Science

Status and Conservation of the Stocks

Status summary for tuna and tuna-like species under the IOTC mandate, as well as other species impacted by IOTC fisheries (and measures to mitigate these impacts).

• 2024: Summary stock status table from the latest Scientific Committee report (PDF file)
• Executive Summaries by species or species group
• Status of development and implementation of National Plans of Action for seabirds and sharks, and implementation of the FAO guidelines to reduce marine turtle mortality in fishing operations

Science Process

The IOTC is essentially based on a three-step approach:

• Collection of information on fisheries and scientific analysis to supply advice as needed.
• Decision-making on the basis of the advice received.
• Implementation and monitoring of compliance with the actions agreed.

The primary functions of the Scientific Committee and its Working Parties are to provide the Commission with the information it needs to manage fish stocks under the IOTC mandate, as well as the ecosystems in which the fisheries operate.

• Commission
• Scientific Committee
• Working Parties (WP)
  • WP on Billfish (WPB)
  • WP on Data Collection and Statistics (WPDCS)
  • WP on Ecosystems and Bycatch (WPEB)
  • WP on Methods (WPM)
  • WP on Neritic Tunas (WPNT)
  • WP on Temperate Tunas (WPTmT)
  • WP on Tropical Tunas (WPTT)

Strategic Science Plan 

In 2019, the Commission adopted the IOTC Strategic Science Plan 2020-2024. The plan can be found here.

In 2025, the Commission adopted the IOTC Strategic Science Plan 2025-2029. The plan can be found here

CPC submission of National Reports to the SC

The submission of a National Report is mandatory, irrespective of whether a CPC intends on attending the annual meeting of the SC or not and shall be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the SC meeting. The status of National Report submissions can be viewed here. The latest template for the National Report can be downloaded here (updated July 2025).

Regional Observer Scheme

The objective of the IOTC Regional Observer Scheme is to collect verified catch data and other scientific data related to the fisheries for tuna and tuna-like species in the IOTC area of competence. More information can be found on this page.

• IOTC Resolution 11/04 On a regional observer scheme
• IOTC Regional observer manual (PDF file)
• IOTC Observer Trip Report Template (PDF file)
• IOTC Observer Forms (available in English and in French)
• IOTC Species identification cards

Capacity Building: Science

• Data collection and monitoring
• Stock assessment training