IFFO assessment published 

Participants in the FIP listed 

Updated 2024-2025 workplan

Workplan made public 

The FIP has updated their catch composition forms with new fields, including discard, observer presence, and daily arrival date and they have been distributed digitally to fleet chiefs for implementation. Updated PPR guides and manuals, including sampling manuals and species identification guides, were also prepared to support these changes.

A review of the stock assessment methodology has been conducted; the review concludes that the assessment Ecuador small pelagics is being carried out under a high standard.

The FIP has produced a report on the reproduction of small pelagic species along the Ecuadorian coast between 2022- 2024, identifying key spawning and nursery areas via sampling at nine stations. The findings indicate that peak spawning occurs during the wet season, with significant larval recruitment, particularly for the pacific anchovy, frigate tuna and thread herring.

The FIP has drafted a responsible purchasing policy for whole fisheries that aims to include a mechanism for verifying compliance. 

The FIP has produced an analysis of small pelagic fishing fleet activities under the PPR covering data up to September 2024. It highlights key metrics such as total catch, average catch per haul, species composition, incidental captures, and habitat conditions, with emphasis on sustainability practices and species conservation.

A new acoustic survey cruise was conducted to estimate biomass, abundance, and distribution of resources. The findings estimated a total biomass of 694,636 tons, with Auxis spp being the most representative species at 272,669 tons.

The CNP's training program for non-associated crew members successfully trained 113 crew members from 47 ships in the fishing towns of Posorja, Salango, and La Libertad;  additionally, 165 crew members from 32 ships associated with the Small Pelagic Sustainability FIP were trained.

An analysis of the data obtained from the fish egg and larvae collection project from 2022-2024 was conducted; the data identified spawning seasons for species like chub mackerel and frigate tuna and found that peak reproductive activity occurs in the "wet season" between November-March and June-August.

Adaptive management strategies have been proposed to enhance the management of Ecuador's small pelagic fishery. The proposal includes the use of external consultants to develop a monitoring system that will address issues such as climate change. 

During the closed season, the FIP implemented a training period for the fleet to improve identification skills and educate crew members about responsible fishing; a total of 115 crew members from 45 fishing vessels of the non-associated small pelagic fishery were trained during this period.

The FIP held a workshop to review and implement the 2023 stock assessment for Frigate tuna, incorporating peer review suggestions and updating life history parameters. The assessment used biological data from 1997-2023 and developed a new stock evaluation model considering various growth and maturity factors.

An analysis was conducted on the statistical weight to supplement the incorporation of new data into landing estimates; the analysis found that the contribution of factories accounted for 50% of the total data records.

In 2022, information gathered from 874 fishing trips was analyzed, utilizing data obtained through the observer program; 7 ETP species were observed including: spotted eagle ray, green sea turtle, whale shark, hawksbill sea turtle, smooth hammerhead shark, loggerhead sea turtle and the olive ridley sea turtle.

The FIP conducted its 5th annual stock assessment

Outreach materials created; Guide to the handling and release of marine fauna

Improvement of the participatory decision-making process; discussed and approved the (law) development of aquaculture and fisheries. 
 

GMC report published on SPFDP meetings

Two hydroacoustic cruises were carried out in March 2019 and in December 2019 with subsequent reports created for each cruise

Report 'Biological and Fishing Aspects of Small Pelagic Fish during 2019' prepared from the data collected by observers 

The design of an e-logbook (BEP) was agreed upon and is available by web browser or by mobile app

Second year stock assessment; biological reference points established

Review and evaluate all the historical information / data related to the Ecuadorian small-scale fishery existing at the INP

First meeting of the steering committee held in March 2019

Three research campaigns deployed in 2018-2019

Research team set up to conduct stock assessment and ETP assesment 

Ministerial decree No. MPCEIP-SRP-2024-0222-A issued which establishes a temporary fishing ban on small pelagic fish species in Ecuador from July 24 to August 3, 2024 to allow juvenile recruitment into the biomass. 

The first vessel registry to promote responsible fishing and transparency across supply chains has been created. 

Increase to PI 2.5.2; the National Action Plan and Fishery Management Plan include strategies that minimize the impact the fishery has on the ecosystem

Increase to PI 2.5.3; Information on the food chain has been established using the Ecopath model

e-Logbook system has been implemented

First stock assessment for all 9 species is completed in Year 1

Increase to PI score 2.5.1; Ecopath model used to quantify main trophic interactions in the fishery. Results from the model demonstrate that the fishery would not have significant negative ecological effects on the food chain. 

Increase to PI 1.1.1; Stock evaluation conducted. While the rate of overfishing has increased in recent years (FMSY 1.02 to 1.84), small pelagic populations doubled their biomass (BMSY 0.38 to 0.83).