CFF Researchers Participate in ICES Annual Science Conference 2026
Building partnerships for novel oceanographic and fisheries-dependent data.
October 8, 2026
CFF researchers Andrew Corso and Cassandra Tillotson recently attended the 2026 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Annual Science Conference in Brest, France, joining 742 participants from 33 countries for an international gathering focused on marine and fisheries science.
Andrew served as one of three conveners for the theme session “Building partnerships for novel oceanographic and fisheries-dependent data.” The session focused on an ongoing challenge in ocean science: while understanding physical ocean processes is important for climate projections, ecosystem knowledge, and fisheries management, significant gaps remain in subsurface observations, particularly in coastal and shelf seas.
The session brought together work across four main areas: the current state of fishing vessel-based observing systems; sensors and devices used on vessels and gear; applications of the resulting data in areas including ocean science, management, fishing operations, modeling, and citizen science; and data management to support effective use across research and industry.
Cassie presented on the eMOLT program and technologies developed through our Fishing for Data project - generating questions and discussion around CFF’s sonde, fishboard, and fishermen engagement. Andrew presented on his electronic monitoring (EM) pilot program in the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, using onboard cameras to help expand the data available for research and management.
The session was part of a larger week of scientific exchange at ICES ASC 2026. This year’s conference included 18 theme sessions, seven network sessions, three keynote sessions, and 150 posters presented.
For Andrew and Cassie, the conference provided an opportunity to participate in those international discussions and share CFF’s work with attendees.
Learn more about Theme Session “Building partnerships for novel oceanographic and fisheries-dependent data,” on the ICES website: https://www.ices.dk/events/asc/2026/Pages/default.aspx