MSC pre-assessment made available

Participants confirmed

Updated 2024 Workplan

Updated 2023 Workplan

Workplan made public

Two data collection programs have been implemented to monitor ecosystem interactions in the Suriname Corvina and Acoupa Weakfish FIP: an observer program for the trawl sub-fishery and a fisher-as-observer program for the driftnet sub-fishery. As of November 2024, the observer program has monitored 13 trips and 334 hauls, while the fisher-as-observer program has monitored 49 trips and 1,053 hauls, with both programs providing spatial data on fishing activities.

A report on the performance of the observer coverage and adherence to protocol was produced; while many procedures were followed, deviations such as inaccurate catch volume estimates, inconsistent measurements of larger species, and reliance on crew estimates were noted.

The FIP participated in finalizing the draft National Action Plan to combat IUU fishing in Suriname. The final draft has been shared with stakeholders for feedback and received formal endorsement during a validation meeting in August 2024. 

The FIP has initiated a data collection protocol for the observers program in which five driftnet fishing captains were trained to record data using a tablet; 70 fishing activities across3 different trips were monitored by the end of January. 

CeDePesca continues to facilitate collaboration between the Fisheries Department, WWF French Guiana, and the French Guiana Fisheries Committee, resulting in a grant agreement to enhance MCS activities by Surinamese authorities in the border area; the agreement includes at-sea patrols with the Maritime Police and the development of a National Plan of Action against IUU fishing.

The FIP has designed a new form to determine the number of active artisanal vessels per sampling stratum, per month, per landing site in order to better estimate fishing effort and total landings of the artisanal fleet.  

Eighteen data enumerators within the Fisheries Department were provided a refresher training in small groups on the new at-port data collection protocol. Additionally, the a new protocol was also developed for the quality control of artisanal landing data. 

The onboard data collection protocol was successfully implemented on five fishing trips during the 2023 season; observers are actively documenting interactions with ETP species in the fishery.

The Fisheries Department in cooperation with the FIP has updated its digital landing forms for improved reporting accuracy; the protocol for data entry has been made available.

The FIP participated in a data analysis and stock assessment training wherein additional data sharing and exploration occurred.

The LB-SPR stock assessment report has been revised, peer-reviewed and published in the Gulf and Caribbean Research journal; the article includes a preliminary assessment of the spawning ratios of the two FIP target species.

Onboard observers participated in a fishing trip in May 2023 and the FIP now has onboard coverage in place. The FIP is working with authorities to ensure observers participate in a minimum of one fishing trip per month. 

The report of the Project Preparation Grant Validation Workshop has been made available. The workshop brought together 52 national, regional and international stakeholders and technical experts to discuss strategies, technologies, and social solutions for managing bycatch in tropical large marine ecosystem fisheries. 

Port data collection training workshop conducted for artisanal fisheries; report has been made available

FIP attended FAO regional workshop on fisheries data collection and statistics

Port inspection training conducted; report of training made available

FIP attended FAO inception workshop on GEF-funded sub-regional project

FAO's Fisheries Management and Information System is currently being implemented in Suriname; an awareness session was held for the fishing sector at the end of 2021

Observer protocol in place for the onboard observers program for trawl fisheries

Overview of recommendations arising from the review of the sample-based methodology can be implemented in the Calipseo platform.

Secondary stakeholder meeting held in early 2021; additional presentations given 

Report made public on the FAO website regarding the validation of the FIP's FMP

PowerPoint presented by CeDePesca at stakeholders meeting 

FMP drafted and adopted by the FIP for 2021-2025

Report on training conducted by FAO/REBYC-II LAC to technicians from the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of LVV

Increase to PI 1.2.3; Three-year audit conducted. Some information about the stock is available and biological data is now being collected by the FIP. 

A review of the draft Fisheries License Conditions Decree of 2023 was conducted; changes were proposed by the FIP and later adopted to ensure incorporations of new provisions related to the updated port data collection methodology for both the industrial and artisanal fisheries.

Increase to PI 3.1.1, 3.1.2 & 3.1.3; the 2021-2025 FMP was adopted March 2021