Perceptions of fish distribution, abundance and behaviour: Observations revealed by alternative survey strategies made by scientific and fishing vessels

Comparisons are made between acoustic recordings of fish distribution, abundance and behaviour when alternative scientific survey and fishing strategies are employed. Two case-studies are examined. In the first, a scientific research vessel uses both strategies to observe sandeels on the Dogger bank. In the second, a commercial fishing vessel uses both strategies to observe demersal fish on the Shetland shelf edge. Although there were clear differences in the densities and distribution of sandeel schools and demersal fish recorded by the different observation perspectives, both strategies reveal important information to improve understanding of fish resources and ecology. The examples are used to illustrate how differences in perceptions may, at times, lead to starkly contrasting opinions between fishermen and scientists. Implications are discussed in the context of the changing emphasis of fisheries management toward partnerships and collaboration between industry, science and management.