ISSF position statements raise issues and recommendations for Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) to consider in their policymaking discussions and decisions.

Our advocacy team prepares and circulates our statements in advance of major tuna RFMO meetings. Some statements are available in several languages, depending on RFMO region. If you would like to request an older version of a statement, write to us at [email protected].

ISSF 2021-05: Survey of Human Observer Programs for Purse Seine Vessels and a Set of Best Practices*

Date Added: April 21, 2021
Authors: Holly Koehler
Downloaded: 259 times
Tags: Best Practices, CCSBT, IATTC, ICCAT, IOTC, Observer Coverage, Observer Programs, Purse Seine, RFMOs, WCPFC
Language: English
Featured: False
Report Type: Technical Report

Description

Note: The information in this report is current for 2022. The RFMOs have not made changes to observer program requirements since the report was published in 2021.

Purse seine fisheries in all oceans are required to carry some level of human observer coverage in accordance with measures adopted by the relevant regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) for some or all of the year or in certain areas.

Existing observer programs vary in terms of program management, entrance requirements, training program structure and course content, and the function of the observer, among other areas.

This Technical Report surveys a number of national and/or regional or sub-regional programs in place and in use in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and it develops a set of best practices for human observer programs for purse seine vessels.

See also our RFMO Best Practices Snapshot on observer requirements.