FishSource

Eastern Pacific Ocean tuna - longline (Transmarina) (FIP)

Last Updated: 2023-02-23

Progress Rating: A

Evaluation Start Date: 2017-11-28

Type: Comprehensive

Status: Active

FIP Lead: Transmarina (T)

Stock Profile Link
Yellowfin tuna - Eastern Pacific Ocean
Bigeye tuna - Eastern Pacific Ocean
Albacore - South Pacific

Comments:

The FIP has produced a catch analysis using observer data. With a stage 4 result reported within the past 12 months, the FIP remains A rated.

1. FIP Development	Apr 17	Fishery assessment or scoping document made public 1 April 2017 — MSC pre-assessment
2. FIP Launch	Jul 16	Confirmation of project participants 28 July 2016 — MoU WWF and Transmarina
2. FIP Launch	Nov 17	Workplan made public 28 November 2017 — Draft workplan
3. FIP Implementation	Mar 23	FIP activities undertaken 1 March 2023 — The FIP has produced a report on the effectiveness of the conservation measures/ best practices being implemented on vessels 8 December 2022 — The FIP participated in a workshop on the evaluation of management strategies for tropical tunas carried out by IATTC; the workshop explored alternative operational models and control rules 1 August 2022 — A proposal to increase the percentage of onboard observers on longline vessels from 5% to 20% was discussed at the 100th IATTC meeting; the discussion of the proposal is ongoing. 27 July 2022 — A proposal to reduce fleet capacity for tuna purse-seine fishing was presented to the Capacity Working Group during the annual meeting of the IATTC; the discussion of the proposal is ongoing. 22 October 2021 — Resolution C-21-04 was adopted at the 98th IATTC meeting. 18 October 2021 — Ecuador submitted a proposal on the conservation of tropical tunas to the 98th Meeting of IATTC. 18 August 2021 — Development of an integrated fleet management plan is ongoing; working group meetings held to discuss progress 23 July 2021 — Three-year audit made public 24 June 2021 — The FIP has entered into an MoU with CIAT (The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission) to pilot an electronic monitoring system project on the longline fleet vessels. 22 December 2020 — Resolutions passed related to conservation measures for purse seine and longline have been extended to 2021. 30 August 2020 — Capacity building workshops on the code of good practices held on board for crewmembers and captains of TRANSMARINA's longline fleet 1 August 2019 — An observer training program has been launched and workshop was conducted 1 August 2019 — MoU signed between Transmarina and TUNACONS 22 July 2019 — Ecudaor submitted a proposal to ammend resolution C-11-08 on scientific observers for longline vessels 22 July 2019 — The IATTC held their 94th meeting in July of 2019 where the research plan was presented 1 March 2019 — The national tuna stratgey and plan has been drafted and is awaiting completion and adoption 1 October 2018 — Plan to develop a national strategy for the management of the tuna fishery 24 August 2018 — Stock assessments conducted by IATTC for key tuna species 24 August 2018 — Proposals to reduce fleet capacity and increase observer coverage were presented to IATTC but not adopted. 1 November 2017 — Updating of the list of species under Principle 2 1 November 2017 — MoU between Transmarina and the National Institute of Fishery of Ecuador that certify the commitment of observers monitoring on board
4. Improvements in Fishing Practices and Fishery Management	Mar 23	Verifiable improvement in policy/management and fishing practices 1 March 2023 — An analysis of the catch record from 2018-2022 using data from the observer program was conducted; ETP species comprised less than 2% of the recorded catch 25 February 2022 — A new fisheries law has been adopted in Ecuador which will establish mechanisms for consultation between authorities and the fishing sector, including the creation of a fisheries advisory council. 29 September 2021 — Increase in PI score 1.2.4 assessment of stock status 29 September 2021 — Increase in PI 2.1.3, 2.2.3 & 2.3.3; Monitoring system has been implemented through observers, and information has been collected for three years 29 September 2021 — Increase in PI 3.2.3; Compliance with and enforcement of management measures were partially completed in the third year. No issue of non-compliance has been recorded 29 September 2021 — Increase in PI 2.3.2; Resolution C-11-02 to mitigate the impact on seabirds of fishing for species covered by the IATTC, establishes mitigation measures for longline vessels in the Convention area
5. Improvements on the Water	—	Verifiable improvement on the water
6. MSC certification (optional)	—	MSC certificate made public