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ICCAT Regional Observer Programme for Bluefin Tuna

The ICCAT Regional Observer Programme for eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna (ROP-BFT) required by the Recommendation by ICCAT amending the Recommendation 21-08 establishing a multi-annual management plan for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean [Rec.  22-08]:

  • On all purse seiners authorised to fish bluefin tuna.
  • During all transfers of bluefin tuna from purse seiners.
  • During all transfers of bluefin tuna from traps to transport cages.
  • During all cagings of bluefin tuna in farms.
  • During all harvesting of bluefin tuna from farms.

More than 1000 observers trained under ROP-BFT

Since April 2010, the ROP-BFT has been operated on behalf of ICCAT by a consortium between MRAG and COFREPECHE (Cofrepêche). The MRAG/COFREPECHE Consortium carries out observer recruitment and training, equipment purchases and observer deployments under the supervision of the Secretariat.

ROP-BFT Implementation

Authorized Vessels Farms and Traps

Observers will be deployed only if the following conditions are met:

  1. The vessel farming facility or trap is authorized to operate and is included in the ICCAT Record of BFT Catching Vessels, BFT Farming Facilities or ICCAT Record BFT Traps
  2. The vessel/farm/trap operator has paid the fees associated with the observer deployment. For details on fees, please see ICCAT Circular 2365-24.
Authorized Observers

For a list of ICCAT Observers, please Click here

Requests for observers

Authorities from participating Parties/Entities can request that an observer be deployed by making a request to the ICCAT Secretariat. Planning for and executing an observer deployment can be complex and time-consuming. Ensuring that the following steps are followed is essential for a successful deployment:

  1. Ensure that the vessel/farming facility/trap is authorized to operate.
  2. Submit as much complete and accurate information as possible about the timing and duration of the activities that will require coverage. Please use Request Forms:
  3. Details about the vessel/farm/trap and its operators, the time period for fishing or for when transfers of fish will be made, the time period of harvests, etc.
  4. Ensure that the Request Form is submitted as early as possible to give sufficient time for an observer deployment to be organized. Initial requests, as well as any changes to initial requests, must be received no later than 96 hours in advance of the required deployment / extension of the observer. In case of extensions to previous requests, requests must be 96 hours before the original end-date requested. Extensions will only be considered where the dates of the extension requested are consecutive to the original deployment.
  5. Ensure that the vessel/farming facility/trap has paid the fees for the observer deployment.
  6. Facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), or an extension thereof if appropriate, between the Consortium that operates the ROP-BFT and the vessel/farm/trap operator. The MOU is essential to ensure the safety and adequate working conditions of the observer while deployed.