2.1 Scientific research and monitoring program developed that will improve the understanding of stock status
Step 1: Develop a data collection protocol and sampling methodology for collection of data, based on clear fishery management related objectives. This needs to include a written sampling protocol that is publicly available to the ASIC community that includes species relevant to the fishery and published in a format compatible with global accepted science protocols.
Step 2: Fisheries stakeholders have a system in place to ensure the continuity of the collection of data that includes frequency and method of collection. Evidence that monitoring of species relevant to the fishery is being undertaken needs to be presented as part of the improvement plan and an evaluation of the system that is in place to collect data will be conducted in evaluations. The system must include frequency of collection and method of collection. Ideally, an MOU is in place that articulates responsibility for collection and management of data including naming the person responsible.
Step 3: Fishery stakeholders to synthesize and publish the information so that it can be used for the development of a stock assessment (if not appropriate provide justification). Evidence that the data is being collected and published, according to an agreed protocol and feedback mechanism for information in place. Evidence that the data is regularly reviewed and shared with at least one relevant authority.
2.2 Understanding of stock Status and/or risk of overfishing
Step 1: Data on valued species are collected at the level of the fishery of interest that informs on stock status or whether the stock is at risk. Verify that the data is being collected and processed (analyzed) at the level of the fishery of interest and is valid in informing levels of populations, of exploitation and/or fishing mortality.
Step 2: Information required to gain an understanding of whether the fishery is putting stocks at risk is made available to the relevant authorities. Verify that the information is being made available to the relevant authorities. Evidence of communications such as emails, mail, or otherwise is considered acceptable.
Step 3: Fisheries Management Authorities use and translate the information to determine the stock status level or stocks are not put at risk of irreversible harm. Enforcement and/ or monitoring are in place and they ensure that goals (Management measures are in place for at least 70% of the main species and for all species of concern) are successfully met. If stocks are at risk (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)), management measures are in place that are likely to promote rebuilding. Management arrangements includes stock status data or risk assessment show that the data collected and provided by the fishery stakeholders are being used.