99. The participants agreed on an intersessional work programme that includes the following themes:
Data collection and monitoring of moored FAD. A spreadsheet was prepared for this purpose.
Information exchange on all aspects of moored FAD fishing (through networking of the Working Group members).
Communication and awareness targeting various audiences including fishers and fishing communities.
Preparation in the concerned countries of National Programmes for moored FAD development and deployment, which should be incorporated in the national Fisheries Management Plans for large pelagics.
Training (including exchange visits) in moored FAD construction and deployment.
Research. The Ifremer has obtained partial funding from the “Conseil régional” for Martinique for a research project on moored FAD. The main objective of the project is to use acoustic surveys to monitor the fish population and its distribution on the moored FAD in Martinique and experimental fishing. Ifremer offered to disseminate the preliminary results of this project at the next meeting of the Group. Depending on the preliminary results, it may be possible to extend the acoustic surveys to neighbouring islands. Curacao offered to support the project in writing, if needed. The countries agreed that they could benefit from the results of the project.
Research on the design of light, medium weight and heavy moored FAD was necessary. The objective should be to improve design, longevity and reduce costs. Ifremer is working on a computer programme for this purpose and would be requesting data and information from member countries of the ad hoc Working Group to test and validate the programme. Curacao volunteered to provide information.
Case studies. The participants were keen on an appropriate management strategy for moored FAD. Some participants suggested comanagement while others felt it should be owned and managed by the state. It was suggested that case studies be done in Guadeloupe where moored FAD were privately owned and managed by fishers and in Martinique where moored FAD were owned and managed by groups of fishers or by the representative structure of the profession. The studies should be presented to the next meeting of the Group.
The meeting decided to seek expert advice on the collection and evaluation of social and economic data on moored FAD fishing.
The participants agreed that a Regional Cooperative Work Programme be elaborated for discussion and adoption at the Ad Hoc Working Group at the next meeting.
