7.1 Catch effort database

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Database Title	7.1 Catch effort database
Keywords Type1. Type 11.	New Zealand EEZ; Fisheries; catch effort
Abstract	This database details the catch effort data for commercial fishing operations. It includes: catch effort data catch landing data The second item includes the confirmed catch measured by the processor which theoretically includes the fate of all species caught.
Geographical Coverage	New Zealand EEZ
Dataset start date.	1982-1989: this data is in a different format to later data and is harder to access and query. Pre 1982 data is bitsy and probably will not be integrated into the main database. 1989-current: integrated data sets that can be queried&
Dataset end date.	Current
Status/currency.	In progress
Update frequency.	Regular
Maintenance.	The database itself is maintained by Fish Serve. The Ministry of Fisheries maintains the database system.

Technical Evaluation
Parameters- what is measured	location date target species quantity of effort used methods used quantities caught for the five most abundant fish species
Parameters- what is calculated	An index of abundance is derived by dividing catch by effort.
Methods used to measure parameters	Fishers complete appropriate forms depending on what they are catching and the methods used. The forms are: Trawl, catch effort and processing return (1/day) using a template appropriate to the fishing method Squid jigging catch effort return Tuna longlining catch effort return. Fishers also complete monthly quota management reports. Fish processors complete monthly licensed fish receivers returns.
Scale of use.	N/A
Number of records	This is a very large database with approximately 35 people employed full time programming, entering, validating, and extracting data. Approximately 200,000 forms are returned each year.
GIS compatibility.	Some data is spatially referenced using latitude and longitude. Other locational data refers to fisheries statistical areas which are specific to some fisheries.
Available formats for users.	This is a relational database. Information requests will be answered using a text file or Excel spreadsheet.
Access constraints.	The information in this database is commercially sensitive. This means that information requests will usually receive aggregated data. The level of aggregation will depend on the use of the data.
Measurement Accuracy	To be completed by database manager.
Completeness of dataset	To be completed by database manager.
Positional accuracy	To be completed by database manager.
Database steward	Ministry of Fisheries
Database custodian	Ministry of Fisheries and Fish Serve
Database custodian contact person	Kim Duckworth Research Data Manager
Database custodian Contact Address Phone Fax Email	Ministry of Fisheries PO Box 1020 Wellington +64 4 460 4600 +64 4 460 4601 duckwork@fish.govt.nz
References	-
Date metadata record prepared.	June 2000
Author of metadata record.	Victoria Froude

Management Evaluation
Original purpose.	Research purposes
Relationships with classification systems.	N/A
Relationships with other databases	The database is used with a wide range of fisheries datasets. Eg. it is used with additional research data to improve fisheries population models and estimates of fish stock biomass.
Known relationships with proposed EPIP indicators.	This database can be used for a number of fisheries indicators.
Database uses?	Research providers such as NIWA Universities- research Ministry of Fisheries-compliance Various coastal users, e.g. cable layers seeking to minimize the risk of fishers damaging cables International reporting purposes
Public awareness of the database	Very high amongst stakeholders.
Database strengths.	Comprehensive coverage of fishing activities in all NZ fishing waters by all commercial fishers good time series data systematic
Database limitations.	The catch landing data may only record the fish brought ashore for processing rather than the total catch of fish. The current forms and requirements for fishers are complex. There are some problems with data quality (fishers may not always correctly report their catches) and data integrity (this can be affected if database recording or processing methods change). In minor fisheries there can be large error rates due to, for example, incorrect identification and under reporting because a species is not one of the main species caught.

What are the Current and Emerging Uses of the Database for:
Assisting with determining historic state/baseline.	This is possible where the data exists.
Assisting with determining current state/baseline.	This is a strong point of the database.
Assisting with modeling possible future outcomes.	NIWA uses data from the database to assist with the modeling of fish stock populations and biomass.
Risk assessment.	The database contributes to formal risk assessments for fish stocks.
Monitoring site selection and sample design.	The database addresses all commercial fishing.
Aggregating and reporting data locally, regionally or nationally.	This is generally possible. For some data is not possible to go below the level of the fisheries statistical area.