IOTC Western Regional Workshop: Enhancing Fisheries Data Reporting

During its 19th session, the IOTC Working Party on Data Collection and Statistics (WPDCS19) expressed concern regarding the ongoing issue of non-reporting of fishery data, which continues to significantly impact the quality of stock assessments and management of IOTC species, particularly neritic species and billfish. Consequently, the WPDCS agreed to prioritize improvements by incorporating into its program of work activities that focus on enhancing data collection and reporting, with a specific emphasis on artisanal fisheries. Notably, the WPDCS highlighted the organisation of regional technical workshops involving staff from the CPCs responsible for data collection and reporting as a key strategy to enhance the quality of fisheries statistics submitted to the Secretariat.

The workshop will specifically target CPCs located in the western Indian Ocean region (Comoros, European Union, United Kingdom, I.R. Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Oman, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania) and will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 27th to 30th, 2024. Its primary focus will be on enhancing data reporting to the IOTC through hands-on practical exercises, including:

• Reviewing the current IOTC data reporting requirements
• Assisting CPCs in aligning their national datasets with those required by the IOTC
• Helping CPCs become familiar with the IOTC fisheries identification wizard
• Providing guidance on the utilisation of IOTC reporting forms
• Introducing the IOTC reference data catalogue
• Familiarizing participants with IOTC data validators
• Presenting the updated Data Reporting Guidelines
• Conducting on-site exercises to facilitate the successful submission of mandatory data to the IOTC Secretariat in accordance with CPCs' reporting obligations.