EU fisheries management relies on data collected, managed and supplied by EU countries under the Data Collection Framework.

The common fisheries policy (article 25(2)) sets out the key principles for data collection:

• accuracy
• reliability and timeliness
• avoidance of duplication through improved coordination
• safe storage in database systems
• improved availability of data
• compliance with laws on personal data protection
• access for the European Commission, enabling it to check the availability and quality of data and the methodology used to collect them.

These principles will be central to a Commission proposal for a revised Data Collection Framework regulation that is currently being prepared.

More information

Joint Research Centre (JRC) fisheries data collection website

Official documents

Regulation (EU) 2017/1004 of 17 May 2017 on the establishment of a Union framework for the collection, management and use of data in the fisheries sector and support for scientific advice regarding the common fisheries policy and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 199/2008

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1701 of 19 August 2016 laying down rules on the format for the submission of work plans for data collection in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors (notified under document C(2016) 5304)

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1251 of 12 July 2016 adopting a multiannual Union programme for the collection, management and use of data in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors for the period 2017-2019 (notified under document C(2016) 4329)

Additional documents

DCF Stakeholder Workshop – January 2014

Frequently Asked Questions on Data Collection and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund