E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2012-2013 (I)
Commission’s Requests to SCRS on Direction Regarding Eastern Atlantic
and Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna
Appendix 3 to ANNEX 9
1. In 2013, the SCRS should:
a) Discuss and assess data made available to SCRS before the bluefin tuna working group takes place, in
particular, the usefulness of taking benefit from information coming from other sources than those related
to Task I or Task II, e.g., catch certificates, catch-at-size series when entering and/or exiting cages,
fisheries independent abundance indices like those of the GBYP, etc. as regards a likely decrease in the
level of uncertainties;
b) Develop and agree on statistical protocols allowing a quality check, the validation and the inclusion into
the assessment process of additional sources of information mentioned above;
c) Provide the Commission with answers to the questions detailed below, with the aim to clarify results of
the update of the stock assessment run in 2012.
2. In 2014, in the light of possible additional information and statistical protocols discussed or set out in 2013,
the SCRS should provide the Commission with an update of the stock assessment and the management
recommendations.
3. For the stock assessment planned in 2015, the SCRS will have to:
a) Develop a new assessment model allowing the inclusion of the last updated knowledge on the biology
and ecology of bluefin tuna, in particular life-history parameters, migration patterns, and aiming at
identifying and quantifying uncertainties and their consequences on the assessment results and
projections.
b) Release a stock status advice and management recommendations, supported by a full stock assessment
exercise, based on the new model, additional information and statistical protocols mentioned in points
above and on which basis all actions may be adopted and updated by the Commission through the
management plan to further support the recovery.
Questions to be answered by the SCRS
1. In light of fisheries and fisheries-independent abundance indices, e.g., aerial surveys, CPUE, etc. is the SCRS
in a position to confirm the recovery trend of the stock detected in 2012
2. Would the SCRS specify the nature of the uncertainties in the 2012 stock assessment In particular, is the
SCRS in a position to quantify uncertainties in the 2012 stock assessment results, like the magnitude and the
speed of the recovery
3. In the light of answers to the questions above, what would the recommendation of the SCRS be in updating
the TAC as regards that agreed in 2012 for the year 2013 and thereafter
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Statement by Turkey to Panel 2
Appendix 4 to ANNEX 9
As a member of ICCAT since 2003, Turkey’s sincere efforts, perfect record of compliance with its membership
obligations and its significant contribution to scientific and management initiatives of ICCAT should be
acknowledged.
In addition to its status as a coastal state with high amount of historical catch --over 5,000 metric tons in the late
1990s-- and a country embracing habitats of bluefin tunas (BFT) in its waters, Turkey is also a country whose
fishermen are dependent socially and economically on the exploitation of marine sources in eastern
Mediterranean Sea.