MARTIN TSAMENYI (Ghana) SWGSM Chair THE 19th SPECIAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ATLANTIC TUNAS (Genoa, Italy, November 2014)

 SWGSM 1 Mandate  Report on SWGSM 1 ◦ Venue and Participation ◦ Issues covered ◦ SWGSM 1 Recommendations to the Commission  Chair’s Observations

Recommendation by ICCAT for Enhancing the Dialogue Between Fisheries Scientists and Managers [13-18]  Created SWGSM to enhance communication and foster mutual understanding between fisheries managers and scientists in order to facilitate more streamlined science-based decision making

 Particular focus to be placed on:- ◦ management strategies, including data collection, research needs and priorities ◦ establishment of limit and target reference points, ◦ promotion of efficient use of scientific resources and information. “The working group will seek to establish management strategies for the ICCAT fisheries which are consistent with the objectives of the ICCAT convention, an ecosystem-based approach and a precautionary approach.”

a. The use of B MSY and F MSY and other proxies as Target and/or Limit Reference points, Harvest Control Rules, and associated probabilities, allowing, in particular, the implementation of a precautionary approach and Recommendation [11-13], for the management of stocks under the purview of ICCAT, and b. Possible further improvements in ICCAT science and management processes and research needs and priorities, in particular in the light of the SCRS annual work programme and of the development of the Strategic Plan on Science.

 SWGSM 1 took place in Barcelona, Spain from May 2014  Participants included ◦ 17 Contracting Parties ◦ 1 Cooperating non-Contracting Party ◦ 4 Intergovernmental and non-Governmental Organizations

1. Framework for ICCAT decision-making 2. Components of precautionary management strategies (management objectives and timelines, reference points, harvest control rules, etc.) 3. Concept of Uncertainty and Variability 4. Framework for development of harvest control rules (information to be considered and evaluation of performance) 5. Overview of relevant SCRS work, including SCRS Strategic Plan and work programme 6. Suggestions for further improvements to ICCAT science and management processes

 Three Specific Recommendations 1.Based on a general agreement that SWGSM 1 was very successful, SWGSM 1 recommended that there should be another meeting of the Working Group in To further improve participation, it was recommended that in future meetings of the SWGSM, the Commission consider providing funds for two members per delegation (one manager and one scientist) for those CPCs needing assistance. 3.The next meeting of SWGSM should have a balance in the numbers of participating scientists and managers in order to meet the objectives of Rec. [13-18].

 Many participants suggested that skipjack, which will be assessed in 2014, will provide a good example to examine Harvest Control Rules.  North Atlantic albacore and North Atlantic swordfish, stocks for which the SCRS has already advanced Harvest Control Rules development and testing, were also considered as good candidates.

 Many delegations suggested consideration of Atlantic bluefin tuna as a priority species so that future TAC adjustments can be made in a reliable and defensible fashion. ◦ The working group recommended that this issue be discussed at the next meeting.  In order to eliminate data gaps that affect the timeliness of stock assessments, it would be important to consider improvements in fishery and recruitment monitoring, including real-time reporting.

 There was broad support for including social and economic factors in the evaluation of Harvest Control Rules, and for the involvement of the fishing industry and other stakeholders in the dialogue  The Working Group noted the need for improved data collection and need to reconcile their use within a compliance setting.

 If SWGSM will continue in 2015, it is important to establish a clear process to develop the Agenda for the meeting ◦ Possibility of a “Friends of the Chair” Group to be considered

Many thanks to all those who volunteered their time and knowledge to make SWGSM 1 a success