Australia
91. Australian operators are now required to collect management data on a tow-by-tow basis. Biological data will continue to be obtained from the commercial fishery by marine observers. The major operator has maintained 100 % observer coverage of its vessels. Should their vessels operate in a new area, marine observers will be required. There are no fishery-independent data.
South Africa
92. The option of placing observers on commercial vessels operating in the study area will probably be exercised, but there was concern about getting data from foreign operators - where the skippers tend to maintain possession of the data.
Namibia
93. The Namibian delegation noted that the new Marine Resources Act will facilitate obtaining information from any Namibian-flagged commercial fishing operation.
European Union
94. An offer was given that the delegate would attempt to obtain information from European operators who had been fishing in the area.
Seychelles
95. Should there be any fishing in deepwater areas, they are required to carry marine observers and a full onboard sampling programme would be conducted.
New Zealand
96. New Zealand vessels are required to provide data to the Government at the tow-by-tow level.
France
97. No permit is required for fishing on the highseas, and thus no obligation exists for operators to provide data. This is not the case within the EEZ.
Japan
98. Provision of data is voluntary and government policy is not to increase any reporting obligations of the industry, though the government is considering asking for more information.
