E - Iccat

PANEL 1
Paragraph 19 of Rec. 11-01 foresees the collection of information on FADs and the SCRS would like the
Commission to review this information. However, no new proposal was presented. There could be an
amendment in 2013 or a new resolution.
The United States noted the request from the SCRS to improve FAD monitoring and information and identified
this as a priority for consideration next year. The United States also referred to a request from the Secretariat for
clarification on the required format of logbook submissions under Recommendation 11-01, noting their
understanding that data from logbooks should be submitted electronically in accordance with domestic
confidentiality requirements where applicable.
7. Research
Dr. Santiago pointed out the following research programmes:
− collection of historical data;
− tagging programme - an important initiative for the improvement of management.
− skipjack assessment in 2014, in line with the increase in the fleet. This assessment dates back to several
years ago; as soon as relevant information (catch data) becomes available, an update can be carried out in
2013-2014.
The Chair took note of these three research programmes and recalled that Dr. Alain Fonteneau had made a
presentation on the tagging programme and provided advice to Contracting Parties concerned. The discussion
was opened on the research programme.
The United States expressed support for the large-scale tagging programme for tropical tunas and noted that they
have contributed $62,500 in support of it. Detailed information from this programme will reduce uncertainty in
assessments and help the Commission better manage tropical tuna stocks. The United States also suggested that
STACFAD should consider ways in which the Commission can support this important work.
The Russian Federation supported this line of research.
8. Other matters
Ghana returned to the issue of the regional observer programmes (paragraph 27 of Rec. 11-01] which should be
implemented by the Secretariat in 2013; Ghana wished to know if it was ready and, if not, if it is possible to call
upon national observers.
The Secretariat explained that the implementation of the observer programme is estimated for 2013 and therefore
a call for tenders has been issued. It is up to the Commission to decide if this first closure would be covered by
the national observer programmes. There was a general sentiment that this approach would be appropriate.
Senegal expressed interest regarding the tagging programme and recalled that a discussion had taken place in
2011 for a small tuna tagging programme. Senegal also expressed that although it is necessary for coastal
countries to fully understand the biology of large tunas, small tunas are also important and Senegal would like
ICCAT to take this into account, considering the importance of small tunas for West African countries.
Brazil expressed concerns as regards missing data on FAD catches, reiterating the importance of the type of
information which should be included in the FAD Management Plans.
The European Union indicated its support for the U.S. proposal aimed at improving data collection on tunas
caught under FADs.
On behalf of the SCRS, Dr. Santiago expressed gratitude to the Panel for trying to provide amendments to
paragraph 19 of Rec. 11-01 on FADs.
Cape Verde indicated that it had listened very carefully and had attended the presentation of the tagging
programme on Atlantic tunas. The regional observers programme will be very important for a better
understanding of tropical tunas and expressed its wish to collaborate in this research initiative.
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