The main objective of this manual is to present the basic and standard concepts of sampling methods applied to fisheries science. In order to ensure sound fisheries research, it is essential to have reliable data from landing ports, fishery stocks and research surveys. A rational management of fishing resources can then be established to ensure a sustainable exploitation rate and responsible fisheries management, providing long term benefits for all.
This document is divided into nine chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to sampling theory. Chapter 2 introduces the theory of the three worlds (population, sample and sampling) as well as a short revision of probability concepts.
Chapters 3 to 6 provide an overview of the simple random, random stratified, cluster and two-stage sampling methods. The expressions for estimating the mean and total of the populations, their sampling distributions, the expected values, the sampling variances and their estimates are included and justified for each of the sampling designs.
Chapter 7 presents a case study of biological sampling from landing ports. Chapter 8, an essential part of the manual, provides exercises that should be used to further understand the objectives of sampling and its advantages to fishery resource studies. Finally, Chapter 9 provides possible solutions to those exercises.
Cadima, EX.; Caramelo, A.M.; Afonso-Dias, M.; Conte de Barros, P,; Tandstad, M.O.; de Leiva-Moreno, J.I.
Sampling methods applied to fisheries science: a manual.
FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. No. 434. Rome, FAO. 2005. 88p.