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This project was designed to improve the IOTC’s understanding of the impacts of on non-IOTC species and ecosystems associated with IOTC fisheries and, by doing so, contribute to more informed management decisions. The results of the project were expected to improve the scientific knowledge that underpins management advice for tuna and tuna-like species in the IOTC area.
The project has contributed to an improved understanding of the impacts of IOTC fisheries on non IOTC-species and associated ecosystems. More and associated ecosystems. More specifically, the project explored the potential for using close kin techniques to estimate the abundance of shark species, reported on ways to reduce the beaching of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and supported the production of materials to improve the safe handling and release of mobulid rays.
The other key project outcome was the provision of support for the improvement of stock assessments in target fisheries. In particular, the Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) for skipjack tuna was reviewed and recommendations for improved management procedures were developed. Additionally, the project supported the annual meeting of the IOTC Working Party on Tropical Tunas, which allowed assessment findings to be shared.