11th Meeting of the Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS) Working Group

Principle Responsibilities
3. In devising the strategy, the CDSWG shall consider the following:
(I) Reference documents and schemes
a. The Voluntary Guidelines for Catch Documentation Schemes developed by the FAO in 2017 and the report Developing a comprehensive MCS system and an electronic Catch Documentation Scheme for IOTC developed by a consultant in 2018 (consultant report).
b. Existing and proposed catch documentation schemes in other RFMOs/Organisations (including ICCAT, CCSBT and CCAMLR) and in Commission members.
(II) Basic design
a. Core components of CDS in the 3rd Meeting of the CDSWG Report (10-11 February 2020) to be further addressed in CDSWG ToRs:
i) Basic CDS design options 1-3 (as described in p82-86 of the consultant report)
ii) Species to be covered by IOTC CDS, taking into account stock status, IUU risk, level of international trade and the difficulty of implementation
iii) In the first instance, the CDS could cover tropical tunas (bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna), then other IOTC species step by step.
iv) Design of an electronic system
v) Need for special consideration to artisanal fleets
(III) Operational and administrative issues
a. The resources that would be required to implement and operate a CDS. This will necessarily include consideration of financial aspects of the IOTC, of capacity building, training programs and associated costs.
b. Operational issues of data collection, submission, handling, analysis, reconciliation and dissemination, taking into account practical feasibility of relevant stakeholders (e.g. fishing vessels)
c. The roles and responsibilities for certification and verification of all appropriate stakeholders (e.g. flag State authority, the IOTC Secretariat), within the framework of existing international law.
d. Opportunities to utilize emerging technology to increase efficiency and decrease costs, with particular reference to electronic transmission of data and required forms.
e. The integration of CDS with the overall monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) and management framework of the IOTC, including other data reporting obligations and national/regional programs (e.g. EU IUU Regulation) and avoiding duplication of work.
(IV) Timeline
a. Possible timeline for implementation, with prioritization and/or step-by-step approach as necessary