Within the EU, stomach sampling currently operates on a variable basis of intensity and the sampling and analyses of
stomachs are not coordinated between countries. To realise the benefits of stomach
sampling carried out by different institutes and to match the needs of the end-users of diet data, better coordination is urgently needed.
Within EU MAP, there is a unique opportunity for the regular collection of diet data
within fisheries research surveys. To ensure a homogeneous dataset with suitable
spatio-temporal coverage and to make effective and efficient use of available resources,
coordination of stomach sampling studies is essential.
The main aims of WKBECOSS are to:
- Review sampling programmes at European institutions (surveys, sampling at ports etc..) in relation to fish stomach content analyses (SCA) and stable isotope analyses (SIA), and other methodologies.
- Discuss, review, and update existing best practice guidelines for SCA programmes and how to manage the use of different data sources (surveys, sampling at ports etc..) to establish a better coordinated sampling.
- Discuss the usefulness of SCA and SIA for ecosystem modelling and development of food web indicators.
- Develop an action plan to improve coordinated regional stomach sampling
WKBECOSS will take place 3–6 September in Santander, Spain.
