Anguilla 
Antigua and Barbuda 
Grenada 
Bahamas 
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Belize 
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Guyana 
Haiti 
Jamaica 
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The Evolution of Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting of Fisheries Data for the Commonwealth of Dominica
Derrick Theophille and Kurt Hilton
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Dominica Fisheries Division, Commonwealth of Dominica
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ABSTRACT
Fisheries data collection is essential for the long-term sustainability of the sector. Limited fisheries data presents uncertainty at varying levels leading to decreased productivity and economic loss. Utilising new and emerging technologies within the fisheries sector allows for more efficient decision-making since there is an ability to record and report more quickly, comprehensively and efficiently. Spanning a 29-year period, data collection and management in Dominica have seen significant changes. This has included paper-based data collection at landing sites, a data input clerk inputting data, storage of data in Microsoft Access, and data analysis using Microsoft Excel. More recently, however, there has been a shift to utilising electronic data collection forms in Kobotoolbox and analysis and reporting of data using the R statistical software. In this paper, we document the evolution of fisheries data collection and storage in the Commonwealth of Dominica, highlighting the challenges and future trajectory using low-cost and open-source methods and technologies for data collection, data manipulation, data analysis, and reporting. The use of new and inclusive methods of data collection presents a greater scope for the collection of information, leading to a reduced cost of data collection as well as time spent on the analysis and reporting of standardised or automated results.
HOW TO CITE: Theophille, D. and K. Hilton, 2026. The Evolution of Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting of Fisheries Data for the Commonwealth of Dominica. Contribution 3.13, p238-248 IN CRFM, 2026. Volume I: Technical Papers. Presented at the CRFM 20th Anniversary Scientific Conference, 28-31 August 2023. CRFM Special Publication No. 37, CRFM Secretariat https://www.crfm.int/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=918
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