Changes from plenary report to adopted text

Added- A detailed protocol on how to retrieve the data from the vessel to the authorities or to the EM review centre shall be established and agreed on in the VMP by both the vessel owners and the vessel authority.

Added- When EMS records are transmitted (via Wi-Fi, mobile data network or satellite, or hard disk delivery), the transmission of the data shall be done at the end of the fishing trip where possible. If not possible, the data shall be securely stored and transmitted without delay and at the earliest opportunity.

Added- Irrespective of the data transfer method used for EM records, the transmission shall ensure the information is properly encrypted. Additionally, an encrypted storage device containing the same EM records information shall remain on board as backup. The deletion of records from the vessel's backup devices shall occur only once the EM records have been converted to EM data at the EM review centre.

AddedData review

Added- EM data shall be generated by the programme that monitored that trip. Provided that standard protocols and procedures are followed, Member State authorities may choose whether to contract the work out through a commercial EM review service provider, authorised contractor, or do it themselves.

Added- EM equipment shall include separate backup devices, to ensure that data are not lost if one device fails.

Added▌

AddedData analysis and reporting standards

AddedTraining

Added- Member States shall design and organise training courses for EM analysts, with input from IATTC staff, EM service providers and other experts, where necessary.

Added- EM analyses shall be conducted only by qualified EM analysts, ideally possessing some experience in fishing activities, with skills on how to use the dedicated analysis software and observe and record accurately data to be collected under the programme. EM analysts shall not be employees of a fishing vessel company involved in the observed fishery or have other direct conflicts of interest.

AddedAutomation

Added- When feasible, make EM data generation automatic and user-friendly to expedite EM analysis and directly include information in EM data or reports.

Added- EM records subject to EM analysis shall contain at least the vessel name and vessel ID and trip ID, camera number, geolocation data (date, time (UTC), latitude and longitude), sensor data where applicable, camera recording status and EM equipment system status, where available, and images.

AddedData quality

Added- The EM analysis shall involve a dedicated software, which shall permit the analysis of all the stored data, images, and sensor data where applicable, in a synchronised way. Member States shall ensure that data analysis procedures ensure traceability and effective analysis of data, and include routines to flag potential errors, as well as digital measuring tools.

Added- The EM analysis software shall allow reporting the mandatory minimum data fields requirements established in Tables 1 and 2 of ▌ Annex VII. It may also allow reporting of the voluntary data fields.

AddedConversion factors

Added- Standardised species-specific length-weight and weight-number conversion factors, based on peer-reviewed research results and/or empirical data, shall be developed by the IATTC Secretariat, endorsed by the SAC and adopted by the Commission, and updated as necessary.

AddedFormat

Added- Standard formats applicable to reports submitted by human observers shall be used for generating EM data fields (e.g. dates as DDMMYY, latitude and longitude in decimal units, speeds in knots, weights in kg, lengths in centimetres) and creating resulting EM data files (e.g. csv, accdb, xlsx).

AddedReporting procedure

Added- EM data shall be submitted via a dedicated cloud-based portal which may be developed by the IATTC Secretariat, or other appropriate means. The portal shall be as user-friendly and automated as possible, and shall include quality control procedures (e.g. format checking, error flagging), as well as automatic reminders for the timely submission of EM data.’.

AddedANNEX III

AddedThe Annexes to Regulation (EU) 2022/2343 are amended as follows:

Added(1) Annex 2 is replaced by the following:

Added‘ANNEX 2 A - Guidelines for preparation of drifting fish aggregating device (DFAD) management plans

AddedThe DFAD management plan (DFAD–MP) to be submitted to the Commission by Member States with fleets fishing in the IOTC area of competence, associated to DFADs, should include:

Added1. An objective

Added2. Scope

AddedDescription of its application with respect to:

Added− vessel-types and support and tender vessels

Added− DFAD numbers and DFADs beacon numbers to be deployed

Added− reporting procedures for DFAD deployment

Added− incidental bycatch reduction and utilisation policy

Added− consideration of interaction with other gear types

Added− plans for monitoring and retrieval of lost DFADs

Added− statement or policy on “DFAD ownership”

Added3. Institutional arrangements for management of the DFAD Management Plans:

Added− institutional responsibilities

Added− application processes for DFAD and /or DFAD beacons deployment approval

Added− obligations of vessel owners and masters in respect of DFAD and /or DFAD beacons deployment and use

Added− DFAD and/or DFADs beacons replacement policy

Added− reporting obligations

Added4. DFAD construction specifications and requirements:

Added− DFAD design characteristics (a description)

Added− DFAD markings and identifiers, including DFADs beacons

Added− lighting requirements

Added− radar reflectors

Added− visible distance

Added− radio buoys (requirement for serial numbers)

Added− satellite transceivers (requirement for serial numbers)

Added− sonars (make and technical specifications)

Added5. Applicable areas:

Added- Details of any closed areas or periods e.g. territorial waters, shipping lanes, proximity to artisanal fisheries, etc.

Added6. Applicable period for the DFAD–MP.

Added7. Means for monitoring and reviewing implementation of the DFAD–MP.

Added8. DFAD logbook template (data to be collected specified in Annex 3).

AddedB - Guidelines for preparation of anchored fish aggregating device (AFAD) management plans

AddedAFAD Management Plans (AFAD-MP) to be submitted to the Commission by Member States with fleets fishing in the IOTC area of competence, associated to AFADs, shall include: