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2024 RCG LP Annual Meeting – Main features

The Regional Coordination Group on Large Pelagics (RCG LP) met in Olhão, Portugal for their Annual Technical Meeting from the 24th to the 26th of June 2024. The event was followed by 21 experts representing eight Member States (Portugal, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, and Greece), the European Commission, ICCAT and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

Hosted by the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the meeting focused on aligning data collection systems, enhancing collaboration, and addressing key issues in the management of large pelagic species.

During the meeting there was coverage of several key discussions such as:     

  • Updates to the Regional Work Plan (RWP)
  • Improvements in data collection protocols
  • Development of regional databases
  • Increasing observer coverage
  • Standardising bycatch data collection, in particular in fisheries for tropical tunas
  • Implementation of Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) and collaboration on projects (aiming at reducing the impact of fisheries on endangered species).

 

Some of the highlighted topics during the meeting include the need for enhanced coordination across regional subgroup, focusing on the compliance with the Nature Restoration Law about the stock-specific restoration efforts.

The Intersessional Sub-Groups (ISSGs) for Bluefin Tuna and Tropical Tuna, had significant advances in genetic sampling, tagging programs and electronic monitoring. Regardless of these, there is a need for grater cooperation and more active engagement from Nacional Correspondents, specially concerning the  formation of a pan-regional ISSG for Mediterranean Sea Large Pelagics, which remains stalled.

This report outlines the decisions and recommendations made during the meeting, providing a clear path for the development of data collection systems and collaborative research initiatives. The emphasis on improving data reliability and transparency, together with the group’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management, works as a model for future regional coordination efforts.

 

All the details about the Meeting are available in RCG LP Meeting report. For more information please visit: https://www.fisheries-rcg.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024_RCG-LP_Report_final.pdf