FishSource

Indian Ocean tuna - longline (Thai Union) (FIP)

Access FIP Public Report

Last Updated: 2024-03-18

Access FIP ETP Workplan Analysis

Progress Rating: C

Evaluation Start Date: 2018-05-01

Type: Comprehensive

Status: Active

FIP Lead: Key Traceability (KT)

Stock Profile Link
Albacore - Indian Ocean
Bigeye tuna - Indian Ocean
Yellowfin tuna - Indian Ocean

Comments:

The last stage 4 progress reported is now 12-24 months old with recent stage 3 progress reported within the past 6 months. The FIP drops to a C rating.

1. FIP Development	Feb 19	Fishery assessment or scoping document made public 1 February 2019 — 2019 updated MSC preassessment 1 February 2018 — MSC preassessment
2. FIP Launch	Oct 18	Confirmation of project participants 1 October 2018 — MoU with participants
2. FIP Launch	Dec 23	Workplan made public 1 December 2023 — Updated 2023 workplan 2 November 2018 — First workplan made public 18 February 2018 — 2019 workplan made public
3. FIP Implementation	Apr 24	FIP activities undertaken 1 April 2024 — The FIP's position statement has been made available ahead of the 2024 28th annual session of the IOTC 1 February 2024 — The FIP is engaging with SharkGuard in an effort to participate in a pilot study to reduce shark interactions through SharkGuard technology. 1 November 2023 — The FIP has developed a waste management policy. 27 July 2023 — The FIP held a meeting with Taiwan Fisheries Agency to discuss ongoing EMS progress and principle 3 scoring. 1 June 2023 — The FIP has conducted an updated catch composition analysis using data from March 2019- February 2022; primary species observed included skipjack tuna, swordfish, indo-pacific sailfish, tunas (nei) and blue marlin. Secondary species accounted for a higher proportion of the total catch with the greatest proportion recorded being blue shark and opah. 1 April 2023 — The FIP's position statement has been made available ahead of the 2023 Special Session of the IOTC 9 November 2022 — Skipper training held with 19 individuals in attendance from 16 vessels; all vessels have now had all crew members trained. 1 July 2022 — The FIP has scheduled a meeting with the TFA to discuss how to improve the PIs across the board 1 June 2022 — The FIP has joined the TNC Bulk Procurement deal for the analysis of the EM data; proposals are curerntly under review 8 May 2022 — The IOTC adopted a management procedure for bigeye tuna during its 2022 annual Commission meeting. 1 May 2022 — The FIP has submitted a position statement ahead of the 2022 IOTC annual meeting 1 March 2022 — ISSF technical report made available; the status of stocks for tuna has been updated 25 November 2021 — The FIP held a stakeholder meeting, which was attended by the Taiwanese Fisheries Authority. 6 October 2021 — Skipper training sessions for 18 skippers from two fleets has taken place. 31 May 2021 — A Position statement was sent to the IOTC prior to the Commission meeting. 1 May 2021 — FIP sent advocacy letters to the IOTC and flag state detailing asks and requirements for this year’s meeting 17 November 2020 — Annual stakeholder meeting was held in November 2020 1 October 2020 — The FIP sent advocacy letters to the flag states and RFMO detailing our asks and position statement. 1 June 2020 — A draft ETP Management Strategy has been developed 5 September 2019 — The FIP has formally put in a request to obtain the Taiwanese IOTC data, as it is not public. 30 June 2019 — An ETP incidence form has been created and translated to be used on the vessel, proper use of this is taught alongside skipper training. Best practices have been drafted and collated and are to be posted on board vessels. Public shark finning policy has been created that includes a ban of wire leaders. 30 June 2019 — Skipper training has been created and translated into relevant languages and focuses on benefits of the FIP, species ID and bycatch and handling best practices. Currently we have trained nine skippers and the remaining 35 are planned for the coming year when the vessels come in. 30 June 2019 — An external consultant is carrying out an assessment of the yellowfin interim rebuilding plan (IOTC 2016) and detailing if they feel it is sufficient and if not, how the IOTC and the FIP should proceed to make sure it is. This was completed in June 2019 30 June 2019 — The FIP has joined ISSF mailing lists and sign on to letters regularly to advocate for HCRs. We agree with IOTC position statements and use this for our advocacy
4. Improvements in Fishing Practices and Fishery Management	Jun 24	Verifiable improvement in policy/management and fishing practices 19 June 2024 — The ETP policy has been updated to include the prohibition of shark finning and a turtle bycatch policy. 1 October 2022 — Increase in score to PIs 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.2.2, 2.2.3; Observer data obtained from the TFA between 2017-2020 identified no main or secondary species. 31 January 2022 — Increase to PI 2.2.3; recent review suggests that oil fish is likely the main secondary species 31 January 2022 — Increase to PI 2.2.2; the only main secondary species identified in catch is Oil Fish. Level of catch within the UoA is not likely to hinder rebuilding. 25 November 2021 — Increase to PI 2.3.3; existing IOTC resolutions in place. IOTC Resolution 18/07 on measures applicable in the case of non-fulfilment of reporting obligations available 1 July 2020 — An announcement has been released stating mandatory tori lines are to be deployed on all trips going forward, regardless of location. 30 June 2019 — Vessels are being installed with EM over the next year, with currently 20 vessels already having EM installed.
5. Improvements on the Water	Jan 22	Verifiable improvement on the water 31 January 2022 — Increase to PI 2.2.1; Secondary species have been identified from a review of the electronic monitoring system. The review suggests oil fish makes up the largest (8.25%) of secondary catch. 31 January 2022 — Increase to PI 2.1.1; Primary species have been identified from a review of the electronic monitoring system. The review suggests swordfish makes up the largest (10%) of primary catch.
6. MSC certification (optional)	—	MSC certificate made public