The workshop aimed at 1. discussing and exchanging information and perspectives towards a broader understanding of the needs and opportunities in the development of capacity regarding ABNJ; 2. contributing information on capacity development to the global deliberations towards a legallybinding international instrument on BBNJ under UNCLOS; and 3. formulating the next steps towards advancing capacity development regarding ABNJ, building on past and ongoing initiatives and experiences (especially the outputs of the Common Oceans Program), and responding to global prescriptions on capacity development in relation to marine resources and their management. PDF

The main aim of this workshop was capacity building of the national observers responsible for collecting data onboard tuna longline vessels operating out of the Republic of Namibia. In many observer programmes, including in Namibia, observers traditionally collect fisheries data only, and have little understanding or training in bycatch-related data collection. This workshop provided training in the use of best practice seabird bycatch mitigation measures and seabird data collection to enhance and accelerate uptake of these measures by fleets operating in critical fishing areas of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Fishing vessels need to be marked in such a way that they can be easily identified in accordance with international standards. Correct use of vessel markings enables a fishing vessel to be linked to its identity, as contained in vessel records. Through proper marking the operational and/or historical information related to the vessel can be retrieved, including its fishing and other authorisations.

In March 2017, the Tuna Compliance Network (TCN) was set up to facilitate communication and cooperation between officers responsible for compliance and experts in Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS). Its main objective is to share best practice compliance processes associated mainly with tuna RFMOs and, therefore contribute to combating IUU fishing in tuna fisheries. The TCN is supported by the International MCS Network, the Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project that is funded by GEF and implemented by UN-FAO, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), and other partners.

The workshop was designed to give a broad understanding of the Common Oceans Tuna Project, an introduction to what is required by the tRFMOs in terms of seabird bycatch mitigation measures and reporting requirements, as well as current research available for each measure.