28.06.2013 IRD/FAO/SIP

2013-06-28 IRD Meeting minutes (Prepared by FAO, Y.Laurent)

Participants

IRD : Julien Barde / Norbert Billet / Pierre Chavance / Pascal Cauquil / Julien Lebranchu / Pascal Bach FAO / SIP : Yann Laurent SIP : Olivier Roux / Grégoire Pichenot / Jacques Joyeux

Tentative agenda

• Yann / Julien : 8h30 – 9h30 : discussion on FLUX / FishFrame (
• Yann / Julien / Pierre / Pascal : 9h30 – 10h30: Observer project discussion
• All : from 10.30 : demo of the new StatBase version, presentation of new features ; SmartFish evolution presentation and discussion, IRD vision of StatBase future

Discussion on FLUX / FishFrame

• Julien Barde presented the latest development done by IRD on FishFrame (FF) format.
• Julien presented the context of FishFrame and the previous activities done by Céline Rodriguez to identify DCF (Data Collection Framework ¹) elements in the different IRD databases and create a data dictionary.
• Julien reminded us about the difference between FishFrame (data exchange format) and COST (data process librairies)

FishFrame format offers the structure for observer data; it has been used as reference for the XML file as output of CERIT data.

• Julien Lebranchu, java developer, has worked on the CERIT² tool (the DPMA data input tool) to propose a solution for migrating CERIT ERS logbook tool to an open source solution. He worked on extracting logbook data from XML files, and inject them through java objects to a PostgreSQL db built on eRS v3 schema. With its Baldaya database, IRD has a tool containing both declarative and sampling landing data. From this model, Julien L. analyzed the possible mapping with Fishframe schema for DCF sampling (landings and onboard observer data) to enrich the CERIT tool migrated to a postgreSQL with observer data. This is one suggestion for extending FLUX to data collected by scientists for the DCF.
• FLUX provides format on several fisheries domains like eRS but does not provide a specific format on observer data, which are essential for scientific committees’ analysis. IRD has validated this observer schema available in FF by developing tools to extract data from DPMA and import them in a database.
• The analysis of the FishFrame format for observer data and FLUX eRS format highlights numerous similarities in concepts. Code lists can be different. IRD recommends inserting FF observer schema in FLUX using FLUX code lists. IRD is seeking for some supports and / or advices on the methodology. There is now a project for the end of this year and 2014 where IRD could help to extend ERS by collecting additional needs of RFMOs for tropical tuna.
• Yann recommended to contact Francky and offer him to describe completely the observer data schema candidate for FLUX in a UN/CEFACT template. The legal framework has to be carefully assessed.

Discussion on Observer project

• IRD has developed a tool for seiner (PS) observer data called ObServe-PS. A tool has been developed (standalone application on laptop, java/ H2database, central postgres/gis database) and is currently used for onboard observers programs used on French, Spanish and Seychelles seiners.
• There is an identified need for similar tool for longliners ObServe-LL. In terms of fisheries technics, longliners (LL) operates in a radically different way than seiners. In terms of IT tool, it seemed to Yann that most of the features are already available in the current tool, managing longliners data could be seen as a new module for the current system.
• The current project proposed for funding is the extension of this observer tool to longliners. A requirement document is available. The goal is to collect observer data directly on board, synchronize data with a centralized data and then provide reports for RFMO scientific committees (standard format like FishFrame or FLUX?).

Pascal Bach has described the long process to find fundings (started in 2011 with lot of back and forth discussions with partners).

Needs are of 2 types:

• Software development resources
• South-South cooperation for training and technical backstopping / material purchase

• Yann indicates that he will seek with iMarine and SmartFish how the project can be supported now that he knows better the context. SmartFish could be a candidate to support south-south cooperation. He requested Pascal Cauquil to send him the requirements document. He encourages Pierre Chavance and Pascal Bach to also seek support from their partners using the current seiner observer data tool. Unlike seine fishery, most southern countries have longline fisheries and the need for such a tool for longliners has been long identified. A request could also be done by a country like Seychelles or Mauritius to a donor for such a tool.
• Julien Barde indicates that such a tool could also be extended to landing report with some substantial adjustments.

Next steps

• Yann: discuss with Marc and Anton the possible actions to support IRD in the FF Observer format inclusion to FLUX and report to IRD;
• Yann: discuss with Marc and Anton iMarine options to support development of LL observer data monitor tool (off-line);
• Yann: discuss with Clotilde on possible support for training and technical backstopping (knowing that time line could be an issue as SmartFish project will end early 2014);
• Pascal C: send requirements document to help Yann and Anton to assess possible collaboration
• Pierre and Pascal B: seek financial support from partners to develop Observe-LL

Follow-up

• Marc indicated that he could bring his support to Julien's initiative to include FF observer format at iMarine Board level.
• Yann and Anton acknowledged the interest for iMarine to extend ICIS to data collection. There is a current initiative to go in the direction of development of an iMarine statistical bundle products (from data collection to data publication). Yann will contribute taking into consideration IRD needs for the LL observer tool and could include an evolution of StatBase as statistical dissemination tool.

¹: Data Collection Framework (CE) n° 199/2008
²: CERIT is the French Technical Institution under the Ministry of Agriculture providing IT solutions for agriculture and fisheries monitoring