Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

According to the Data Collection Frame Work, DCF 2010/93/EU, member states shall evaluate the quarterly weight of the recreational catches of cod. This monitoring program was started in order to partially fulfil this need for data. The Sound (between Sweden and Denmark) was chosen for this study as it was considered the only area with significant Swedish recreational fishing for cod. This study reports the quarterly catches of cod (as kg cod kept) onboard Swedish tour boats in the Sound during 2011. All 10 Swedish tour boats operating in the Sound participated in the study. One new boat that started fishing in August was not included in the study. Daily caches were estimated, mainly visually, and reported by crew members. Control weightings of catches were carried out by IMR personnel indicating that crew members overestimated catches of cod in kg by 5 % (n = 4). Catches from 1 018 fishing days were reported. The total quarterly weight of cod taken was 15 656, 25 241, 39 174 and 5 065 kg. The total annual cod catch was 85 136 kg. This can be compared to 413 618 kg cod taken by the Swedish commercial fleet (56 boats) in the Sound during 2011. The total tour boat catch was 17 % of the combined tour boat and commercial catches. At present there are no verified estimates of the remaining recreational fishing for cod in the Sound. The present study is planned to continue during 2012 and number of control weightings will be increased and individual length of catches will be taken on those occasions and catch per tour, instead of per day, will be reported.