The launch of the new BMIS follows an extensive redesign of the website and database. An engaging, user-friendly interface allows searching of over 1000 curated references by species group, fishing gear or mitigation technique, and provides pointers to species identification and safe release guides. The new BMIS helps users - ranging from scientists to managers to fishers to the general public - explore management options by linking to information on interaction rates and population status. The site also provides an opportunity to learn learn about past and present efforts to tackle critical bycatch issues and help find solutions. A built-in blog feature, ‘Bycatch Bytes’, provides an easy way to keep up-to-date on the latest developments in bycatch reduction.
Additional content will be coming online through late 2018 including databases, maps and shark tagging meta-data. User contributions in the form of information, feedback and notes regarding errors or omissions are always welcome and can be sent to the BMIS Coordinator at [email protected]
The BMIS has been developed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Management Commission (WCPFC) and the Pacific Community (SPC) with the support of the Common Oceans Tuna Project and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This Project harnesses the efforts of a large and diverse array of partners, including the five tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), governments, inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and private sector to achieve responsible, efficient and sustainable tuna production and biodiversity conservation.
