Fishing vessels need to be marked in such a way that they can be easily identified in accordance with international standards. Correct use of vessel markings enables a fishing vessel to be linked to its identity, as contained in vessel records. Through proper marking the operational and/or historical information related to the vessel can be retrieved, including its fishing and other authorisations.

In March 2017, the Tuna Compliance Network (TCN) was set up to facilitate communication and cooperation between officers responsible for compliance and experts in Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS). Its main objective is to share best practice compliance processes associated mainly with tuna RFMOs and, therefore contribute to combating IUU fishing in tuna fisheries. The TCN is supported by the International MCS Network, the Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project that is funded by GEF and implemented by UN-FAO, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), and other partners.

The workshop was designed to give a broad understanding of the Common Oceans Tuna Project, an introduction to what is required by the tRFMOs in terms of seabird bycatch mitigation measures and reporting requirements, as well as current research available for each measure.

Summary of the side event on Capacity Development in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ): Experiences, Lessons, and Possible Ways Forward on July 17, 2017, at BBNJ PrepCom 4.

Result of capacity development assessment designed to determine existing capacity as well as desired capacity in the management of ABNJ. Participants include 250 regional, and national decision-makers in global organizations (such as FAO, UNEP, UNESCO, UNDP, regional organizations, the Permanent Commission for the South pacific, regional conventions, and national organizations).