PHILIPPINE FISHERIES OBSERVER PROGRAMME

Dr. Alma C. DicksonHead, NMFDC

Philippine National Fisheries Observer Programme Coordinator

Marlo B. Demo-osTraining Coordinator, PFOP

Republic of the PhilippinesDepartment of Agriculture

BUREAU OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES

FISHERIES OBSERVER PROGRAMME

BACKGROUND

The development of fisheries observer in the Philippines is in accordance withArticle 28 of the WCPFC Convention which states that “ the Commission shalldevelop a regional observer programme to collect verified catch data, otherscientific data and additional information related to the fishery from theConvention Area and to monitor the implementation of the Conservation andManagement Measures (CMMS) adopted by the Commission”.

WCPFC adopted the Conservation and Management Measure (CMM) 2007-01,that provides for the establishment of Regional Observer Program and 2008-01that provides for the conservation and management of yellowfin and bigeyetuna in the WCPO.

The Fisheries Observer Program shall promote responsible fisheries and will playan important role in the conduct of monitoring control and surveillanceactivities. The program can serve as an information provider of primary andsecondary production including scientific information on catch and effort, stockassessment and other fisheries regulation compliance.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) with its mandate in theconservation, protection and proper management of our aquatic resources haveimplemented the Fisheries Observer Program last 2009 and have conducted 4batches of training with a total of 106 fisheries observers.

The fundamental purpose is to provide fisheriesmanagers, research organizations, environmentalagencies, the fishing industry with independent,reliable, verified and accurate information on the fishcatch, effort and practice of Philippine flagged vessels.

FISHERIES OBSERVER PROGRAMME RATIONALE

Objectives of the Program

The program shall:

1. Provide a sufficient level of coverage with the Philippine EEZ and Commission’s area;

2. Ensure that the BFAR and the Commission receives adequate and appropriate data and information on catch levels and related information;

3. Develop and train independent and impartial Cadre of Fisheries Observers for deployment;

4. Implement cost effective FOP in coordination with existing RFMOs; and

5. Train and certifies observers in accordance with set standards/procedures.

6. Deploy Fisheries Observers on board Commercial Fishing Vessels within the Philippine EEZ and High Seas

7. Consolidate and analyze Observer Data for effective Tuna Data Collection to come up with reliable tuna fisheries statistics as tool for fisheries management and decision making.

The Philippine Fisheries Observer Program shall focus on the following:

• Consider science, technical, compliance-related, practical and economic elements of the fishery;

• List tasks for FOP observers for each fishery standard and harmonized procedures for observers, including data collection, reporting formats, as well as placement and debriefing procedures; and

• Standard procedures for certification of observers including appropriate coordination with RFMOs.

• Deployment of Observers and actual Data Collection onboard the fishing boats/vessels

• Analysis of collected data, information and recommendation

• Preparation of Technical Papers on overall fisheries observer trip for policy decision and project implementation.

Capacity Building thru the Training on Fisheries Observer Programme – 26 days

The program includes six (6) major components that is needed to satisfy the scientific and monitoring compliance of the vessels, namely:

1. Preparation of Observers which discusses safety and basic navigation and seamanship as well as Radio Communication Skills;

2. Relevant International and Philippine Regulations that will tackle applicable international and national laws/instruments;

3. Regional Observer Program to give the duties and responsibilities and Terms of Reference of observers as well as the vessel operators and crew;

4. Form Instructions for the different cards that will be filled-up including Observer Trip Reports;

5. Data Collection and Verification which included briefing and debriefing of observers; and

6. Practical and shipboard operation onboard M/V DA-BFAR.

To ensure tuna data collection to compliment with the• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences (preferably B.S. Fisheries and Marine

Biology)• One college level subject each in math and statistics• Must be physically and mentally fit to work in any type of sea conditions.• Adequate computer skills

Standard Requirements for Observers

To date, BFAR have conducted four batches of training with 106 fisheries observers ready to board commercial fishing vessels.

The Philippines is the first observer program audited by the Commission and the first to be given full authorization last September 2010.

To ensure effective tuna data collection to compliment with the implementation with the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) in various Fish Landing Areas the stated qualifications of Fisheries Observers which shall undergo trainings and perform Fisheries Observer Responsibilities.:

Vessel Owner/Operator or Agent -Request Observer/

Reports Departure Information

Pre Deployment Stage

Fisheries Observer Program – Mechanics of Implementation

FOPMO -Advise/confirms Deployment of Observer

Deployment Phase FOP Observer Arrives at

Port of Embarkation-Pre-Trip Vessel Safety Check

Post Deployment

Vessel Safety Positive-Board and Perform with FOP Duty

Vessel Safety Negative-Refuse Boarding

Report to FOPMO-Appropriate Action

Conduct De-Briefing Process

FOP Observer -Submits Consolidated

Report to FOPMO

Data Encoding : Database Science and Compliance AnalysisInformation Usage of BFAR

Others (WCPFC)Data Storage

and Processing

FOPMO-Feedback/Consultation withprivate fishing sector

FOPMO-Briefing Process

1. Species Composition (Target and By catch)2. Length Frequency3. Sex4. Condition when caught/ when discarded5. Catch-ability of the vessels/fleets6. CPUE (Catch per unit of effort)7. Small fish issues8. Set and catch (position) information9. Reasons for discards10. Other Standard Informations

Scientific Data Collection and Reporting of Fisheries Observers Onboard Fishing Vessels are the following:

1. Fishing gear Designs and Methods of Operation

2. Support vessels (carrier, light boats, tenders, etc.)

3. Electronic equipment and deck machineries

4. Communications and VMS5. Fish Handling Onboard (types and

techniques)6. Vessel Details/Particulars (Engine, Length,

Tonnage, Auxiliary machineries etc.)

Observers Collect Information on Gear Technology

OBSERVER ACTIVITIES ONBOARD FISHING VESSELS

Observers are routinely report on the following:

a. Trip details

b. Vessel Characteristics

c. Fishing Gear/Refrigeration/Technology

d. Marine Equipment and Electronics

e. Captain, Fishing Masters and Crew Numbers

f. Daily Logs including Lat/Long, EEZ, Activities of the Vessel, School Associations/How target species was caught or detected

g. Set specifications, Sequence and Timing

h. Types of Bait used (Longline)

i. Species Identification

j. Species fate, condition, length, sex and processing methods

k. By-catch identification, condition and fate

l. Species of special interest (sea turtles/marine mammals/seabirds)-sightings interaction with gear, condition and fate

m. Record relevant vessel and aircraft sightings, positions and activities

n. Record all other vessel identification, i.e. type, flag, condition, etc.

o. Take photos were possible

p. Report on tags picked up by vessels

q. General cruise report

SAMPLING METHOD

• Mainly by using tub/bucket/scoop to take catch samples from each brail• Sub-samples taken from aggregated samples at the end of brailing• Sub-samples sorted according to group or species

– weight to the nearest 0.1 kg– Length to the nearest cm;– fork length (FL) for tuna and large pelagic species– total length (TL) for small pelagic

• Sampling factors include vessel size , weather condition, catch handling /transfer methods, assistance from crew

OBSERVER FORMSThe following are the forms being filled up by an observer while onboard the fishing vessel:

• PURSE SEINE/RING NET:

1. Form FOP-PS-1 – General Vessel Minimum Data Standards2. Form FOP-PS-2- Daily activity Minimum Data Standards3. Form FOP-PS-3- Set and Catch Information4. Form FOP-PS-4- Length Measurement Minimum Data Standards5. Form FOP-GEN-1-Vessel and Aircraft sightings Minimum Data Standards6. Form FOP-GEN-2-Species of Special Interest7. Form FOP-GEN-3-Vessel Trip Report8. Form FAD-1- Fish Aggregating Device Information Record

* Philippine Fisheries Observer Programme have adapted the WCPFC Observer Forms and have modified to tailor fit the needs of the Programme

OBSERVER FORMSLONGLINE:

1. Form FOP-LL-1 – General Vessel Minimum Data Standards2. Form FOP-LL-2- Set and Haul Minimum Data Standards3. Form FOP-LL-3- Catch Information Minimum Data Standards4. Form FOP-GEN-1-Vessel and Aircraft sightings Minimum

Data Standards5. Form FOP-GEN-2-Species of Special Interest6. Form FOP-GEN-3-Vessel Trip Report7. Form FAD-1- Fish Aggregating Device Information Record

Observer Observer EquipmentEquipment

1.1. Species IDSpecies ID

2.2. GPSGPS

3.3. Digital CameraDigital Camera

4.4. Weighing ScaleWeighing Scale

5.5. Log bookLog book

6.6. Observer FormsObserver Forms

7.7. Meter StickMeter Stick

8.8. Tape MeasureTape Measure

FISHERIES OBSERVER PROGRAMME FOR TUNA DATA COLLECTION

• The Program offers scientific data directly from fishing operations particularly on major target species of tuna, species composition, bycatch, fish maturity, fishing gear interaction with species of special interests and other data which are relevant to the formulation of policies for fisheries management.

• Provide data on fishing gear efficiency, comparison on net depth and distribution of catch per fishing ground/area.

• The Programme can monitor compliance to proper fishing regulations imposed by the Bureau and other Regional Fisheries Management bodies.

Database

FISHERIES OBSEVRER PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS CY 2009-20112009

1. Conducted the 1st and 2nd Batch of Observer Training

2. Established the FOP Management Office and the staffing pattern

3. Finalized the forms that will be used during the deployment

4. Prepared the equipment and materials needed including the Visual Manuals

5. Deployed 3 observers for the FAD Fishing Closure

2010

1. Conducted the 3rd and 4th Batch of Observer Training

2. Deployed 48 observers for the FAD Fishing Closure and additional 4 observers from October-December

3. First Observer program to have given full authorization by the WCPFC during the 6th Regular Session of the Technical and Compliance Committee held at Pohnpei, Federal States of Micronesia on September 30-October 5, 2010.

4. Consolidated all Observer trip reports, data, and workbooks

5. Attended the first Pacific Island Regional Fisheries Observer (PIRFO) Debriefing policy workshop held in Cairns, Australia on July 14-26, 2010.

2011

1. Deployed 38 observers for the FAD Fishing Closure and additional 7 observers from January-May

2. Presented the Preliminary Observer Data to the 7th Scientific Committee Meeting by the WCPFC

3. Acquired Fisheries Observer Data-TUBS ( Tuna Fisheries Observer System) and inputted observer data on said database.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Phased-implementation in tuna fishing fleet (i.e. 20% for 2011, 50% for2012) in order to gain tuna information data from other fishing gears, theobserver programme should provide a yearly deployment of observers alsocovering handliners and other fishing gears with high impact on fisheryresources like trawl and Dansih seine.

2. Provide and deploy fisheries observers in carrier vessels, to collectinformation on transshipment activities.

3. Human Resource Development of Debriefers to review observers data andreports. This will ensure high data quality standards from arriving observersincluding the proper accomplishment of forms, sampling protocol andidentification of species especially in tuna, vessel’s total and catch andspecies composition.

Thank You!