Bycatch Management Information System (BMIS) Update | Bycatch Management Information System (BMIS)

Source URL

https://meetings.wcpfc.int/node/18548

Citation

Fitzsimmons L (2023) Bycatch Management Information System (BMIS) Update. In: WCPFC Scientific Committee 19th Regular Session. WCPFC-SC19-2023/EB-IP-05, Koror, Palau

Abstract

The WCPFC Bycatch Management Information System (BMIS) is an online resource aimed at fisheries managers and scientists, fishers, educators and the general public (see Figure 1). The database presents scientific and technical information on the mitigation and management of bycatch in pelagic tuna and billfish fisheries worldwide. Bycatch here refers to highly migratory species of special interest, including seabirds, sharks and rays, marine turtles and marine mammals (principally cetaceans). The BMIS project was initiated in 2010 by WCPFC. Funding from the FAO Common Oceans Project in 2015-16 enabled a major redevelopment of the website and database, culminating in a site relaunch in 2017. This paper provides an update on BMIS curation, usage, and upgrades to site functionality, as well as projects underway. Historical development is documented in Fitzsimmons et al. (2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019), Williams et al. (2016 and 2017) and Williams (2018).