Report of the Workshop

The IATTC has received funds from the FAO-GEF Common Oceans program for a project aimed at improving data collection for shark fisheries in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). The goals of the project include identifying and describing available fishery data sources for shark species in the EPO, as well as incorporating new and existing data on shark fisheries into a database suitable for stock assessment. In addition, as part of the project, two capacity-building activites were planned, aimed at developing IATTC member countries: a first workshop on Shark Data Collection, and a second on Data-Limited Assessment Methods for Shark Species.

This report describes the work, discussions, and training activities generated during the two sessions of the workshop on Shark Data Collection: 1) a review of shark data sampling methodologies applied in the EPO region; and 2) training on an MS-Access database developed by IATTC staff in collaboration with Central American nations. The workshop was attended by 18 participants, 17 from IATTC member countries and one representative from an NGO.

New shark data collection forms, developed by IATTC member countries in collaboration with the Commission staff, were presented and discussed. In addition, the participants received training in the use of a MS Access database designed specifically to archive the information to be collected on these forms. The forms and database have been developed specifically for the Central American (Organization for Fishing and Aquaculture in Central America - OSPESCA) region, where the need for better data is greatest, but some of its elements may be useful for unilateral efforts to improve data collection in other regions of the EPO. Most importantly, these materials could be used as precursors for the development of standardized shark sampling forms and a regional shark fishery database for the EPO.

Some points were considered essential by participants for strengthening existing and developing new data collection programs in the region, in addition to standardizing methodologies among member countries; one of the main points noted and discussed by participants was the need for a greater number of data collectors and for improving their safety at work. It is critical that these shortcomings be resolved so that shark data collection programs can be developed and/or strengthened.