Data Harmonisation

Harmonisation of bycatch data (i.e., required data fields for fishing trips/sets) collected across tuna RFMOs is progressing through initiatives arising from the Joint tRFMO Expert Technical Working Group on Bycatch. Data harmonisation will allow for more comprehensive reporting on the status of bycatch species, assist with the identification of factors that cause or increase bycatch, and evaluate the performance of mitigation methods [1]. At the same time, improvements in the quality of the data collected should help stock assessments and other functions of RFMOs [1]. It is anticipated that reports, interim data tables, and agreed outcomes will be forthcoming. This is the type of literature included in this category, as well as more general literature.