Most research activities on Atlantic tuna and tuna-like species are carried out by scientists from national research institutes or universities of Contracting Parties. Special Research Programs are used by ICCAT as a mechanism to help focus, coordinate and complement those national research activities. The programs usually center on improving biological knowledge and fishery data for a particular species, and usually last a few years. In some cases they are funded by the Commission as part of the regular budget and in some cases they are funded by contributions from individual Contracting Parties and other agencies. The following is a list of ICCAT Research Projects conducted to-date.
| Atlantic Wide Research Programme for Bluefin tuna (GBYP) |
| http://www.iccat.int/GBYP/en |
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Duration |
Five years programme started in 2010. Funded by ICCAT CPCs (European Union (80%), Canada, Croatia, Japan, Norway, Turkey, United States and Chinese Taipei). |
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Objectives |
To improve understanding of key biological and ecological processes. To improve basic data collection (including information from farms, observers, and VMS). To improve assessment models and provision of scientific advice on stock status through improved modelling of key biological processes (including growth and stock-recruitment), further developing stock assessment models including mixing between various areas, and developing and use of biologically realistic operating models for more rigorous management option testing. |
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Organization |
Coordinator (Dr. A. Di Natale): In charge of implementing the Program's activities. |
| Steering Committee: Composed by the SCRS Chair, the two rapporteurs of the Bluefin Tuna Species Group, an external expert (Dr. T. Polacheck) and the ICCAT Executive Secretary will oversee the Program. |
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| Bluefin Year Program (BYP) |
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Duration |
1992-1997 through informal coordination of national research activities.
1997-present as part of Commission's budget. |
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Objectives |
To improve general biological information and statistical fisheries data on bluefin tuna.
Currently, the Commission is considering the possibility of a larger research program which would incorporate the BYP. The increased level of funding would be necessary to answer questions related to BFT mixing in the Atlantic. |
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| Enhanced Program for Billfish Research |
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Duration |
1987-present with funding from the Commission and other donors |
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Objectives |
To obtain more complete detailed catch and effort statistics for billfishes, to carry out an expanded tagging program, and to carry out studies on age and growth. |
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| Bigeye Tuna Year Program (BETYP) |
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Duration |
1999-2004 with funding from EC, Japan and other donors |
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Objectives |
To determine if the (mid-1990s) level of catches is sustainable through research (primarily tagging) and improved statistics. |
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| Albacore Research Program (ARP) |
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Duration |
1990-1994 with funding from the Commission |
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Objectives |
Improved understanding of the state of albacore stocks in the Atlantic through the compilation of more coherent datasets and research on population dynamics and environmental influences. |
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| Yellowfin Year Program (YYP) |
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Duration |
1986-1987 with funding from the Commission |
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Objectives |
To deepen our understanding of yellowfin population dynamics, taking advantage of a quick transition from a high-effort to a low-effort state. |
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| International Skipjack Year Program (ISYP) |
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Duration |
1979-1982 with funding from several Contracting Parties |
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Objectives |
To determine if skipjack catches could be increased in a sustainable manner |
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