Atlantic-Wide Research Programme for Bluefin Tuna Phase 12

ended

The Atlantic-wide Research Programme for Bluefin Tuna (ICCAT-GBYP), will continue providing support to scientific activities that are essential for the ICCAT’s Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) to provide scientific advice to the Commission, namely as regards assessment and management of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) stocks (Eastern Bluefin tuna and Western Bluefin tuna, EBFT and WBFT, respectively). This strategic goal will be achieved through improvement of the basic data collection and assessment models, as well filling knowledge gaps and understanding of key biological and ecological processes of this iconic species, in close coordination with the monitoring and research activities on BFT carried out by institutions of the ICCAT CPCs. In addition, it will contribute to further development of the databases and information systems held by ICCAT Secretariat that are crucial for the SCRS work on this species. The tasks carried out within GBYP Phase 12 will include a wide range of studies, focused on different aspects of the species biology, ecology, genetics, movements, habitat use and population dynamics, as well actions to support further development of the ICCAT BFT MSE process. These will be structured in 5 main lines of research: • Data recovery and management • Fishery dependent and independent indices • Tagging • Biological sampling and analyses: • Modelling The specific objectives and the activities for their achievement have been set by the GBYP Coordination team under the advice and supervision of the GBYP Steering Committee. These have taken into account the Commission requests and the recommendations from relevant SCRS groups and subgroups, especially those from Bluefin tuna Species Group and related sub-groups which had been approved by the SCRS plenary and ratified by the Commission. Research gaps and methodological improvement needs identified within previous GBYP phases were also taken into consideration.