This project contributes to improve the scientific information on the tuna and tuna-like fisheries operating in the IOTC area of competence. Access to datasets is crucial to enhance the scientific elements of sustainable fisheries management, but this type of information is currently limited due to the variable quality and quantity of data available for analysis.
To tackle this, the project will conduct electronic monitoring trials and improve methods for stock assessments, data quality, and the understanding of the biology and ecology of target and bycatch species. This will be focused mainly on areas where substantial improvements are required, such as the lack of catch data available for tropical and temperate tuna, gillnet fleets, neritic tuna species and bycatch species.
The results of the project will lead to better scientific knowledge of the ecosystems managed by the IOTC with the aim to ensure appropriate management of all species impacted by IOTC fisheries.