3.1 Impacts on Populations Of Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species* are understood and minimized
*Scope of threatened, endangered, and protected (ETP) species should also cover all listings from the local, national, regional, and international, especially the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species
Step 1: Information for the development of the management strategy to address ETP species is collected to adequately determine if ETP species are at risk or if likely impacts are within specified limits. Relevant ETP species as defined by national and international lists are identified for the fishery if applicable and qualitative or quantitative information is available to estimate fishing related mortalities or the risk of interaction between ETP species and fisheries.
Step 2: Management measures aimed at eliminating /reducing or minimizing the catch/mortality of ETP species have been identified. Evidence that management measures are being put in place to reduce mortality and/or support recovery of ETP species and that the data collected in step #1 is being considered. Management measures may include open and closed seasons, size restrictions, etc.
Step 3: Measures demonstrated as being or likely to be effective in reducing the take/mortality of ETP species are put in place.Information and evidence is able to show that the measures are being effective in reducing the take/mortality of ETP species. Measures demonstrated may include an information program with a feedback mechanism with regard to information and management of ETPs.
Step 4: The fishery does not capture (as target or bycatch) a species/ stock determined to be a stock of concern (IUCN def’n near threatened or vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered), vulnerable, endangered or threatened by a state, national, or international scientific body (i.e., IUCN) (more recent or more regional/stock specific data than those used to determine stock status can override these determinations; comprehensive recovery plans for any at risk species caught and scientific demonstration that fishing is consistent with recovery plans can override these determinations). Unless there is evidence to the contrary. No evidence of shark finning and measures to mitigate ghost fishing are in place if there is an identified concern. All listings from the local, national, regional, and international, especially the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, CITES, etc.
3.2 Risks to harvested species are identified (including low value species)
Step 1: Identification of (including low value) species is being or has been undertaken. Species list developed that includes genus and species for X% of harvested species.
Step 2: Information is available or is being collected on catches of retained species taken, that enable assessment of risk of overfishing. Evidence of information which includes biological parameters (size, etc.) being collected that can support management measures for retained species.
Step 3: Preliminary risk assessment is being applied to determine if any retained (including low value) species are at risk of biological overfishing. Risk assessment has been completed.
Step 4: Actions are being considered that will reduce risk of overfishing of retained target and secondary species. Actions considered likely to work have been agreed upon.
Step 5: Agreed actions are being implemented to remove risk (Overfishing is not occurring on the stock (F less than, equal to or fluctuating around Fmsy or equivalent) Not at risk: inherent vulnerability is low, IUCN least concern status, management agency determines not overfished, or stock is above identified Limit Reference Point (LRP), or stock is a forage species and F < Flenfest) of overfishing of retained target and secondary species. Management arrangements have been implemented to incorporate agreed actions. Evidence could be laws, checking nets. proof of enforcement, etc.
3.3 Management of habitat impact, including protection of representative and high conservation value habitat
Step 1: Information is collected to determine if the fishing gear being used is likely to have a significant impact on habitat structure and function. Literature review and interviews with fisherman. Spatial data or map that clearly demonstrates habitat types that could be affected is available.
Step 2: If there is a potential for significant habitat impact then a map showing the distribution of the fishing grounds and gear type relative to the immediate habitat is created. Maps available that at minimum demonstrate the activity of the fishery. An evaluation of the potential or estimated recovery time for an impacted seafloor or other habitats must be considered when making management decisions.
Step 3: Measures taken that are expected to prevent or reduce damage to the immediate habitat through use of no-take areas, limited fishing zones, seasonal closures, and gear modifications (Appropriate management measures commensurate with gear contact and impact to benthic habitat (see Factor 4.1 in Seafood Watch Fisheries Standard Version 3.2)). Spatial extent of Marine Protected Area (MPA) or other spatial management applied to management. Public document that verifies measures taken.