The objective of this study was to develop an effective biological sampling programme for fish species in the English Channel (ICES Divisions Vild and Vile) which are not subject to quota management, and to prepare these data for use in multispecies, multi-fleet models being developed by the Channel Fisheries Study Group. Length and age data were coIlected for six non-quota species, and length data for a further five species. The samples were coIlected over a period of two years from important ports on the French and UK coasts. The exploitation patterns of each species were described by allocating catches from similar catching gears, regions, seasons and target species into common units referred to as métiers. The most important métiers in terms of landed weight for each species were sampled, and a description of the seasonality and regionality of the fishery was prepared. The results and conclusions of the sampling for each species were presented by métier, and showed that the fisheries for aIl the species studied were to sorne extent seasonal and exploited regionally within VIld and VIle. The data were also assessed in terms of the suitability for use in fisheries models. The data coIlected were adequate for simple modelling studies for the more abundant species. Data for those species which exhibited high seasonality in their fisheries were adequate whilst the fishery was in season, but poor for the remainder of the year. In aIl cases aggregation of the data on a six monthly or annual basis has been recommended.