MSC Pre-assessment made public 

Participants confirmed 

Workplan made public 

The FIP conducted a site visit and held an observer and crew safety training workshop which included updates on the FAD management policy and waste management

The FIP conducted a catch composition analysis, which included data on ETP species interactions, and found that ETP species constituted 0.03% of the total catch

The FIP has received observer data from 2018-2022 from the Ghana Fisheries Commission.

The FIP conducted a site visit in Tema, Ghana and held a meeting with the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Division (MCSD) of the Ghana Fisheries Commission. At the meeting the FIP requested the provision of the observer records regarding catch of both target and non-target species and FAD usage.

A bait sampling sheet has been produced for skippers to collect and record information on bait fishing activities. 

The FIP hired a consultant to review the updated Ghana fisheries management plan (2022- 2026). Advice and recommendations have been compiled into a report and made public. 

The FIP hired a consultant to identify the information/ steps required to improve Ghana bait fishery data and management; the recommendations have been compiled into a report

Virtual 2022 skipjack stock assessment meeting held in May 2022; manamgement recommendations for the eastern stock were discussed

The FIP conducted a fishery observer training with the aim of improving catch data records and to better understand the impact that the fishery is having on both target and bycatch/ ETP species.

Observer template has been designed to ensure that proper data recording techniques and all aspects of the fishery, including how bait is fished, are taught to observers.

Summary report on the status of small pelagic fish stocks off the Ghanian coast; report will be utilized as initial discussion point with the Ghanian Fishing Authority about improving fishery management 

Prinicple 3 actions review made available; task 12d has been closed and harmonised wih other certified fisheries- the ANABAC Atlantic unassociated purse seine yellowfin tuna

The tropical tunas MSE and HCR development roadmap has been updated

Letter sent to ICCAT asking for the adoption of harvest strategies for tropical tunas consistent with SCRS advice

FAD questionnaires have been distributed to the Ghana Tuna Association (GTA) for completion. The FIP vessels are currently participating in the ISSF FAD project, which is being supported by FAO. FAO has provided FAD materials and deployment was due to start this month.

A call with ISSF and Thai Union to discuss FAD usage in the Ghanaian fisheries was held on 3rd March 2020. 

A site visit was held in January 2020 in Tema. Meetings were held with the industry and the Fisheries Commission.

Advocacy letter signed by WWF-UK submitted to ICCAT.

The FIP has implemented a policy prohibiting shark finning onboard all vessels. 

Increase to PI 1.2.4; An updated stock assessment for skipjack tuna in the eastern Atlantic was conducted in 2022. The previous assessment was last conducted in 2014. The new assessment provides additional information.

Increase to PI 2.4.3; an evaluation of the bait fishery (artisanal and commercial)  has been completed confirming that there are no VMEs and  no need for MPAs to manage the fishery

The FIP has produced and implemented a FAD management policy.