Sea Angling Data Collection in Northern Ireland

Under the EU Data Collection Framework, DAERA Marine & Fisheries Division are required to report on recreational fishing for the following species:

· Salmon and eels (including in fresh water)

· Seabass

· Cod

· Pollack

· Elasmobranchs

· Highly migratory ICCAT species e.g. tuna species

Traditionally recreational anglers can submit records via DAERA's Sea Angling Data Collection Form (available here)

Note that fishing locations will not be shared with others and are purely for DAERA's use.

In an effort to simplify and modernise data collection methods for recreational anglers, Sea2it has agreed to host a data collection portal using the Epicollect5 app. 

1. The app can be downloaded via the following links for Apple and Android devices:

- Apple

- Android 

2. Following download of the app, the data submission form can be found using the following link  Epicollect5 - Sea Angling Data Collection Form 

3. Data submitted via this method will be collated by Sea2it and submitted to DAERA every 3 months

The Epicollect5 app is a free community orientated tool which enables data to be collected with ease using a mobile phone. It is the quickest way of submitting a record which contributes to DAERA's angling data. 

The app enables contributors to input data in 'real-time' including automatic location information and the ability to upload photographs.

A copy of the Sea Angling Data Collection form can also be collected from your closest Harbour Office. Harbour offices should have available an A3 size Sea Angling Data Collection table which can be completed in hard-copy. These are available free-of-charge to anglers.

Sea2it is making this hard-copy format available on waterproof and tearproof A3 paper which you can take on your angling trip and complete on-site, later uploading the information via the EpiCollect5 app (using the QR code on the form), or via taking a picture of the form and forwarding it to marineconservation@daera-ni.gov.uk

Have a question or want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

info@sea2it.org