A new protocol to collect verified scientific data on catch including bycatch information using crew-based observers on small size longline tuna fishing vessels (<24m) in Sri Lanka

Independent scientific data is a vital component for effective fisheries management. Scientific data provides an independent source of detailed, high quality information on fishing activity and catch at a sufficient level of resolution to be used for analyses, such as the standardization of catch rates, the analysis of non-target species and the need for mitigation measures (IOTC, 2016). Under the IOTC’s Regional Observer Scheme (Resolution 11/04) each CPC is required to submit a range of scientific data by independent observers, who are deployed on selected vessels for the duration of a fishing trip. The small size of Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessels registered to fish in high sea (average LO 12.4 m) compared to the average of length of the IOTC registered fleet; the lack of on-board facilities on Sri Lankan vessels and the obvious health and safety concerns precludes the deployment of independent on-board observers on Sri Lanka’s small scale fishing fleet. In response to this challenge the Government of Sri Lanka has recently evolved a new protocol through which to collect high quality digital, independently verifiable, scientific data in compliance with the IOTC’s Resolutions.