Socio-economic data are a key component of the scientific advice required for the participatory management of fisheries, yet in many countries these data are limited, usually because of a lack of technical capacity for their collection. The aim of this handbook is to act as a practical guide for addressing the limited availability of socio-economic data as well as a general lack of capacity for socio-economic data collection. Specifically, it addresses survey design, data processing, and the analysis and dissemination of this data. The handbook has been written for those planning surveys and coordinating and supervising all the phases of the survey data collection process, from the sampling design to the final estimates, including the organization of the fieldwork.

The handbook consists of three sections. In the first it introduces the basic theory and background required for understanding the socio-economic survey methodologies. The second section moves from sampling design; fleet segmentation; questionnaire design; and training data collectors, to data quality checks and treatment for making estimations. The final section covers the steps required to move from data collection into the calculation of statistics. Indicators, and the methodology used for their calculation, are presented and this is followed by an in-depth and practical example of how the data can be presented and utilized for policy-level decisions.

Citation: Pinello, D., Gee, J. & Dimech, M. 2017. Handbook for fisheries socio-economic sample survey – principles and practice. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper No. 613. Rome, FAO.