Report of the Study Group on the Development of Fish Pots for Commercial Fisheries and Survey Purposes (SGPOT)

SGPOT was proposed by the topic group on alternative fishing gears, which met at the FTFB meeting in 2005 and 2006. SGPOT had its first meeting 21–22 April 2007 in Dublin, Ireland and this second meeting was held in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, 19–20 April 2008 prior to the FTFB meeting.The group was attended by 24 participants representing 14 countries. The agenda followed the Terms of Reference closely.A review of worldwide use of fish pots that was initiated at last year’s meeting was continued. It seems difficult to get worldwide catch data for fish pots as these are mixed with other gears. The group decided to make an extensive list of fish pots in commercial use, as research tools and any emerging use of fish pots, as this can be a valuable platform for exchange of information.