E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2002-2003 (II)
elsewhere. The overall catch for all fleets was about 23,000 t lower than in the early 1990s. The Committee
recommended further study of the effects of the moratorium on fishing with Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs)
in the Gulf of Guinea.
In response to a question from the Delegate of Canada, the SCRS Chairman explained that whereas traditional
models have been used for this assessment, new models are being developed in conjunction with the BETYP,
and that some models used by other commissions may be considered by ICCAT.
5.3 Skipjack tuna
No Skipjack tuna stock assessment was conducted in 2003; the most recent assessment was conducted in 1999.
The Chairman of the SCRS provided an update on the fishery for this species. He noted that catches in 2002
were estimated to be 114,432 t in 2002 but this figure could be low due to unreported discards of juvenile
skipjack. Catches decreased by approximately 21% for the East Atlantic and 32% in the West Atlantic with
respect to corresponding 2001 values. There appeared to be a decrease in vessel carrying capacity whereas the
numbers of baitboats remained stable. Moratoria to protect juvenile bigeye appear to have had an effect on
skipjack.
In response to a query from the Delegate of Russia, the SCRS Chairman indicated that a 2004 assessment for this
species has been proposed by the SCRS, if the Commission so requests. The Commission later requested in
Plenary that a skipjack assessment not be conducted in 2004, so that a bigeye assessment can be conducted.
In response to a question posed by Canada, the SCRS Chairman indicated that there are problems with the
skipjack data.
5.4 Questions to the SCRS Chairman and interventions from the Delegates
In response to the Delegate of Russia on reasons for the increase in yellowfin catches from 2000 to 2001, the
SCRS Chairman indicated that either improved statistics or natural causes could be the reason. He further noted
that 2002 also had high yellowfin catches, based on preliminary reports.
In response to the Delegate of Japan about whether there is overcapacity in other oceans, the SCRS Chairman
stated this is highly variable. The SCRS Chairman explained that while the number of vessels may decrease,
catch efficiency has also likely increased due to technological advances. Japan stated that it has submitted a
report on IUU for review by the PWG, that whereas fishing effort by large longliners is decreasing, fishing effort
by small vessels is increasing and that they are unable to track shipments of fresh fish from these smaller vessels
that are shipped to the United States.
In response to a request from the Delegate of the European Community concerning statistics on Ghanaian
fisheries, the SCRS Chairman noted there was a three-month pilot study, including visits to landing sites and
canneries, as well as an intensive sampling program. Some problems were experienced but there will be more
discussions with Ghanaian scientists and the study will continue. A report has been submitted to the SCRS
(SCRS/2003/088).
The Delegate of the European Community noted that whereas their fleet has been reduced, there has been an
increase in the Ghanaian and other fleets. They expressed concern about the construction of vessels measuring
23.9 length overall (LOA) which would be exempted from existing controls. In response to a question about
sampling results from these vessels, the SCRS Chairman stated that sampling data are poor or in some cases nonexistent.
Increases in observer coverage or the collection of samples by crewmembers would be the best means
to address this problem as opposed to port sampling.
In response to the European Community, the SCRS Chairman stated that data and sampling problems had a
serious impact on bigeye assessments. This required assumptions and data substitution in the assessment process.
In response to the Delegate of the United States, the SCRS Chairman stated that there are no missing recreational
fishery data for the Mediterranean Sea as tropical tunas do not enter that body of water.
The Delegate of Japan brought to the Panel’s attention that its large vessel longline fleet has decreased over the
past 20 to 30 years, that they have increased observer coverage and that they submit sampling data. The SCRS
Chairman confirmed that these are the data used for the aforementioned substitutions.
178