The poster presents two different pilots of electronic monitoring systems in tuna fisheries which are carried out in Fiji and Ghana in the framework of the Project. The current status of the pilots and the use of electronic monitoring systems for compliance to improve fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance and to supplement observer coverage are presented. The poster is prepared for the 8th International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference (29 August - 2 September 2016 - San Diego, California). This conference is the premier international forum for working on the critical issues of fisheries observer programs, emerging monitoring technologies, and other approaches to fishery-dependent data collection and analyses.

Dr, Gala Moreno and Dr. Jefferson Murua, facilitators of ISSF skippers workshops, reflect on the value of fisher-scientist collaboration at a 2018 ISSF biodegradable fish aggregating device (FAD) workshop in Dakar, Senegal. The workshop is part of The Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project.

The document summarizes results obtained during the noted Round 8 workshop.

The Workshop’s main objective was to exchange information among the tuna RFMO Secretariats and with other experts on data management and reporting for compliance, and explore the scope for cooperation and rationalizing work processes in this area. In addition, the Workshop provided space for discussion of other topics of relevance to officers responsible for compliance, such as developments in compliance assessment procedures, transshipment, and initiatives to identify best practices in fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS).

The workshop is part of the effort to introduce the BMIS to potential users and demonstrate its utility in supporting science-based fisheries management. It was designed to work through various bycatch issues using the BMIS, SPC resources, and participants’ national fisheries knowledge and experience.