DiscardLess
 |
Strategies for the gradual elimination of discards in European fisheries |
|
Research
Context and Issues
European fisheries should operate without discards. This aim has been clearly expressed by both the European Union (EU) and other fishing nations in Europe, together with the overall intention to reduce the environmental impact of societies. In accordance with this, the landing obligation in the new EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) aims for a gradual elimination of discards of commercially exploited stocks on a case-by-case basis (EU, 2013). The landing obligation encompasses a subset of the catch only, whereby many species will still be legally discarded. This policy will thus lead to less discarding rather than discard-free fisheries. The name of our project reflects this important nuance.
The first focus is on preventing the unwanted catches from ever being caught. This will promote changes in gear using existing and innovative selectivity technology, and changes in fishing tactics based on fishers’ and scientists’ knowledge.
The second focus is on making best use of the unavoidable unwanted catch. Technical and marketing innovations will be detailed from the deck, through the supply chain to the final market, including monitoring, traceability and valorization components. DiscardLess will evaluate the impacts of discarding on the marine environment, on the economy, and across the wider society. The project will also monitor the actual developments before, during and after the implementation of the landing obligation (LO), allowing comparison between intentions and outcomes.
Agrocampus Ouest is in charge of the DMS Toolbox.The DMS Toolbox is a single dynamic online platform which contains and displays all relevant information on the Discards Mitigation Strategies that are created and evaluated in WP1 to 7 to the end users. Accessed from the project website and continuously updated, it is an atlas displaying fact sheets consisting of charts, plates, tables and other information gathered, including an easy access to indicators metadata, comparison functionalities, and simulation tools for dynamically investigating the knowledge collected.
Results and Perspectives
DiscardLess will develop practical, achievable, acceptable and cost-effective Discard Mitigation Strategies (DMS1) to either avoid or utilise unwanted catches, in order to reduce discards while maintaining viable fisheries. DiscardLess will integrate knowledge, tools and technologies at local, national, EU and international levels to provide and promote the solutions needed to implement such strategies throughout the seafood supply chain. Further, the project will assess the effects of discard reduction policies on the ecosystem, economic and social sustainability, and will provide feedback for improved fisheries management. DiscardLess results will thus be essential in the achievement of policy goals of reducing waste and increasing the net economic value of fisheries for society.
Publications issued from the project
People involved
 |
GASCUEL Didier, Scientist Phone : +33 2 23 48 55 34 Email : didier.gascuel@institut-agro.fr |
 |
GUITTON Jérôme, Scientist Phone : +33 2 23 48 58 59 Email : jerome.guitton@institut-agro.fr |
 |
LEHUTA Sigrid, Phone : 0240374238 Email : sigrid.lehuta@ifremer.fr |
Partners
Funding and Support
European Commission (H2020)