Improved observer coverage for Eastern Pacific tuna fisheries is a key ask that the Global Tuna Alliance aims to push for at the 103rd Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). The region’s large purse seine vessels already have 100% human observer coverage – but smaller-scale purse seiners vessels operate with virtually none, and longline fleets have only a minimal 5% coverage requirement.
Last year, the IATTC took a significant step by adopting interim electronic monitoring (EM) standards. The GTA is now urging members to implement these standards swiftly and to develop a time-bound roadmap to reach 100% coverage across all industrial tuna fisheries, including transshipment vessels.
With the eastern Pacific mmeting around 12% of the global demand for tuna with an estimated annual end-market value of over US$5 billion, producers are looking to see a higher level of transparency and accountability across supply chains.
‘Transparency is a commitment to both people and the planet,’ said a Princes spokesperson. ‘We need to see increased levels of human and electronic observer coverage on board all fishing vessels.’
‘Comprehensive observer coverage, including electronic monitoring, is critical to effective fisheries management, compliance monitoring, and independent verification of catch, effort, and species,’ stated Oddisea SuperFrozen, a prominent US tuna importer and distributor.
‘These are important components to achieving and maintaining a responsible and transparent seafood supply chain.’
As part of its ongoing ‘No Blind Spots on Tuna’ message, the GTA is calling for observer coverage levels consistent with scientific best practice – an interim target of at least 20%, rising to 100% coverage, particularly in high-risk areas where rare or protected species are concerned.
Observer coverage also strengthens the scientific foundation of fisheries management. As IATTC staff have highlighted, historical acoustic buoy data and longline operational logbook data are critical for accurate yellowfin stock assessments.
‘The IATTC’s scientific staff consistently delivers high-quality assessments of the region’s tuna and associated species. However, their capacity to provide the best scientific advice is severely compromised by critical data deficiencies,’ said Dr. Wetjens Dimmlich, who is at the IATTC meeting in Panama on behalf of GTA partners.
‘It is imperative that the Commission take steps to increase observer coverage rates, both human and electronic, and dedicates the necessary resources to close the data gaps for longline and small-scale purse seine fleets, providing the scientific staff with the comprehensive information they urgently need to safeguard our ocean resources and provide our partners the confidence to continue sourcing tuna from the region.’
