FishSource

South Africa albacore tuna - pole & line/rod & reel (FIP)

Last Updated: 2023-08-15

Progress Rating: D

Evaluation Start Date: 2019-12-04

Type: Comprehensive

Status: Active

FIP Lead: WWF- South Africa (WSA)

Stock Profile Link
Albacore - South Atlantic

Comments:

The last stage 4 reported by the FIP is now between 24-36 months old. A FIP with last stage 4 results reported between 24-36 months and stage 3 progress within 6 months is rated D. Therefore this FIP rating is now D.

1. FIP Development	Dec 18	Fishery assessment or scoping document made public 1 December 2018 — MSC pre-assessment made available
2. FIP Launch	Dec 19	Confirmation of project participants 4 December 2019 — Participants confirmed
2. FIP Launch	Sep 22	Workplan made public 21 September 2022 — Updated 2022 workplan 4 December 2019 — Workplan made public
3. FIP Implementation	May 23	FIP activities undertaken 4 May 2023 — The FIP has conducted 26 observer trips this year; 21 seabird interactions were observed and one fatality was reported. No marine turtles or mammals were observed. Sardine, anchovy and artificial squid bait continue to be used as bait onboard vessels. 1 October 2022 — Observer trips are ongoing- 12 trips have been completed to date; no gear interactions with sea turtles or marine mammals have been observed. 7 January 2022 — Several trips were conducted in early 2022 and trip reports have been made available; the report mentions that the bait used attracted seabirds, but no unwanted ETP interactions/ catch were reported otherwise. 6 September 2021 — Meeting held with DFFE in September 2021; DFFE is taking steps to improve shore-based monitoring
4. Improvements in Fishing Practices and Fishery Management	Mar 21	Verifiable improvement in policy/management and fishing practices 14 March 2021 — Increase to PI 2.1.3, 2.2.3 & 2.3.3; five observer trips were conducted in 2021 providing new information on primary, secondary and ETP species interactions.
5. Improvements on the Water	—	Verifiable improvement on the water
6. MSC certification (optional)	—	MSC certificate made public