Context
The Spanish purse seine tuna fishing fleet has been a pioneer in adopting voluntary measures to ensure the sustainability of its activities and minimise the impact on the marine ecosystem. In 2012, the OPAGAC and ANABAC organisations established a Code of Best Practices aimed at improving fishing selectivity and reducing bycatch of sensitive species such as sharks, turtles and manta rays.
This code includes specific actions such as the use of anti-entanglement Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs), the safe release of associated species, the training of crews and observers, and the independent verification of fishing activities by scientific bodies such as AZTI.
Since 2015, AZTI has participated as an independent scientific entity in the verification and auditing of compliance with this code, guaranteeing the transparency of the process and the reliability of the data obtained. These ongoing audits reinforce the credibility of the sector in the eyes of markets and consumers, who are increasingly demanding in terms of sustainability.
The continuity of this programme will enable the Code of Best Practices Verification System to be maintained and strengthened, extending its application to the entire OPAGAC fleet, including both tuna vessels and auxiliary vessels.
Objectives
The overall objective of the project is to optimise and consolidate the Code of Best Practices Verification System adopted by OPAGAC, ensuring its uniform application across the entire fleet and promoting the continuous improvement of fishing operations.
The specific objectives are:
- To coordinate the standardised collection of data and its integration from multiple sources.
- To monitor the effective implementation of the impact mitigation measures of the Good Practice Code.
- To promote technical and environmental training for crews and observers.
- To encourage the continuous improvement of on-board practices based on scientific evidence.
- Disseminate and communicate the programme’s progress at national and international level, contributing to the fleet’s leadership in fisheries sustainability.
Expected impact
The consolidation of the Verification System will strengthen the OPAGAC´s tuna fleet’s commitment to responsible fishing and marine conservation, promoting greater transparency in FAD management and the reduction of bycatch.
In addition, AZTI’s active participation will ensure the scientific validation of the results and the generation of knowledge applicable to international fisheries management policies, thus contributing to the adoption of global best practices by other fleets and regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs).
OPAGAC Best Practices for responsible tuna purse seine fishing
The Best Practices aim to optimise sustainable practices in OPAGAC’s tuna purse seine fishing in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. They also seek to reflect the actions carried out by the OPAGAC fleet to improve the selectivity of this type of fishing, promoting responsible activity that minimises its impact on the marine ecosystem and allows for sustainable management.
This code of good practices was signed in 2012 and is reviewed annually with the aim of incorporating the best available practices, based on the latest scientific advances.
Funding
