New Accreditation Scheme Enhances Freshwater Fishery Field Monitoring Standards
Fish and fisheries play a key role in our society: they are an important part of nature, support the economy, and offer health and social benefits through angling, recreation and wellbeing. Fish populations are affected by many environmental factors, and they are an important indicator of the health of our aquatic habitats. As stewards of our environment, and to pursue evidence-based fisheries management, it is essential to monitor fish populations effectively.
Monitoring fish populations can be costly and involves capturing and releasing wild animals using diverse, technical methods, which impact the quality of data collected. These methods are effective and allow for biometric data collection while ensuring the fishes’ survival upon release but limit opportunities to provide quality assurance protocols or other means of validating the data collected. Confidence in the personnel collecting the data is therefore vitally important.
Introducing the Fisheries Field Monitoring Accreditation Scheme
Despite the critical role of fish, fisheries and monitoring, freshwater fish monitoring lacks an accreditation system. Recognising this gap, the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) has introduced the Fisheries Field Monitoring Accreditation Scheme. This initiative aims to:
- Ensure Competence: Personnel leading fishery surveys in the field have usually received comprehensive training, equipping them to fulfil their roles effectively. This scheme accredits this training and experience.
- Ensure Data Integrity: By adhering to best practices, accredited professionals will accurately record results on-site, boosting confidence in the data.
- Prioritise Fish Welfare: Our scheme emphasises ethical practices, ensuring that fish are treated with care during monitoring activities.
This accreditation system not only fills a crucial void but also acknowledges the expertise required of those leading fish monitoring programmes in the field.
As the professional body for fisheries management, the Institute champions high standards, objectivity and the use of scientific evidence in the sustainable management of fish and fisheries in the environment, for the benefit of nature and the public.
Applicants are advised to go to the IFM website here for more information on the scheme and contact Ian Wellby at [email protected] for details on how to apply.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Coulson
Acting Chief Executive Officer
About the Scheme: The Fisheries Field Monitoring Accreditation Scheme is dedicated to promoting excellence in fishery monitoring and ensuring the well-being of aquatic ecosystems. Our mission is to empower professionals, enhance data quality, and foster responsible stewardship of freshwater resources.