Further Notes on Data Reporting and Compliance
Longline Guidebook
- Table of Contents
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter Objectives
- Section 1: Sea Turtles
- Sea Turtle Identification
- Mitigating Turtle Bycatch
- Other Mitigation Methods
- Best Practices Infographic
- Examples of Hooked Turtles
- Dehooking or Untangling a Turtle
- Tools for Turtle Handling
- Dehooking or Untangling Techniques in Water
- Dehooking or Untangling Techniques on Board
- Turtle Recovery and Release
- Section 2: Seabirds
- Commonly Encountered Seabirds
- Identifying Seabirds
- Seabird Species
- Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Measures
- Bird-Scaring Lines
- Night Setting
- Weighted Branch Lines
- Line Weighting Smart Gear Prize
- Hook Shielding and Bait Setting Devices
- Other Measures
- Handling and Release
- Hook Removal and Seabird Recovery
- Seabird Interactions and Best Practices
- Section 3: Sharks
- Commonly Encountered Sharks
- Shark Bycatch and RFMOs
- Shark Bycatch Mitigation Measures
- Shark Anatomy, Handling, and Release
- Releasing Sharks Caught in Pelagic Longline Fisheries
- Proper Handling of Sharks
- Incorrect Shark Handling and Release
- Final Notes
- Chapter 3
- Chapter Objectives
- International Organizations and Instruments
- Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
- Western And Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
- International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
- Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
- Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna
- Further Notes on Data Reporting and Compliance
- Conclusion
- Feedback Form
- Copyright
Observer Coverage Requirements
For longline vessels, although the details of the programs vary, most tuna RFMOs require an observer coverage level of at least 5 percent for longline vessels over 24 meters, which in ICCAT increased to 10 percent. This coverage level might also apply, in some cases, for smaller vessels operating in the high seas or in EEZs other than their flag state EEZ.
Tag Recovery and Reporting
Tuna (and other fish) tagging programs have a number of uses, but almost all tagging programs share a common goal: gathering data about fish. Most tagging programs seek information on fish movements, growth, behavior, and mortality. This data is critical to our understanding of fish biology and for the creation of accurate models for stock assessments. You might also encounter tagged seabirds, with small bands on their legs.
Simple tags have printed information and instructions on how to return the tag. These tags remain attached to the fish until it is caught or landed. Some high-tech tags monitor and record position and environmental data continuously. Some fish tags even pop off the fish at an appointed time, float to the surface, and transmit information via satellite.
If the vessel’s crew catches/lands a tagged animal, please take the time to remove the tag, note the time and location of the catch/landing and ensure that the tag is returned to its owner. Often there are rewards for the return of tags—another reason to help contribute to the good management of your fishery. Fishers must not remove the tags from live birds.