Large Pelagics (RCG LP)

ISSG TT

Background

The ISSG TT is the result of the merge of two subgroups, namely Tropical Tuna Treatment and Tropical Tuna Observer. These subgroups have officially operated as separate groups until 2025. However, they have consistently held back-to-back meetings at the same location and time. Considering the growing collaboration between the subgroups, the significant overlap in participants and the need for clear chairmanship they decided to merge during their meeting in Tenerife, 2025.

General description

The group’s primary objectives include coordinating data collection and monitoring of the tropical purse seine fleet operating in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as preparing the EU’s data submissions to ICCAT and IOTC. This data collection encompasses both onboard and port-based sampling.

In terms of onboard monitoring, the group manages both traditional human observer programs and the increasingly adopted Electronic Monitoring (EM) programs.
For onshore scientific sampling, the group coordinates activities at key ports in third countries where the EU fleet operates. This coordination goes beyond the EU’s Data Collection Framework (DCF), with active participation from countries such as Seychelles and Senegal.

The ISSG TT is led by two cochairs. Each cochair will represent a different topic (port and onboard sampling) and come from a different country (Spain and France). The chairing term will last two years, after which the vice-chair will rotate into the chair role. The hosting of the annual meeting will continue rotating among AZTI-IRD-IEO.

Chairs: Jon Ruiz Gondra (ESP), Antoine Duparc (FRA)

Vice-chairs: Philippe Sabarros (FRA); Pedro Pascual Alayón (ESP)

RCGs involved: LP

ISSG Baitboat/pole and line

Background

[under construction]

General description

[under construction]

Chairs:

RCGs involved: LP

ISSG BFT

Background

[under construction]

General description

[under construction]

Chairs: Hugo Maxwell (IRL)

RCGs involved: LP

ISSG Regional DDBB CS

Background

The ISSG was established in 2021 following a recommendation from the RCG LP to address the complex task of developing a regional database for LP data. Since its inception, the group has included representatives from the nine LP countries involved in the RCG LP, key end users (ICCAT, IOTC, and FDI), experts from other regional database structures (RDBES and RDBFIS), and members of DG MARE, providing additional support.

General description

The ISSG proposed a test study on the RDBES data format with LP data in 2024. Five MS out of the nine RCG LP MS agreed to participate in the case study, namely: France, Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Cyprus.

Chairs: Ioannis Thasitis (CYP)

RCGs involved: LP

ISSG RWP

Background

[under construction]

General description

[under construction]

Chairs: Ioannis Thasitis (CYP)

RCGs involved: LP

ISSG Longlines outside Med

Background

[under construction]

General description

[under construction]

Chairs:

RCGs involved: LP

ISSG Med LP fisheries

Background

[under construction]

General description

[under construction]

Chairs: George Tserpes (GRC)

RCGs involved: LP