Objective
In 1993 ICES published an Atlas of North Sea Fishes based on research vessel surveys in the 1980s. Since then data have become available for both earlier and later years, from more surveys, and covering a wider geographical area. After 1993 there have also been major changes in the status of several commercial species and interest in non-target species has grown. An update of the 1993 Atlas will provide information on fish distributions and document changes in abundance over a period of more than 30 years. Seasonal changes in distribution patterns will be illustrated on the basis of the quarterly IBTS surveys (91- 96). Species-specific information reviewing the life history, ecology, exploitation and references will be updated and expanded where appropriate. Information on ecosystem changes will be added. Funding is sought for Phase 1 of a two phase project. Phase 1 will be a pilot project that will create an interactive, web-based North Sea Fish Atlas focusing on the main commercial species. The Atlas will be available through the ICES website. When further funds are secured for Phase 2, the same framework will be used to provide similar information for all fish species caught in European surveys, and to extend the area covered, to include the whole NE Atlantic shelf. As well as being web- based, in Phase 2 the NE Atlantic Fish Atlas will be published as a colour report. The North Sea Fish Atlas will be the definitive source of synthesized information on the biology and exploitation of North Sea fishes, and a description of the current state of biodiversity of its fish fauna. Users will be all those with an interest in North Sea fisheries and the North Sea ecosystem, such as fishery managers, ecosystem managers, conservationists, marine scientists, politicians, and the general public. The use of internet technologies will ensure that information on North Sea fishes is rapidly disseminated to a broad audience within the EU and beyond.
Fields of science
Keywords
Call for proposal
FP6-2003-SSP-3
See other projects for this call