Indian Ocean Bycatch Observer Programme

Some Indian Ocean tuna fisheries, mostly those classified as artisanal are currently unable to characterise their bycatch rates of non-target species because of either (a) lack of national capacity, or (b) logistical difficulties.

 ISSF required an initial snapshot study in order to characterise bycatch taken by fleets of coastal states in the Indian Ocean that fish for tuna and are not characterised as industrial scale purse seine or longline vessels.  The study focussed on the gillnet fleets of India and Sri Lanka.

The study consisted of a literature review of available information and local site visits in the two focus countries to gather grey literature and interview key stakeholders in the industry.