Redevelopment of the Bycatch Management Information System (BMIS)

The Bycatch Management (formerly ‘Mitigation’) Information System (BMIS) is being redeveloped as a global resource with funding provided by the ABNJ (Common Oceans) Tuna Project. It is proposed that the new look BMIS will present a broader range of material, particularly regarding the management of bycatch, e.g., bycatch species interaction rates and threats, population-level assessments, and national and international management schemes. Progress on bycatch data harmonisation, electronic reporting (e-reporting) and e-monitoring will be included. A new database platform will offer improvements in database stability, security and flexibility, and facilitate more efficient data entry, reference management and general administration. A new web interface will be required, given the proposed changes in the underlying database, as well as in scope and content. The redevelopment will enhance the role of the BMIS in building understanding of bycatch mitigation and management among those involved in tuna and billfish fisheries, thereby supporting the adoption and implementation of science-based management measures so that bycatch is managed comprehensively and sustainably.