Objectives: The main aim of the project is to build and test a new, objective mesh gauge, suitable for fisheries inspection, fisheries research and the fishing industry. In support, a protocol will be written for using the new mesh gauge for control and scientific purposes. The project is a combination of research and demonstration tasks. The specific scientific and technological objectives of the project are: o To build prototypes of the new mesh gauge o To refine the new design after initial testing o To build sufficient prototypes for extensive testing and demonstration The specific demonstration objectives of the project are: o To compare the prototype with the existing mesh gauges and to determine the capabilities of the new instrument (laboratory tests) o To test the new gauge in the field o To draft a protocol for using the new mesh gauge for control and scientific purposes o To demonstrate the new mesh gauge to inspection services, fisheries scientists and the fishing industry (netting manufacturers, net makers and fishermen) of EU fishing nations, Norway and Poland with the aim to obtain wide acceptance of the new instrument and protocol. Results and Milestones: The conceptual design of the OMEGA mesh gauge was presented to all partners at the first coordination meeting at the start of the project. The workplan, project management, the Consortium Agreement and the responsibilities of each partner were discussed in detail. The two instrument makers, participants 11 and 12, co-operated in building a test gauge and performed a number of initial tests to ensure its correct functioning. Control techniques for the measuring force and the distance measured were developed. The development of the gauge was monitored by a Follow-up Group consisting of participants 1, 2, 11 and 12. Test gauges were delivered to the Acceptance Group, participants 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10 who performed a series of acceptance tests to verify that the new mesh gauge met the requirements set out in the technical annex. These first tests were concluded by a meeting of the Acceptance Group to discuss the results and to propose modifications to the test gauge. Modified gauges were delivered shortly after and tested again. The modified test gauge fully satisfied the Acceptance Group. The approval of the test gauge is the first milestone in the project. Benefits and Beneficiaries: A new mesh gauge has been built and the first tests have shown that the instrument meets the requirements set out in the Technical Annex. The OMEGA gauge is free of human influences and hence the prerequisite of developing an objective mesh gauge was met. If the new mesh gauge can be accepted as the standard mesh gauge, this would be beneficial to all user groups. The discrepancy between fisheries research and inspection, caused by the use of different measuring instruments, would cease to exist and lead to a better implementation of the minimum mesh size regulation. An modern standard mesh gauge, unbiased by the operator, will better sustain the rigours of Court procedures, which is beneficial for both fisheries inspection services and fishermen. The netting manufacturers have long since demanded a more definite measurement of mesh size, as an unambiguous mesh measurement is a prerequisite for the production of and trading in netting materials. In fact the netting industry has requested that the prototype mesh gauge should already be available for sale. Future Actions: A series of prototype mesh gauges will be built and extensively tested in the laboratory and at sea. Apart from the participants, the user groups will also have the occasion to use the new instrument. The outcome of the tests and experiences will be presented and discussed at a final workshop at the end of the project. A protocol for using the new mesh gauge will be drafted, taking account of the legal aspects of mesh measuring procedures. It will be investigated how the new mesh gauge can become the standard mesh gauge to be employed by all user groups.
Development and Testing of an Objective Mesh Gauge (OMEGA)
Leonori I;Buglioni G;
2003
Abstract
Objectives: The main aim of the project is to build and test a new, objective mesh gauge, suitable for fisheries inspection, fisheries research and the fishing industry. In support, a protocol will be written for using the new mesh gauge for control and scientific purposes. The project is a combination of research and demonstration tasks. The specific scientific and technological objectives of the project are: o To build prototypes of the new mesh gauge o To refine the new design after initial testing o To build sufficient prototypes for extensive testing and demonstration The specific demonstration objectives of the project are: o To compare the prototype with the existing mesh gauges and to determine the capabilities of the new instrument (laboratory tests) o To test the new gauge in the field o To draft a protocol for using the new mesh gauge for control and scientific purposes o To demonstrate the new mesh gauge to inspection services, fisheries scientists and the fishing industry (netting manufacturers, net makers and fishermen) of EU fishing nations, Norway and Poland with the aim to obtain wide acceptance of the new instrument and protocol. Results and Milestones: The conceptual design of the OMEGA mesh gauge was presented to all partners at the first coordination meeting at the start of the project. The workplan, project management, the Consortium Agreement and the responsibilities of each partner were discussed in detail. The two instrument makers, participants 11 and 12, co-operated in building a test gauge and performed a number of initial tests to ensure its correct functioning. Control techniques for the measuring force and the distance measured were developed. The development of the gauge was monitored by a Follow-up Group consisting of participants 1, 2, 11 and 12. Test gauges were delivered to the Acceptance Group, participants 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10 who performed a series of acceptance tests to verify that the new mesh gauge met the requirements set out in the technical annex. These first tests were concluded by a meeting of the Acceptance Group to discuss the results and to propose modifications to the test gauge. Modified gauges were delivered shortly after and tested again. The modified test gauge fully satisfied the Acceptance Group. The approval of the test gauge is the first milestone in the project. Benefits and Beneficiaries: A new mesh gauge has been built and the first tests have shown that the instrument meets the requirements set out in the Technical Annex. The OMEGA gauge is free of human influences and hence the prerequisite of developing an objective mesh gauge was met. If the new mesh gauge can be accepted as the standard mesh gauge, this would be beneficial to all user groups. The discrepancy between fisheries research and inspection, caused by the use of different measuring instruments, would cease to exist and lead to a better implementation of the minimum mesh size regulation. An modern standard mesh gauge, unbiased by the operator, will better sustain the rigours of Court procedures, which is beneficial for both fisheries inspection services and fishermen. The netting manufacturers have long since demanded a more definite measurement of mesh size, as an unambiguous mesh measurement is a prerequisite for the production of and trading in netting materials. In fact the netting industry has requested that the prototype mesh gauge should already be available for sale. Future Actions: A series of prototype mesh gauges will be built and extensively tested in the laboratory and at sea. Apart from the participants, the user groups will also have the occasion to use the new instrument. The outcome of the tests and experiences will be presented and discussed at a final workshop at the end of the project. A protocol for using the new mesh gauge will be drafted, taking account of the legal aspects of mesh measuring procedures. It will be investigated how the new mesh gauge can become the standard mesh gauge to be employed by all user groups.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
