Rondolph PAYET - RES Regional Management Unit, SWIOFP Targeted Workshop for GEF IW Projects Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa 2 nd April – 4 th April 2012

SWIOFP Study Area

Key Performance Indicators The project global objective is to promote the environmentally sustainable use of fish resources through adoption by countries riparian to the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) of a Large Marine Ecosystem (LME)-based ecosystem approach to fisheries management in the Agulhas and Somali LMEs that recognizes the importance of preserving biodiversity. Outcomes of SWIOFP Adoption of at least on national or multi national management plan for specific demersal, pelagic or crustaceans fishery by each country. Regional fisheries database fully operational, new and historical data Production of baseline assessment that defines current status of relevant crustaceans, pelagic and demersal fisheries Production of sustainable fisheries management framework leveraged on the agenda of RFM and includes biodiversity conservation. 5 years – Ending in March 2013

Key results - Process/innovations – “PROCESS” Development of institutional and human capacity through training and career building to undertake and sustain an ecosystem approach to natural resource management consistent with WSSD marine targets 6 regional trainings organized (e.g., information systems; Rapid Bycatch Assessment; Turtle tagging and monitoring; EAF in fisheries management, stock assessment; pelagic and demersal data analysis working groups under SWIOFC. 40 fisheries observers from all the participating countries trained according to international and regionally-harmonized standard; protocol developed for all fisheries. 21 MSc Students financially supported to undertake SWIOFP’s thematic related research

Key results - Process/innovations “PROCESS” Development of a regional fisheries management structure fostered for implementing the LME-based approach to ecosystem based management through strengthening the Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) and other relevant regional bodies SWIOFC acts as the Project Steering Committee and is the depository of Project databases (5). The Project supports the works of the Plenary Session (at least once a year), Scientific Committee and Working Groups of the Commission.

Key results - Process/innovations “Environmental Status” The project supports the production of scientific knowledge and the development of the core capacity needed to develop a TDA and SAP and implement the action plan in order to manage regional fisheries according to EAF principles. Identification and study of exploitable offshore fish stocks within the SWIO, and differentiation between environmental (LME- related) and anthropogenic impacts on shared fisheries: data gap analysis (3) and regional research plans (3) were developed for crustaceans, demersal, pelagic species; regional fisheries databases are fully operational (Statbase, Nansis, Geonetwork and Wiofish, observer database, Pasgear) and include new and historic data; retrospective analysis of the fisheries initiated

Key results - Process/innovations “Environmental Status” Mainstreaming biodiversity in national fisheries management policy and legislation, and through national participation in regional organizations that promote sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources: Data gap analysis (5) and regional research plans ( for all fisheries) were developed for non-consumptive species; observers are deployed on research and fishing vessels to assess presence of and impact on non-consumptive species.

Priority capacity- building needs Stock Assessment Training – Data analysis Observer data analysis Biodiversity assessment – mainstreaming in Fisheries Management Having national project secretaries paid by the project crucial to implementation (options for short term consultant s well) MSC programme considered to be success Exchanges between countries on key project activities – capacity building/incentives Budgeting – 2 years –having a financial vision very important. Important for project to anchor with regional management bodies organization if possible Building Partnerships Lessons Learnt-

Major challenges and constraints threatening successful delivery Sharing of scientists on cruises in different EEZs Piracy Motivating our in-country project partner institutions Procurement (delayed processes) Limited regional consultants Political stability/ in-country capacity Start date/implementation date – grace setup period. Ownership – part of the institution’s work plan

Needs for collaboration/possible new synergies with other regional GEF IW projects Training calendar – synergies on training courses IW Consultants database Project clusters –similar outputs