RECOFI - Minimum Data Reporting Regional Database Workshop

The Working Group on Fisheries Management (WGFM) will address the status of national submissions, timing of data calls, and standardized questionnaires, while focusing the discussion on currents needs for improvement, from reporting capacities to data usage, as well as the relevance of indicators according to national data availability. Following the outcomes of the workshop, a number of proposals will be made to Member Countries to further develop the MDR Agreement, and to support RECOFI’s work in the region.

The overall objective of the workshop is to support the strengthening of RECOFI’s statistics and information capacity through its WGFM. Specifically, the workshop aims to:

- review the current status of Minimum Data Requirement national submissions, including discussions on current indicators and data available for submission;

- work towards the development of a standardized RECOFI MDR questionnaire/data exchange format, and to harmonize with other reporting obligations;

- discuss the timing of MDR data calls; and

- ensure progress on development of the regional database, including steps towards an evaluation of a pilot regional database. 

In addition, the workshop will raise opportunities to reflect on a number of queries stemming from the status of MDR submissions from the adoption of the Agreement. Participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts on

- the relevance of current MDR indicators in catering to the needs of Member Nations;

- the need for a review of the MDR Agreement;

- the ways in which the submitted data could be used;

- ways to improve reporting capacities of Member Nations; and

- the best ways forward to ensure progress on the development of an operational RECOFI regional database.

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