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Within the framework of the MedSudMed project, Expert Consultations (ECs) on “spatial distribution of demersal resources” and on “marine protected areas” highlighted the necessity to aggregate all relevant national data and information available. The most important parameters for these two subject areas have been identified by the participating experts and it was agreed that they would process and compile the information in an appropriate manner to be eventually integrated into the national MedSudMed database and information system which would be developed through the assistance of the Project.

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The overall objective of the technical meeting was to homogenize the data and information aggregation among the participating institutes to MedSudMed Project. The following issues were discussed:
- Data collection and aggregation methods
- Data formats
- Content and structure of the reports to be produced
- Type and quality of the outputs (spatial and temporal scale, resolution)
- Schedule of the data and information collection.

Technical details regarding the MedSudMed Information System were was also part of the agenda, as well as an update on on-going activities related to this issue.

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The expected outputs were the agreement on the type and format of the information to be collected by each institute, as well as on the organization of this data and information aggregation. According to former discussions held during the standardization workshop (Mazara, May 2003), and the previous Expert Consultations, the information that was considered relevant includes:

1. - Target species: for each one of the species indicated below, biomass indices, as well as demographic parameters (average length, length and age structures, fecundity, sex-ratio) should be calculated using past trawl surveys:

   1. Bony Fish: Merluccius merluccius, Mullus barbatus, Pagellus erythrinus, Mullus surmuletus, Trachurus trachurus, Helicolenus dactylopterus

   2. Cephalopods: Sepia officinalis, Octopus vulgaris, Eledone cirrhosa

   3. Crustaceans: Parapenaeus longirostris, Aristaeomorpha foliacea, Nephrops norvegicus

   4. Cartilaginous Fish: Raja clavata

2. - Physical description of the area:

   1. Bathymetry

   2. Sedimentology, seabed biotopes

   3. Temperature

   4. Salinity

   5. Superficial currents and currents at different depths

   6. Wind patterns

3. - Biotic environment:

   1. Biocenosis according to the RAC/SPA Classification (RAC/SPA, November 1997)

   2. Fish assemblages

   3. Phytoplankton / Chlorophyll

   4. Zooplankton

4. - Fishing pressure:

   1. Fishing effort distribution

   2. Fishing intensity by gear

   3. Fishing grounds for each gear.

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The meeting was attended by representatives of participating institutes to MedSudMed Project, as well as the Project staff. It was conducted in English and French.