REBYC
Reduction of Environmental Impact from Tropical Shrimp Trawling, through the introduction of By-catch
Reduction Technologies and Change of Management
http/www.fao.org/fi/gefs
hrimp.htm
Report of the 4th Meeting of International Project Steering Committee
(IPSC)
NIOMR, Lagos, Nigeria, 14-16 February 2007
I.
Introduction
1.
The fourth meeting of the IPSC was hosted by the Nigerian Institute for
Oceanography and Marine Research, 14-16 February 2007, in Lagos Nigeria.
2.
The meeting was attended by the following appointed members of the
IPSC: the Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria, Venezuela, FAO and SEAFDEC, and
observers from the Nigerian Trawlers Owners Association (NITOA) and INP
Mexico. The representative from Iran could not attend due to other
commitments, and thee project Implementing Agency, UNEP, had to
unfortunately cancel its participation due to a medical emergency.
The list of participants appears in Appendix A.
3. The
main
objectives
of the meeting were to review progress and
constraints encountered by the project, and the workplan for the remaining
duration of the project, and to discuss regional activities.
II.
Opening formalities
4.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Mr. Manjit Sadarangani. The
meeting was declared open by Nigeria's Honourable Minister of State for
Agriculture and Water Resources (HMS), Otunba Bamidele F. Dada (ffs,
OON). He was represented by Mr. A. V. Amire, Head of Nigeria's Fisheries
Resources Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Unit. Present at the opening
ceremony were the representative of the Executive Director, Nigerian Institute
for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Lagos; Mr. P. A. Taggert,
Deputy Director, Fish Quality Assurance Unit; Deaconess Foluke Areola,
President Fisheries Society of Nigeria; Mr. Manjit Sadarangani, MD/CEO
Atlantic Shrimpers Ltd and President of NITOA; Ms Amber Aura,
Political/Economic Officer at the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos; senior
fisheries administrators from the Federal Department of Fisheries; research
scientists from NIOMR; many fisheries practitioners and stakeholders in the
industry.
5.
In the HMS goodwill message to the meeting, he expressed delight at
the re-certification of Nigeria for the export of wild caught shrimp and shrimp
products to the US markets and the role being played by the project in the
sustainable management of Nigeria's marine fisheries resources. In
appreciation of this, the HMS said the Federal Government had already
approved a budget line to ensure that the national activities undertaken
through the project, will be sustainable. He enjoined the industry operators to
continue to use the various BRDs that have been tried and recommended.
Finally, the HMS commended the FAO for providing ready development
assistance to many developing countries, including Nigeria. He wished the
Committee fruitful deliberations.
III.
Election of Chairperson
6.
On the commencement of the technical sessions, Nigeria was elected
as Chairman. In his acceptance speech, Mr. J. C. Ogbonna, the National
Coordinator, thanked the Committee members for giving him the honour to
serve.
IV.
Adoption of the meeting agenda
7.
The agenda of the workshop, which appears in Appendix B, was
adopted, and the Chairperson outlined the agenda and timetable for the
meeting.
V.
Statements
8.
An overview of the status of the project in all the participating countries
was presented by Mr. Thomas Moth-Poulsen. The conclusions drawn from his
presentation were centred on the set targets of the project for the remaining
period:
i.
BRD research to be concluded by all participating countries.
ii.
Adoption of appropriate BRDs by each country.
iii.
Development of necessary legislative framework in collaboration
with FAO.
iv.
Production of exit plans.
9.
The regional representatives, made the following highlights of activities
since the last IPSC in April 2006:
- Mexico has had two experimental cruises at the West Coast of the Baja
California Peninsula, using Mexico's prototypes of 90 and 120 feet headline
trawls with reduced trawl length, false footrope and fisheyes. The modified
("prototype") selective trawl will be introduced in commercial fishery by June
2008 at the latest. One trial was incomplete and will be repeated in 2007.
Experimental cruises are planned in Gulf of Tehuantepec, June 2007; in the
coast of Tamaulipas, July 2007; In Bank of Campeche, August 2007 and in
Yucatan Channel (Contoy Region), Oct. 2007.
Mexico had hosted the TVE team for the production of "Potted
Shrimps" film, and Ms Lena Westlund for the mid-term review mission through
UNEP. Mexican consultants have assisted the project activities in Trinidad
2
and Tobago and Venezuela. Joint work, including sea trials, are planned with
T&T, Cuba, Venezuela and possible with Costa Rica.
10.
Columbia has finished data analysis of the experimental fishing
surveys conducted on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and have presented
the results of the project to the fishery managers (INCODER). The elaboration
of the final technical report is to be presented to COLCIENCIAS (National
Agency for Funding of Science and technology in Colombia) soon.
Presentation of project results to stakeholders on the Atlantic coast was not
conducted during 2006 as originally planned, but will be conducted in March
2007. In April 2007 the adaptation of the project developed technical
measures will be discussed at a workshop with the fisheries management
sector. A regulation to introduce the use of fisheye in shrimp trawlers from
Colombia will be presented to INCODER in June 2007. It is obvious that,
given that only US$100,000 of GEF resources was allocated to Colombia, a
considerable national co-financing has been generated.
11.
Costa Rica has implemented workshops and tests of BRDs with
support of Mexican consultants, partly in-kind. A comprehensive experimental
program for the remaining period is under preparation. A visit planned by Mr.
Fogelgren in spring 2007.
12. Cuba
has conducted comparative fishing experiments on board
commercial vessel with modified nets (Mexican design) and fisheye-type
BRDs versus conventional gears. Fifty-two trawl hauls of approximately 2.5
hours duration each were carried out in Santa Cruz del Sur Industrial Fishing
Enterprise fishing area. The results revealed increased shrimp length and
better quality. New trials are expected in July 2007 with in-kind assistance of a
Mexican consultant, the FAO Project Coordinator, and participation of the
project coordinator from Costa Rica.
13.
Trinidad and Tobago conducted gear trials with double foot-rope in
the artisanal trawl fleet in collaboration with the industrial operators and
assistance of a Mexican in-kind resource person last November, which will be
repeated in April current year. Observation of the operators of the semi-
industrial and industrial fleet was conducted for future testing.
14.
Venezuela practical demonstrations were conducted on the Suripera
gear and also on how to include a second footrope in the trawl nets, for both
industrial and artisanal boats, in August 2006. Performed tests on the use of
fish eye and sea trials with the artisanal and industrial fisheries are ongoing
until March 2008.
15.
Nigeria TED construction and rigging workshops were conducted for
industry operators, and a post re-certification workshop was held in
November, 2006. After a successful program with workshops to implement the
use of TEDs in the spring of 6, the US inspection team visited the Nigerian
industrial shrimp fleet in September 2006. A positive feed-back was received
from the inspectors, with indications that recertification of export of wild caught
shrimp to the US market could be expected. With the positive message from
the US inspection, managers from the Nigerian shrimp trawler industry
travelled to the US to explore new market opportunities.
3
Recognizing that the shrimp resources are shared with her
neighbouring countries, Nigeria is planning a series of regional workshops on
legal harmonisation.
16.
Cameroon the project funds are almost exhausted, but Nigeria has
committed to support to a BRD and TED technical workshop, planned in
March with Nigerian and FAO consultants, to help ongoing regional activities
on equalizing management regulations. In the reporting period, Cameroon
participated in a TED workshop in Nigeria, and the Cameroonian Government
has committed additional funds to project activities.
17.
Iran the report was presented by Mr. Fogelgren, on behalf of the
regional representative, who was absent due to other official engagements.
No technical report had so far been received by FAO from Iran, and it was not
clear why Iran has underutilized the GEF funds. However, laudable results
have been achieved through national funds;
· A 20 minutes awareness film on production and use of BRDs has been
produced,
· a total of ten different types of BRDs have been tested in the industrial
shrimp trawling fleet,
· as of 21 March 2006, all industrial vessels of the fleet have to use
BRDs,
· increased mesh size and net design is being introduced to the artisanal
fishermen,
· and maybe most importantly: by buying back licenses and fishing
gears, the Government of Iran has reduced the industrial bottom
trawling fleet from 69 vessel in 2004 to 39, and an additional 9 vessels
is planned to be removed from the fisheries in 2007. The capacity
reduction programme is a direct impact by the results under the project,
and will cost Iran about US$ 185,000 ($130,000 buying back licenses,
$55,000 compensation for redundant gears).
Additional backstopping visits are planned by Mr. Fogelgren and a FAO
consultant in 2007.
18.
Bahrain presented in the reporting period a detailed proposal for new
activities, but experienced shortage of funds allocated to project activities,
since the country is not eligible for GEF funds.
19.
Philippines tests have been performed in the Samar Sea with grids
with horizontal and vertical bars and different bar-spacing. This was done
through a pilot project where various JTED (Juvenile and Trash Fish Excluder)
types were tried with the criteria of reducing at least 40% of the juveniles. A
second phase of the trials will involve socio-economic studies. Technical
Reports are under preparation and review, and the implementation of the
Samar Sea management plan will be a major work.
Proposals have been made for public awareness raising, including the use of
government media to propagate the use of JTEDs. The Philippines was
4
hosting the National Coordinators Meeting in October 2006, and was also
hosting the TVE team in relation to the shooting of the `Potted Shrimps' film.
20. Indonesia
introduced an eco-friendly, small-scale trawl in the
Makassar Strait area. A workshop on TED rigging for the industry has been
conducted with in-kind assistance by a resource person from NOAA in the US.
Workshops and meetings with trawler operators were held with the
participation of Messrs Fogelgren and Thiele from FAO. A legal framework
study was conducted by a local consultant in cooperation with the FAO legal
office. Indonesia has launched plans on the implementation of a pilot project
on eco-friendly trawling management from February 2007 to March 2008. The
Bycatch Guide Book by Steve Eayrs will be translated into local language in
2007.
21. SEAFDEC presented a technical paper on the project at a recent ICES
gear symposium in the US, and has provided technical assistance to
Philippines and Indonesia. SEAFDEC experiences constraints ascribed to
lack of funds, since most of the GEF allocation has been utilized.
22. The Session was concluded with a film presentation on BRD
manufacturing in Iran.
VI.
Financial and budgetary matters
23.
A presentation on financial and budgetary matters of the project was
made by Mr. Fogelgren. He informed the meeting that through 2006, the total
delivery and commitments were US$2,770,000, or 62% of the GEF cash
contribution to the main phase of the project. Although this might give the
impression that the project will not deliver on the full budget by June 2008, Mr.
Fogelgren advised the meeting that the recently revised national workplans
indicated that the final overall delivery will be close to 100%. He further
informed that the overall co-financing contribution to the project already
exceeds the total GEF cash contribution.
24. He urged all members to send in their 6 monthly national project
progress reports with updated workplans to FAO no later than 30 days after
the end of each reporting period. The Chairman advised members to also
include their budgets into the workplan.
VII.
Cooperation between participating countries
25.
The Chairman, who is also the Regional Representative for Nigeria and
Cameroon, informed the meeting that Cameroon was not yet certified to
export shrimps to the US, whereas Nigeria, fishing in the same waters, was
recently recertified. He called for assistance of FAO to facilitate project
collaboration between the two countries, so that their fisheries regulations
would be harmonised. He further noted that as part of the collaboration, some
project activities in Cameroon of mutual interest to both countries, could be
funded from Nigeria's allocation of the project.
5
It was stated by the meeting that in general, close collaboration among
member countries, particularly those within the same region, is a requirement
for successful implementation of the project.
26. Mexico informed the meeting that in the coming six months period,
Mexico will provide in-kind technical assistance to Trinidad&Tobago, Costa
Rica and Cuba in workshops and sea-trials. The total duration would be some
four weeks, and no staff time would be charged. Other project countries in the
region would be invited to attend the activities, when appropriate.
27.
SEAFDEC, through it Japanese Trust Fund Programme, continues to
support the Philippines and Indonesia.
28.
The meeting recognised the valuable long-term impact these regional
exchange programmes have created, and would welcome the participation of
also other countries which are confronting the same challenge as addressed
by the project.
VIII. TECHNICAL STATUS OF THE PROJECT AND DETAILED
WORKPLAN FOR THE REMAINING DURATION
29.
Members were requested to submit detailed workplans to FAO Project
Coordinator.
IX.
Use of the project website
30.
It was agreed that the website should be put into effective use. FAO
was advised to encourage the use of the website by making it more attractive
and interesting through the quality of the materials posted on the website.
Other methods of publicizing the project activities such as Newsletters, Press
Releases etc, should be explored.
31. Mr. Fogelgren agreed that the website could be improved, but
reminded the meeting that the content of the site is to a large extent
depended on contributions by the countries, which had been very limited in
the past. To further raise the awareness of the website, he repeated what he
suggested at the National Coordinators Meeting (NCM) in October 2006, that
the countries should arrange links to the project websites from as many
suitable national websites as possible.
X.
Project Performance Indicators and exit plans
32.
In the unfortunate absence of UNEP, the Chairman recapitulated that
at the NCM, UNEP had informed that GEF had introduced the requirement
that all projects should set up project performance indicators, which should
illustrate concrete and measurable results and achievements to be able to
judge the success at the end of the project. The proposed indicators for
REBYC cover various levels: BRD trials, socio-economic level, on the ground
impact, policy, knowledge exchange and possible replication of other
6
countries, and counterpart funding of participating countries as a level of
commitment.
33.
At the NCM, many of the countries had expressed concern over the
proposed concept of indicators, given the different situation and status of
implementation in each country, and that the indicators will be introduced at
this late stage of the project.
34.
One of the recommendations of the NCM was that the then proposed
indicators should be reviewed by the countries, and a final set be agreed by
all countries by end of December 2006 (see Appendix C).
35.
It was observed by the meeting that the first three indicators had no
baseline and were found complex for meaningful evaluation. However, it was
agreed that the indicators should be retained, and the project participants
should try to meet the requirements of the indicators.
32.
Only Nigeria submitted a draft project exit plan. Other countries were
advised to submit theirs to FAO as soon as possible.
XI.
Project review and lessons learnt
33.
The UNEP mid-term review report was discussed, but members were
advised that the report had not yet been finally approved by UNEP, hence
they should restrict its circulation.
XII. Second
project
34.
The meeting agreed unanimously that preparations for a second
project should commence. The objectives should be broadened, and given the
strong interest by many outside countries, also expanded geographically.
35.
Fogelgren informed that he had identified two possible consultants to
initiate a first concept note for a project document, which would be circulated
when available. However, he reminded the meeting that the condition by GEF
to have confirmed co-financing, meant most likely that additional external
donors will be required, like private sector, which are interested in eco-friendly
harvested products.
XIII. IPSC Final meeting
36.
The Meeting was informed that the final IPSC meeting would be held in
Rome at a date to be confirmed, but tentatively April 2008. Depending on the
financial situation, it was suggested to also organise a technical review
seminar at the end of the Project, which researchers and other stakeholders
should attend.
XIV. Other business
7
37.
Participants were again reminded of the importance to timely send their
progress reports to FAO.
XV. Closing
38.
The chairman thanked all members for coming to Nigeria for the IPSC
meeting. He also thanked FAO for the support and further requested FAO's
continuous assistance in order to sustain the gains of the project.
39.
Mr. Fogelgren, on behalf of FAO, thanked the government of Nigeria,
and the Federal Department of Fisheries in particular, for the hospitality and
warm reception given the participants. He further congratulated the members
to a constructive meeting.
The meeting was declared closed at 2.50pm.
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Appendix A
ATTENDANCE LIST
NAME
COUNTRY
1. Mr. J. C. Ogbonna
- Nigeria
2. Mr. I. Mendez
-
Mexico
3. Mr. J. Fogelgren
-
FAO
4. Mr. T. Moth-Poulsen
-
FAO
5. Mr. B. Chokesanguan
-
SEAFDEC
6.
Mr.
R.
Ramiscal
- Philippines
7. Mr. J. Alio
-
Venezuela
8. Mr. B. B. Solarin
-
Nigeria
OBSERVERS
1. Mr. P. L. Lawrence
-
NITOA
2. Mr. T. Jalupon
-
NITOA
3. Mr. D. Aguilar- Ramirez
-
Mexico
SECRETARIAT
1. Mr. S. O. Ayeni
2. Mr. E. E. Edet
3. Mr. I. P. Ogar
4. Mr. J. O. Babatunde
9
Appendix B
Reduction of Environmental Impact from Tropical Shrimp Trawling, through the introduction of By-catch
Reduction Technologies and Change of Management
(EP/GLO/201/GEF)
http://www.fao.org/fi/gefshrimp.htm
Agenda of the 4thd IPSC Meeting
Lagos, Nigeria
14 17 February 2007
Wednesday, 14 February
09:00 hrs
1. Opening of the meeting
- Election of Chairperson
- Welcoming address by the Honourable Minister of State for
Agriculture.
- Opening address by FAO, Project Coordinator
- Welcoming address by hosting country; Chair
- Introduction of members
2. Adoption of the meeting agenda
4. Opening statements on behalf of the participating countries and UNEP
5. Report of the project coordinator on technical activities following the third meeting
of the IPSC
5. Reports from regional representatives
LUNCH
6. Financial and budgetary matters
7. Cooperation between participating countries
-
financial
support
- in kind assistance
8. Technical status of the project, and detailed workplan for the remaining duration
9. Use of project web site and dissemination options of project results
Thursday, 15 February
09:00 hrs
10. Project performance indicators and project exit strategies
11. The external project review; and lessons learnt from current project
LUNCH
12. Second project
13. Date and place for the final PISC meeting
14. Any Other Business
15. Closure of meeting
Friday, 16 February
09:00 hrs
Field trip to fishing port, including demonstration cruise at sea
10
Appendix
C
Defined
Project
Performance
Indicators for
Status by
Trinidad &
Each Country
June 2008
Bahrain Cameroon Colombia Costa
Rica Cuba Indonesia Iran Mexico Nigeria Philippines SEAFDEC Tobago
Venezuela
20% or more
Indicator # 1:
Reduction of
Non-Shrimp
Yes, Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Trial level
Bycatch
(Discardc)
Indicator # 2:
Maintained
Level of Net
Socio-
Not
Non-
Non-
Income after
Yes, Yes, Yes Yes, Yes,
?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Economic
Introduced
Applicable
Applicable
Introducing
Level for
BRDs
Fishermen &
Industry
Indicator # 3 a
50% of
Industrial
No, but 41%
100% for
No, modified
On-the-
Vessels will
Not
of all shrimp
TED, for
gear/BRDs
Pending Yes
No
Yes Yes ?
No, 5-10%
Yes
Ground Impact
have
applicable
trawling
other BRDs
tested in
Level by Trawl
Introduced
vessels
40%,
25% of fleet
Shrimp
BRDs
Fisheries
Indicator # 3 b
15% of
Difficult to
Artisanal
No, but 41%
No, modified
Implement,
On-the-
Vessels will
Non-
of all shrimp
Not
gear/BRDs
Yes Pending
No
Yes ? ?
strict areal
Ground Impact
have
Applicable
trawling
applicable
tested in
restriction &
Level by Trawl
Introduced
vessels
25% of fleet
regulation
Shrimp
BRDs
Fisheries
A minimum of
six Countries
Indicator #4:
will adopt new
Time is too
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
policy to
short
Policy Level:
incorporate
BRDs
Defined
Project
Performance
Indicators for
Status by
Trinidad &
Each Country
June 2008
Bahrain
Cameroon
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Indonesia
Iran
Mexico
Nigeria
Philippines
SEAFDEC
Tobago Venezuela
A minimum of
ten Countries
Indicator # 5:
will adopt new
techniques and Time is too
Knowledge
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
skills learned
short
Exchange
new techniques
Level:
and skills
learned
A minimum of
ten Countries
Indicator #6:
outside the
project
Replication
countries have
(FAO is
confirmed
responsible
interest in
for this
implementing
indicator)
BRDs in writing
to FAO
At least six
countries will
Indicator 7:
have exceeded
not
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes Yes
their committed applicable
Co-financing
co-financing
contribution.
12