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The main data source for the data collection system for Mauritius comes from harvest, that is at the level where the fish is caught. The catch, effort and fishing positions are recorded in logbooks by both foreign and local fishing vessels unloading at Port Louis which are submitted to the Port State Control Unit (PSCU) prior to unloading. As per license condition submission of logbook is mandatory and failure to submit logbook or submission of inaccurate logbooks may entail penalties such as payment of a fine or the vessel may become ineligible for any future licence.
Tuna statistics are derived from raw fishing data that are compiled from fishing logbooks obtained from fishing vessels. Prior to logbook entry in the database, the logbook catches are verified against the landing catches that are recorded by the Fisheries Protection Officers at the port during unloading and transshipment (Port State Control Unit). In addition, the fishing positions are also validated using the Vessel Monitoring System of the Fisheries Monitoring Centre. For the time being, data entry, compilation and analysis is done using the excel spreadsheet. Specific data sets are then prepared according to the demands of national, regional and international organizations. The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) has specific data submission requirements as per Resolution 15/02, involving various submission forms and deadlines.
Furthermore, the implementation of the observer programme on local purse seiners and longliners provide key information on fishing activities in logbooks and assist with monitoring compliance. Regular sampling exercises on the catch of foreign and local vessels are undertaken, whereby the length (fork length for tuna and operculum to keel length for swordfish) and weight of fish are collected. In the artisanal fishery, around anchored FADs (AFAD) which involves only small boats (7-8 meters), catches are not monitored by logbook program but through regular inspections conducted by fisheries officers. Transshipment activities of vessels calling at Port Louis are also monitored.
Mauritius will soon embark on the development of a new software for the input and analysis of tuna data. Mauritius is also in the process of implementing the Electronic Reporting System (ERS) which will enable us to receive real time catch data of EU fishing vessels operating in our waters and on the operations of Mauritius-flagged vessels. Mauritius is already participating in the ePSM programme and will participate in forthcoming IOTC programmes to improve compliance to IOTC management measures related to quality of data.
