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Support to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission - GCP/INT/305/EC

Project's full title Support to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission - GCP/INT/305/EC
Introduction The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission is an intergovernmental organization established under Article XIV of the FAO Constitution to manage tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. Its main aim is the conservation and optimum utilization of fish stocks for long-term sustainability.
Country European Union Sri Lanka
Start date 01/01/2018
End date 31/12/2021
Status Closed
Donor European Union
Recipient / Target Areas Sri Lanka
Budget USD 721 154
Project Code GCP/INT/305/EC
Objective / Goal

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission is an intergovernmental organization established under Article XIV of the
FAO Constitution to manage tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. Its main aim is the conservation and optimum utilization of fish stocks for long-term sustainability. In recent years, the Commission has expressed concern that some countries are unable to report fisheries statistics to the level and extent required. In particular, the Commission identified a need to improve data collection and reporting for artisanal and industrial fisheries in developing coastal states. The aim of the project was to support the IOTC to improve the quality and quantity of data available. This will lead to a better scientific knowledge of the ecosystems managed by the IOTC, in particular those related to tunas and tuna-like species, and ensure the appropriate management of all species impacted by IOTC fisheries.
Partners

Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)
Beneficiaries

Fisheries sector in IOTC member countries
Activities
  • An independent abundance estimate produced.
  • Management strategy evaluation developed for implementation by IOTC.
  • Spatially explicit stock assessment model developed to evaluate potential bias in models using tagging data.
  • Capacity to use most suitable data-poor methods for IOTC stocks increased.
  • Regional growth estimates developed for use in stock assessment models.
  • Formal sampling programme adopted for collection of albacore size data.
  • Data from Indian Ocean shark populations gathered for updated assessment.
  • System developed to determine catch levels for yellowfin tuna in future.
  • Reliability of longline and purse seine data series validated.
  • Support given to implementation of ROS.
  • Information on the catches of coastal fleets improved.
  • Data compliance missions conducted in seven IOTC member states.
  • Identification guides produced and translated into languages of major fishing fleets in IOTC waters.
  • Advice on sea turtle management updated.
  • Strategic Science Plan (2020-2024) developed for the IOTC Scientific Committee.
Impact The project outputs now form a permanent part of the IOTC’s scientific knowledge base, directly contributing to the development of knowledge related to tuna fisheries and their associated ecosystems within the IOTC and in the broader international scientific community. Additional outputs providing guidance on key bycatch species such as sea turtles and sharks will reduce the ecosystem impacts on these species by tuna fisheries and lead to significant improvements in sustainability and environmental understanding and management.
Contact

Dan Fu (Lead Technical Officer) - [email protected]
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