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This Manual has been prepared by Marine Resources Assessment Group (MRAG) Ltd. and Capricorn Fisheries Monitoring (CapFish), for the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) for a Regional Observer Programme (ROP) working on board IOTC registered transhipment vessels in the IOTC regulatory area. It constitutes an integral part of the briefing documentation issued to observers and is a tool, both for sensitising and preparing observers and for reference purposes when they are in the field. Notwithstanding this, prospective observers should be familiar with both the IOTC Resolution 08/02 and the adjoining annexes:
Annex 1: In-Port Transhipment by LSTLVs Annex 2: Transhipment Declaration Form Annex 3: Regional Observer Programme
The document is intended to assist experienced observers with planning, preparation and implementation of the tasks required of both an IOTC approved Observer and a contracted consultant of MRAG Ltd & CapFish.
It is essential that all observers familiarise themselves with the material included in this and other briefing documentation issued to them.
The Manual provides reference material which will enable the observer to implement their role in the sprit of the ROP. Issues relevant to logistical, conduct, communications and safety are also presented, along with instructions detailing observer tasks, including observational requirements; sampling protocols; logbook entry protocols; and supplementary tasks.
This Manual all so serves as a technical paper providing background information on the IOTC Organisation and tuna fisheries, particularly longlining operations, in the Indian Ocean under the auspices of IOTC management, the problems presented by IUU fishing and the role of monitoring programmes.
This Manual should be considered as a live document which will change according to the evolution of the Programme and is intended to incorporate recommendations from observers returning from the field.
