FishSource

Ghana tuna - pole & line (FIP)

Last Updated: 2023-06-16

Progress Rating: A

Evaluation Start Date: 2018-03-16

Type: Comprehensive

Status: Active

FIP Lead: Thai Union (TU), Key Traceability (KT), Youssef Jaridi (YJ)

Stock Profile Link
Bigeye tuna - Atlantic Ocean
Yellowfin tuna - Atlantic Ocean
Skipjack tuna - Eastern Atlantic Ocean

Comments:

The FIP has reported an increase to MSC PI 1.2.4 score and has published a new shark finning policy. With this stage 4 results reported within the last 12 months, the FIP becomes A rated.

1. FIP Development	Mar 18	Fishery assessment or scoping document made public 16 March 2018 — MSC Pre-assessment made public
2. FIP Launch	Sep 18	Confirmation of project participants 18 September 2018 — Participants confirmed
2. FIP Launch	Mar 18	Workplan made public 16 March 2018 — Workplan made public
3. FIP Implementation	Mar 23	FIP activities undertaken 1 March 2023 — A bait sampling sheet has been produced for skippers to collect and record information on bait fishing activities. 19 January 2023 — The FIP hired a consultant to review the updated Ghana fisheries management plan (2022- 2026). Advice and recommendations have been compiled into a report and made public. 9 August 2022 — The FIP hired a consultant to identify the information/ steps required to improve Ghana bait fishery data and management; the recommendations have been compiled into a report 23 May 2022 — Virtual 2022 skipjack stock assessment meeting held in May 2022; manamgement recommendations for the eastern stock were discussed 9 March 2022 — The FIP conducted a fishery observer training with the aim of improving catch data records and to better understand the impact that the fishery is having on both target and bycatch/ ETP species. 1 March 2022 — Observer template has been designed to ensure that proper data recording techniques and all aspects of the fishery, including how bait is fished, are taught to observers. 1 March 2022 — Prinicple 3 actions review made available; task 12d has been closed and harmonised wih other certified fisheries- the ANABAC Atlantic unassociated purse seine yellowfin tuna 1 March 2022 — Summary report on the status of small pelagic fish stocks off the Ghanian coast; report will be utilized as initial discussion point with the Ghanian Fishing Authority about improving fishery management 11 September 2021 — The tropical tunas MSE and HCR development roadmap has been updated 1 November 2020 — Letter sent to ICCAT asking for the adoption of harvest strategies for tropical tunas consistent with SCRS advice 31 March 2020 — FAD questionnaires have been distributed to the Ghana Tuna Association (GTA) for completion. The FIP vessels are currently participating in the ISSF FAD project, which is being supported by FAO. FAO has provided FAD materials and deployment was due to start this month. 3 March 2020 — A call with ISSF and Thai Union to discuss FAD usage in the Ghanaian fisheries was held on 3rd March 2020. 31 January 2020 — A site visit was held in January 2020 in Tema. Meetings were held with the industry and the Fisheries Commission. 20 November 2019 — Advocacy letter signed by WWF-UK submitted to ICCAT.
4. Improvements in Fishing Practices and Fishery Management	Jan 23	Verifiable improvement in policy/management and fishing practices 24 January 2023 — The FIP has implemented a policy prohibiting shark finning onboard all vessels. 27 May 2022 — Increase to PI 1.2.4; An updated stock assessment for skipjack tuna in the eastern Atlantic was conducted in 2022. The previous assessment was last conducted in 2014. The new assessment provides additional information. 22 June 2021 — Increase to PI 2.4.3; an evaluation of the bait fishery (artisanal and commercial) has been completed confirming that there are no VMEs and no need for MPAs to manage the fishery
5. Improvements on the Water	—	Verifiable improvement on the water
6. MSC certification (optional)	—	MSC certificate made public