ICCAT Manual, (2005-2016)

Abstract

Tunas and other large highly-migratory species are typically assessed and managed through international arrangements. Since the distribution of such stocks is not limited to the waters of any single sovereign nation, such arrangements are necessary in order to share the available research and fishery information. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas is responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. The organization was established at a Conference of Plenipotentiaries, which prepared and adopted the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas signed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1966. After a ratification process, the Convention entered formally into force in 1969. The official languages of ICCAT are English, French and Spanish. The Commission's work requires the collection and analysis of statistical information relative to current conditions and trends of the fishery resources in the Convention. About 30 species are covered by the Convention: Atlantic bluefin (Thunnus thynnus thynnus), yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), albacore (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis); swordfish (Xiphias gladius); billfishes such as white marlin (Tetrapturus albidus), blue marlin (Makaira nigricans), sailfish (Istiophorus albicans) and spearfish (Tetrapturus pfluegeri & T. belone); mackerels such as spotted Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatese) and king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla); and, small tunas like black skipjack (Euthynnus alletteratus), frigate tuna (Auxis thazard), and Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda). Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) is also part of the Convention, although currently the primary responsibility for assessing and managing this species rests with the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT). Other species, although not explicitly mentioned in the Convention, are also of interest to ICCAT. This is the case of some species that are caught incidentally by tuna fleets and that are not managed directly through other international arrangements. These currently include pelagic oceanic sharks such as shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and blue shark (Prionace glauca).For several years, SCRS scientists have recognized the need to update the ICCAT Field Manual (the last version was published in 1990). In addition, it has been noted that a revision should be broader in scope than the current version. The Commission has also noted the need for a publication that compiles all of the data submission forms in order to facilitate the reporting requirements of Contracting Parties. _________________________________________________________ The publication will be of use to a wide audience, maintaining scientists as the primary intended users. Various chapters of a general nature should allow readers to understand how ICCAT works and what is the role of statistics and research within the system. Other chapters would contain technical guidelines for species identification or for sampling, and appendices that specify the formats with which data should be submitted to the Secretariat. The ICCAT Manual is under development. The table below provides links to sections that have already been developed.