Ensuring the quality of the data collected and transmitted to the Secretariat in line with relevant GFCM requirements and recommendations is crucial for solid science-based decision-making and compliance.
Data quality assessment involves verifying that data is reliable, consistent, and fit for their intended purpose throughout the entire data collection and reporting process. Data quality dashboards are available for consultation by COCs through a dedicated section of the DCRF online platform.
Data quality framework
The quality of the fisheries data received through the DCRF online platform from CPCs in reply to existing GFCM Recommendations is ensured thanks to the regular application of fisheries quality indicators, namely timeliness, completeness, conformity, stability, and consistency on the DCRF database.
Information transmitted by both CPCs and national experts through the Stock Assessment Forms (SAFs) input data files (DCRF Task VII.1) is regularly evaluated by existing GFCM stock assessment working groups held during the year in each GFCM subregion and, at least, for the species identified as priority by relevant GFCM subsidiary bodies.
Data and information (DCRF and not-DCRF) requested by existing GFCM Recommendations establishing 11 managements plans and transmitted by CPCs are regularly analyzed and checked in the context of Subregional Committees under the umbrella of SAC.
Quality indicators
Five different quality indicators – timeliness, completeness, conformity, stability, and consistency – are currently applied in the GFCM context. The only data officially transmitted to the Secretariat that are not yet subject to quality assessments are stock assessment input data.
