The data collected by the RECOPESCA instruments are

- environmental parameters (pressure, temperature, salinity and possibly turbidity) over the entire water column, via a probe equipped with sensors,

- geolocation data, via a GPS.

The various sensors record the data and then communicate them by radio waves to a central data acquisition unit, also installed on board and known as a "concentrator". This compact box (which houses the GPS) then transmits the data on land to a data centre based at Ifremer Brest for storage. The automatic transmission is done by GPRS, as soon as the vessel is within range of the telephone network, without any intervention from the crew.

The RECOPESCA system is designed to feed Ifremer's oceanographic and fisheries information systems. It is therefore based on the existing thematic data centres:

- Coriolis, for coastal and offshore operational oceanography,

- The SIH (Système d'Informations Halieutiques) and its Harmonie database for fisheries.

This data management by the Topic Centres guarantees the quality control of the information and its dissemination to end users.

• Sampling plan(s) :

There is no sampling plan.

The programme is based on volunteer professional fishing vessels equipped according to scientific needs for physical data and/or vessel activity.

It therefore has a spatial and temporal variability.

• Precision on the type of data :

- Physical data: profiles up to 1,200m with acquisition every second and then every 10 minutes on the bottom.

- Geolocation data: acquisition from 1 to 15 minutes.

• Parameter(s) observed or measured :

- Pressure, temperature, salinity and possibly turbidity.

- GPS position of the vessel.

• Resolution of parameter(s) :

Data are banked by vessel and by year, day, minute, tide, fishing operation.

• Format(s):

The available data exist in the following formats: csv, pdf.