MedStat 2011 – Fishing Vessel Census
CENSUS DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
By
Salvatore Coppola, Alicia Mosteiro and Matthew Camilleri
MedFisis Technical Document
Abstract:-
The MedFisis (Mediterranean Fishery Statistics and Information System) regional project was set up in response to an increasing need to monitor fishing activities and provide fishery management system in several GFCM (General Fishery Commission for the Mediterranean) countries. Specifically, there was an urgent need for comprehensive fisheries statistics collection and analysis system. From the outset of the project it was recognized that to be effective such a system must be designed to meet the needs of all stakeholders in this fishery involved and that all resulting statistics must be reliable, timely and backed by relevant research. The project would involve a study of existing statistical and information system in order to identify and upgrade areas requiring attention and/or optimization. Moreover, all the work should be done by the national staff, limiting external aid to filling any gaps, and the system adopted should be as close as possible to existing working practices and conditions for the staff involved.
The solution produced by FAO staff was the modular MedStat system. MedStat consist of a set of databases and associated statistical data collection and implementation methodologies, techniques, and procedures, including training modules and technical support covering a fleet census, a Catch and Effort Survey and other surveys. There are also tools to facilitate monitoring and other management issues. Structurally, MedStat comprises a core system which includes the regional/national/local reference and codification system, and the national fishery control and monitoring system.
Considerable attention is paid to the structure and conduct of the census, and throughout MedFisis it is emphasized that accurate, reliable and exhaustive data collection is crucial to the output of the survey. All aspects of census procedure are dealt with in detail including the preparation, quality control and the all-important questionnaire. A comprehensive MedFisis questionnaire is presented and explained, as is the association between the questionnaire and the data field descriptions and reference system.
There are a number of useful appendices which include a flaw chart of a typical census survey and a list of references.
Contents:-
- Preparation of this document.
- The MedStat system.
- The MedStat database.
- The census.
- Preparation of the census.
- The quality check survey.
- The questionnaire.
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