Sierra Leone: Training on information systems for collecting, compiling and analysing fisheries data and GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Project Background

The fisheries sector in Sierra Leone faced serious problems due to, among other things, intense fishing pressure and inadequate fisheries management, but also limited knowledge about the potential of the sector and the extent of exploitation. This lack of knowledge was also due to the low performance of the current information system for monitoring fish stocks and their exploitation. Under the given conditions, this system could not adequately inform and support the management of the sector in adopting measures based on a good knowledge of the state of the stocks and the actual trends of the fisheries.

Objectives

In this context, COFAD was contracted for the project "Training on information systems for collecting, compiling and analysing fisheries data and GIS (Geographic Information Systems)". The purpose of this assignment was to assist the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) in strengthening the human and technical capacity of the Statistics Department. The objective was to develop and maintain an efficient Fisheries Information and Analysis System (FIAS), in particular through clearly defined, functional and self-sustaining fisheries statistical monitoring programmes and GIS applications.

Activities and/or Results

MFMR staff have been trained in stock assessment and in the use of ARTFISH (Approaches, Rules, Techniques for Fisheries Statistical Monitoring) and IFDaS (Industrial Fishery Database System) statistical software, as well as in exporting data to other formats (e.g. Excel). To ensure better use of the potential of GIS software in fisheries and aquaculture management, a basic introduction to GIS and pre-programming of certain applications were also provided.

• Update and put into operation of ARTFISH database; update of software modules in line with the recent versions provided by FAO;
• Extension of IFDaS’ functions to enable data export from Access to Excel or other data analysis software;
• Training course to ensure effective use of ARTFISH and IFDaS; national experts are able to effectively use the two programmes.
• Training in process and methods of stock assessment, making use of collected data; national experts are able to interpret the results of ARTFISH statistical diagnostics relating to data quality and accuracy of estimates.
• Basic training in using GIS;
• Evaluation of on-going statistical programmes;
• Proposals for methodological and operational improvements;
• Development of practical data collection protocols.