NAFO takes control of catch data conundrum

HALIFAX, NS - The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) has agreed to work towards improving the reliability of its catch data, an important step that will help the 12-nation body make better long-term decisions on the sustainable use of one of the world’s most famous fishing grounds, says WWF.  

During the September 23 – 27 annual meeting in Halifax, Canada, an independent review panel reported catch discrepancies as high as 59% between official catch statistics and figures estimated by scientific observers, highlighting a long-standing struggle that has tarnished NAFO’s reputation.   

“The lack of confidence in catch data has impaired NAFO scientists from offering the best possible advice on catch limits, seriously undermining its ability to manage the area’s fish stocks,” says Bettina Saier, director of WWF Canada’s Oceans Program.

NAFO members responded by adopting stricter protocols that will ensure timely and consistent reporting of catch data, as well as improved information sharing with its own scientists. The meeting also set efforts in motion to ensure that accurate catch data is available to support the long-term sustainable management of valuable stocks.   

High notes also included an agreement to close bottom fishing in one new vulnerable area by the Flemish Cap and extend four closed areas to protect corals, which provide important habitats for marine life.

Canada, the EU, Norway and the US showed leadership on different important issues including improving the reliability of catch estimates, closures of vulnerable areas and stricter bycatch rules, all of which WWF emphasized in recommendations shared with NAFO members before the 2013 annual meeting.

NAFO also took steps towards a more integrated ocean management approach by engaging in a dialogue with the oil and gas sector. Hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation activities might overlap with the NAFO regulatory area in the near future.

“WWF is happy to see that more vulnerable marine ecosystems are getting the protection they need to increase the resilience of the Northwest Atlantic ecosystem,” says Bettina Saier. “But NAFO still has big decisions to make, and we’re hoping to see more ambitious closures next year. With the release of the IPCC findings today, it’s clear that NAFO members need to maintain positive collaboration to manage the even more challenging impacts of climate change on our oceans,” Saier added.

-ENDS-

Other highlights from 2013 NAFO Annual Meeting include

• Further steps were taken towards more transparent decision-making procedures by allowing independent observers including WWF to join two new working groups on ecosystem approach framework to fisheries management and risk-based management strategy.

• NAFO took important steps towards addressing regulatory gaps to reduce bycatch, still a major hurdle in addressing stock recovery.

• NAFO rejected a joint EU / US proposal on a new shark fins naturally attached policy, which would provide a best practices model to other RFMOs around the world.

• The opportunity to address an unregulated fishery on the Corner Rise Seamount was also missed and deferred to next year. The seamount chain – which has not undergone an impact assessment - is vulnerable to fishing impacts and part of globally significant ocean area, the Sargasso Sea. Seamounts can provide refuge for cold water corals and important habitat for deep sea species.

To view WWF’s full set of recommendations for NAFO’s Annual Meeting visit:

http://awsassets.wwf.ca/downloads/wwf_position_nafo_2013.pdf

For more information contact

Chris Chaplin, WWF-Canada, +1 416 669 9155, cchaplin@wwfcanada.org