Spanish Experimental Fishing For Distant Waters: A Way Of Colaboration Between Scientifics And Fishing Industry

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The Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) cooperates with the local fishing industry in the search for alternative resources, developing experimental fishings. From 1997 to 1999, 8 high seas freezer trawlers explored international waters in the Atlantic for a total of 543 days, subsidised by the E.U. and the Spanish administrations. The quality of the information compiled was guaranteed by having a biologist on board in each vessel, managed by the IEO. This scientist compiled the data and biological material which was later analyzed at the laboratory.This cooperation gave interesting scientific and commercial results, which were subsequently shared between both groups. Progress has been made in knowledge on the biology and distribution of deep-water species as roundnose grenadier (Coryphaenoides rupestris), smoothhead (Alepocephalus bairdii), orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus), alfonsino (Beryx splendens), blue ling (Molva dypterygia) and others species as armorhead (Pseudopentaceros richardsoni) and pelagic mackerels (Scomber japonicus and Trachurus picturatus). For the industry, this has entailed exploring new areas (Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Valdivia Bank and seamounts) with innovative techniques and the start of the commercial exploitation of some non-traditional resources.This article describes the methodology used, summarizing the information gathered and the main results, with discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of these initiatives.