The reference fleet is a selected group of Norwegian fishing vessels that, for financial compensation, give the Institute of Marine Research detailed information on their individual catches and on their general fishing activities. The aim is to have vessels that have an operations pattern that is representative for the vessel group in question. When establishing the reference fleet, emphasis will be put on achieving the best possible nationwide cooperation in the fleet. The sample taking and processing of the collected data is done with the same procedures that the Institute of Marine Research's own research vessels use.

The reference fleet is a platform for the long term collection of data from Norwegian commercial fisheries, which will strengthen the research-based management of Norwegian fisheries. The reference fleet has four main aims:

1) Long term and quality assured biological sampling from catches.

a) Representative sample taking from fishing will contribute to the research database that gives a basis for estimating the length and age composition of catches for the most important stocks, with an emphasis on cod, haddock, saithe, herring and mackerel.

b) Ensure representative data on the length and age composition of catches over time as one of the foundations for estimating stocks.

2) Documentation of fish contributions and species composition in total catches, including by-catches, throwing nets, and catches of non-commercial species, seabirds, and sea mammals.

a) Ensure a data basis for documenting total catches, as well as a basis for monitoring biodiversity over time.

b) Ensure a data basis for monitoring fish contributions and catch-per-unit-contributions.

3) Platform for the collection of special samples from the fisheries.

4) Through a partnership with the Institute of Marine Research, the Reference Fleet contributes to developing cooperation between fishers and researchers.

Note* - The contracting authority asks for patience.

Due to holiday for several employees, it will take a little longer to answer any questions from candidates.

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