Conservation Measures
Observer Training Guide
- Observer Table of Contents
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Introduction
- Vessel Identification And Characteristics
- Gallery 2.1: Vessel Components and Identification
- Gallery 2.2: Vessel Electronics
- Gallery 2.3: Vessel Monitoring System
- Purse Seine Operations
- Gallery 2.4: Purse Seine Net and Setting
- Gallery 2.5: Purse Seine Fishing Stages
- Fish Aggregating Devices
- FADS and Bycatch
- FAD Construction
- Gallery 2.6: FADs
- Fishing Activity
- Gallery 2.7: Observer Documentation
- Safety At Sea
- Gallery 2.8: Safety Equipment
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Introduction
- Bony Fishes
- Gallery 4.1: Bony Fish Identification
- Sharks and Rays
- Commonly Encountered Sharks and Rays
- Gallery 4.2: Shark and Ray Identification
- Shark and Ray Handling and Release
- Gallery 4.3: Shark and Ray Handling and Release
- Sea Turtles
- Commonly Encountered Sea Turtles
- Gallery 4.4: Sea Turtle Identification
- Sea Turtle Handling and Release
- Gallery 4.5: Sea Turtle Handling and Release
- Reducing Bycatch
- Movie 4.1: ISSF Shark Research: Testing Chum Lure
- Final Notes
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Copyright, etc.
Conservation Measures for All Vessels
To be compliant, all vessels must:
- Not appear on an IUU list
- Have an IMO number (when meeting IMO minimum size
- Have a company anti-finning policy
- Not have a finning finding within two years
- Be on an RFMO authorized record, if required
- Be flagged to an RFMO member or CNM
Conservation Measures for Purse Seine Vessels
To be compliant, purse seine vessels must conform to the above list for all vessels and must also:
- Have been actively fishing for tuna by December 31, 2012
- Have a UVI, if applicable
- Be able to prove 100% observer coverage of large scale vessels (human or electronic)
- Show full retention of all tunas
- Have a ISSF-trained skipper, either via an in-person workshop or via having read the relevant Skippers’ Guidebook
- Engage in no transshipment on the high seas
- Demonstrate that any Observer meets baseline standards
Observer Requirements
In addition, as of January 1, 2014, the vessel’s observer must satisfactorily complete annual observer training. Observers sourced from established national, regional or sub-regional observer programs or providers being used in RFMOs to satisfy purse seine coverage requirements are recognized as having received detailed training. This Guidebook does not supplant such training. This Guidebook reviews the skills necessary for effective observing, particularly as they pertain to sustainable fishing best practices. Further, States and RFMOs are encouraged to use these best practices in the development of or strengthening of national, regional or sub-regional human observer programs for purse seine vessels.