Venetian Wild Harvested Striped Clam(Chamelea gallina) 2nd surveillance 1
Marine Stewardship Council fisheries assessments
Venetian Wild Harvested Striped Clam(Chamelea gallina) 2nd surveillance
2nd Surveillance
Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) DNV GL-Business Assurance
Assessment team Giuseppe Scarcella, Lucia Revenga
Fishery client OP BIVALVIA VENETO SOCIETA COOPERATIVA
Assessment Type 2nd Surveillance Report
Author name Giuseppe Scarcella, Lucia Revenga
Date 1st February 2021
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Introduction
Covid 19 derogation 02.09.2020 The surveillance audit was carried out as an off-site activity as allowed by the MSC 2nd September 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic Derogation 1.3.1, as DNV-GL policy promotes the use of remote audits when possible (see https://intranet.dnvgl.com/Organization/Pages/2019-nCoV-acute-respiratory-disease.aspx#travel and https://www.internationalsos.com/MasterPortal/default.aspx?membnum=14ACPA000054 “Due to the COVID-19 situation, DNV GL has introduced Essential Travel Only (ETO) for the entire organization. This means that non-business- critical travel shall not be undertaken”. IAF MD4:2018 requirements on: “The use of information and communication technology (ICT) for auditing/assessment purposes” have been followed.
A joint stakeholder/client meeting was held using Microsoft Teams application on the 4th November 2020. Further details are given in Section 6.1.
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1 Contents
1 Contents ...... 3 2 Glossary ...... 5 3 Executive summary ...... 6 3.1 The assessment process ...... 6 3.2 History of the assessment...... 7 3.2.1 Summary of the original assessment ...... 7 3.2.2 First annual surveillance- Year 2019 ...... 8 3.2.3 Second annual surveillance – Year 2020...... 8 3.3 Summary of surveillance audit findings ...... 8 3.4 Conclusion ...... 8 4 Report details ...... 10 4.1 Surveillance information ...... 10 4.2 Background ...... 11 4.2.1 Stock Status ...... 12 4.2.2 Impact on the ecosystem ...... 14 4.2.3 Changes to the management system ...... 15 4.2.4 Changes to personnel involved in science, management or industry...... 16 4.2.5 Changes that impact Traceability ...... 16 4.2.6 Status of Inseparable or practically inseparable stocks (IPI) ...... 16 4.2.7 Enhanced fisheries ...... 16 4.3 Version details ...... 16 5 Results ...... 17 5.1 Surveillance results overview...... 17 5.1.1 Summary of conditions ...... 17 5.1.2 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and catch data ...... 18 5.1.3 Recommendations ...... 18 5.2 Re-scoring Performance Indicators ...... 18 5.3 Conditions ...... 18 5.3.1 Closed Conditions ...... 18 5.3.2 Progress against conditions ...... 18 Recommendations ...... 25 5.4 Client Action Plan ...... 25 6 Appendices ...... 26 6.1 Evaluation processes and techniques ...... 26 6.1.1 Site visits ...... 26 6.1.2 Stakeholder participation ...... 26 6.2 Stakeholder input ...... 26 6.3 Revised surveillance program ...... 26 6.4 Harmonised fishery assessments ...... 27 6.5 References ...... 27
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6.6 Vessel list ...... 27 6.7 List of landing sites ...... 27 7 Template information and copyright ...... 28
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2 Glossary Abbreviations & acronyms
AIS Automatic identification system CA Consequence Analysis (RBF) CFP Common Fisheries Policy CPU Catch per Unit of Effort CSA Consequence Spatial Analysis (RBF) EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EFCA European Fisheries Control Agency ETP Endangered, threatened and protected species EU European Union FCR Fisheries Certification Requirements GES Good Environmental Status GFCM General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean GSA Geographical Sub-Area LTL Low Trophic Level MCRS Minimum Conservation Reference Size MEDAC Mediterranean Advisory Concil MIPAAF Italian Ministry of Agricolture and Forestry MLS Minimum Landing Size MSC Marine Stewardship Council PI Performance indicator PISG Performance Indicator Scoring Guidepost PRI Point of Recruitment Impairment PSA Productivity-Susceptibility Analysis (RBF) RBF Risk-Based Framework SG Scoring Guidepost SI Scoring Issue SIC Sites of Important Communities SPZ Special Protection Zone STECF Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries TAC Total allowable catch UoA Unit of Assessment VME Vulnerable marine ecosystems
Stock assessment reference points
B0 The (spawning) biomass expected if there had been no fishing (assuming recruitment as estimated through stock assessment).
Blim Spawning biomass limit reference point, sometimes used as a trigger within harvest control rules, or defined as the point below which recruitment is expected to be impaired or the stock dynamics are unknown
Bmsy Spawning Biomass at which the maximum sustainable yield is expected (sometimes
expressed as SBmsy)
Btarg Spawning biomass target reference point
Flim Exploitation rate limit reference point, often taken as Fmsy based on UNFSA
Fmsy Fishing mortality rate associated with the achieving maximum sustainable yield
Ftarg Fishing mortality target reference point MSY Maximum Sustainable Yield
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3 Executive summary Table 1 General Information CAB name DNV GL Business Assurance Via Energy Park, 14 20871 Vimercate ( MB ) Address Italy http://www.dnvgl.com CAB contact details Phone +34 687827738 [email protected] Email
Contact name(s) Lucia Revenga
Client OP BIVALVIA VENETO SOCIETA COOPERATIVA
Address Via Traghete, 68 C/1 Caorle, Venice, Italy Client contact Phone/Fax +39 3357885696 details Email [email protected]
Contact name(s) Mauro Vio
The Venetian Wild Harvested Striped Clam fishery was originally certified on the 16th of July 2018. Details of these assessments are available at: https://fisheries.msc.org/en/fisheries/venetian-wild-harvested-striped-clam-venus- chamelea-gallina/@@assessments
The 2nd annual surveillance audit was carried out with an off-site meeting conducted on the 4th of November 2020, when a joint meeting was hold with the client, research agency AGRITECO, NGO VeGal and MSC Italy. Information on compliance was obtained by email contact with the Italian Coast Guard.
The main findings at the surveillance audit were:
• The harvest strategy and harvest control rule remain unchanged. • Fishing strategy, fishing gears and fishing grounds are to all practical purposes unchanged compared to previous years. • Catch composition remains comparable to previous years, and there are no records of catches of ETP species or interactions with VME habitats • The key management regulations are unchanged • Control and Enforcement activities and strategies were unchanged and no significant non-compliance has been reported • Traceability issues and Chain of Custody conditions are unchanged
The assessment for the fishery had 3 conditions and 1 recommendation. Two conditions are found to be on target while one condition is found to be behind target. There were no changes to scoring of Performance Indicators at this 2nd surveillance audit. No new conditions were set at this audit.
Overall, the fishery continues to be fully compliant with the standards set for MSC certification SG80. The assessment team concludes that the MSC Certificate for the fishery shall remain active, subject to annual surveillance review and progress against the conditions. 3.1 The assessment process The MSC Fisheries Certification Process v2.2 § 7.5.3 and the MSC- MSCI Vocabulary defines the Unit of Certification (UoC) (i.e., the unit entitled to receive an MSC certificate) as follows:
“The target stock(s) combined with the fishing gear type(s), vessel type(s) if relevant, and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels, or individual fishing operators pursuing that stock including entities initially intended to be covered by the certificate.”
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The fisheries covered by this certification are defined as described in Table 2 below.
Table 2 Unit of certification (UoC) UoC Description
Species Striped Clam (Chamelea gallina)
Stock Veneto Marine District, Northern Adriatic Sea, Striped clam. Fishing gear type(s) and, if relevant, vessel Hydraulic dredge type(s) Management Consortium established by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural Food and Forestry Policies in the Northern Adriatic Sea for the Striped Clam Fishery Management along the coasts of the Veneto Region. They are the Co.Ge.Vo.of Venice and Chioggia both defined according the National Decree no. 44/1995. Client group Members of the OP BIVALVIA VENETO SOCIETA COOPERATIVA None. Only members of the OP BIVALVIA VENETO SOCIETA COOPERATIVA will Other eligible fishers be eligible to use the certificate.
This report contains the findings of the second annual MSC Fisheries surveillance audit conducted for the Venetian Wild Harvested Striped Clam (Chamelea gallina) fishery on the 4th of November 2020. The surveillance audit was conducted remotely as an off-site activity.
The purpose of this annual Surveillance Report is: • To establish and report on any material changes to the circumstances and practices affecting the original complying assessment of the fishery; • To monitor any actions taken in response to conditions made in the Public Certification Report; • To re-score any Performance Indicators (PI) where practice or circumstances have materially changed during the intervening year, focusing on those PIs that form the basis of Conditions raised.
The primary focus of this surveillance report is to review the changes occurred since the previous year and verify progress of conditions raised. For a complete picture of the fishery, this report should be read in conjunction with the Public Certification Report available for download at https://fisheries.msc.org/en/fisheries/venetian-wild-harvested- striped-clam-venus-chamelea-gallina/@@assessments
3.2 History of the assessment
3.2.1 Summary of the original assessment The intent of the Venetian Wild Harvested Striped Clam (Chamelea gallina) fishery to become MSC certified was announced on 26 January 2017 and the fishery received its certification on 16 July 2018. Due to the COVID-19 derogation and the associated 6 month extension (as described in https://www.msc.org/docs/default-source/default- document-library/stakeholders/covid-19-pandemic-derogation-march-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=c6dcdbe9_8), its certificate now expires on the 16th January 2024.
The full-assessment activities were carried out using the assessment audit methodology defined in the Fisheries Certification Requirements (FCR) (version 2.0) and in the subsequent MSC Guidance for the Fisheries Certification Requirements (version 2.0). The default assessment tree as set out in the FCR v2 was used for the full assessment. The RBF methodology was applied to PI 1.1.1 and PI 2.4.1. The fishery attained a score of 80 or more against each of the MSC Principles and scored less than 80 against 3 PIs, resulting in 3 conditions which the client was required to resolve through the Client Action Plan. The client action plan was developed by the client in collaboration with the AGRITECO and submitted to the assessment team on the 30th of November 2017. The client action plan was considered sufficient to improve performance of the fishery to at least SG 80 level within set milestones.
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3.2.2 First annual surveillance- Year 2019 During the first annual surveillance, it was evidenced that the principle scores for this fishery have not changed since the initial certification and the fishery is on-target in relation to all 3 conditions. The fishery continues to be within the scope of the MSC fisheries standard (MSC FCP v2.1 § 7.4) according to the following determinations (MSC FCP v2.01 § 7.4): • The target species is a fish and the fishery does not use poisons or explosives • The fishery is not conducted under a controversial unilateral exemption to an international agreement • The client or client group does not include an entity that has been successfully prosecuted for a forced labour violation in the last 2 years • The fishery has mechanisms for resolving disputes and disputes do not overwhelm the fishery • The fishery is not enhanced or based on an introduced species.
3.2.3 Second annual surveillance – Year 2020 During the second annual surveillance, it was evidenced that the principle scores for this fishery have not changed since the initial certification and the fishery is on-target in relation to 2 conditions and behind target for 1 condition (1.2.2).
The fishery continues to be within the scope of the MSC fisheries standard (MSC FCP v2.1 § 7.4) according to the following determinations (MSC FCP v2.01 § 7.4):
• The target species is a fish and the fishery does not use poisons or explosives
• The fishery is not conducted under a controversial unilateral exemption to an international agreement
• The client or client group does not include an entity that has been successfully prosecuted for a forced labour violation in the last 2 years
• The fishery has mechanisms for resolving disputes and disputes do not overwhelm the fishery
• The fishery is not enhanced or based on an introduced species.
3.3 Summary of surveillance audit findings
The Principle scores for this fishery have not changed since the initial certification. Of the three conditions set to the fishery, two conditions are found to be on target while one condition is found to be behind target.
The fishery continues to be within the scope of the MSC fisheries standard (MSC FCP v2.1 § 7.4) according to the following determinations (MSC FCP v2.01 § 7.4): • The target species is a fish and the fishery does not use poisons or explosives; • The fishery is not conducted under a controversial unilateral exemption to an international agreement • The client or client group does not include an entity that has been successfully prosecuted for a forced labour violation in the last 2 years • The fishery has mechanisms for resolving disputes and disputes do not overwhelm the fishery • The fishery is not enhanced or based on an introduced species.
3.4 Conclusion
The fishery continues to be within the scope of the MSC Fisheries Standard (MSC FCP v2.2 § 7.4.2 & 7.12) according to the following determinations:
• 7.4.2.1: The fishery does not target, under principle 1, amphibians, reptiles, birds or mammals. • 7.4.2.2: The fishery does not use poisons or explosives • 7.4.2.3: The fishery is not conducted under a controversial unilateral exemption to an international agreement • 7.4.2.4: The fishery clients have not been prosecuted for forced or child labour violation in the last 2 years • 7.4.2.10: The fishery client or client group does not include an entity that has been convicted for a shark finning violation in the last 2 years • 7.4.2.11: The fishery has mechanisms for resolving dispute
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• 7.4.2.12: The fishery is not enhanced fisheries • 7.4.2.13: The fishery is not an Introduced species-based fisheries • 7.12: The fishery is within the scope of the MSC Fisheries Standard
The audit team concluded that there have been no material changes to the status of the target stock, ecosystem impact nor the management system since reassessment. Overall, the fishery continues to be fully compliant with the standards set for MSC certification SG 80. The assessment team concludes that the MSC Certificate for the fishery shall remain active, subject to annual surveillance review.
Table 3 Conclusion
Status of Conclusion certification Certified The assessment team concludes that the MSC Certificate for this fishery shall remain active, subject to the agreed annual surveillance schedule and progress on the remaining conditions.
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4 Report details
4.1 Surveillance information Table 4 Surveillance information
1 Fishery name
Venetian Wild Harvested Striped Clam
2 Surveillance level and type
Surveillance level 4. Off-site audit. No change from what was indicated in the PCR.
3 Surveillance number
1st Surveillance
2nd Surveillance X
3rd Surveillance
4th Surveillance
Other (expedited etc)
4 Proposed team leader
Lucia Revenga (Team leader and CoC responsible):
Lucia Revenga is part of DNV-GL MSC Fisheries Teams where she acts as Team Leader. She holds University degrees in Marine Science and in Environmental Sciences. She has been involved in MSC fisheries assessment since 2013 as Principle 2 expert and since 2018 as a Team Leader. She has more than 10 - year experience on the wild fisheries sector. In the DNV GL she works with the MSC standard for sustainable fisheries as team leader responsible for pre-assessments, initial assessments, re-assessments and surveillance assessments. She will be the team leader and traceability responsible.
• She has a degree in a relevant subject. • Experience with the MSC fisheries standard. • Experience as TL. • Passed MSC’s online training for fisheries team leader within the last 5 years. • Passed new versions of the compulsory online training modules. • Meets ISO 19011 training requirements. (GCR v2.4.1 § 6.1.3b-c). • Experience in applying different types of interviewing and facilitation techniques. • Undertaken more than 2 MSC fisheries assessments/surveillance site visits in the last 5 years. • Knowledge of common language spoken by clients and stakeholders for the fisheries. • Has experience in applying different types of interviewing and facilitation techniques and is able to effectively communicate with clients and various stakeholder groups. • Is responsible for coordinating the Assessment Team’s work and for the completion of the assessment. according to the requirements of FCP v2.2. • Understand the CoC standard and CoC certification requirements- pass MC’s Traceability training module every 5 years. • No conflict of interest in relation to the fisheries under assessment.
She will participate in off- site audit
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5 Proposed team members
Giuseppe Scarcella (P1, P2 and P3 expert):
Giuseppe has participated in projects since 2000 regarding the management and assessment of fisheries resources, the monitoring of artificial reefs and the evaluation of the environmental impact of off-shore gas platforms. He worked as a researcher on board research and fishing vessels as well as at landing sites to perform a wide variety of technical and supervisory studies. He was responsible for setting up the experimental designs and carrying out the statistical analyses of different research projects. He participated in the sampling activity and in the drawing up of the reports and of the related scientific papers. Moreover he actively participates in the development of fishery management plans and the evaluation of socio-economic impact, related both to fishing activities and the deployment of artificial structures for anti-trawling and fish restocking. He also participates, within the framework of the EU-STECF expert groups and FAO-GFCM working groups, in the stock assessment analyses for different species in different GSAs of Mediterranean Sea, in the discussion of the methodologies to be used and in the drawing up of the reports. Finally he is participating at the experimental trawl survey Medits, conducted in GSA 25 (Cyprus) within the Data Collection Framework (DCF) in compliance with the Regulations of the European Council.
Giuseppe’s qualifications meet the competence criteria defined in Annex PC for the Team-member with expertise in Fish stock assessment and biology, Fishing impacts on aquatic ecosystems, country knowledge and RBF: • Has a degree in a relevant subject. • Passed MSC’s online training for fisheries team member within the last 5 years. • Passed new versions of the compulsory online training modules. • He has passed the RBF training module; • 3 years’ or more experience in stock assessment techniques comparable with techniques used by the fishery under assessment. • Primary authorship of 2 peer-reviewed stock assessments of a type used by the fishery under assessment. • No conflict of interest in relation to the fisheries under assessment.
Giuseppe will participate in the off- site audit.
6 Audit/review time and location
The off-site surveillance audit took place on the 4th of November 2020. The surveillance timeline is subject to a 6-month extension in accordance with Covid-19 Derogation 27 March 2020. Certificate anniversary date for the fishery is now 16th of January after COVID-19 extension. Surveillance audit was attended by representatives from the client group, research organisation AGRITECO, VeGAL (Gruppo di Azione Locale Veneto Orientale) and by MSC -Italy representatives.
7 Assessment and review activities
The key purpose of the surveillance audit is: • to review and evaluate the progress of the fishery against Conditions of Certification raised during the full assessment • review any potential or actual changes in the management systems • review changes or additions / deletions to regulations • review any personnel changes in scientific staff, key management or industry to evaluate impact on • the management of the fishery • review any potential changes to the scientific basis of information, including stock assessments. • Review any changes affecting traceability
4.2 Background
Information and data reported in the following sections are mainly sourced from a document (AGRITECO, 2020) provided during the site visit by the research institution AGRITECO. In Italy the fishery with hydraulic dredges is regulated by the management decisions made by each Co.Ge.Vo. (or Consortia), however all Consortia must respect national and EU law that provides the common reference framework. In Veneto region, the Co.Ge.Vo. of Venice and the Co.Ge.Vo. of Chioggia (and the business branch OP Bivalvia Veneto), represents an interesting case of study that might be implemented by other Consortia as reported on the
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National Management Plan for clams. The Chioggia CoGeVo and the Venice CoGeVo manage fishing in two different districts but in actual fact refer to a single Management Plan, unanimously shared by all the members of both Consortia, to which the 163 vessels of the Veneto Region belong. After an initial phase that presented organisational difficulties, for many years the two Consortia have developed and have resulted in the establishment of two important producer organisations, OP Bivalve Veneto and OP I Cockles. The particular situation in the Veneto region, following the marine weather events of 2018 and 2019 (storm VAIA and exceptional high tide phenomenon) and the widespread death that has affected all areas of clam fishing to which the damage caused by the pandemic by COVID19 has to be add, has led the COGEVO Venetians, in synergy with OP Bivalvia, to increase the length of the obligatory and voluntary fishing closures (stops) to a period between March and June 2020, in addition to a new strategy of fisheries management. This new strategy of management of clam fishing will be illustrated in the section Management system.
4.2.1 Stock Status
Data analysis shows that the surface of suitable areas for clam fishery in the in the last 15 years are on average of 109,35 km2, with a decrease of about 25% when important death phenomena occur while in an optimal situation of natural beds the surface of the suitable area can increase more than 20% compared to the average value (max 125 km2). The monitoring of Chamelea gallina allows to provide an estimation of the overall biomass of the adult size (≥20 mm individuals), that on average, for the period 2003-2019, in Veneto is 6,727 tons. 2018 was characterized by death events and extreme hydrometeorological condition occurred in Autumn, while in 2019 was observed high recruitment that was confirmed by monitoring also in 2020 (AGRITECO, 2020). The trend of landings allows to obtain an average value of about 3,000 tons per year, with peaks of almost 5,000 tons and minimum values slightly below 1,000 tons. The ratio between landings and biomass at sea of C. gallina on the suitable areas, determined by the monitoring activities, shows that on average the amounts taken from the environment are around 45% of those naturally present larger than 20 mm, with the exception of years in which phenomena of death occurred, in which this ratio is higher (Table 5).
Table 5 – Monitoring data of C. gallina in Veneto region. (Source: AGRITECO, 2020) ratio Suitable area biomass (g/m2) ≥20 mm Commercial Estimated amount in Year (km2) in suitable area Catch (t) suitable area (t) catch/ estimated amount 2003 114,55 61,82 3.258,7 7.081,5 0,460 2009 83,52 37,07 1.606,5 3.096,4 0,519 2010 83,52 27,62 931,1 2.307,2 0,404 2011 104,71 52,91 1.450,7 5.540,5 0,262 2016 125,16 83,74 4.236,6 10.481,4 0,404 2017 125,16 103,50 4.969,6 12.954,1 0,384 2018 125,16 62,38 4.026,5 7.807,1 0,516 2019 112,90 40,30 3.507,9 4.549,87 0,771
Mean 109,335 58,67 2.998,45 6.727,26 0,465
The graph in Figure 1 shows the biomass trend in 2003/2019, divided into commercial and sub-commercial biomass and total biomass.
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Biomassa trend (g/m2) Regione Veneto years 2003-2019 110,0 100,0 90,0 80,0 70,0 60,0
g/m2 50,0 40,0 30,0 20,0 10,0 0,0 2003 2009 2010 2011 2016 2017 2018 2019
comm Sub-comm Regione Veneto ref. point 5 g/m2 ref. point 10 g/m2
Figure 1 - Biomass trend of C. gallina (≥20 mm) in 2003/2019 in Veneto. (Source: AGRITECO, 2020)
The monitoring at the end of 2019 evidenced a low biomass value so the Cogevo and OP Bivalvia decided to modify the HCR to protect the clam population. The main fishing area is located from Cavallino to Sottomarina (Chioggia). Historically this was the area with higher productions, where 80 vessels are active representing 66% of the entire Veneto fleet for clam fishery. In 2018, the VAIA storm together with a natural-death phenomena, influenced the value observed in 2019. In 2019 the consortia decided to reduce the fishing days (after the biological stop/seasonal closure) passing from 4 days to 3 days per week, modifying their HCR, which was implemented by Coast Guard order. Therefore, the fishing effort in 2019 was lower than 2018 (Figure 2).
Number of fishing days for Chamelea gallina (clam) by year 16.000 14.000 12.000 10.000 8.000
6.000 Fishing Fishing days 4.000 2.000
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2002 Figure 2 - Fishing days for the period 2002-2019. (Source: AGRITECO, 2020)
Although the monitoring is showing a biomass below the trigger reference point of 10 g/m2, LPUE trends show stability over the last 10 years as (Figure 3) and recruitment seems to be good both in 2019 and 2020 (AGRITECO, 2020). Therefore, changes to the population as a consequence of fishing are not detectable against the natural variability of the stock, which was impacted by natural death phenomena and adverse environmental conditions (high tides). Therefore, and as regards the RBF conducted for the stock, the scoring of the CA would remain unchanged. Moreover, the information available during the site visit confirmed that the productivity and susceptibility scores of the PSA would be the same, considering that the species did not show any particular modification in its biology and that the fishery did not increase its effort displacement and gear was not modified. Therefore, the scoring of Principle 1 is still above 80.
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Landing per Unit Of Effort (LPUE) of C. gallina in Veneto 500,0 450,0 400,0 350,0 300,0 250,0 200,0
Days/vessel/kg 150,0 100,0 50,0
0,0
2009 2013 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2002 Figure 3 – Landing per Unit of Effort in Veneto region from 2002 to 2019.
4.2.2 Impact on the ecosystem The fishing activity is carried out in the same area as was observed during the first site visit (Figure 4). The effects on the marine environment, and in particular the physical impact on the seabed, are not negligible, however the information available on bycatch from dredges makes it possible to observe that the most represented species are molluscs followed by crustaceans then others. The species caught accidentally by dredges are those typical of coastal environments. No species were detected that are in critical conditions nor ones for which there are stock conservation issues. Capture of fish species has proved so sporadic and limited that the use of dredges does not seem to cause problems. It goes without saying that the consequences to the ecosystem of the impact of fisheries with dredges are not easy to define, nor are there exhaustive studies on this matter. In any case, towing speeds are such that vagile species capable of swimming can easily escape capture.
Figure 4 - Production per area on 2019
Taking into account that the fishing activity did not change, in term of effort displacement and gear, the score of Principle 2 remains unchanged.
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4.2.3 Changes to the management system From 2017 the main changes in harvest strategy and regulation for clam fishery can be reported to the National Management Plan for hydraulic dredges and to the Discard management plan. In 2019 the new National Management Plan for dredges in Italy was adopted through Directive 9913, of June 17th, 2019. The management arrangements are governed by this National plan following the relevant European legislation, the main measures foreseen by the new plan did not change from the previous: − has specified the following characteristics for hydraulic dredges: i) a maximum cage width of 3 m; ii) a maximum pressure on the nozzles of 1.8 bar; iii) maximum weight of the gear 600 kg. Clam dredges are also subject to the following limitations: the distance between the metal rods in the bottom part of the cage must be at least 12 mm. Instead of rods, square-mesh metal nets with a minimum mesh size of no less than 17 mm, or 12 x 25 mm rectangular mesh, or perforated sheet with round holes having a diameter of at least 21 mm and the full/empty ratio below ½. The product harvested by the dredge must be sorted using sieves with mesh having the same characteristics as the aforementioned cage. − prohibits the harvesting of abrupt wedge shells, Venus clams and giant clams using hydraulic dredges − provides that authorisation to fish bivalve molluscs is limited to the territorial waters of the district of registration of the vessel, unless otherwise indicated by specific provisions. In addition to these rules the Regulation EU 1380/2013, adopting Regulation EU 2376/2016 of 13/10/2016 and concerning the discard plan for fishery activities, led to the drafting of the “National Discard Management Plan for clams (Chamelea gallina)” (GU N.8 11/1/2017). This discard plan gives to the Consortia new rules for fishery activities. The discard plan has the following measures: − fixed the number of vessels authorised to fish using hydraulic dredges until the end of December 2019 (DM 29/12/2014); − established a maximum of 4 fishing days a week; − reduced the permitted amount of fish to 400 kg/vessel/day; − made the system for monitoring vessel position mandatory; − introduced for Management Consortia a system of certification of minimum conservation reference size (MCRS); − introduced the requirement to identity restocking areas to re-transfer products below the required size; − renounced the 5% weight tolerance of the minimum reference size; − harvesting of maximum 40 bags a day (400 Kg) per vessel, for the purpose of reducing production by 20%; − application of the plan to all the clams sorted using sieves and retained on board; − the landing of all of each motorized fishing vessel’s clams at landing sites, where the molluscs consortia will have installed a sieve of the appropriate size; − operations involving a second selection, in optimal conditions on land, with the return to the motorised fishing vessels of all the clams above the new minimum conservation reference size (under the control of the Consortia, hereinafter Co.Ge.Vo.), issuing to the fishing vessels a certificate confirming that the second selection has been performed; − collection by the Co.Ge.Vo. of all clams below the new minimum reference size, present in the landed product, and re-transfer to areas of the sea chosen for restocking.
Given the particular situation caused by the death in 2018 followed by the VAIA storm and the consequent difficulty in recruiting in 2019 (year in which there was the phenomenon of exceptional high tides) which caused a decrease in fishable biomass, the Co.Ge.Vo. in synergy with OP Bivalvia requested local harbour masters to test a system of rotation management of both compartments and individual vessels. This strategy was endorsed at the end of 2019 on an experimental basis and then from 01 September 2020 it became an Ordinance and therefore a new regulation for clam fishing. In the order of the Coast Guard of Venice and Chioggia, the Management Consortia are given the right to modify the maximum fishing quota and also the rotation of the boats. This communication is binding for all boats also for sanctioning purposes. The Coast Guard order has the following relevant articles: ART. 3 - In the event that a daily limit is set lower than the maximum limit provided for in the previous article, the Management Consortium shall inform the member shipowners and the Maritime Authorities of the Department (Venice, Caorle, Jesolo and Bibione) via P.E.C. at the e-mail addresses and in the manner specified in Article 1, and the other Police Forces. Shipowners not adhering to the CO.GE.VO. may acquire this information by contacting the Operations Room of the Coast Guard of Venice. In the event of failure to communicate, the maximum limits set out in the previous article 2. ART. 4 - In case of rostering of the boats that can exercise daily the fishing activity, the Management Consortium shall inform the shipowners thereof members of the Maritime Authorities of the Department (Venice, Caorle,
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Jesolo and Bibione) by means of P.E.C. to the e-mail addresses and in the manner set out in art.1, and to the other Police Forces, enclosing a list of the units that will be authorised to carry out the activity fishing. Shipowners who are not members of the CO.GE.VO. may acquire this information by contacting the Operations Room of the Coast Guard of Venice. The Management Consortium will have to guarantee to all units the same days total fishing. The Coast Guard has finally imposed that there can be no discrepancies between the various vessels with this new management formula, but the same days and the same catch quotas must be guaranteed to all vessels. The clam fishery is continuously subject to controls at different levels (health, administrative, management, etc.) which are carried out both by external components (veterinary service, police, EU commissioners, etc.) and within the organisation chart of the Management Consortia. According to the details provided by the Coast Guard, in the last two years only one sanction was raised against one fishing vessel, which had violated for three times the obligations regarding the recording and reporting of data relating to catches and landings. Taking into account that the new rules on this fishery are more restrictive than the previous ones (e.g.: 3 fishing days per week rather than 4) and that control activities are considered effective (e.g: only one vessel did not comply with the regulation) the scoring in Principle 3 is not changed.
4.2.4 Changes to personnel involved in science, management or industry. Since the 1st surveillance audit of the fishery in 2019 there have been no changes in personnel within the Client Organisation. There have been no changes in personnel involved in the science and management of the fishery or within the fishing industry that would have an impact on the fishery and its sustainability. . 4.2.5 Changes that impact Traceability Since the assessment of the fishery there is no change in CoC and the systems of tracking and tracing in the fishery are still considered sufficient to make sure all striped clam and striped clam products identified and sold as certified by the fishery originate from the certified fishery.
4.2.6 Status of Inseparable or practically inseparable stocks (IPI) There are no IPI catches in the fishery.
4.2.7 Enhanced fisheries The fishery is not an enhanced fishery.
4.3 Version details Table 6. Fisheries program documents versions
Document Version number
MSC Fisheries Certification Process Version 2.2
MSC Fisheries Standard Version 2.01
MSC General Certification Requirements Version 2.3
Assessment tree version FCR v2.0
MSC Surveillance Reporting Template Version 2.1
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5 Results 5.1 Surveillance results overview 5.1.1 Summary of conditions Summary of conditions for the fishery are provided below. Details of the conditions are provided in the Section 5.2 below. Table 7. Summary of conditions (The condition deadline is subject to a 6-month extension in accordance with Covid-19 Derogation 27 March 2020).
Condition Performance Condition Status PI original score PI revised score number Indicator (PI) Well defined HCRs are in place to ensure that the exploitation rate is reduced as the PRI is approached and expected to keep the stock fluctuating around a target level consistent 1 with (or above) MSY. 1.2.2 Behind target 75 75 Evidence should be provided that the management trigger points outlined in the Italian plan for dredge fishery (MIPAAF, 2014) is consistent with the MSY levels within 4 years. Evidence should be provided on a regular and standardized basis that primary species in bycatches have been monitored according to 2 2.1.3 On target 70 70 progressive benchmarks (e.g. amount by season, spatial distribution and impacts) to determine their risk posed by the UoA. Evidence should be provided on a regular and standardized basis that secondary species in the bycatches have been 3 2.2.3 On target 70 70 monitored (e.g. amount by season, spatial distribution and impacts) to determine their risk posed by the UoA.
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5.1.2 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and catch data Table 8: Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and catch data.
TAC Year 2020 Amount 400 kg (Daily UoA share of TAC Year 2020 Amount catch limit per vessel) UoA share of total TAC Year 2020 Amount
Year (most Total green weight catch by UoC 2020 Amount 2110 tons recent) Year (second Total green weight catch by UoC 2019 Amount 1890 tons most recent)
5.1.3 Recommendations There is one recommendation for the fishery. Table 9: Summary of recommendations Recommendation Recommendation Performance indicator number 1 Client is recommended to record all events (area, quantity, purpose) N/A of any translocation activities and inform DNVGL within 5 days of the event occurring shall any kind of translocation take place. This is done in order to ensure that fishery does not transition into enhanced fishery.
5.2 Re-scoring Performance Indicators All conditions remain open following this 2nd surveillance audit, and there was no requirement to rescore any Performance Indicators.
5.3 Conditions 5.3.1 Closed Conditions All conditions remain open following this 2nd surveillance audit.
5.3.2 Progress against conditions There are 3 conditions and 1 recommendation for the Venetian wild harvested striped clam fishery. Table 10: Condition 1
Performance Indicator 1.2.2
Score 75
The harvest control rules and tools in place are: • Reduction of days at sea and daily quota. • Full stop of the fishery (< 5g/m2). • Partial closure of the fishery in certain area with low density (<10g/m2). Restocking activities from areas with high densities towards area with low densities Justification • areas. • Closure of the fishery within the 0.3 nm (according to the Mediterranean regulation 1976/2006) • Gear characteristics in term of weight and distance between the sorting grids.
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These harvest control rules and tools serve to limit the susceptibility of the clam stock to fishery removals. As noted under the scoring of PI1.2.1, the thresholds levels of density outlined in the Italian dredge management plan (MIPAAF, 2014) are just fishery management trigger points and there is no evidence that they are in accordance with a sustainable exploitation of target stock and are directly related with the stock of Venetian clams. Sedentary bivalves as clam have fishery management trigger points based on population densities collected through systematic surveys, where these index densities are established based on the species population dynamics and the inherent productivity of the habitat and environmental conditions. There may be no formal stock assessment, but yield is calculated on a proportion of the observed biomass and the harvested fraction determined on empirical evidence from historical catches and their consequences. While such arrangements can work, it should be noted that HCRs based on taking a constant percentage of the year’s estimated biomass should not be regarded as meeting the requirement of avoiding the PRI unless some lower threshold is defined. Taking into consideration this, the limit of 5 g/m2 could be correctly considered as the point of recruitment impairment. The evidence to justify this relies on the recovering of clam density observed in 2014-2016 after the low values (around 5 g/m2) clam observed in the period 2009-2011. The variation of the daily quota and the fishing days in response to changing stock status shows that the defined HCRs are in place that ensure the exploitation rate is reduced as soon as a PRI is approached. Therefore, the SG60 is met. However, there is no evidence that the target level of 10 g/m2 considered as a good result of the management is consistent with MSY principles. Therefore, SG80 requirements are not met. Well defined HCRs are in place that ensure that the exploitation rate is reduced as the PRI is approached, are expected to keep the stock fluctuating around a target level consistent with (or above) MSY. It is required the development of a HCR that keeps the stock Condition fluctuating at a level consistent with MSY. In the case such level is different from the levels provided by the Italian plan for dredge fishery (MIPAAF, 2014) the HCRs will be modified accordingly. It is recognised that changes to the harvest control rule may require benchmark assessment. Therefore, timing may need to fit into the Ministry management evaluation cycle or inside the framework of the Co.Ge.Vo.
Year 1: Evidence is available indicating reassessment of the harvest control rule. Score 75
Year 2: Evidence is available indicating reassessment of the harvest control rule. The client investigates whether the current management trigger points (density of clams) in place are in Milestones accordance with MSY levels. Score 75.
Year 3: Evidence is available indicating reassessment of the harvest control rule. The client taking into account the outcome of the previous milestone investigates the possibility to change the HCRs. Score 75.
Year 4: A new harvest control rule is adopted that is able to maintain the stock at levels consistent with MSY. Score 80.
Client Action Plan See PCR (2018), Appendix III.
Consultation on Agriteco condition Historical data on catches, effort and fishery independent date were collected during the first year of implementation of the action plan (see first surveillace report). Moreover, meetings were held with the leaders of the Consortia and of the PO Bivalvia Veneto, focusing on the determination of the MSY index. The historical data set (that is the adult biomass and the distribution of the population) that Progress on Condition now the Consortia and PO Bivalvia have, can be useful to estimate the B value for the MSY. (Year 1 / 2019) With the last survey, scheduled on next 2019 autumn, there will be a strong data set to calculate MSY reference point or proxies and to compare this with the annual abundance.
As reported in the STEFC PLEN 19-01 “The management procedure of the fishery, combined at district and national level, in collaboration with scientific institutes, is explained, that should allow identifying problems and adopt measures of correction. The collected information from
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logbooks about the fishing activity is incomplete (position, fishing hours, catch), but is necessary for an adaptive management of the fishery. The dredge fishery is managed at district level. Since the abundance of the target species is not homogenous across all districts, data on catches, fishing effort and abundance should be available at that level e.g. annual CPUE is not informative about the situation of the stocks in all districts were the species are exploited.”
Taking into consideration STECF statement, the Co.Ge.Vo. of Venice and Chioggia with the OP Bivalvia Veneto want to use new reference points estimated for Veneto district, which will not be based on the potential profits or economic terms, as indicated in the national management plan but only on biologically sustainable exploitation in the frame of MSY objectives. The condition is on target. In accordance with the CAP during the second year client has to investigate whether the current management trigger points (density of clams) in place are in accordance with MSY levels. In AGRITECO 2020, it is reported that several bibliographical sources have been analysed to verify which models were more adherent to the application of clam fishing in the coasts of Veneto. The bibliography consulted for this first experimental evaluation was: − Chris O’Brien and Talbot Murray 1999 - Sustainable management of highly migratory species in the western central Pacific Ocean: The New Zealand experience at setting Progress on Condition total allowable catch (Year 2 / 2020) − Froese et al. 2019 - Estimating stock status from relative abundance and resilience − Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center 2018 - Using Yield per Recruit Analysis to Determine Fish Stock Status.
However, from the discussion in Chapter 6.1 of AGRITECO (2020), it is not clear if the reference points used now (5 g/m2 and 10 g/m2) are in accordance with MSY levels, which are not unambiguously defined in the report. Therefore, the present condition is considered to be behind target.
Status Behind target
To ensure that the condition is on target next year, the following remedial action in the form of revised milestones has been set:
Annual surveillance 3: The client has to provide clear analyses based on modelling approaches (e. g.: Froese et al 2019) or on empirical evidences (e.g.: density levels from unexploited areas, see Caddy, Remedial action 2004) supporting that the reference point used are in accordance with MSY principles. (Revised milestones) This milestone is an incremental step toward fulfilling the condition. Its successful completion will not result in a change of score to this PI. Expected interim score: 75
Annual surveillance 4: In the case the MSY levels defined in the Annual surveillance 3 are different from the reference points used, the client has to modify HCRs accordingly. Expected score: 80 CAP year 3: By the 3rd surveillance audit presentation of evidence that allows for the estimation of an MSY or similar value that can give consistency to the resource management reference points.
Revised CAP CAP year 4: By the 4th surveillance audit verification and confirmation of the consistency of the new indicator for the reference points on the basis of the data collected in the last year. From the 4th year onwards, if considered valid by the scientific community and the evaluators, OP Bivalvia and Co.Ge.Vo. of Venice and Chioggia will adopt these indicators in a stable way for their management process. Condition milestones are subject to a 6-month extension in accordance with Covid-19 Derogation 27 March 2020. As per the derogation guidance provided by the MSC (https://www.msc.org/docs/defaultsource/default-document-library/forbusiness/program- Covid 19 derogation documents/chainof-custody-supportingdocuments/msc-covid-19-guidancefor-cabs--- (if applicable) fisheries.pdf), CABs should realign milestone deadlines “with surveillance audits by conducting the subsequent surveillance audit 18 months after the surveillance audit being conducted as planned.” Since Condition 1 has a revised milestone deadline, the timing of future surveillance audits is being revised. Future audits are expected to occur in December
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2021 but could be scheduled to occur within the six-month window allowed by FCP 7.28.8.1 (v2.2)
Additional information N/A
Table 11: Condition 2 and Condition 3 (to avoid repetition condition 2 and 3 are coupled together)
PI 2.1.3 - Information on the nature and extent of primary species is adequate to determine the risk posed by the UoA and the effectiveness of the strategy to manage primary species
Performance Indicator PI 2.2.3 - Information on the nature and amount of secondary species taken is adequate to determine the risk posed by the UoA and the effectiveness of the strategy to manage secondary species.
Score 70
The available information provided by Agriteco and derived from data collected during the experimental surveys carried out in the UoA areas during 2005, 2007, 2010 and from 2014 to 2016, indicated that there are no main neither minor primary (nor secondary) species in the clam fishery in the UoA. The contents and the adequacy of the information was Justification confirmed during the meeting with stakeholders. However, bycatch percentages could change over time and information on catch composition is not collected in a regular and standardized basis in the UoA, resulting not enough frequent and detailed to check the presence of primary (and secondary) species among bycatches. Evidence should be provided on a more regular, frequent and standardized basis that bycatch species are monitored to check presence of primary (secondary) species. If any Condition main primary (secondary) species would then be identified the impact of the UoA on these species should be assessed. It is recognised that changes in the system of collecting information may require time and progressive benchmarks. Therefore, during a reasonable time interval the UoA should provide evidences of: Year 1: Evidence is available of a new standardized system applied for collecting information on the bycatch species. Score 70. Milestones Year 2: Evidence is available indicating the evaluation of the risk posed by UoA on the primary (and secondary) species. Score 75. Year 3: Evidence is available indicating how the UoA intend to apply such kind of current information into a strategy to manage primary (and secondary) species. Score 75. Year 4: A new strategy is adopted that is effective to reduce or maintain the risk posed by the UoA on the primary (and secondary) species. Score 80.
Client Action Plan See PCR (2018), Appendix III.
Consultation on Agriteco condition Agriteco monitored the impact of the fishery on primary and secondary species sampling the commercial catches in a no-fishing area in front of Lido di Venezia and in fishery areas along Veneto Region. The no-fishing area was selected in front of Lido di Venezia near the port mouth; it was decided Progress on Condition to choose this area because it was selected as a restocking area for the Discard Plan of (Year 1 / 2019) Chamelea gallina so there is not only a prohibition by the Cogevo-OP Bivalvia but even the local Coast Guard can help to keep this ban. This area is well-defined and the coordinates of its vertexes are reported into official document and into Coast Guard ordinances. In this area surely from 2010 when the Reg. (UE) 1967/2006
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became law and hydraulic dredges must go out of 0,3 nm and trawl boats out of 3,0 nm, a no fishing zone except for fyke nets that don’t have any disturbance on benthic communities. This area should be used if there are harvested clams below the minimum size to be released back into the sea as reported in the “Discard plan for clams fishery”. It is important to stress that as reported on the official documents of the discard plan during the first 2 years of application of this plan, any restocking area wasn’t used and so the situation of this area can be assume as an undisturbed area without any restocking activities. On the next maps there are the localization on large scale and on particular scale with GPS points.
To be able to compare these data with those from fishery areas, it was decided with the agreement of Cogevo and OP Bivalvia, to adopt the same methodology of sampling; so in this area it was non used the Van Veen grab but a fishery vessel as used in the other areas. The sampling methodology inside the No Fishing Area and on the fishing areas of Veneto has been structured as follows: • Collection of n.1 sample of product each 6 months from the tank of the clam fishing vessel in the restocking area at Lido di Venezia, which is forbidden to the fishing activity. • Collection of n. 1 sample of product each fishery month from the tank of 3 clam fishing vessels twice a month for a total of 42 samples. At the end of the fishing action and before the selection phase of the catch, at least 5 kg of product were collected directly from the tank of the vessel, and then it was stored in a numbered net bag for next biometric and weight analyses. Subsequently, in the laboratory, the selection of the different species present was carried out, which were counted and weighed, in order to assess their representativeness by weight in the benthic community of the seabed.
In the representation they were considered:
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- The target species Chamelea gallina - Other commercial species - Other species The first year of work involved the execution of 42 samples of the product collected from the tank of the boats during fishing activities in different areas of the coastal strip of Veneto. Two other samples refer to a No Fishing Area located in Lido of Venice within 0.3 nautical miles where the dredges do not carry out any fishing activity.
No fishing area The population inside the no fishing area was principally composed by C. gallina with a rate that are quite the same around the 92% of weight. On the sample of February 2019 all the commercial species (except the target one) reached a value bigger that 5% but the single species with the high value was Paphia aurea with a ratio of 3,2%.
The list of species inside the no fishing area is reported in the table below: List of species surveyed in the activities Phylum Class Species % weight Acanthocardia 1,36 tuberculata Chamelea gallina 92,14
Donax semistriatus 0,37 Bivalvia Dosinia lupinus 0,03 Mactra stultorum 0,43 Paphia aurea 1,59 Scapharca demiri 0,72 MOLLUSC Subtruncated Spisula 0,30 Cyclope neritea 0,09
Gastropoda Nassarius mutabilis 1,22
Nassarius nitidus 0,11 ARTHROPODA Crustacea Pagurus sp. 1,24 ECHINODERMAT Ophiuridea Ophioderma longicauda 0,40 A
Fishery areas The species recorded during the analysis of the samples from the fishery areas are:
List of species surveyed in the activities Phylum Class Species % weight Acanthocardia 0,204 tuberculata Chamelea gallina 90,400
Donax semistriatus 0,400 Bivalvia Dosinia lupinus 0,056 Glycimeris glycymeris 0,134
MOLLUSC Mactra stultorum 0,132 Paphia aurea 1,300 Subtruncated Spisula 0,313 Tellina sp. 0,015 Bolinus brandaris 0,450
Black Cyclops 1,406
Nassarius mutabilis 1,104
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Gastropoda Nassarius nitidus 0,584 Natica Hebraea 0,062 Phyllonotus trunculus 0,036 Carcinus aestuarii 0,351 ARTHROPODA Crustacea Pagurus sp. 2,700 Liocarcinus depurator 0,462 ANELLIDA Polychaeta Owenia fusiformis 0,002
The average of data collected from all 42 samples doesn’t evidence any critical point. The C. gallina ratio is over 90% and only the non-commercial species reach a value higher than 5%, but non with a single species but with the sum of all these species.
From the table above it is clear that there is not any main primary or secondary species in the catches of clam fishery. However, Agriteco will continue the monitoring in the following years to better define the percentages of non-target species.
Conditions 2 and 3 are on target. Also, in 2019 Agriteco monitored the impact of the fishery on primary and secondary species sampling the commercial catches in a no-fishing area in front of Lido di Venezia and in fishery areas along Veneto Region. From august 2019 to July 2020, second year of work, involved the execution of 84 samples of the product collected from the tank at the bow of the motor fishing boats during fishing activities in different areas of the coastal strip of Veneto. Two other samples refer to a No Fishing Area located in Lido of Venice within 0.3 nautical miles where the dredges do not carry out any fishing activity.
The species recorded during the analysis of the samples are as follows:
Table 12: List of species of macrobenthic fauna surveyed in the activities. (Green = commercial species; Grey = non commercial species) List of species surveyed in the fishing areas Phylum Class Species % weight Acanthocardia tuberculata 1,3 Chamelea gallina 91,7 Donax semistriatus 0,1 Dosinia lupinus 0,1 Glycimeris glycymeris 0,4 Progress on Condition Bivalvia Mactra stultorum 0,2 (Year 2 / 2020) Paphia aurea 0,3 Scapharca demiri 0,1 MOLLUSC Spisula subtruncata 0,1 Tellina sp. 0,2 Bolinus brandaris 1,3 Cyclope neritea 0,2 Euspira guilleminii 0,2 Gastropoda Nassarius mutabilis 1,1 Nassarius nitidus 0,3 Natica stercusmuscarum 0,2 Phyllonotus trunculus 0,1 Carcinus aestuarii 0,1 ARTHROPODA Crustacea Pagurus sp. 0,8 Liocarcinus depurator 1,0 Owenia fusiformis 0,1 RING Polychaeta Polychaeta sp. 0,1
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Macrobentos in No Fishing Area
% n. n. % % C. Othe commerc other Period Commerci Notes gallina r ial speci al species spec species es ies October 90,6 4,1 5,3 1 3 2019 June 2020 93,0 4,4 2,6 3 2 Average 91,8 4,3 4,0 2,0 2,5
The data collected from all samples do not evidence any critical point impact on primary and secondary species. The C. gallina ratio is over 90% and only few species reach a value higher than 1%. From the tables above it is clear that there is not any main primary or secondary species in the catches of clam fishery. However, Agriteco will continue the monitoring in the following years to better define the percentages of non-target species.
Status On target
Additional information Not Applicable
Recommendations Recommendation 1: Client is recommended to record all events (area, quantity, purpose) of any translocation activities and inform DNVGL within 5 days of the event occurring shall any kind of translocation take place. This is done in order to ensure that fishery does not transition into enhanced fishery. Progress against recommendation: According to the information provided by the client restocking activities were not carried out in 2019 and 2020.
5.4 Client Action Plan
See revised CAP for Condition 1.
5.5 Rescoring performance indicators
No re-scoring was made at the second surveillance audit.
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6 Appendices 6.1 Evaluation processes and techniques 6.1.1 Site visits Surveillance audit was conducted as an offsite activity as scheduled in the PCR, on the 4th November 2020, from 9.30 to 12.00 am. Microsoft Teams internet tool was used to host the meeting. Surveillance audit was attended by representatives from the client group, research organisation AGRITECO, VeGAL stakeholder, MSC Italy and DNV-GL audit team.
Member of the original assessment team, Giuseppe Scarcella, and DNV GL MSC Fisheries Team Leader Lucia Revenga gathered input on the client progress against conditions.
6.1.2 Stakeholder participation The surveillance was announced on the MSC website on October 1st, 2020, followed by direct email notification which was sent to the stakeholders previously identified for this fishery, inviting interested parties to share fishery related information with the assessment team. Stakeholders were also notified that they can submit written information to the assessment team by e-mail. The off-site surveillance audit meeting (host on Microsoft teams at 9.30 am UTC) was attended by the following participants: Table 13. List of participants.
Organization Representatives Email address DNV-GL Giuseppe Scarcella [email protected] Lucia Revenga [email protected] OP Bivalvia Veneto Mauro Vío [email protected] AGRITECO Thomas Galvan [email protected] VeGAL Paolo Valeri [email protected] MSC Italy Ilaria Vielmini [email protected]
Besides, Andrea Schiattino, from the Venetian Coast Guard, was contacted by email in relation to the compliance of the client group with relevant management measures.
6.2 Stakeholder input
AGRITECO submitted a scientific report on the status of the stock as well as on progress on conditions by the client. This report is available upon request. Following request, Andrea Schiattino, from the Venetian Coast Guard, provided by email on November 25th 2020 a list of infractions by the Client Group in years 2019 and 2020, showing an administrative sanction by a single vessel in 2019. Further information on the issue is available upon request.
6.3 Revised surveillance program
There was no postponement of the surveillance audit, and the surveillance program has not been revised.
Condition milestones are subject to a 6-month extension in accordance with Covid-19 Derogation 27 March 2020. As per the derogation guidance provided by the MSC (https://www.msc.org/docs/defaultsource/default-document- library/forbusiness/program-documents/chainof-custody-supportingdocuments/msc-covid-19-guidancefor-cabs--- fisheries.pdf), CABs should realign milestone deadlines “with surveillance audits by conducting the subsequent surveillance audit 18 months after the surveillance audit being conducted as planned.” Since Condition 1 has a revised milestone deadline, the timing of future surveillance audits is being revised. Future audits are expected to occur in December 2021 but could be scheduled to occur within the six-month window allowed by FCP 7.28.8.1 (v2.2)
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6.4 Harmonised fishery assessments Harmonisation is not applicable. There are no fisheries which overlap with the Venetian clam fishery.
6.5 References
AGRITECO, 2020. REPORT OF THE SECOND YEAR AUDIT FOR THE VENETIAN WILD HARVESTED STRIPED CLAM FISHERY. 04 NOVEMBER 2020. AGRITECO 2021. SECOND YEAR AUDIT FOR THE VENETIAN WILD HARVESTED STRIPED CLAM FISHERY Review of Action Plan (although it states January 2020 on its first page it refers to January 2021). Caddy, J.F. 2004. Current usage of fisheries indicators and reference points, and their potential application to management of fisheries for marine invertebrates. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 61: 1307–1324. doi: 10.1139/F04-132 COGEVO, 2018. MANAGEMENT OF CHAMELEA GALLINA ALONG THE VENETO COASTAL AREA IN 2018. In collaboration with Agriteco. 29 pp. Froese, R., Winker, W., Coro, G., Demirel, N., Tsikliras, A.C., Dimarchopoulou, D., Scarcella, G., Probst, W.N., Dureuil, M., Pauly, D. (2018). A new approach for estimating stock status from length frequency data. ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsy078, https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsy078 MIPAAFT, 2018a. The National Management Plan for fishing with hydraulic dredges and boat-operated shell-rakes as identified in the classification of fishing equipment use by mechanical dredges including mechanised dredges (HMD) and boat dredges (DRB). 38 pp. MIPAAFT, 2018b. DISCARD MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR VENUS CLAM CHAMELEA GALLINA (ART. 15 EU REG. 1380/2013). 97 pp. MIPAAF 2019. Piano di gestione nazionale per le attività di pesca con il sistema draghe idrauliche e rastrelli da natante così come identificati nella denominazione degli attrezzi di pesca in draghe meccaniche comprese le turbosoffianti (HMD) e draga meccanizzata (DRB). (https://www.politicheagricole.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeAttachment.php/L/IT/D/e%252F9%252Ff%252FD.05b2c4558243 1b941bb2/P/BLOB%3AID%3D13760/E/pdf)4 O’Brien C. and Murray T. 1999. Sustainable management of highly migratory species in the western central Pacific Ocean: The New Zealand experience at setting total allowable catch. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, New Zealand Pattarapongpan, S. (2018). Using yield per recruit analysis to determine fish stock status. Fish for the People, 16(1), 29-34. STECF, 2019. Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) – 60th Plenary Meeting Report (PLEN-19-01). Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2019, ISBN 978-92-76-02904-5, doi:10.2760/56785, JRC116423 STECF 2010. Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries(STECF). Opinion by written procedure. Assessment of the proposed management plan submitted by Italy for hydraulic and boat dredges for molluscs. ISBN 978-92-79-18981-4 doi: 10.2788/11940
6.6 Vessel list Vessel list remains unchanged as detailed in the Public Certification Report (2018).
6.7 List of landing sites The list of landing sites remains unchanged as detailed in the PCR (2018).
The client group has in all cases the ownership of the products until sale if this happens at landing, during freezer storage or at the processing plant when this is at another place than the landing point.
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7 Template information and copyright This document was drafted using the ‘MSC Surveillance Reporting Template v2.1’.
The Marine Stewardship Council’s ‘MSC Surveillance Reporting Template v2.1’ and its content is copyright of “Marine Stewardship Council” - © “Marine Stewardship Council” 2020. All rights reserved.
Template version control
Version Date of publication Description of amendment
1.0 08 October 2014 Date of issue
2.0 17 December 2018 Release alongside Fisheries Certification Process v2.1
2.01 28 March 2019 Minor document change for usability
2.1 25 March 2020 Minor document change for usability
A controlled document list of MSC program documents is available on the MSC website (msc.org).
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