National observer programme
Article 38
Open ↗1. Each Member State shall ensure that the deployment of national observers, issued with an official identification document, on fishing vessels and traps active in the bluefin tuna fishery covers at least: (a) 20 % of its active pelagic trawlers (over 15 metres); (b) 20 % of its active longline vessels (over 15 metres); (c) 20 % of its active baitboats (over 15 metres); (d) 100 % of towing vessels; (e) 100 % of harvesting operations from traps. Member States with fewer than five catching vessels belonging to the categories listed in points (a), (b) and (c) of the first subparagraph and authorised to fish actively for bluefin tuna shall ensure that the deployment of national observers covers at least 20 % of the time the vessels are active in the bluefin tuna fishery. 2. The national observer tasks shall be, in particular, the following: (a) to monitor compliance with this Regulation by fishing vessels and traps; (b) to record and report the fishing activity, including the following: (i) amount of catch (including by-catch), and catch disposition (retained on board or discarded dead or alive); (ii) area of catch by latitude and longitude; (iii) measure of effort (such as the number of sets, number of hooks), as defined in the ICCAT Field Manual for different gears; (iv) date of catch; (c) to verify entries made in the logbook; (d) to sight and record vessels that may be fishing contrary to ICCAT conservation measures. 3. In addition to the tasks referred to in paragraph 2, national observers shall carry out scientific work, including the collection of necessary data, based on the guidelines from the SCRS. 4. Data and information collected under each Member State’s observer programme shall be provided to the Commission. The Commission shall forward those data and that information to the SCRS or the ICCAT Secretariat, as appropriate. 5. For the purposes of paragraphs 1 to 3, each Member State shall ensure: (a) representative temporal and spatial coverage to ensure that the Commission receives adequate and appropriate data and information on catch, effort and other scientific and management aspects, taking into account characteristics of the fleets and fisheries; (b) robust data collection protocols; (c) that observers are properly trained and approved before deployment; (d) to the extent practicable, minimal disruption to the operations of vessels and traps fishing in the Convention Area.