FishSource

Indian Ocean yellowfin & bigeye tuna – purse seine (AGAC) (FIP)

Last Updated: 2023-08-15

Progress Rating: C

Evaluation Start Date: 2022-11-29

Type: Comprehensive

Status: Active

FIP Lead: AGAC Integral Purse Seine Tropical Tuna Fishery (AIPSTTF)

Stock Profile Link
Yellowfin tuna - Indian Ocean
Bigeye tuna - Indian Ocean

Comments:

The FIP has begun to implement progress. With new stage 3 results reported, the FIP becomes C rated.

1. FIP Development	Jul 22	Fishery assessment or scoping document made public 6 July 2022 — MSC Pre-assesment made available
2. FIP Launch	Nov 22	Confirmation of project participants 29 November 2022 — Participants confirmed
2. FIP Launch	Nov 22	Workplan made public 29 November 2022 — Workplan made available
3. FIP Implementation	Jun 23	FIP activities undertaken 8 June 2023 — AGAC has shared data with AZTI on the positions and acoustic records of buoys used for FAD fishing in the Indian Ocean to help inform future stock assessments. 8 May 2023 — The FIP has developed a working plan to assess the fishing mortality of vulnerable species; the proposed methodology includes reviewing observer data records of FAD visits to consider historic entanglement and satellite tagging of sharks to better understand the risks posed to sharks of later entanglement. 6 May 2023 — A ETG position statement was sent to IOTC prior to its 27th session. 17 April 2023 — The FIP has initiated a plan to assess the fishing impacts on the ecosystem. 31 January 2023 — The FIP has initiated a study to identify new approaches to reduce the impact of the loss and stranding of FADs. 3 October 2022 — The FIP has developed a template for a Fishery Management Plan
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