Quality checking of Mediterranean & Black Sea data and training for Member State experts

The fisheries data collected under the EU Data Collection Framework are essential for various objectives, including stock assessments, research projects, and management purposes. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the data are accurate, error-free, and as consistent as possible.

Various initiatives and EU-funded projects (e.g. STREAM, RoME, RDBFIS, STECF EWG 22-03) have been carried out over the past ten years, resulting in the development of a set of R scripts designed to enhance data quality prior to submission and to identify data issues once the data are used by end-users.

Despite the usefulness of these R scripts, many Member States did not utilise them effectively, resulting in persistent errors in submitted commercial and survey data. This indicated a need for targeted training for national experts on using available R tools to identify and rectify data inconsistencies before submission to the DG MARE Med & BS data call. Moreover, a series of meetings involving different relevant actors had been organised to discuss and plan the steps towards the improvement and standardisation of quality check procedures.

To answer to these specific needs, QualiTrain was launched, as a specific contract (CINEA/EMFAF/2021-3.1.2-02-SC03), implementing the Framework Service Contract EASME/EMFF/2020/OP/0021.

The study started in December 2022, having as main goal to enhance quality checks and data validation processes, while also organising technical training sessions to allow experts involved in EU Data Collection Framework to familiarise and use the quality check tools before data submission. In addition, QualiTrain was tasked to quality check Med & BS data, complementing STECF relevant processes.