Regional Observer Scheme: Science

IOTC Resolution 22/04 On a regional observer scheme

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission has adopted a Regional Observer Scheme which has as its core objective: to collect verified catch data and other scientific data related to the fisheries for tuna and tuna-like species in the IOTC area. The implementation of the Regional Observer Scheme by IOTC CPCs (Contracting Parties and Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties) officially commenced on 1st July 2010, and is based entirely on national implementation.

IOTC Resolution 22/04 (supersedes Resolution 11/04) On a regional observer scheme, sets out the minimum recording requirements and timelines for implementation and reporting by CPCs. Reporting requirements include:

• The observer shall, within 30 days of completion of each trip, provide a report to the CPCs of the vessel.
• The CPCs shall send within 150 days at the latest each report, and observer data, following the IOTC observer reporting templates and standards. The Executive Secretary shall make the information available to the IOTC Scientific Committee.
• Data shall be provided in the 1°x1° square and month format to the IOTC Executive Secretary ([email protected]), who shall make the report available to the Scientific Committee upon request. CPCs shall endeavor to send these data in an electronic format suitable for automated data extraction.
• In a case where the vessel is fishing in the EEZ of a coastal State, the report shall equally be submitted to that coastal State.

The following information has also been developed to support the scheme:

• Proposal for minimum programme standards and guidelines for the IOTC Regional Observer Scheme (PDF file)
• Finalised minimum programme standards and guidelines for the IOTC Regional Observer Scheme (PDF file) 
• IOTC Regional Observer Scheme (ROS) Data Collection Fields Minimum Standards (PDF file)
• Scientific field observer manual (PDF file)
• Scientific field observer training programme guide (PDF file)
• Scientific field observer training materials (ZIP files - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 & Part 4)
• IOTC ROS Training Programme Final Project Report (PDF file)
• Official IOTC ROS data collection forms and guidance:
  • longline (paper/excel in ZIP files)
  • purse seine (paper/excel in ZIP files)
  • gillnet (paper in ZIP file/excel under development)
  • pole and line (paper in ZIP file/excel under development)
• Official IOTC ROS data reporting forms, mandatory format for the submission of ROS data to the IOTC:
  • longline (excel)
  • purse seine (excel)
  • gillnet (excel)
  • pole and line (excel)
• Observer logistics coordinator manual (PDF)
• Observer logistics coordinator training materials (ZIP file)
• IOTC Species identification cards

A training package to train observer logistics coordinators and scientific field observers was developed during the IOTC ROS pilot project. The materials developed during this project can be found through the links above. It is strongly recommended that National Observer Programme administrators from IOTC CPCs contact the Secretariat for guidance on running any observer training programmes.