to identify potential sampling and monitoring needs concerning the bycatch of Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species. This includes the consideration of high-risk fisheries as identify by ICES WGBYC in relation to these ETP species by fisheries métier and ecoregion. Based on these needs, this ISSG works on identifying the adequate sampling and monitoring coverage needed, considering the Member States involved in these fisheries and ecoregions. In addition, the most appropriate sampling methodologies for the bycatch of ETP species for each fishery are discussed, but also in improving and standardizing sampling protocols, between different institutes carrying these sampling and monitoring programmes.
In addition, potential case studies for regionally coordinated sampling programmes for the bycatch of ETP species have also been identified. Much of this work is being done in collaboration with the main ICES working groups involved in these issues (e.g., WGBYC, WGCATCH). Additionally, there is also PANREGIONAL collaboration with the rest of the RCGs (e.g., Med & Black Sea, Large Pelagics etc.) where ETP species bycatch is also a hot topic.
Chairs: Estanis Mugerza (ESP), Christian von Dorrien (DEU)
ISSG SC Med&BS RDB
Background
The first Steering Committee meeting was held in 2012, the progress in the development of the regional database until 2021 (3rd SC meeting) was limited mainly related to the reluctance from MS on sharing data of lower aggregation levels.
In 2020, DG MARE launched the regional grants (MARE/2020/08), and one of the Annexes was dedicated to the development of a regional database for the Med & BS, RDBFIS project.
After a few years on hold the SC reconvened in 2025.
General description
One of the key tasks of the SC is to define the governance strategy for the regional database, and in particular to establish a long-term and sustainable hosting solution ensuring stability, transparency, and compliance with EU data management standards.
In collaboration with the RDBFIS consortium reviews the achievements and progress in the development of the regional database. The SC also outlines the future priorities for the regional database and how to tackle the main challenges. The SC also outlines the future priorities for the Regional Database and proposes practical approaches to address the main challenges related to data quality, access, and system compatibility.
The SC has established a rotation system among the MS for the chairmanship; the chair covers one year period. The chair coordinates intersessional activities, ensures follow-up on agreed actions, and represents the SC in communication with the RCG Med&BS.
Chairs: Dalibor Jelavić (HRV)
RCGs involved: Med&BS
ISSG End users
Background
The group was first established in 2018 and held the first meeting in 2019. The group was conceived to stir the central role of the RCG in supporting strategic planning, regional consistency, and practical coordination among all actors involved in data collection, validation, and use for fisheries management and policy.
General description
The group brings together representatives from Mediterranean and Black Sea Member States and the main end users (DG MARE, ICES, GFCM, JRC and STECF) of the Data Collection with the aim to improve mutual understanding of data requirements, identify pressure points in the reporting system, and propose pragmatic steps towards streamlining data flows between national systems and end-user institutions.
Chairs: TBD
RCGs associated: Med&BS
ISSG Sampling optimization
Background
The Intersessional Subgroup (ISSG) on Sampling Optimization was established within the RCG Med & Black Sea 2018, to answer to the need to set up a network of experts to be trained and use the tool developed under STREAM and STREAMLINE projects on sampling stratification and optimization of biological commercial data.
General description
The group focuses on applying existing optimization tools to support the preparation of National Work Plans and future Regional Work Plans. Building on methodologies developed under STREAM and STREAMLINE and applied in ICES WGBIOPTIM, the subgroup coordinates case studies to test the application of SDTool, BioSim, and related approaches in different Mediterranean and Black Sea contexts.
Several case studies in the Black Sea, Italy, and Greece have demonstrated how sampling optimization can improve efficiency while maintaining data quality
Chairs: Isabella Bitetto (ITA)
RCGs involved: Med&BS
ISSG Recreational Fisheries
Background
The collection of recreational fisheries data in the Med&BS region is limited and the lack of reliable estimates of catch and effort data hinder their inclusion to any stock management attempt, with implications for fisheries management. Recreational fisheries data collection across RCG Med&BS MS differs from one MS to another. As a result, the ISSG on Scientific network on recreational fisheries was established in [year] to advance on a regionally coordinated approach.
Besides, the EU Fisheries Control Regulation includes reporting obligations for recreational fisheries from 2026, particularly electronic recording and reporting for fishers catching species subject to Union conservation measures.
General description
The group agreed the minimum requirements of the sampling scheme included in the RWP 2025-2027:
- the estimation of the population of recreational fishers by segment and sub-region and
- the identification and listing of priority species by subregion, using a multispecies approach and allowing the use of a variety of off-site and/or on-site methods.
The main tasks for the group are:
- The final estimation of the number of recreational fishers by segment (shore, boat, spear fishing) and sub-region for all Med&BS MS.
- Define a final list of priority species by sub-region for all Med&BS MS for the estimation of “catches”, and “releases”.
- Define a list of vulnerable species incidentally caught in recreational fisheries by sub-region.
The roadmap of the Recreational Fisheries data collection for the next years is aimed to be approved during the 2026 RCG Med&BS annual meeting.
Chairs: Manos Koutrakis (GRC), Martina Scanu (ITA)
RCGs involved: Med&BS
ISSG PETs bycatch
Background
[under construction]
General description
[under construction]
Chairs: Jan Potočnik Erzin (SVN)
RCGs involved: Med&BS
ISSG Stomachs
Background
The stomach contents data collection and analysis coordinated at regional level in the Med&BS has started only recently. The intersessional subgroup on Scientific network on fish stomachs collection and analysis was first established in 2018.
General description
The group is working on a new data collection protocol focused on a cyclical analysis (3-year rolling scheme) on a group of key demersal species. This would enable studies on the temporal dynamics of predator-prey interactions and support the accurate parameterization for multispecies assessment models, in line with the objectives of CFP and EUMAP.
The group agreed sampling protocols to investigate a wide part of the demersal fish assemblages in alignment with ICES.
One of the main tasks of the group is to develop a new sampling scheme to be applied in the next RWP 2028-2030.
Chairs: Paolo Sartor (ITA), Cristina Follesa (ITA)
RCGs involved: Med&BS
ISSG Quality
Background
[under construction]
General description
[under construction]
Chairs: Kostas Touloumis (GRC)
RCGs involved: Med&BS
ISSG RWP
Background
[under construction]
General description
[under construction]
Chairs: Charis Charilaou (CYP)
RCGs involved: Med&BS
ISSG TT
Background
The ISSG TT is the result of the merge of two subgroups, namely Tropical Tuna Treatment and Tropical Tuna Observer. These subgroups have officially operated as separate groups until 2025. However, they have consistently held back-to-back meetings at the same location and time. Considering the growing collaboration between the subgroups, the significant overlap in participants and the need for clear chairmanship they decided to merge during their meeting in Tenerife, 2025.
General description
The group’s primary objectives include coordinating data collection and monitoring of the tropical purse seine fleet operating in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as preparing the EU’s data submissions to ICCAT and IOTC. This data collection encompasses both onboard and port-based sampling.
In terms of onboard monitoring, the group manages both traditional human observer programs and the increasingly adopted Electronic Monitoring (EM) programs.
For onshore scientific sampling, the group coordinates activities at key ports in third countries where the EU fleet operates. This coordination goes beyond the EU’s Data Collection Framework (DCF), with active participation from countries such as Seychelles and Senegal.
The ISSG TT is led by two cochairs. Each cochair will represent a different topic (port and onboard sampling) and come from a different country (Spain and France). The chairing term will last two years, after which the vice-chair will rotate into the chair role. The hosting of the annual meeting will continue rotating among AZTI-IRD-IEO.
Chairs: Jon Ruiz Gondra (ESP), Antoine Duparc (FRA)
Vice-chairs: Philippe Sabarros (FRA); Pedro Pascual Alayón (ESP)
RCGs involved: LP
ISSG Baitboat/pole and line
Background
[under construction]
General description
[under construction]
Chairs:
RCGs involved: LP
ISSG BFT
Background
[under construction]
General description
[under construction]
Chairs: Hugo Maxwell (IRL)
RCGs involved: LP
ISSG Regional DDBB CS
Background
The ISSG was established in 2021 following a recommendation from the RCG LP to address the complex task of developing a regional database for LP data. Since its inception, the group has included representatives from the nine LP countries involved in the RCG LP, key end users (ICCAT, IOTC, and FDI), experts from other regional database structures (RDBES and RDBFIS), and members of DG MARE, providing additional support.
General description
The ISSG proposed a test study on the RDBES data format with LP data in 2024. Five MS out of the nine RCG LP MS agreed to participate in the case study, namely: France, Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Cyprus.
Chairs: Ioannis Thasitis (CYP)
RCGs involved: LP
ISSG RWP
Background
[under construction]
General description
[under construction]
Chairs: Ioannis Thasitis (CYP)
RCGs involved: LP
ISSG Longlines outside Med
Background
[under construction]
General description
[under construction]
Chairs:
RCGs involved: LP
ISSG Med LP fisheries
Background
[under construction]
General description
[under construction]
Chairs: George Tserpes (GRC)
RCGs involved: LP
ISSG SPRFMO OP
Background
The ISSG on SPRFMO OP was established in 2022 following the LDF_2022_R02 to address the SPRFMO requirements as provided for in the “Conservation and Management Measure Establishing the SPRFMO Observer Programme” (CMM 16-2023), and in particular the requirement for observer programme to undergo the SPRFMO accreditation procedure.
General description
The ISSG has worked on the accreditation procedure of the EU Observer Program in accordance with the requirements of SPRFMO and to determine the effective preparation and implementation of other related activities such as:
- the review and updates to observer manual,
- planning and setup of training workshops for EU observers,
- discussion on new multilateral agreement beyond 2024.
Chairs: Irek Wójcik Sieto (POL), Verver (NLD)
RCGs involved: LDF
ISSG NAFO Harmonization protocols for on-board sampling
Background
[under construction]
General description
[under construction]
Chairs: Liivika Näks (EST)
RCGs involved: LDF
ISSG CECAF OP
Background
The ISSG was established following the recommendation LDF_2024_R03 by the RCG LDF on their annual meeting in 2024, with the primary objective of jointly organising the necessary scientific observer coverage in the CECAF Regulatory Area in cooperation with the Mauritanian Institute for Fisheries Research (IMROP).
General description
Under the newly renegotiated EU-Mauritania SFPA and protocol, Category 6 vessels fishing in the Mauritanian EEZ are obliged to always embark two “scientific observers”. In Mauritania, scientific observers should be provided by the Mauritanian institute for fisheries research (IMROP), which is currently lacking the capacity to do it.
DGMARE informed that the EU-Mauritania Joint Committee has taken up the recommendation of the 2023 RCG to jointly organise the necessary scientific observer coverage. In particular, the JC agreed to facilitate the embarkation of one (or two) EU scientific observers by directly involving the existing multilateral agreement coordinating the EU’s joint sampling programme of pelagic fisheries , when Mauritanian observers are not available.
The ISSG is set up in order to address issues related to the development of a procedure for smoothly embarking EU observers under the EU-Mauritania SFPA. Such a simplified procedure that allows for direct contact between the EU joint sampling program coordinator and vessels’ operators should remove the existing problems with the embarkation of EU observers.
Chairs: Maksims Kovsars (LAV)
RCGs involved: LDF
ISSG SMEFF fisheries in the high seas
Background
[under construction]
General description
[under construction]
Chairs:
RCGs involved: LDF
ISSG Social Variables
Background
[under construction]
General description
In 2024 the ISSG held a two days meeting with the main focus on the so-called “forthcoming” indicators — twelve social indicators identified by the STECF EWG 24-05 as indicators ready for inclusion in an EU data call. These indicators together with nine additional social variables proposed by the group are expected to be prioritized in pilot studies under the Work Plans Programming Period (2025–2027).
Social indicators were organized into four main categories:
- Social and Financial Status
- Working conditions
- Assessment of management measures
- Generational status
One of the main tasks for the ISSG is to design and coordinate the data collection procedures for the social indicators that MSs included in the 2025–2027 Work Plan.
Chairs: Angelos Liontakis (GRC), Maraja Riechers (DEU)
RCGs involved: ECON, Pan-regional
ISSG Valuation Capital Value
Background
The group was established in 2023 as the result of the Inventory of issues with PIM, carried during the RCG ECON 2022 meeting. The results indicated the need for collecting further information on PIM and alternative methods used in order to reach a higher harmonization for estimation of Capital value and Capital costs. Furthermore, it was highlighted the need to get further feedback on the valuation of fishing rights and to describe methods used more in detail in the Quality Report of the NWP. In the RCG ECON ISSG on the Regional Work Plan it was also emphasized the necessity to ensure consistency between the PIM estimations and other related variables, such as the investments.
General description
The group was set to deeper investigate and compare methods used for estimation of tangible and intangible capital assets and investments in the different national fishery data collections contexts.
After analysis of progress and the best practises across 18 MS, in 2026-2027 the group is focusing on harmonisation of statistical methods, and analyses of assumptions.
Chairs: Monica Gambino (ITA), Loretta Malvarosa (ITA)
RCGs involved: ECON, Pan-regional
ISSG Low active and active vessels
Background
[under construction]
General description
The main objective was to review the data sources and methodologies used by EU MSs for key variables and derived indicators related to fishing activity, particularly: DaS, maximum sea days a, sub-segmentation of fleets by activity levels (low Active Vs. active vessels) and VUR.
The goal was to assess data quality, consistency, and comparability across countries, to identify methodological issues and potential areas for harmonization and to improve relevance for policy-making.
Chairs: Olivier Guyader (FRA)
RCGs involved: ECON, Pan-regional
ISSG Methodological Issues
Background
The ISSG was established in 2024 following several recommendations issued by RCG ECON during their 2024 annual meeting.
General description
The aim of the ISSG is to advance the coordination and methodological consistency of the EU Fisheries Data Collection Framework by addressing five areas of focus. These areas include the valuation of capital and associated data challenges, the energy transition in both fisheries and aquaculture sectors, approaches to defining and analyzing low-active and active vessels, the enhancement of social data collection efforts, and the insights on the Regional Work Plan (RWP).
In 2025 the goals of this ISSG included:
- Harmonizing methodologies for valuing physical and intangible capital.
- Advancing data collection related to the energy transition in fisheries and aquaculture.
- Clarifying issues around low-active and active vessel classification.
- Improving the collection and comparability of social data.
- Reviewing outcomes from the ISSG Chairs questionnaire on the future RWP.
Chairs: Christos Danatskos (GRC)
RCGs involved: ECON, Pan-regional
ISSG Alternative Fleet Segmentation
Background
The ISSG Alternative Fleet Segmentation was first established in 2020 as a result of a PGECON 2019 recommendation, to investigate alternate methods of segmentation as defined by ‘fisheries’ rather than dominant gear. The initial idea is to investigate options for an alternative fleet segmentation with a closer link to stocks and types of fishing activities and less heterogeneous vessel groups. This segmentation method is well defined and easily applicable, but it does not adequately represent target fisheries. Vessels with similar technical parameters are often active in varying fisheries that differ in terms of catch composition, fishing activity, and cost structure.
General description
The novel segmentation approach is based on a hierarchical agglomerative clustering procedure that was transferred to an R package. Vessels are grouped based on target stocks and main gear. The approach was tested at two successive virtual workshops on fleets from about 15 MS. After the first WS, the approach was further fine-tuned, following participants’ suggestions. All fleets could be assigned to stock/catch-based clusters.
Further developments of the new approach to the segmentation of fishing fleets were developed in a DCF pilot project. Using the segmentation procedure, participants could derive fleet segments which appeared homogeneous and suitable for representing groups of vessels which perform similar fisheries. On the other hand, groups of polyvalent vessels with diverse and heterogeneous catch profiles hampered the application of the approach and thus the formation of segments. This is, however, not a limitation of the novel approach, but only the reflection of the diversity of the fishing fleet and can be solved by technically adjusting the clustering algorithm which is the central element of the segmentation approach.
The group continues with the development of the alternative segmentation approach to further analyse the issue of pre-segmenting by gear as well as the question of how to address the use of various gears by vessel (polyvalency). Additionally, the group intend to extend the analyses on the consistency of the segmentation result over longer time periods and the regional comparison of the resulting segments in order to assess if the novel approach also leads to results that may facilitate better quality regional analyses.
Chairs: Jörg Berkenhagen (DEU), Erik Sulanke (DEU)
RCGs involved: ECON, Pan-regional