FishSource

Maldives yellowfin tuna - handline (FIP)

Last Updated:

Progress Rating: D

Evaluation Start Date: 2021-02-07

Type: Comprehensive

Status: Active

FIP Lead: International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF), Maldives Seafood Processors and Exporters Association (MSPEA)

Stock Profile Link
Yellowfin tuna - Indian Ocean

Comments:

The FIP is older than a year without a stage 4 or 5 reported but with stage 3 progress reported within the past 6 months. The FIP drops to D rating.

1. FIP Development	Feb 21	Fishery assessment or scoping document made public 12 February 2021 — MSC pre-assessment made available
2. FIP Launch	May 21	Confirmation of project participants 1 May 2021 — Participants confirmed
2. FIP Launch	Feb 21	Workplan made public 7 February 2021 — Workplan made available
3. FIP Implementation	Nov 22	FIP activities undertaken 24 November 2022 — FIP participants attended the IOTC Working Party on Tropical Tuna (WPTT) to discuss the need for streamlining the IOTC process on harvest strategies. 1 November 2022 — A draft PSA report has been made available 31 October 2022 — G16 Coastal State Meeting was conducted and attended by FIP members. At the meeting participants discussed and developed a draft FAD management proposal 25 May 2022 — The Maldives government released a press statement expressing their dissapointment that the 26th session of the IOTC concluded without agreeing on outcomes for the sustainable management of yellowfin tuna. 13 May 2022 — The 26th session of the IOTC meeting was held; meeting participants discussed a management and rebuilding plan for yellowfin tuna. A management plan implementation outline has been made available. 16 March 2021 — The Maldives submitted a proposal on rebuilding yellowfin tuna at the IOTC 26th Session but this was withdrawn and not adopted. 8 March 2021 — Observation trip conducted in the Maldvies after the inception of the FIP in early 2021; Report on sampling summary from trip made available. 10 February 2021 — A stakeholder meeting was held and an RBF (PSA) assessment was conducted for the livebait fishery; the livebait management strategy was discussed.
4. Improvements in Fishing Practices and Fishery Management	—	Verifiable improvement in policy/management and fishing practices
5. Improvements on the Water	—	Verifiable improvement on the water
6. MSC certification (optional)	—	MSC certificate made public