International Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Network ... · youth drawing competition by arol...

February 2013

International Monitoring, Control

and Surveillance Network Newsletter

In this issue:

Sierra Leone

Counting Southern Bluefin

4th Global Fisheries Enforcement Workshop Training

2

International MCS Network Newsletter

International MCS Network Newsletter www.imcsnet.org

DEAR COLLEAGUES, Populations of marine living resources can sustain only a certain degree of mortality by fishing. For many years, maximum sustainable yield (MSY) has been un-derstood as an acceptable target for sustainable ex-ploitation of fish stocks. In practice, most commercially valuable stocks are exploited at levels far beyond MSY. This overexploitation has destroyed certain stocks, some of which have not recovered after several dec-ades of no fishing. Of course, not only fishing but also many other fac-tors are affecting the dynamics of fish populations such as changes in oceanic conditions through climate change and changes in the ecosystems. Therefore, the evolution of the stocks must be closely monitored on the basis of reliable data including data on fishing mor-tality. However, scientists are often confronted with situations where unreliable data or a lack of data ob-struct the assessment of stocks and weakens scientific advice. Illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activi-ties are one of the main reasons for the lack of relia-ble data. The scale of IUU activities is often such that carefully collected data on fishing activities by honest fishermen become useless as they only represent a part of the reality. Around the world, monitoring, control and surveil-lance (MCS) professionals are confronted with the same challenge: to fight against IUU fishing. IUU fishing occurs both in EEZ’s as well as in international waters. The complex profile of the global fishery complicates the task further- Fishing vessels may be flagged in oth-er countries, landing and transhipping of catches may take place elsewhere, and the catch may be processed and eventually consumed in other countries. The fish-ing industry has become a global business worth sever-

al billions of dollars of trade value and, unfortunately, much of this fish originates from IUU activities. For all these reasons, identifying and pursuing IUU activities is extremely difficult and requires resources and capabilities that are often beyond the reach of an individual country. National fisheries enforcement agencies are capable in areas under their jurisdiction and for the vessels flying the flag of their country. But when fishing activities are carried out partly or wholly in waters under the jurisdiction of other states or au-thorities, the information on fishing may be incom-plete. Through the exchange of information between coastal, flag, port, and market states’ enforcement authorities, the gaps in fishing data can be minimized. The Network is actively promoting cooperation be-tween national fisheries MCS authorities. One way to do this is to focus the quarterly Network newsletter on specific aspects of MCS and their application to IUU fishing activities. This issue features a story of success in equipment exchange between the United Kingdom and Sierra Leo-ne. Also featured is a new method of counting south-ern bluefin tuna. For our next issues of the Network newsletter we invite you to tell us your stories of best practices, which may inspire your colleagues in other parts of the globe. As always, please feel free to email the Sec-retariat at [email protected] Sincerely, Harry Koster Executive Director International MCS Network Secretariat

Marco Carè/Marine Photobank

CONTENTS

3



February 2013

Letter from the Director

Year in Review: 2012

Equipment Exchange

Meet a Member: Sierra Leone

Counting Fish: Bluefin Tuna

4 8

10 12

CONTENTS

Cover photo credit: United Nations Environmental Program

2

4

2012: International MCS Network

Year in Review 2012 was a year of growth and change for the Network. The Network gained a new Governing Framework, Executive Committee, and Secretariat, and launched new programs like the Stop IUU Fishing Award, Equipment Exchange,

and Experts Database. It was also the first year that the Network gained observer status at the UN Conference on Fisheries (COFI). At the close of a productive year, the Network now looks forward to 2013, with the highlight of the Fourth Global Fisheries Enforcement Training Workshop. For more in-formation on Network programs and activities, visit www.imcsnet.org

2. The Fourth Global Fisheries Enforce-ment Training Workshop (GFETW) will be held in Costa Rica in October of 2013. The Network has convened three prior GFETW; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2005; Trond-heim, Norway in 2008; and Maputo, Mozambique in 2011.

The aim of the GFETW is to bring together MCS practitioners as well as experts from related fields, from across the world, to discuss and exchange best practices and lessons learned, including information on current activities at national, regional or global levels. The GFETW is a unique occasion for MCS practitioners to meet colleagues from oth-er countries and to discuss openly the is-sues and problems related to MCS and IUU fishing. The 4th GFETW will focus on artisanal and small scale fisheries, and will cover current and critical MCS issues.

3. Vice-Chair Departure Michele Kuruc announced her resig-nation as Vice-Chair of the Network effective December 31, 2012. She has assumed a new role as Vice-President of Marine Conservation at the World Wildlife Fund in Washing-ton, D.C. Michele served as Vice-Chair since March, 2012. Michele has been the backbone of the International MCS Network from the beginning. She was a criti-cal participant in the 2001 meeting which founded the Network. Since

then she has skillfully guided the Network, and personally contributed to its activities over the past twelve years. Michele has served as chair and vice-chair of the Network, and has acted as an brilliant representa-tive of the organization. Michele has offered to continue to provide assistance to the Network as a Special Advisor to the Chair. Chairman Cephas Ralph addressed her resignation in December, stating “The Network owes an enormous thank you to Michele who has re-

lentlessly contributed to the work of the Network and has helped guide the Network through the years of its existence. Thank you so much for all your efforts and we wish you all the best in your new adventures in WWF.” In accordance with the govern-ing framework of the Network, the special election for a new Vice-Chair will be held at the Network Business meeting in February, to be held in London.

1. Network Business Meeting In March, 2012 the International MCS Network Business Meeting of the Executive Committee was held in Valparaiso, Chile. At the meeting, a new Chairman, Cephas Ralph and Vice-Chair, Michele Kuruc were elected. A full time Secretariat for the Network was authorized, and the positions of Executive Director and Assistant to the Executive Director were out-lined. Further, new governing docu-ments, including a governing frame-work, work plan, and strategic plan were created and entered into force. The 2013 Business Meeting will be held in London on February 12 at the Nobel House. This meeting will focus on the planning for the Global Fish-eries Enforcement Workshop Train-ing, as well as a discussion of a Busi-ness Plan.



A submission to the children and youth drawing competition by Carol Suta of Peru.

5

4. The Stop IUU Fishing Award This first-ever Stop IUU Fishing Award will recognize fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) innovations being used in both small and large-scale fisheries that demonstrate creativity, success, and tangible solutions which deter IUU fishing. The winners will be flown to the Fourth Global Fisheries Enforce-ment Training Workshop in Costa Rica in October 2013 where they will be honored with monetary prizes and share their MCS experiences in a pan-el to promote knowledge exchange and inspirations. A capacity develop-ment strategy is anticipated to ex-pand winning entries’ potential for replication across fishing communi-ties/regions/nations, facilitating the implementation of pilot projects and immediate help to MCS efforts. Spe-cial recognitions awards are also an-ticipated for appropriate entries from developing countries. Any monitoring, control and sur-veillance practice for fisheries-related activities making, or with the poten-tial to make, a substantial contribu-tion to combat IUU fishing is eligible. This could include: a technology, tool, method, process, or practice that pro-vides an effective response in ad-

dressing IUU fishing and which demonstrates innovation, success and tangible impact (e.g. in securing fish-ers’ livelihoods, food security and im-proving the status of the resources). Entries should have the potential for replication and contribute to respon-sible fisheries governance. The entry form and additional details are availa-ble online at www.imcsnet.org/stopiuufishingaward. If you have questions or comments please email

[email protected].

Entries are welcome from individ-uals, government, RFMO/As, sub-regional, regional or international or-ganizations, fishers and fishers’ organ-izations, cooperatives, community based organizations, co-management organizations, non-governmental or-ganizations, private sector, academic/research organizations and students.

In addition to the contest, the Net-work also invites children and youth to express, through their artwork and drawings, why protecting fisheries is important and critical to our world. Deadline for submissions is April 15, 2013. More information on the draw-ing competition can be found at www.fao.org/climatechange/youth/78616/en

The Logo The Stop IUU Fishing Award

logo represents the complex

problem of illegal fishing. On

the left, an adult fish shelters a

juvenile, opposite of her is a

fisherman throwing out his net.

To protect our ocean re-

sources, the Stop IUU Fishing

Award highlights and promotes

innovative Monitoring, Control

and Surveillance methods—

represented by the green pro-

tective barrier between the fish

and fisherman.

For more information, please

visit our website at

www.imcsnet.org/

stopiuufishingaward

EXTENDED Deadline for

Entries: March 30, 2013



Co-Sponsored by:

International Sustainable Seafood

Foundation and the Food and

Agriculture Organization

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.fao.org/climatechange/youth/78616/en/

http://www.fao.org/climatechange/youth/78616/en/

http://www.imcsnet.org/stopiuufishingaward

http://www.imcsnet.org/stopiuufishingaward

6



Throughout the past decades, many States have agreed to a comprehensive set of international rules in regards to oceans and seas, and in particular, sus-tainable use of living marine resources. At Rio+20, parties felt that it did not make sense to enter into new commit-ments if the previous were not properly implemented and en-forced. The current focus is to Co-operate, Implement and Enforce effectively.

The global partnership for sus-tainable development launched in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 prepared the grounds for the adoption of the FAO Code of Conduct for Re-sponsible Fishing and the UN Agreement for Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Mi-gratory Fish Stocks in 1995. Both the Code of Conduct and the UN Agreement are guiding cooperation be-tween states not only concerning matters pertaining to the sustainable management of living marine re-

sources but also in the areas of MCS.

This momentum triggered a number of other im-portant initiatives such as the FAO International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unre-

ported and Unregulated Fishing and the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures. RFMO’s also rein-forced their schemes for joint inter-national control and enforcement in their regulatory areas.

At the Rio+20 conference, the parties agreed to renew the global partnership for sustainable devel-opment of the previous Rio confer-ence in order to address the gaps in the implementation of existing commitments. To this end, Rio+20 urges the Parties of the 1995 UN

Agreement to fully implement it, and give full recogni-tion of the special requirements of developing States. Furthermore, it calls upon all States to implement the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the FAO International Plans of Action and technical

5. Rio+20 pushes mcs higher on political agenda: The UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 in June 2012, adopted “The Future We Want” which summarizes the conclusions of the discussions between the Heads of States. As the name of the conference indicates Rio+20, reviewed the progress over last 20 years since the first Earth Summit. Parties concluded that, despite the commitments made over the last decades, progress has been uneven, and serious gaps exist in their implementation. In-deed, as regards fisheries, Rio+20 acknowledges the persistent threat from IUU activities that are undermin-ing sustainable development and reiterated the commitment of the parties to eliminate these activities. Against this background, “The Future We Want” calls on all relevant parties to focus on effective implemen-tation and enforcement of existing commitments.

Photo Credit: Wikicommons

Year in Review (Continued)

7



guidelines. States that have signed the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Fishing are asked to expedite procedures for its ratification with a view to its early entry into force.

The parties present at the Rio+20 committed to in-tensify efforts to meet the 2015 target as agreed to in Johannesburg Plan of Implementation to maintain or restore stocks at levels that can produce maximum sus-tainable yield. They committed to enhance action to manage bycatch, discards, and other adverse ecosys-tem impacts from fisheries including eliminating de-structive fishing practices.

Rio+20 emphasized the importance of building the capacity of developing countries to be able to benefit from the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and seas and their resources.

Rio+20 re-committed to eliminate IUU fishing. To pre-

vent and combat these practices they encourage:

developing and implementing national and region-al action plans in accordance with the FAO's inter-national plan of action to combat IUU fishing;

implementing—in accordance with international law—effective and coordinated measures by coastal States, flag States, port States and chartering na-tions and the States of nationality of the beneficial owners and others who support or engage in IUU fishing by identifying vessels engaged in IUU fishing and by depriving offenders of the benefits accruing from IUU fishing;

and cooperating with developing countries to systematically identify needs and build capacity, including support for monitoring, control, surveil-lance, compliance and enforcement systems.

6. COFI 30: At its 30th meeting, the FAO Confer-

ence on Fisheries reviewed global progress in relation to the sustainable exploitation of living marine resources in the World’s ocean and seas. Since 1965, as a subsidi-ary body of the FAO Council, COFI functions as the glob-al intergovernmental forum where all major interna-tional fisheries and aquaculture problems are examined and where recommendations are addressed to govern-ments, regional fishery bodies, and other stakeholders. COFI serves also as a forum in which global agreements and non-binding instruments are negotiated. This is the first year the International MCS Network requested and obtained the status of observer.

As regards MCS related matters, COFI reviewed the status regarding the elimination of IUU fishing and asso-ciated activities, the ratification of the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, progress on the drafting of the Flag State criteria as well as the progress regarding the Global Record of Fishing vessels, transport vessels and supply vessels.

In line with the Rio+20 conclusions, the COFI urged all relevant parties to intensify cooperation and to rein-force the fight against IUU activities. Moreover, States are reminded to their commitment to cooperate with developing countries through enhancement of their ca-

pacity to apply the international measures on conserva-tion and management of fish stocks.

The fisheries minister Socca Kabia of Sierra Leone proposed the creation of a high level position in FAO with responsibility for the elimination of IUU activities whilst Norway referred to a UNODC study on organized crime in fisheries. Representatives of States bordering the Indian Ocean reflected their concerns related to pi-racy obstructing legitimate fishing activities.

A review of the ratification process of the FAO Agreement on Port State measures shows that in near future this instrument will enter into force. COFI en-courages signatories of these measures to finalize their preparations for the application of these measures (central point of contact, list of designated ports). Sub-sequent to the entry into force, a Working Group on Port State Measures (PSMA) will be constituted.

A dedicated working group will draft the criteria to be met by flag States in the exercise of their duties to monitor, control and inspect the fishing vessels flying its flag.

Finally, COFI acknowledged the progress towards the establishment of the Global Record of Fishing ves-sels, Transport vessels and Supply vessels based on a unique vessel identifier and encouraged the continua-tion of this work.

8

In many countries and, in particular, de-veloping countries, the basic conditions for successful fisheries inspections are not ful-filled. The task of fisheries inspectors in those countries may be hampered by factors such as a lack of training, unclear legal provisions and inadequate or non-existent equipment. The international commitment in the frame-work of the United Nations and the FAO re-quires support for developing countries, which includes the field of monitoring, con-trol and surveillance. The ability for fisheries enforcement officers to apprehend illegal fishers is greatly improved by having the right equipment, as is seen in the following story of collaboration and cooperation be-tween Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Victor Kargbo, Chief Fishery Officer of Sierra Leone, attended the World Fisheries Congress in Edinburgh in May 2012. There he met Mr. Alistair McDonnell, senior official in charge of IUU matters of MMO in England and Cephas Ralph (Network Chairman). Cephas was so inspired by his presentation that he invited him for an evening visit to the Scottish Fishery Protection vessel Jura which was berthed nearby. Following a discussion with the ship’s officers it became clear that lack of basic equipment was a major problem for Victor. Cephas asked the crew to collect all the spare mesh gauges they had on board and gave them to Victor to take home with him. These gauges had become redundant after the introduction of electronic mesh gauges in the EU. Alistair later collected more gauges for Victor from colleagues in England and in less than a month, the donated gaug-es meant that Fishery Officers in Sierra Leone could

detain a fishing vessel for the use of a cod end with an illegal mesh size. The success of this exchange inspired McDonnell to search for other suitable equipment. By the end of Au-gust, Alistair had organized the collection of 32 mesh gauges of various sizes along with other equipment. “This clearly isn’t the entire surplus of mesh gauges in the UK, just what I could manage the logistics for in

time, so a figure of a thou-sand or so would not be unre-alistic for the whole EU,” says Alistair in reference to the potential for exchange of equipment between enforce-ment authorities. In addition to the equip-ment, Alistair, in conjunction with the Environmental Jus-

tice Foundation (EJF), aided in the transfer of a patrol vessel donated by the Isle of Man. On December 14, the vessel was used to apprehend an illegal fishing ves-sel in the Sierra Leone EEZ. The Environmental Justice Foundation has worked with Sierra Leone over the past two years to reduce

The Right Tools for the Job: The Network Launches an Equipment Exchange

“Informal cooperation and exchange of un-used equipment is a simple, concrete and cheap example of how we can build MCS

capacities in developing countries, ” -Cephas Ralph,

Chairman of the International MCS Network

Brass net gauges exchanged between the UK and Sierra Leone helped to apprehend an illegal fisherman. Photo credit: Stop Illegal Fishing



9



The Right Tools for the Job: The Network Launches an Equipment Exchange

illegal fishing. In partnership with the US Navy and the World Bank’s West African Regional Fisheries Programme (WARFP), eight illegal vessels have been arrested with fines totaling over US$2 million. Local fishermen have seen an increase in their catches and reports of illegal fishing on the coast have gone down. The fight against illegal fishing requires partnerships between government, regional authorities, and non-governmental organiza-tions. The International MCS Network serves as the only international organization dedi-cated to MCS professionals, with the mission of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of MCS through cooperation, coordination and information exchange . To facilitate the transfer of equipment, the International MCS Network will help to coordinate any requests or offer for the ex-change of MCS equipment, such as surveil-lance vessels, tools, or aircrafts. The Network intends to foster joint efforts, cooperation and collaboration by reusing MCS equipment with the goal of improving the effectiveness of monitoring, control and surveillance around the world. For more information on this and other efforts of the Network, please visit www.imcsnet.org. A patrol vessel donated by the Isle of Man aided in appre-

hending illegal fishers in Sierra Leone. Photo Credit: EJF

More New Programs for 2013 In addition to the equipment exchange initiative, the International MCS Network has developed two new programs to enhance the efficiency and effective-ness of MCS activities around the world. The first is a register of vetted MCS Experts who can act as con-sultants or trainers to members of the Network. Qual-ified MCS experts interested may register with the Network, and Network members intending to organ-ize capacity building programs can use this resource to enhance their activities. The second is an education connection for stu-dents, researchers, and faculty members. Education and research institutions have the potential to play a significant role in combatting IUU fishing. Students

and faculty have the unique ability to dedicate their time and resources to investigate new methods of MCS and to address the social, economic, political and biological impacts of illegal fishing. The international MCS Network is well positioned to act as a liaison be-tween researchers and enforcement agencies. Under-graduate, graduate or doctoral students interested in investigating the causes and effects of illegal fishing are often faced with a lack of reliable data, sufficient resources, and contacts. The Network can facilitate the connection between students and authorities in-terested in research projects. For more information on either of these programs please visit www.imcsnet.org or write to [email protected]

http://www.imcsnet.org

10

Meet a Member:

SIERRA LEONE



Fisheries resources in Sierra Leone account for about 10% of the GDP, employ over 500,000 peo-

ple and are a major dietary component for over 80% of the population. Despite the importance that

fish and marine resources play in Sierra Leone’s economy, IUU fishing remains a significant pres-

ence in the country. These illegal activities deprive the nation of the economic and nutritional benefits

of fisheries.

Dr. Socca Kabia, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources spoke with the Inter-

national MCS Network about the progress that Sierra Leone is making in combating IUU fishing, and

the role that Sierra Leone plays in the region in bringing about more effective monitoring, control and

surveillance.

EITI PARTNERSHIP

Dr. Kabia discussed a new initiative to integrate the fishing industry with the independent review mecha-nism of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The EITI mechanism was developed for extractive industries, specifically oil and gas, but is able to be ap-plied to any natural resource. Through the EITI frame-work, companies publish what they pay and govern-ments publish the reports in an EITI report. The EITI re-port acts as an independent verification, and reconciles tax and royalty payments as well as any signature bo-nuses. This process is overseen by a multi-stakeholder group of governments, companies, and civil society. Integration with the EITI mechanism will make the fish-ing sector in Sierra Leone more transparent, and in-crease the data available in the industry.

VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEMS

Another initiative that Dr. Kabia explained is the registration of artisanal fishing canoes throughout Sier-ra Leone. In addition, a corresponding fishing vessel registration database is being developed with the inten-tion of monitoring IUU fishing cases. As part of the monitoring initiative, Sierra Leone requires the use of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) on each vessel, which are then monitored around the clock by fishing authori-ties.

COLLABORATION

In addition to the VMS and EITI programs, Sierra Leone is engaged with MCS at the sub-regional level as well. Member states of the Sub-Regional Fisheries Com-mission (SRFC) have made significant efforts to increase their presence and effectiveness in the area, including harmonizing their fisheries legislation, setting up a sub-regional fishing vessel registry, engaging in capacity building of member States through the training of boarding officers, coordinating the introduction of VMS, and sharing of information to monitor vessels. The SRFC has also initiated joint aerial fisheries and maritime sur-veillance patrols, and collaboration to prosecute IUU vessels committing offenses in other States. Dr. Kabia expressed his thoughts that these measures should go even further, and that there is still a need for more co-operation and surveillance with shared assets.

Sierra Leone has also been working closely with the Environmental Justice Foundation, a non-governmental organization which has been conducting a two year in-vestigation into pirate fishing in Sierra Leone waters. For more information about the EJF’s findings, view their report.

ENFORCEMENT

Dr. Kabia detailed the apprehensions and on-going prosecutions of two Korean flagged vessels caught fish-

http://eiti.org/eiti

http://www.fao.org/fishery/rfb/srfc/en

http://www.fao.org/fishery/rfb/srfc/en

http://ejfoundation.org/sites/default/files/public/Pirate%20Fishing%20Exposed.pdf

11

SIERRA LEONE



ing illegally off the coast of Sierra Leone. The OCEAN 3 and the KUM YEONG II were involved in unauthorized fishing in coastal areas, including the obscuring of the vessel names and call signs among other illegal activity in Sierra Leone coastal waters. Officials levied a fine against the OCEAN 3 and seized the catch, which to-taled USD$125,000. However the fine has yet to be fully paid and the vessel has fled the jurisdiction. The lead agent in charge expects the final $30,000 fine will be paid. The vessel’s next stop was Conakry, Republic of Guinea. The vessel has not since returned, but Sier-ra Leone officials are working with SRFC and the Gov-ernment of Guinea to recover the vessel and remain-ing fines.

The KUM YEONG II was spotted fishing in the IEZ of Sierra Leone waters on December 7, 2011 with her name and call sign obscured. The vessel had also de-stroyed the fishing nets of nearby artisanal fishermen. The vessel was ordered to port but it fled the to Guin-ea. There, the vessel painted over its name with “Conosu”, and continued to destroy artisanal fishers nets in the IEZ of Guinea. The Korean authorities are investigating the vessel’s activities.

MARINE PROTECTED AREAS

Sierra Leone has also recently declared marine protected areas (MPAs) along its coastal zones. Man-agement of MPAs will be by community management associations consisting of stakeholders including the Ministry of Fisheries, local government, community leaders, traditional leaders, civil society, the private sector, navy and police. The MPAs will be governed by the ecosystem based approach to fisheries manage-ment, and will eventually transition into territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFS).

FISHING RIGHTS

As part of its effort to improve the fisheries sector Sierra Leone will move from the current open access system in fisheries management to a management sys-tem of leased fishing rights with quotas based on Total Allowable Catch (TACs), with special emphasis on em-powerment of Sierra Leonean fishers through partici-pation and ownership in the industry. Sierra Leone’s Dr. Kabia has a strong commitment to sustainable and productive fisheries. Through their initiatives in monitoring, control and surveillance, Sier-ra Leone is protecting their resources for future gener-ations and ensuring the health of the nation.

Photo Credit: EJF

http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/T0507E/T0507E02.htm#chIIb

http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/T0507E/T0507E02.htm#chIIb

http://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=2713

http://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=2713

12

Monitoring Southern Bluefin Tuna Imagine thousands of fish, some swimming faster than 50 miles per hour past you underwater.

Now try to count them.

One of the most innovative examples of counting fish comes from Australia where new technology is being utilized to help manage the stocks of bluefin tuna. Southern bluefin tuna (SBT) caught with purse seine is transferred alive from the seine to a pontoon (large floating cage) which is towed at 1 knot to fish farms in inshore waters. The farms will feed the fish for 5 - 7 months before harvesting. The quantity re-moved from the wild stock (the catch) needs to be determined when the fish is alive underwater; a huge technical challenge, one successfully tackled by Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).

The Verified Count Determination, a clause of the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery Man-

agement Plan of 1995, sets out the requirements for ascertaining the number of fish transferred from a tow pontoon into a farm pontoon and the average weight of the fish transferred.

The long-standing procedure for estimating the average weight transferred into a tuna farm involved catching and weighing a sample of 40 fish, 10 kg or over (known as the '40 fish' sample). Fish under 10 kg were excluded from the calculation of the average weight.

To improve the statistical quality of the esti-mate, the AFMA has introduced a new 100 fish sam-ple. (continued…)

Image source: Wikipedia Commons



13

Image source: Wikipedia Commons



Marco Carè/Marine Photobank

14



Currently the 100 fish sample works like this: AF-MA and its contractor (in legal terms its AAR – AFMA’s Authorized Representative) in Port Lincoln are notified that a tow pontoon is nearing port. Officers will meet the tow pontoon either as it comes into the gulf or at the farm site. The officers will then undertake the sample as specified in the attached procedure. The sample is complete once 100 fish of 10kg or over is caught and an average weight determined. A video

recording is then made of the transfer of the fish from the tow pontoon to the farm pontoon. The video re-cording is undertaken by officers (cameras are attached to the gate). The weight of fish in the verified count (the total deducted from quota) is the weight obtained by multiplying the average weight deter-mined under the 100 fish sample and the number of fish determined under the video count.

1. 2.

3. 4. Click for video

Click for video

http://youtu.be/3Ry5VIXTC0E

http://youtu.be/zvaLCNgUkMY

http://youtu.be/zvaLCNgUkMY

15

The 100 fish sample has been implemented as a way of increasing the precision of the sample; it is how-ever only an interim measure for this season as AFMA has committed to introducing stereo video based moni-toring in December 2013. Stereo video technology uses two digital cameras to measure objects or features that are presented to the cameras mounted on a calibrated metal frame at two predetermined an-gles. The cameras are connected to a com-puter which records and stores the imag-es and data. The fish swimming past the cameras during the transfer procedure can be measured, which allows the length to be convert-ed to a weight esti-mate via a pro-grammed algorithm. AFMA is still in the process of designing the protocols that will be used under this system. The tuna farms are represented by the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association. AFMA con-sults the industry when amending its procedures to ensure that the protocol will work for both industry and government. The stereo video cameras have been tested in the Mediterranean, and the results of the tests will help to

inform the final AFMA procedures. A metal frame fitted with the two digital video cameras is mounted in the transfer opening between the tow pontoon and the farm pontoon. When transferring from the tow pon-toon to the farm pontoon, the fish has to swim through the frame mounted in the transfer gate, past the two cameras taking the images from the two predeter-

mined angles. The frame is fitted with marking points at pre-determined fixed dis-tances which helps to accurately measure the length of the fish swim-ming past the cameras. As the fish swim past, the cameras record the length and number. The measurements are

made by manually locating the tip of the lower jaw and the caudal fork. The rela-

tion between length and weight of blue fin tuna is ex-pressed by an algorithm. To ensure accuracy, techni-cians monitor the results of the three measurements, and if they differ from a set percentage, the measure-ments are to be discarded. Other problems can occur, though not often; some fish (<5%) are partially or com-pletely obscured by other fish, and cannot be meas-ured, whilst others swim too fast (<5%) for length measurements to be made.



5.

Photos from top left: 1) A purse seiner catches

bluefin tuna 2) A tow cage is brought to Port 3)

In 2013, the AFMA will introduce stereo video

technology where a tuna enters the transfer tun-

nel between the tow cage and the grow-out cage.

4) Tunas are counted as they cross through the

transfer tunnel. 5) The camera apparatus out of

water. The two cameras on top ensure that each

fish is seen, and the white panel provides a con-

trasting background for accurate measurement.

Photos credit AFMA

The grow-out cages in Port Lincoln can be seen from space.

Photo Credit: Google Earth

16

Bluefin International MCS Network Newsletter


Southern Blue fin tuna (SBT – thunnus maccovii in the southern Pacific) and the Pacific bluefin tuna or northern Bluefin tuna (thunnus orientalis in the north pacific) and Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT - thunnus thynnus in the Atlantic) represent amongst the most fascinating creatures in our oceans. Northern bluefin can reach a weight of more than 1000 Lb. (600 kg) and a length of more than 15 ft. (4.5 meter) -larger than a bull! They move like a torpedo through the water with speeds up to 50 miles per hour (one of the fastest sea animals). In the Atlantic, bluefin tuna spawn in the warm waters of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, in the Pacific in the Great Australian Bight, and in the waters of Java. The larger specimen may migrate over 10,000 miles per year including in cold waters thanks to the production of body heat by white muscles (body temperature may more than 10° degrees higher than the surrounding sea water temperature). In the Atlan-tic, BFT migrates as far north as the south coast of Greenland.

The culinary qualities of bluefin tuna meat were-already well known in ancient times. In the Mediterra-

nean region archaeological excavations have shown that Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans caught, pro-cessed and consumed bluefin tuna. Historical docu-ments mention bluefin tuna traps at the entry of the Mediterranean and in Sicily.

In recent times most bluefin tuna is exported to Japan where sometimes-astronomical prices are paid for the best quality SBT and BFT. The taste of the meat and the dark red color make it a delicacy sushi and sashimi plates. Before 2010, large individuals were sold for prices up to $40,000. In recent years however, pric-es have risen more than ten-fold due to increasing scar-city of bluefin tuna. In 2011, a Pacific bluefin tuna of 342 kg was sold on the Tokyo market for almost $396,000, in 2012 a specimen of 269 kg for $900,000. But nothing can compete with the price paid on January 5, 2013 of $1.76 million for a 222kg tuna.

Increasing demand for sushi and sashimi both in and outside of Japan has caused a high market prices, creating greater incentive to fish the already overfished stocks. A recent study assessed the pacific bluefin tuna down 96.4 percent from unfished levels due to ram-

Photo credit AFMA

17



Purse Seine Fishing

In the 1980’s a new bluefin tuna fishing method was developed in the Mediterranean. This fishing method targets spawning concentrations and is tremendously efficient. When in the early summer seawater tempera-ture at the surface has warmed up sufficiently, the fish gather in very large shoals in the upper part of the wa-ter column. The purse seine is then pulled around the spawning fish which are caught in the net but kept alive. This fishing method is extremely effective; quantities caught may exceed several hundreds of tonnes in just one net and, accordingly, the value may exceed several millions of dollars per fishing operation.

After the bluefin tuna is caught in the seine, the fish will be kept alive and transferred through a transfer gate from the seine into a cage in which the fish is towed to the farm where the fish will be fed. The fish is kept in these cages for 5 to 7 months before being harvested.

Since this fishing method can target the whole spawning population of the stock it is po-tentially dangerous for the con-servation of the stock if the fish-ing capacity is not in balance with the stock size. Purse sine fishing for SBT target 2-4 year old fish.

Once farming of wild caught bluefin tuna became viable, purse seine fishing of bluefin tuna expanded rapidly through the 1990’s and 2000’s.

In the Mediterranean, the first successful bluefin tuna farm came into operation in Croatia and, via Medi-terranean emigrants, the same farming methods have been introduced in Australia.

Japanese importers work closely together with the farming companies as farming is capital intensive. More-over, quality and the quantity of bluefin tuna is con-trolled by the Japanese importers before products are shipped to Japan.

Management

The fishery for SBT is an international one, pursued throughout the temperate waters of the Southern Hem-isphere, with Japan, Australia, Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand accounting for nearly all of the global catch. Most of the catch, about 70%, comprises valuable adult

fish taken by long-lining, with the remainder taken by purse seining in the Australian fishery, to supply grow-out farms.

The Commission for the Conservation of South Blue-fin Tuna (CCSBT) has managed the fishery since 1994. In 2003, after a hiatus of several years, agreement was achieved amongst contracting CCSBT parties (Australian, Japan, New Zealand, Korea and Taiwan) on a global total allowable catch (TAC), with national allocations for Aus-tralia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand, and nom-inal catch limits for non-parties (Indonesia, Philippines and South Africa).

Australia’s obligations to the CCSBT to manage, monitor and report on its national allocation are ad-dressed under the Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery Man-agement Plan of 1995, amended in 2004, and managed by AFMA.

In Australia the bluefin tuna fishery is managed on the basis of Individual Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs). Annual setting of individual quotas controls the fishing mortality. More than 95% of the right to fish southern blue-fin are held by the farms in Port Lincoln on the north coast and thus confined to purse seine fish-ery. All farming operations in Australia are centralized in this port. Bluefin tuna farming is a

multi-million dollar business that makes up a significant portion of economic activity in the area.

Fishing is mostly carried out along the edge of the continental shelf, in the Great Australian Bight, to the west of Port Lincoln, from December to March. Schools of SBT are typically located by spotter planes, and usual-ly held by a pole-and-line vessel while the purse seine set is made. Fish are transferred to an associated tow cage after each set, with several sets usually required to fill the cage, around 9,000 fish.

The tow cages are returned to the vicinity of Port Lincoln, with the tow, at less than one knot, often taking some weeks. Mortality in the cages en route is checked, recorded and dead fish removed. On arrival at the more sheltered approaches, a sample must be taken to obtain an average fish weight per tow cage. Also, a verified count of the numbers of SBT must be made during the transfer from tow cage to a series of grow-out cages.

On January 5, 2013, a

bluefin tuna was sold for

a record breaking

US$1.6 million. Increased

demand has decimated

wild populations.

Photo credit AFMA

18

International Monitoring,

Control and

Surveillance Network

International MCS Network

2300 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington DC

20007, USA

+1-202-338-1300 [email protected]

This newsletter was produced by the International MCS Network Secretariat. The International Monitor-

ing, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) Network aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fisheries

-related MCS activities through enhanced cooperation, coordination, information collection and ex-

change among national organizations/institutions responsible for fisheries-related MCS. The Internation-

al MCS Network is an informal network of States, regional economic integration organizations, fishing

entities and intergovernmental organizations established to facilitate bilateral and multilateral coopera-

tion to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and associated activities.

Reporting by Michele Kuruc, Harry Koster, Ariel Kagan

Writing, design, editing by Ariel Kagan

International Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Network ... · youth drawing competition by arol...

Documents

Transcript of International Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Network ... · youth drawing competition by arol...