Mahi-Mahi Longline Fishery in the Pacific Coast of Guatemala

PERFORMANCE STUDY AGAINST THE MARINE STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL STANDARD FOR SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES

MAHI-MAHI LONGLINE FISHERY IN THE PACIFIC COAST OF GUATEMALA

PREPARED BY

October, 2013

Index

1. Introduction ...... 3

2. Summary of results ...... 4

3. MSC standard Performance Indicators applied to the longline mahi- mahi fishery in the Pacific coast of Guatemala ...... 7 3.1 Principle 1: Sustainable Fish Stocks ...... 8 3.2 Principle 2: Maintenance of the ecosystem integrity ...... 21 3.3 Principle 3: Effective Management ...... 52

4. Improvement Plan for the longline mahi-mahi fishery in the Pacific coast of Guatemala ...... 72

Annex

CeDePesca presentation about FIP progress of this fishery in Guatemala at the Boston Seafood Show in March 2013.

1. Introduction

This document aims at presenting the results of a performance study against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard for sustainable fishing applied to the mahi-mahi longline fishery in the Pacific Coast of Guatemala in order to propose, as a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP), the tasks or actions that could potentially allow the fishery to conform to the standard.

The MSC standard involves three principles. Principle 1 is related with ensuring fish stocks sustainability; Principle 2, with minimizing the ecosystem impacts due to the effects of fishing operations; and Principle 3, with subjecting the fishery to an effective and adaptive management system that will ensure its sustainability. To assess if a fishery complies with the standard, the MSC has developed 31 performance indicators, 7 of which are related to Principle 1 and distributed in two components (Outcome, and Harvest Strategy); 15 are related to Principle 2 and distributed in five components (Retained species, Bycatch species, Endangered, Threatened or Protected species -ETP species-, Habitats, and Ecosystem); and 9 are related to Principle 3 and distributed in two components (Governance and Fishing Policy, and Fishery Specific Management System).

Each Performance Indicator is allocated a certain score according to the fulfillment of specific scoring guideposts. For a fishery to be certifiable, two conditions should be met: the 31 Performance Indicators should receive scores of 60 points or more, and the average of the scores assigned to the Performance Indicators associated to each Principle must be 80 or more.

A fishery confronted with the possibility of failing a full assessment could implement improvements in view of achieving acceptable scores for the individual indicators and on the whole.

If the decision is made to improve the fishery and reach a certification status, it is advisable to establish an improvement plan as part of a Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP). The final goal of a FIP is to achieve a more sustainable fishery within a timeframe, thus increasing the possibility of the fishery approving a formal full assessment process against the MSC standard.

This document is divided into two parts. Part I is a summary of the rationale that supports the outcomes for each Performance Indicator and its order of priority, offering useful advice to solve those problems identified. Part II, presents a proposal for an Improvement Plan with activities or specific steps to be followed to face those problems identified in Part I that would come in handy to achieve an acceptable score in a full assessment process of the fishery.

2. Summary of results

This performance study carried out for the purpose of achieving MSC certification status for the mahi-mahi longline fishery in the Pacific coast of Guatemala, showed that 18 performance indicators –or of paramount importance for the sustainability of the fishery- could obtain scores below 60 points. This situation reveals that the fishery is not currently in a position to obtain a certification against the MSC sustainability standard. Moreover, 8 indicators could obtain scores between 60 and 79 points with a medium priority, and 5 could obtain scores equal or above 80 points. Table # 1 summarizes the state of each Performance Indicator (PI) status.

Table 1. Information Summary for PIs probable scores and their suggested priority according to Principle 1: Sustainable fishing stocks.

MSC Performance Indicator Standard applied to mahi-mahi longline fishery in the Pacific coast of Guatemala ID Probable Component Performance Indicator Priority Relations No. score Principle 1: TARGET STOCK SUSTAINABILITY 1.1.1 Outcome indicator High < 60 1.1.2; 1.2.1; (Stock status) 1.2.4 1.1.2 Reference points High < 60 1.1.1; 1.2.1; Outcome 1.2.4 1.1.3 Stock rebuilding Low No 1.1.1; 1.1.2; evidence 1.2.1; 1.2.4 1.2.1 Management strategy High < 60 1.1.1; 1.1.2; 1.2.2; 1.2.4 1.2.2 Control rules and tools High < 60 1.1.1; 1.1.2; for harvest levels 1.2.1; 1.2.3; Harvest 1.2.4; 3.1.1; Strategy 3.2.3 Management 1.2.3 Information/Monitoring High < 60 1.1.2; 1.2.1; 1.2.2; 1.2.4 1.2.4 Assessment of stock High < 60 1.1.1; 1.1.2; status 1.2.2; 1.2.3

Table 2. Information summary for PIs probable scores and their suggested priority according to Principle 2: Maintenance of the system integrity. Principle 2: MAINTENANCE OF THE ECOSYSTEM INTEGRITY 2.1.1 Outcome indicator High < 60 2.1.2; 2.1.3 Retained 2.1.2 Management strategy High < 60 2.1.1; 2.1.3 species 2.1.3 Information/Monitoring High < 60 2.1.2; 3.1.1 Non- 2.2.1 Outcome indicator Medium 60 – 79 2.2.2; 2.2.3 retained 2.2.2 Management strategy High < 60 2.2.1; 2.2.3 bycatch 2.2.3 Information/Monitoring High < 60 2.2.2; 3.1.1 2.3.1 Outcome indicator High 60 – 79 2.3.2; 2.3.3 ETP Species 2.3.2 Management strategy Medium 60 – 79 2.3.1; 2.3.3 2.3.3 Information/Monitoring High 60 2.3.2; 3.1.1 2.4.1 Outcome indicator Low > 80 2.4.2; 2.4.3; 3.2.5 2.4.2 Management strategy Low > 80 2.4.1; 2.4.3; Habitat 3.1.1; 3.2.3 2.4.3 Information/Monitoring Medium 60 – 79 2.4.1; 2.4.2; 2.5.1; 3.1.1 2.5.1 Outcome indicator Low > 80 2.5.2; 2.5.3; 3.2.5 2.5.2 Management strategy Medium 60 – 79 2.5.1; 2.5.3; Ecosystem 3.1.1; 3.2.3 2.5.3 Information/Monitoring Medium 60 – 79 2.5.1; 2.5.2; 3.1.1

Table 3. Information summary for PIs probable scores and their suggested priority according to Principle 3: Effective Management. Principle 3: EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT 3.1.1 Legal and/or customary Medium 60 – 79 1.2.2; 2.1.3; framework 2.2.3; 2.3.3; 2.4.2; 2.4.3; Governance 3.1.2 Consultation, roles and High < 60 2.5.2; 2.5.3 & Policy responsibilities 3.2.2 3.1.3 Long term objectives Low 80 2.4.2; 3.2.4 3.1.4 Incentives for sustainable fishing High < 60 3.2.5 3.2.1 Fishery specific objectives High < 60 3.1.3; 3.2.4; 3.2.5 3.2.2 Decision-making processes High < 60 3.1.2 Fishery 3.2.3 Compliance and enforcement Medium 60 – 79 1.2.2; 3.1.1; Specific 3.1.2; 3.2.1 management 3.2.4 Research plan High < 60 3.1.3; 3.2.1 System 3.2.5 Management and Monitoring High < 60 1.1.1; 2.1.1; Performance evaluation 2.2.1; 2.3.1; 2.4.1; 2.5.1; 3.1.4; 3.2.1

Part I

3. MSC standard Performance Indicators applied to the longline mahi-mahi fishery in the Pacific coast of Guatemala

This section offers more details about each Performance Indicator (PI), showing the scoring guideposts (SG) used to allocate scores of 60, 80 and 100 points. A summarized description of the current status of this fishery is provided for each PI and a level of priority is assigned to each of them as follows:

High Priority: If the fishery is likely to fail a full assessment due to its score or if the situation is of utmost importance for the fishery sustainability.

Medium Priority: If the fishery could pass full assessment by the acceptance of certain conditions.

Low Priority: If it is considered that the PI would obtain a score that would pass full assessment without conditions.

In addition, this part presents a brief description of the type of information and/or research that could help the fishery to receive acceptable scores, through the implementation of a FIP.

3.1 Principle 1: Sustainable Fish Stocks

SUSTAINABLE FISH STOCKS The fishing activity must be at a level which is sustainable for the fish population. Any certified fishery must operate so that fishing can continue indefinitely and is not overexploiting the resources. 1.1 Stock status SG60 SG80 SG100 1.1.1 Outcome It is likely It is highly likely There is a high indicator: (P ≥ 0.7) that the (P≥0.8) that the degree of certainty stock is above the stock is above the (P≥0.95) that the The stock is at a point where point where stock is above the level which recruitment would recruitment would point where maintains high be impaired. be impaired. recruitment would be productivity and impaired. has a low probability of recruitment The stock is at or There is a high overfishing. fluctuating around degree of certainty its target that the stock has reference point. been fluctuating around its target reference point, or has been above its target reference point, over recent years. Current Status: The current mahi-mahi status is unknown because no stock assessments are performed in several cohorts for this species over a year —neither in Guatemala, nor in other countries bordering the Eastern Pacific Ocean, or at a regional level. Given this lack of information, the risk-based framework was used for this indicator.

In particular, a qualitative and quantitative analysis known as Productivity and Susceptibility Analysis (PSA) was performed on the mahi-mahi resource, with results indicating that the species is facing a high risk of being negatively affected by fishing, which would result in a score below 60 points for this indicator.

Priority: High Comments: Mahi-mahi is a highly migratory species and so far it has not been determined if there exists a single or several mahi-mahi stocks in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. In Guatemala there have been no systematic actions of data collection, except for the catch and effort of the medium-scale fleet. To develop a formal stock assessment, a common research effort within the region is needed, which could be ideally

8 coordinated and conducted by the IATTC and the participation of Central America through OSPESCA along with the national fisheries authorities and the support of the Academics. It should be noted that during the fourth meeting of the IATTC scientific advisory council, held from April 29 to May 3, 2013, some preliminary results of joint research performed by some member countries on mahi-mahi and tuna were presented.

Among the results of this cooperation, there is a bio-fishing sampling form on landings and a data base proposed for all countries. This work should continue to be encouraged, and the participation of Guatemala should be promoted among national authorities. In addition, at a national level, research and monitoring programs should be implemented to systematically to gather biological and fishing data regarding the mahi-mahi resource during its fishing season.

On the other hand, regarding the results of the Productivity-Susceptibility Analysis (PSA), it was found that mahi-mahi has attributes associated with high productivity but also shows important susceptibility towards fishing. It should be noted that the MSC guidelines regarding the implementation of the PSA indicate that not only the horizontal overlapping percentage between stock distribution and the usual distribution of the fleet under study should be considered for the “accessibility” attribute, but the distribution of all the fleets operating on the resource in its distribution area.

This consideration, together with other attributes that, even when only considering the Guatemalan fleet, lead to a high risk score, account for the maximum risk score for the susceptibility component. This score is consistent with that estimated by other assessment teams working on other mahi-mahi fisheries in America. This means that it is essential to have a stock assessment to estimate the abundance of the resource, for which a systematic collection of biological and fishery information and coordination of regional scientific effort is needed. References: Productivity-Susceptibility Analysis (CeDePesca); PowerPoint “Preliminary results from mahi-mahi collaborative research with IATTC member countries” (Da Silva et al), presented at the 4th meeting of the scientific advisory council of the IATTC in 2013;

SG60 SG80 SG100 1.1.2. Reference Points: Generic limit and Reference points Reference points are target reference are appropriate appropriate for the Limit and target points are based for the stock and stock and can be reference points on justifiable and can be estimated. estimated. are appropriate for reasonable the stock. practice appropriate for the species The limit The limit reference category. reference point is point is set above set above the the level at which level at which there is an there is an appreciable risk of appreciable risk impairing of impairing reproductive reproductive capacity following capacity. consideration of relevant precautionary issues.

The target The target reference reference point is point is such that the such that the stock is maintained stock is at a level consistent maintained at a with BMSY or some level consistent measure or with BMSY or surrogate with some measure or similar intent or surrogate with outcome, or a higher similar intent or level, and takes into outcome. account relevant precautionary issues such as the ecological role of the stock with a high degree of certainty.

For key low trophic level species, the target reference point takes into account the ecological role of the stock.

Current Status: No biological reference points (target or limit) have been set for mahi-mahi, neither in Guatemala, nor in other countries bordering the Eastern Pacific Ocean, or at a regional level.

According to the MSC assessment methodology, when Performance Indicator 1.1.1 receives a score using the risk-based framework, Performance Indicator 1.1.2 receives 80 points automatically. However, in this case, given that PI 1.1.1 would score less than 60 points, the fishery would not be certified. Priority: High Comments: Target and limit reference points aid the assessment of the health of a fish population by allowing the comparison of the results of formal stock assessments with said reference points. As already mentioned, such reference points have not been established yet for mahi-mahi. On the other hand, in the case of this resource, it is important to have a formal stock assessment because by using the risk-based framework the fishery would not be certified. Therefore, this PI is allocated as high priority.

Collecting enough information should be done in order to establish adequate target and limit reference points for this species. This task could be developed as part of a regional plan for the management of the fishery, coordinated by the IATTC if possible, although in Central America the participation of OSPESCA would be very important. It should be noted that in the last meeting of scientific advisors of the IATTC, that took place in early 2013, reference points were not mentioned as part of the future tasks to be accomplished. Consequently, it is necessary to promote its development.

Meanwhile the establishment of precautionary biological reference points could be attempted in Guatemala related with mahi-mahi length at first maturity and the monitoring of CPUE trends for the Guatemalan fleet, which could be considered a justifiable and reasonable practice.

Reference: Productivity-Susceptibility Analysis (CeDePesca); PowerPoint “Preliminary results from mahi-mahi collaborative research with IATTC member countries” (Da Silva et al), presented at the 4th meeting of the scientific advisory council of the IATTC in 2013;

SG60 SG80 SG100 1.1.3 Stock rebuilding: Where stocks are Where stocks are Where stocks are depleted depleted depleted, strategies Where the stock is rebuilding rebuilding are demonstrated to depleted, there is strategies, which strategies are in be rebuilding stocks evidence of stock have a place. continuously and rebuilding. reasonable there is strong expectation of evidence that success, are in rebuilding will be place. complete within the shortest practical Monitoring is in There is evidence timeframe. place to that the rebuilding determine strategies are whether the rebuilding stocks, rebuilding or it is highly strategies are likely based on effective in simulation rebuilding the modelling or stock within the previous specified performance that timeframe. they will be able to rebuild the stock within the specified timeframe. Current Status: There is no scientific evidence that the mahi-mahi stock is depleted. Priority: Low Comments: None.

1.2 Harvest Strategy Management 1.2.1 Harvest The harvest strategy The harvest strategy The harvest strategy is strategy: is expected to is responsive to the responsive to the state achieve stock state of the stock of the stock and is There is a management and the elements of designed to achieve robust and objectives reflected the harvest strategy stock management precautionary in the target and work together objectives reflected in harvest strategy limit reference towards achieving the target and limit in place. points. management reference points. objectives reflected in the target and limit reference points.

The harvest strategy The harvest strategy The performance of the is likely to work may not have been harvest strategy has based on prior fully tested but been fully evaluated experience or evidence exists that and evidence exists to plausible argument. it is achieving its show that it is objectives. achieving its objectives including being clearly able to maintain stocks at target levels. With the monitoring in place, it is The harvest strategy is expected to periodically reviewed determine if the and improved as harvest strategy is necessary. working. Current status: In Guatemala there is no formal harvest strategy for this resource, nor any fishing seasons that can be applied to the mahi-mahi resource. Although the fisheries authority considers important the planning of management objectives for this and other resources, the conditions for their fulfillment have not been created. There is also no regional harvest Strategy.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Regulation by Government Agreement 223-2005 sets some measures for the fishery of the mahi-mahi of the Coryphaenidae family in a fishing project outside 20 nautical miles. A main line with a maximum of 1000 hooks will be used for small-scale fishing, and a main line of up to 2000 hooks for medium and large-scale fishing. The size of the hooks should not be less than 1.5 inches, equivalent to 3.81cm. Only one longline is authorized by boat. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Regulation also indicates that mahi-mahi fishery goes along with shark catching from Alopiidae, Carcharhinidae, lmnidae, ginglymostomatidae, Sphyrnidae and Triakidae families. As stated so far, this indicator would score less than 60 points in a full assessment.

Priority: High Comments: In Guatemala there is no regional harvest management strategy for the mahi- mahi fishery. There is only a fishing reporting system provided by the medium scale fleet, since part of their fishery is of this species. An important fleet of small- scale fishermen who are not being considered in the capture reports supplies the domestic and export market.

No permanent scientific studies dedicated to mahi-mahi have been raised. One exception is the research called Description and analysis of the Coryphaena Hippurus mahi-mahi fishery (Linnaeus, 1758) caught by the industrial fleet in the Pacific coast of Guatemala in 2005 by the Centre for Marine Studies and Aquaculture of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala, as an Undergraduate Thesis that provides data which increases the understanding of this fishery, descriptively. It remains to consider the gathering of biological data since mahi- mahi is considered a potential resource. The lack of basic catch and biological information has been the main constraint for the development of an appropriate fishery management plan. All of the above should be considered in the making of a Management plan for this fishery. Due to the highly migratory nature of the resource, coordination in gathering additional information, monitoring and control of international waters and other countries catches should be promoted. In that sense, organizations like OSPESCA and IATTC can play an important role. Reference: Regulation of the General Fisheries and Aquaculture Law, Government Agreement 223-2005 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, Republic of Guatemala. Lopez, R (2005) Description and analysis of the fishery for mahi-mahi coryphaena Hippurus (Linnaeus, 1758) caught by the industrial fleet in the Pacific coast of Guatemala.University of San Carlos of Guatemala. Undergraduate Thesis.

SG60 SG80 SG100 1.2.2 Control rules Generally Well defined harvest Well defined harvest and tools for understood control rules are in control rules are in harvest levels: harvest control place that are place that are rules are in place consistent with the consistent with the There are well that are consistent harvest strategy and harvest strategy and defined and with the harvest ensure that the ensure that the effective strategy and which exploitation rate is exploitation rate is harvest act to reduce the reduced as limit reduced as limit control rules exploitation rate as reference points are reference points are in place. limit reference approached. approached. points are approached. The selection of the The design of the harvest control rules harvest control rules takes into account take into account a the main wide range of uncertainties. uncertainties.

There is some Available evidence Evidence clearly evidence that tools indicates that the shows that the tools used to implement tools in use are in use are effective harvest control appropriate and in achieving the rules are effective in exploitation levels appropriate and achieving the required under the effective in exploitation levels harvest control controlling required under the rules. exploitation. harvest control rules. Current status: In 2012, Guatemala granted medium scale licenses for mahi-mahi catching, after 200 nautical miles in the exclusive economic zone. Prensa Libre, Guatemala 06/07/12.

Mahi-mahi fishing season closures have not yet been implemented, although the Managing Authority of Fisheries Dipesca recognizes that there is a history of no fishing seasons by the medium-scale boats that do not perform fishing operations by the companies’ initiative. This could suggest that the fishing efforts are not compensated by the capture performance. According to the Fisheries Act of Guatemala CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 13. Management measures. The competent authority will deploy management measures for the conservation and sustainable long-term

15 use of fishery resources, which should be based on the best available evidence of technical and scientific data.

CLOSURES, PROHIBITION AND PENALTIES. CHAPTER ONE, Article 78. The Fisheries Act states that the establishment of closures will take place if the appropriate authority, based on the best available scientific and technical evidence and/or applying the precautionary approach, it may impose fishing closures for hydrobiological resources, both maritime and inland to strengthen the sustainability of resource utilization. These may be partial or total and by species, time and space will be determined by the available scientific evidence directly related to the biological conditions of the resource and its habitat. However, there are no known rules of decision making for this fishery and therefore this indicator would score less than 60 points in a full assessment. Priority: High Comments: According to clause 1.1.2, establishing the biological, economic and fishery species parameters, could be taken as a basis for decision making. This type of decision rules should be clear and accessible to the biological sustainability of the species and of the beneficiaries.

What tools could be used in catch levels? Several strategies can be implemented to maintain a stable resource in terms of biological performance, e.g. banning or reducing catches of smaller size up to sexual maturity in order to ensure the reproduction of the species. Another strategy could be based on catch quotas in accordance with the best performance or the potential performance of the population. Finally, reduce certain fishing impacts through the regulation of the amount and fishing gear hooks or baits type. References: FAO (1993), Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles. Guatemala.

Lopez, R (2005) Description and analysis of the fishery for mahi-mahi coryphaena Hippurus (Linnaeus, 1758) caught by the industrial fleet in the Pacific coast of Guatemala. University of San Carlos of Guatemala. Undergraduate Thesis. http://www.prensalibre.com/noticias/comunitario/Maga-concesion-empresa- Dorado-Tiburon_0_714528629.html

1.2.3 Information Some Sufficient relevant A comprehensive and relevant information related to range of information monitoring information stock structure, stock (on stock structure, related to productivity, fleet stock productivity, Relevant stock composition and other fleet composition, information is structure, data are available to stock abundance, collected to stock support the harvest fishery removals and support the productivity management strategy. other information harvest and fleet such as management composition environmental strategy. is available to information), support the including some that harvest may not be directly management relevant to the strategy. current harvest strategy, is available.

Stock Stock abundance and All information abundance fishery removals are required by the and fishery regularly monitored at a harvest control rule removals are level of accuracy and is monitored with monitored coverage consistent with high frequency and and at least the harvest control rule, a high degree of one indicator and one or more certainty, and there is available indicators are available is a good and and monitored with understanding of the monitored sufficient frequency to inherent with sufficient support the harvest uncertainties in the frequency to control rule. data and the support the There is good information robustness of harvest on all other fishery assessment and control rule. removals from the stock. management to this uncertainty.

Current status: Within the monitoring framework and data collection, the Managing Authority of Fisheries from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food in Guatemala, manage the mahi-mahi catch and effort database in the Pacific Ocean, limited to the larger scale fleet responsible for an approximate of one third of the species landings. The last record indicates that, for a decade from 2001-2012, a total of 1, 579,738 T of the resource have been captured. The referred entity is responsible for data collection from the Pacific Coast fisheries, which include the mahi-mahi. No permanent program exists for ongoing monitoring on the development of the biological and behavioral indicators of the species in its habitat, enabling the support of a proper management strategy, Therefore, this indicator would score less than 60 points. Priority: High Comments: Existing records can give an overview of some fishery management strategies definitions based on the precautionary approach. It is of greater importance to define research lines towards the biology, dynamics and behavior study of the species that can generate relevant information for decision making by the fisheries authority. It is important to determine if there is a single or several mahi-mahi stocks in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and if it is/they are vulnerable to the current exploitation levels. A regional monitoring system should be implemented, preferably through an inter- governmental body such as IATTC and/or OSPESCA. This monitoring system should include determining migration patterns by marking techniques or hard parts chemistry, determining differences in growth curves or in morphometric and meristic levels and the relationship of the species behavior with a particular habitat provided by each country. The responsible institutions to gather information have to make a comprehensive assessment of current procedures for data collection. The accuracy of the data depends on the responsibility and commitment on data collection of biometric variables of the stock, both from responsible institutions as well as from other parties related to the topic. It is important to involve resource users in collecting data related to this species, and involve small-scale fishing fleet who can provide information of high value in monitoring the stock. Reference: DIPESCA Fisheries Database (2012).

1.2.4 Assessment The assessment The assessment is The assessment is of stock estimates stock appropriate for the appropriate for the status: status relative to stock and for the stock and for the An adequate reference points. harvest control rule harvest control assessment and is evaluating rule, and it takes of the stock stock status relevant into account the status would to reference points. major features be carried relevant to the out. biology of the species and the fishery nature.

The assessment The assessment The assessment identifies major takes uncertainty into takes into account sources of account. uncertainty and is uncertainty. evaluating stock status relative to reference points in a probabilistic way

The assessment of The assessment stock status is subject has been tested to peer review. and shown to be robust. Alternative hypotheses and assessment approaches have been rigorously explored.

The assessment has been internally and externally peer reviewed.

Current status: Currently no ongoing assessment is carried out for this stock either at national or regional level; therefore, this indicator would score less than 60 points.

Priority: High Comments: PI 1.1.1 shows the high risk analysis for this stock, and therefore a stock assessment is required for its sustainable management.

Based on the strategies mentioned in PI 1.2.3 (Data and monitoring), Stock assessment must be done holistically. The entities responsible for the collection of biological data from the resource must first manage data so that it can assess stock status on national level. On this basis, regional institutions should conduct the stock assessment with data provided by each country. This stock assessment will contrast the situation of both national and regional resource.

The assessment(s) must follow probabilistic parameters of risk and uncertainty through statistical tools to estimate the productive behavior of the species. In addition, tools such as catch per unit effort can be the basis for the analysis of RMS. Simple and affordable information should be provided for early decision making. Finally, monitoring the stock of mahi-mahi should be inter-institutional at national (academia, government agencies and NGOs) and regional (IATTC, OSPESCA) level. The data obtained by each of the parties will help to generate better strategies for the resource sustainability. An interinstitutional work will support on the medium term at the beginning of this Fishery Improvement Project. Reference: FAO (1998) Guidelines for the systematic data collection from capture fisheries. FAO/DANIDA

3.2 Principle 2: Maintenance of the ecosystem integrity

MAINTENANCE OF ECOSYSTEM INTEGRITY Fishing operations should be managed so that the structure, productivity, function and diversity of the ecosystem on which the fishery depends, are maintained. 2.1 Retained Species: SG60 SG80 SG100 2.1.1 Outcome Main retained Main retained There is a high Indicator: species are likely species are highly degree of certainty The fishery (P≥0.6) to be within likely (P≥0.7) to be (P ≥ 0.8) that does not biologically based within biologically retained species are pose a risk of limits. based limits. within biologically serious or based limits. irreversible harm to the retained If main retained If the main retained Target reference species and species are outside species are outside points have been does not the limits, then the limits, then there defined for retained hinder there are measures is a partial strategy species. recovery of in place that are of demonstrably depleted expected to ensure effective measures retained that the fishery in place so that the species. does not hinder fishery does not recovery and hinder recovery and rebuilding of rebuilding. depleted species.

If the status of the species is well known, there are measures or practices in place that are expected to result in the fishery not causing the retained species to be outside biologically based limits or hindering recovery.

Current Status: Medium-sized boats in Guatemala who report the catching of mahi-mahi, submit a total of retained species for 2012 of 15,257 subjects in an annual fishing of 85 longline fishing boats.

Species associated with mahi-mahi catching according to the information contained in the medium-sized boats are sharks, marlin, tuna and swordfish, although the data available to the fishing authority lists pelagic species related to longline catch (Finfish) sailfish Istiophorus platypterus, white marlin Makaira Mazara, white marlin Makaira indica, pink marlin Tetrapturusaudax, swordfish Xiphias gladius, skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis, black skipjack tuna Euthynnus lineatus, yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares, big eye tuna Thunnus obesus, spotted grouper Epinephelus analogus, grouper Epinephelus itajara. Small-scale fisheries are also associated with these species, and are further reported Spotted rose snapper Lutjanus guttatus, red snapper Lutjanus peru, yellow tail snapper Lutjanus argentiventris colorado snapper Lutjanus colorado, red-sea catfish pinnimaculatus, green jack Caranx caballus, white snapper Pomadasys panamensis, weakfish Cynoscion reticulatus, Salema Butterfish Peprilus snyderi, Harvestfish Peprilus medius, yellow eel Ophichthus zophochir, Eel Cynoponticus coniceps, Barracuda Sphyraena ensis, Guitarfish Rhinobatos leucrhynchus, Robalo Centropomus robalito, pacific sierra mackarel Scomberomorus sierra, Wahoo Acanthocybium solandri. Longtail Stingray Dasyatis longa, Butterfly ray Gymnura marmorata, Spinetail Mobula japanica Mobula, Spotted Eagleray Aetobatus narinari, Golden cownose ray Rhinoptera steindachneri are associated with the catch in this fishery.

According to the Technical Management of Fishing from MAGA [Ministry of Agriculture, livestock and food] the main companion species in the mahi-mahi fishery is the silky shark Carcharhinus falciformis, pelagic thresher Alopias pelagicus, Common Thresher Alopias vulpinus, Big eye thresher Alopias superciliosus, Black tip shark Carcharhinus limbatus .Bull Shark Carcharhinus leucas, Oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus , Shortfin Mako Shark Isurus oxyrinchus, Scalloped Hammerhead Sphyrna lewini, Smooth hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena, Blue Shark Prionace glauca. Nurse shark Ginglymostoma cirratum of which there are reference records. By 2012, the caught of 562,016 sharks was reported in relation to the caught of 23,515 mahi-mahi.

In an estimate of 12 years with an average of 90 boats a mahi-mahi catching reference of 1,579,738 specimens is obtained, sharks: 6,058,725 individuals, Yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna: 37,590 individuals.

Given this situation of little information regarding the status of the retained species,

22 a full assessment of a risk analysis would be used to assess the impact of fishery. In any case, if it is considered that one or more species in the set of retained species face a high risk, as is the case here, the Performance Indicator will receive less than 60 points in a full assessment. Priority: High Comments: Data collection in reference to the retained species as result of medium-sized mahi- mahi fishery is required. As part of the implementation of an observer onboard program, data can be collected regarding catch volumes at the species level, the size structure of retained specimen and other relevant information. This will allow determining the susceptibility of these species to the fishery more accurately, and if it is verified that the stakes are high, it will in turn help identify simple measures to minimize these risks.

It is also necessary to create awareness about the need for documenting on small- scale boats in regard to species caught in their longlines. References: Capture reference from the medium-scale fleet. Electronic file provided by the Technical Directorate of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food MAGA, 2012

Ixquiac, Manuel. MSC. Fisheries specialist. Personal interview, CEMA/USAC, 2013

SG60 SG80 SG100 2.1.2. Management If necessary, If necessary, There There is a strategy in Strategy: measures are in is a partial strategy place for managing place that are in place that is retained species. There is a expected to expected to keep strategy in maintain the main the main retained place for retained species species at levels managing at levels which which are highly retained are very likely to likely to be within species, be within biologically based designed to biologically based limits, or to ensure ensure the limits, or to that the fishery does fishery does ensure that the not prevent their not pose a risk fishery does not recovery and of serious or prevent their rebuilding. irreversible recovery and harm to these rebuilding. species.

The measures There is an Testing supports high are considered objective basis for confidence that the likely to work, confidence that the strategy will work, based on partial strategy will based on direct plausible work, based on information about the argument (e.g., some direct fishery and/or species general information about involved. experience, the fishery and / or theory or species involved. comparison with similar fisheries/species). There is clear There is some evidence that the evidence that the strategy is being partial strategy is implemented being implemented successfully. successfully.

There is some evidence that the strategy is achieving its overall objective.

Current Status: Guatemala does not have strategies to ensure that the fishery does not imply a serious or irreversible damage on other retained species; therefore 60 points for this indicator would not be achieved in a full assessment.

Priority: High Comments: As mentioned in other PI the systematic collection of data on bycatch will establish the need for specific strategies for certain species. Application of the RBF will provide hints to guide strategies in reducing the susceptibility of species in need.

References: Capture reference from the medium-scale Fleet. Electronic file provided by the Technical Directorate of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food MAGA, 2012

Ixquiac, Manuel. MSC. Fisheries specialist, personal interview, CEMA/USAC, 2013

SG60 SG80 SG100 2.1.3 Information / Qualitative Qualitative information and Accurate and monitoring: information is some quantitative verifiable available on the information are available information is Information on amount of main on the amount of main available on the the nature and retained species retained species taken by catch of all extent of taken by the the fishery. retained species retained fishery. and the species is consequences for adequate to Information is sufficient to the status of determine the estimate the state of affected risk posed by Information is resources in regard to populations. the fishery and adequate to biologically based limits. the qualitatively Information is effectiveness assess the sufficient to of the strategy resource status quantitatively to manage in regard to estimate the these species. biologically Information is adequate to status of based limits. support a partial strategy resources with a to manage main retained high degree of species. certainty.

Information is adequate to support Sufficient data continue to management be collected to detect any measures for increase in risk level to the main main retained species Information is retained (e.g. due to changes in the sufficient to species. outcome indicator scores support an or the operation of the integrated fishery or the effectiveness management of the strategy). strategy for the retained species, and evaluate with a high degree of certainty whether the strategy is achieving its objective.

Monitoring of retained species is conducted in sufficient detail to continually assess mortalities of all retained species. Current Status: There is not enough information to develop management measures for the main retained species, available information is insufficient in quality and quantity to use it in assessing the resource status with respect to biologically based limits, therefore a full assessment would not score 60 points for this indicator. Priority: High Comments: As mentioned above, optimization of data collection, and likewise monitoring of the systematical collection of information form fisheries will give a positive results in its performance management.

Reference: Capture reference from the medium-scale Fleet. Electronic file provided by the Technical Directorate of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food MAGA, 2012

Ixquiac, Manuel. MSC. Personal interview, CEMA/USAC, 2013

2.2 Non-retained Bycatch: SG60 SG80 SG100 2.2.1. Outcome Main bycatch species Main bycatch There is a high Indicator: are likely (P≥0.6) to be species are highly degree of within biologically likely (P≥0.7) to be certainty (P≥0.8) The fishery based limits. within biologically that bycatch does not pose based limits. species are a risk of serious within or irreversible biologically harm to the based limits. species or groups of If main bycatch bycatch If main bycatch species are outside species and species are outside biologically based does not hinder biologically based limits there is a the recovery of limits there are partial strategy of depleted mitigation measures in demonstrably bycatch place that are effective mitigation species or expected to ensure measures in place species groups. that the fishery does such that the not hinder recovery fishery does not and rebuilding. hinder recovery and rebuilding.

If the status is poorly known there are measures or practices in place that are expected to result in the fishery not causing the bycatch species to be outside biologically based limits or hindering recovery.

Current Status: The non-retained catch or bycatch in mahi-mahi fishery has not been determined. Nor are there any elements in Guatemala to make a reliable quantitative reference. To date, there is only some close information about sea turtles, but it is associated with the use of longlines at small-scale fisheries.

To date, a study to determine whether non-retained species are still within allowable biological limits has not been conducted. Guatemala does not have a strategy to develop mitigation measures to achieve recovery and/or rebuilding of bycatch species

If it is proven through a monitoring program that bycatch of other species is minimum and, therefore, the fishery does not pose a serious or irreversible threat due to this practice, this indicator could obtain between 60 and 80 points. Priority: Medium Comments: The implementation of a monitoring program is considered, as has been recommended in other indicators, to be able to show that the impact of fishery on these species is indeed low. It is recommended that within the monitoring program associated with the bycatch of these species (including volume or number of caught specimens, sex, vital status when loaded onboard and discarded) to provide objective evidence to support the assigning of scores for this indicator. Reference: Capture reference from the medium-scale Fleet. Electronic file provided by the Technical Directorate of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food MAGA, 2012

SG60 SG80 SG100 2.2.2. Management If necessary, If necessary, a A strategy to Strategy: there are partial strategy manage and measures are in has been minimize There is a place that are implemented, bycatch has strategy in expected to and is expected been place for maintain main to keep main implemented. managing bycatch species bycatch species bycatch that is at levels which at levels which designed to are highly likely are highly likely ensure the (P ≥ 0.7) that are (P≥0.7) to be fishery does not within their within pose a risk of biological limits or biologically serious or to ensure that the based limits or irreversible fishery does not to ensure that harm to bycatch hinder their the fishery does populations. recovery. not hinder their recovery. The measures are considered There is some likely to work objective basis (P≥0.6), based on for confidence plausible that the partial argument (e.g. strategy will Testing general work, based on supports high experience, some confidence that theory or information the strategy will comparison with directly about work, based on similar the fishery direct fisheries/species). and/or the information species about the involved. fishery and/or species involved.

There is some There is clear evidence that evidence that the partial the strategy is strategy is being being implemented implemented successfully. successfully.

There is some evidence that the strategy is achieving its objective. Current Status: Strategies to manage bycatch species to ensure that the fishery does not pose a risk of serious or irreversible populations of these species damage have not been implemented. Nor has the incidence of discarded species regarding capture been determined, since there is no documentation on the subject. It is Important to highlight that there are no systematic studies that serve as objective evidence of the low interaction of the fishery with non-retained non-target species (see Indicator 2.2.3), so there is no clear evidence that they are not necessary to manage potential impacts. Therefore a full assessment would not score 60 points for this indicator. Priority: High Comments: Taking regular data on the non-retained bycatch species (including volume or number of caught specimens, sex, and vital status when loaded onboard and discarded) as part of a monitoring program, can provide objective evidence that shows the interaction with these species in order to determine which measures to implement. Reference: Capture reference from the medium-scale Fleet. Electronic file provided by the Technical Directorate of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food MAGA, 2012

SG60 SG80 SG100 2.2.3. Information/ Qualitative Qualitative information Accurate and monitoring: information is and some quantitative verifiable information available on the information is is available on the Information amount of main available on the amount of all on the nature bycatch species amount of main bycatch and the and amount affected by the bycatch species consequences for of bycatch is fishery. affected by the the status of affected adequate to fishery. populations. determine the risk posed by the fishery and Information is Information is Information is the adequate to sufficient to estimate sufficient to effectiveness broadly understand outcome status with quantitatively of the outcome status respect to biologically estimate outcome strategy to with respect to based limits. status in regard to manage biologically based biologically based bycatch. limits. limits with a high degree of certainty.

Information is Information is Information is adequate to adequate to support a adequate to support support partial strategy to a comprehensive management manage main bycatch strategy to manage measures to species. bycatch, and manage bycatch. evaluate with a high degree of certainty whether a strategy is achieving its objective. Sufficient data continue to be collected to detect any Monitoring of increase in risk to bycatch data are main bycatch species conducted in (e.g. due to changes sufficient detail to in outcome indicator continually assess scores, or the mortalities to all

operation of the bycatch species. fishery, or the effectiveness of the strategy). Current Status: There is not any qualitative or quantitative data regarding bycatch, the catch quantity or any other relevant data, and therefore would not be possible to establish bycatch management measures based on that information, if it becomes necessary. Because of this, this indicator would score less than 60 points. Priority: High Comments: It is important to establish a monitoring program in which data related to non- retained bycatch species (including volume or number of caught specimens, sex, and vital status when loaded onboard and discarded) of systematic and regular data to ensure that this indicator would score more than 60 points. Reference: Personal interview, April 24, 2013 with Mr. Francis Carvallo. Technical Directorate of Fisheries. Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food MAGA.

2.3 Endangered, Threatened and Protected Species (ETP) SG60 SG80 SG100 2.3.1. Outcome Known effects of The effects of the There is a high indicator: the fishery are fishery are known and degree of certainty likely (P≥0.6) to are highly likely (P≥0.7) (P≥0.8) that the The fishery be within limits of to be within limits of effects of the fishery meets national and national and are within limits of national and international international national and international requirements for requirements for international requirements protection of ETP protection of ETP requirements for for protection species. species. protection of ETP of ETP species. species. Known direct It is highly unlikely that effects are the direct effects of the There is a high The fishery unlikely to create fishery create degree of does not unacceptable unacceptable impacts. confidence that pose a risk of impacts to ETP there are no serious or species. significant adverse irreversible Indirect effects have direct effects of the harm to ETP been considered and fishery on ETP species and are thought to be species. does not unlikely to create hinder its unacceptable impacts. There is a high recovery. degree of confidence that there are no significant adverse indirect effects of the fishery on ETP species. Current Status: There are reports related to the interaction of the fishery bycatch of green loggerhead ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) by small- scale fisheries.

This information is for reference only and does not constitute a statistical catch. The first two species nest on the Pacific coast and the last two have been reported in areas used for foraging or reproduction. These species have been classified as globally endangered species in several ranges of endangerment (WWF, nd (a), CIT, 2006)

The information was used to implement the hook exchange program created by WWF, IATTC and partners in the years 2006 to 2008. As part of an improvement plan, it will be necessary to perform a risk assessment of the aforementioned species.

There is a Seabirds Bycatch Diagnosis in Pacific Guatemala where the interaction of fisheries with the bycatch of seabirds species belonging to the genus stercorarius is recognized. The impact of fishery on these stocks has not been thoroughly assessed. This indicator would score less than 60 points.

Priority: High Comments: It is necessary to systematically implement a monitoring program with observers onboard of the longline fleet, not only to confirm the interaction with protected species thereof, but to observe the degree of incidence and impact.

Although fishermen express their unwillingness to catch protected, threatened and endangered species, no efforts had been done to report its capture or to prove that regulations regarding this activity are met or to establish collaborative mitigation measures should they become necessary.

It is positive that there is interest from fishermen to minimize the impacts on sea turtles and other bycatch species. It would be productive to coordinate training and short courses on best practices for the handling and release of bycatch species that will not be retained on board.

Reference: University of San Carlos of Guatemala, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, School of Biology. Pacific Seabirds Group -PSG Conservation Small-Grants Program (2009) Diagnosis of Seabird Bycatch in Pacific Guatemala, Central America.

SG60 SG80 SG100 2.3.2. Management There are There is a strategy in There is a Strategy: measures in place for managing comprehensive place that the fishery’s impact on strategy in place for The fishery has minimize ETP species, managing the precautionary mortality of including measures to fishery’s impact on management ETP species, minimize mortality, ETP species, strategies in and are which are designed to including measures place, designed expected to be be highly likely to to minimize to: very likely to achieve national and mortality, which are - Meet national achieve international designed to and international national and requirements for the overachieve national requirements; international protection of ETP and international - Ensure the requirements species. requirements for the fishery does not for the protection of ETP pose a risk of protection of There is an objective species. serious or ETP species. basis for confidence irreversible that the strategy will damage to the The measures work, based on direct ETP species; are considered information about the The strategy is - Ensure the likely to work, fishery and/or the mainly based on fishery does not based on species involved. direct information pose a risk of plausible about the fishery serious or argument (e.g. and/or species irreversible harm general involved, and a to ETP species; experience, quantitative analysis - minimize theory or supports high mortality of ETP comparison confidence that the species. with similar strategy will work. fisheries/speci es). There is evidence that There is clear the strategy is being evidence that the implemented strategy is being successfully. implemented successfully.

There is evidence that the strategy is achieving its objective. Current Status: To reduce the effect of fisheries on sea turtles by Act No. 8 of January 4, 2008, the State adopted the Declaration of the Inter-American Commission for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles (IAC), which forbids retention of these species. From personal interviews with skippers and national scientific comments, it is considered that this management measure has a good level of compliance. Moreover, even if it is not required by national or international law, this fishery only uses circle hooks which facilitate the release of specimens, since Guatemala

36 participated in the hook exchange program of circle hooks promoted by WWF, IATTC and partners, which has produced several reports (see pictures below, showing artisanal boats equipped with circle hooks and a turtle release).

The National Strategy for Marine Turtles is currently in force, likewise the Protected Areas Law (Decree 4-89) and its regulations (Government Agreement 759-90) contain a series of articles that protect endangered species including those found in national lists and in compliance with CITES (Articles 23 to 30 of the Act) and Control and surveillance compliance (35, 52 and 78 of the Act). The publication of the Resolution of the Executive Secretary of the National Council of Protected Areas number 048/2000 was a specific regulation which forbids the hunting of sea turtles. Later, with the publication of the new Hunting Law (Decree 36-04) and its regulations (Government Agreement 84-2007) states that the local species have adequate legal protections.

Consequently, this indicator could score between 60 and 80 points. Priority: Medium Comments: It is important to support the monitoring already conducted at nesting sites and extend it toward the fishing boats to have complete information about the status of sea turtle conservation, calculate mortality and post-capture release and establish behavior patterns (mainly seasons or months of the year in which the turtles seem to interact more with the gear). References: DIPESCA UNR-MAGA http://portal2.maga.gob.gt/unr_normativas/normativas.php?pageNum_act_cat_norm ativas=14&totalRows_act_cat_normativas=18

SG60 SG80 SG100 2.3.3. Information and Monitoring: Information is Sufficient Information is sufficient to information is sufficient to Relevant qualitatively available to quantitatively information is estimate the allow fishery estimate collected to fishery related related mortality outcome status support the mortality of ETP and the impact of ETP species management of species. of fishing to be with a high fishery effects on quantitatively degree of ETP species, estimated for certainty. including: ETP species.

- Information for the development of the management Information is Information is Accurate and strategy; adequate to sufficient to verifiable broadly determine information is - Information to understand the whether the available on the assess the impact of the fishery may be a magnitude of all effectiveness of fishery on ETP threat to impacts, the management species. protection and mortalities and strategy; and recovery of the injuries and the ETP species. consequences - Information to for the status of determine the ETP species. outcome status of

ETP species.

Information is Information is Information is adequate to sufficient to adequate to support measure trends support a measures to and support a comprehensive manage the full strategy to strategy to impacts on ETP manage impacts manage species. on ETP species. impacts, minimize mortality and injury of ETP species, and evaluate with a high degree of certainty whether a strategy is achieving its objectives.

Current Status: The monitoring of population parameters of sea turtles and the annual reports of nesting seasons available in Guatemala should be complemented by a monitoring program in the fishing areas to broadly understand the impact of the fishery on sea turtles, this is because the information about the behavior of this species in regard to the fishing activity has not been assessed, instead only beach nesting has been assessed. Therefore, it is not clear whether this indicator could score more than 60 points. Priority: High Comments: A regular, systematic monitoring program with sufficient onboard coverage of longline mahi-mahi catching fleet is required in order to allow further establish the interaction of the fishery with sea turtles especially in regard to the timing and location of interactions. This information can then be used to decide if establishing measures is necessary and to identify what those measures would be.

References: http://portal2.maga.gob.gt/unr_normativas/normativas.php?pageNum_act_cat_norm ativas=14&totalRows_act_cat_normativas=18

2.4 Habitat SG60 SG80 SG100 2.4.1. Outcome The fishery is The fishery is There is indicator: unlikely (P ≤ highly unlikely evidence that 0.40) to reduce (P ≤ 0.30) to the fishery is The fishery habitat structure reduce habitat highly unlikely does not cause and function to structure and (P ≤ 0.20) to serious or a point where function to a reduce habitat irreversible there would be point where structure and harm to habitat serious or there would be function to a structure irreversible serious or point where (considered on harm. irreversible there would be regional or bi- harm. serious or regional bases), irreversible or its function. harm. Current Status: This fishery keeps zero interaction with the seabed. For these reasons, this indicator would score more than 80 points.

Priority: Low Comments: No need to take action to obtain an acceptable score for this indicator. Reference:

SG60 SG80 SG100 2.4.2. Management If necessary, If necessary, a There is a Strategy: measures have partial strategy strategy in been has been place for There is a implemented that implemented managing the strategy in are expected to which is impact of the place that is achieve a score of expected to fishery on designed to 80 in the Habitat achieve a score habitat types. ensure the Outcome of 80 or above fishery does not component. in the Habitat pose a risk of Outcome serious or indicator. irreversible harm to habitat types. The measures are considered likely There is some to work, based on objective basis plausible for confidence argument (e.g. that the partial Testing general strategy will supports high experience, work, based on confidence that theory or direct the strategy will comparison with information work, based on similar about the direct fisheries/habitats). fishery and/or information habitats about the involved. fishery and/or habitats involved.

There is some There is clear evidence that evidence that the partial the strategy is strategy is being being implemented implemented successfully. successfully.

There is some

evidence that the strategy is achieving its objective. Current Status:

Longlines are kept tight in surface waters, so habitats are not vulnerable to them. The mahi-mahi vertical space distribution is quite pelagic; therefore, placing longlines on the seabed does not favor harvest operations of the species. As a result, no measures are needed to reach a score above 80 for the Outcome Indicator of this component.

Priority: Low Comments: There is no need to take any action relating to this indicator. References: Personal interview April 24, 2013 with Mr. Francis Carvallo. Technical Directorate of Fisheries. Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food MAGA.

SG60 SG80 SG100 2.4.3. Information There is a basic The nature, The distribution of and understanding of distribution and habitat types is Monitoring: the types and vulnerability of known over their distribution of all main habitat range, with Information is main habitats in types in the particular adequate to the area of the fishery area are attention to the determine the fishery. known at a level occurrence of risk posed to of detail relevant vulnerable habitat habitat types by to the scale and types. the fishery and intensity of the the fishery. effectiveness of the strategy to manage impacts on Sufficient data is habitat types Information is available to adequate to allow the nature The physical broadly of the effects of impacts of fishing understand the the fishery on gear on habitat nature of the habitat types to type have been main impacts of be identified and fully quantified. gear use on the there is reliable main habitats, information on including spatial the spatial overlap of extent of habitat with interaction, and fishing gear. the timing and location of use of the fishing gear.

Sufficient data Changes in continues to be habitat collected to distributions over detect any time are increase in risk measured. to habitat (e.g. due to changes

in the outcome indicator scores or the operation of the fishery or the effectiveness of the measures). Current Status: There is basic understanding regarding habitat types present in the area of the fishery and its distribution. There is sufficient qualitative data on the spatial extent of the interaction between the gear and the habitat, and the timing and location of use of fishing gear during fishing operations, although it is unclear if a formal characterization has been done. Therefore, this indicator would score 60 to 79 points or more. Priority: Medium Comments: It is advisable to initiate a timely study regarding habitat types present in the area in which the fishery is developed to raise the score obtained on this indicator and to characterize the use and disposal of fishing gear. References: Personal interviews April 24, 2013 with Mr. Francis Carvallo. Technical Directorate of Fisheries. Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food MAGA.

2.5 Ecosystem SG60 SG80 SG100 2.5.1. Outcome The fishery is The fishery is There is indicator: unlikely (P ≤ highly unlikely evidence that 0.40) to disrupt (P ≤ 0.30) to the fishery is The fishery the key disrupt the key highly unlikely does not cause elements elements (P ≤ 0.20) to serious or underlying underlying disrupt the key irreversible ecosystem ecosystem elements damage to the structure and structure and underlying key elements of function to a function to a ecosystem the ecosystem point where point where structure and structure and there would be there would be function to a functions. a serious or a serious or point where irreversible irreversible there would be harm. harm. a serious or irreversible harm. Current Status: The activity of this fishery is limited within certain seasons, with a relatively selective fishing gear, placed at a specific depth within the water column, without touching the seabed. Moreover, the bycatch of non-target species appears to be limited to very few species. Consequently, it would be very unlikely that the fishery would cause serious or irreversible damage to the ecosystem, so this Performance Indicator would score between 60 and 80 points. However, a full assessment in this component will be rated using a Scale Intensity and Consequence Analysis (SICA) as part of the risk-based framework. Priority: Low Comments: It is not necessary to take any specific action for this Performance Indicator at the moment Monitoring programs recommended in other cases help to strongly support the score for this indicator in a full evaluation. References:

SG60 SG80 SG100 2.5.2. Management If necessary, If necessary, there A strategy that consists Strategy: there are is a partial strategy of a plan is in place. measures in in place. There are place. The strategy, which measures in consists of a plan, place to ensure The partial strategy contains measures to the fishery The measures takes into account address all main does not pose take into account available impacts of the fishery a risk of the potential information and is on the ecosystem, and serious or impacts of the expected to at least some of these irreversible fishery on key restrain impacts of measures are in place. harm to elements of the the fishery on the The plan and ecosystem ecosystem. ecosystem so as to measures are based on structure and achieve the well-understood function. Ecosystem functional relationships Outcome 80 level between the fishery of performance. and the components and elements of the ecosystem.

This plan foresees the development of a comprehensive strategy that restricts the impacts on the ecosystem to ensure the fishery does not cause serious or irreversible harm.

The measures are considered likely to The measures The partial strategy work based on prior are considered is considered likely experience, plausible likely to work, to work, based on argument or based on plausible argument information directly plausible (e.g., general from the argument (e.g., experience, theory fishery/ecosystems general or comparison with involved. experience, similar fisheries/ theory or ecosystems). comparison with similar fisheries/ There is some ecosystems). evidence that the measures There is evidence that comprising the the measures are being partial strategy are implemented being implemented successfully. successfully.

Current Status: Although there is no specific management strategy to handle impacts on the ecosystem, the features of this fishery and of its impact on the different ecosystem elements, as described in previous indicators, give ground to consider that there is low cumulative risk of causing serious or irreversible damage to the ecosystem. However, the absence of systematic monitoring of the fishery to identify the intensity of their interaction with certain vulnerable elements such as cartilaginous fish and turtles is difficult to ensure that the fishery would achieve a score of 80 or higher on the Outcome indicator 2.5.1. Consequently, this indicator could score for the now between 60 and 80 points. Priority: Medium Comments: This indicator has been allocated Medium Priority due to its relation with other Performance Indicators on Retained, Bycatch and ETP Species, but it is not necessary to perform specific actions to increase its score. Once specific actions are put in place to solve findings/obstacles detected for other components, the score of this indicator would be automatically reinforced. References: Ixquiac, Manuel. MSC. Personal interview, CEMA/USAC, April 30, 2013

SG60 SG80 SG100 2.5.3. Information Information is Information is Main and adequate to adequate to interactions Monitoring: identify the key broadly between the elements of the understand the fishery and There is ecosystem (e.g. key elements of these adequate trophic structure the ecosystem. ecosystem knowledge of and function, elements can be the impacts of community inferred from the fishery on composition, existing the ecosystem. productivity information, and pattern and have been biodiversity). investigated in detail.

Main impacts of Main impacts of The impacts of the fishery on the fishery on the fishery on these key these key target, Bycatch, ecosystem ecosystem Retained and elements can be elements can be ETP species inferred from inferred from and Habitats are existing existing identified and information, but information, and the main have not been some have functions of investigated in been these detail. investigated in Components in detail. the ecosystem are understood.

The main Sufficient functions of the information is Components available on the (i.e. target, impacts of the Bycatch, fishery on the Retained and Components ETP species and elements to and Habitats) in allow the main

the ecosystem consequences are known. for the ecosystem to be inferred. Sufficient information is Information is available on the sufficient to impacts of the support the fishery on these development of Components to strategies to allow some of manage the the main impacts on the consequences ecosystem. for the ecosystem to be inferred.

Sufficient data continues to be collected to detect any increase in risk level (e.g. due to changes in the outcome indicator scores or the operation of the fishery or the effectiveness of the measures). Current Status: Although there are no specific studies, there is some information on the ecosystems and habitats composition in fishery areas, which identifies some key elements of the ecosystem, however, the information is incomplete and insufficient. Given the characteristics of the fishery indicators described above, it is considered that there is no risk of fishery causing serious impacts on the ecosystem, however, no effort has been attempted to formally identify these impacts. The main functions of the

50 ecosystem components (target species, retained species and bycatch and habitats) are known, but there are no systematic studies and not enough information about the fishery impact on some of the components that would allow us to infer the consequences for each element with an adequate degree of confidence, as it has shown in previous indicators. Consequently, this Performance Indicator would score between 60 and 80 points in a full assessment. Priority: Medium Comments: As with the previous indicator, although this indicator was noted as medium priority, specific actions undertaken to improve the score of other Performance Indicators related to data gathering and monitoring of other components would have a positive effect on it. In any case, it is advisable to develop a Scale, Intensity and Consequence Analysis (SICA) with the support of fishing patterns, scientists, academics and others fishery experts to identify in advance any weakness. References: Ixquiac, Manuel. MSC. Personal interview, CEMA/USAC, April 30, 2013

3.3 Principle 3: Effective Management

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT The fishery must comply with all local, national and international laws and must be subject to a management system implemented to respond changing circumstances and to maintain sustainability. 3.1 GOVERNANCE AND POLICIES SG60 SG80 SG100 3.1.1. Legal and/or The The The management customary management management system incorporates framework: system is system or is subject by law generally incorporates or to a transparent consistent with is subject by mechanism for the The management local, national law to a resolution of legal system exists within and international transparent disputes that is an appropriate and laws or with mechanism for appropriate to the effective legal and/or standards the resolution context of the fishery looking to of legal and has been tested customary framework achieve disputes which and proven to be which ensures that it: sustainable is considered to effective. - Is capable of fisheries in be effective in delivering sustainable accordance dealing with fisheries in with MSC most issues Principles 1 and and that is accordance with MSC 2. appropriate to Principles 1 and 2; the context of - Observes the legal the fishery. rights created The explicitly or management system The The management established by incorporates or is management system or the fishery custom of people subject by law to system or the acts proactively to dependent on fishing a mechanism for fishery is avoid legal disputes for food or livelihood; the resolution of attempting to or rapidly and, legal disputes comply on time implements binding arising within the and matters judicial decisions - Incorporates an system. with binding arising from any appropriate dispute judicial legal dispute. resolution framework. decisions arising from any legal dispute.

Although the management authority or the The The management fishery may be management system has a subject to system has a mechanism to ongoing legal mechanism to formally commit to proceedings, this observe the the legal rights is not a legal rights created explicitly or disrespect or created established by defiance of the explicitly or custom on people law by repeated established by dependent on fishing violation of the custom of for food and same law or people livelihood in a regulation dependent on manner consistent necessary for fishing for food with the objectives of the fishery or livelihood in MSC Principles 1 sustainability. a manner and 2. consistent with the objectives of MSC Principles 1 The and 2. management system has a mechanism to generally respect the legal rights explicitly created or established by custom of people dependent on fishing for food or livelihood in a manner consistent with the objectives of MSC Principles 1 and 2. Current Status: The responsible fishery authority in Guatemala is the Managing Authority of Fisheries, -DIPESCA-. It was created as recorded in Article 28 of the Internal Governmental Agreement 278-98 from the Organic Internal Regulations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food -MAGA-, this entity aims to manage national hydrobiological resources through plans, strategies, programs and actions that allow their sustainable use, as well as monitor the correct implementation of the provisions, regulations and legal fishing bases.

In February 2002, the policy for the development of hydrobiological resources is created as an instrument whose specific objectives are: Strengthen technical and financial support to the Managing Authority of Fisheries -DIPESCA- for proper management of hydrobiological resources. This policy states as a general objective to set guidelines that allow the achievement of sustainable and responsible fisheries and aquaculture national development. Also in the corresponding section of strategic action areas of such policy, promoting the participative and consensus development of a new Law on Fisheries and Aquaculture is included as a priority activity, in order to have a regulatory body clear, feasible and consistent with the national reality and the international standards.

On January 2, 2003 the GENERAL LAW OF FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DECREE NUMBER 80-2002 came into force establishing the governing body and the competent authority in fisheries matters (Articles 12 and 6). Ranks, classifies and divides fisheries (Articles 16, 17 and 18 et. Seq.) Determines the types of administrative authorizations (Article 49 et. Seq.). Fixes amounts for the access right to fishing (Article 75). Criminalizes offenses and gives them their corresponding administrative sanctions (Articles 80 and 81).

Article 12 of this law allocates the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food as the governing body for the policies, regulations, planning, management and promotion of fishing and aquaculture as defined by UNIPESCA (Currently DIPESCA), on Article 6 and 8 clause 46, as the competent authority for the management of hydrobiological resources and application of the Act, its regulations and other provisions appropriate to its objectives and functions.

On July 13th, 2005, the executive body issues Governmental Agreement 223-2005 containing the General Fishing and Aquaculture Law Regulations.

Internationally, considering the highly migratory status of this stock, there are no international bodies who dictate management measures to guide national action. However, note that the IATTC keeps statistics regarding the bycatch of mahi-mahi by the tuna purse-seine fleet and that some Member Countries as well as OSPESCA, have asked the IATTC to consider the study and a formal regulation of this resource.

Therefore, this indicator would score between 60 and 79 points. Priority: Medium

Comments: The Antigua Convention provides an opportunity to include the mahi-mahi fishery under the umbrella of the IATTC. The process of IATTC is the simplest way to implement best fishing practices on international waters and develop a mahi-mahi international management system. Promoting this petition to OSPESCA would be an important contribution to this indicator, so this body could raise a formal request. References: Fishing and Aquaculture Law. Decree 80-2002. Republic of Guatemala General Fishing and Aquaculture Law Regulations, Guatemala. Government Agreement 223-2005 Managing Authority of Fisheries and Aquaculture Regulations, Guatemala.

SG60 SG80 SG100 3.1.2. Consultation, Organizations and Organizations Organizations and roles and individuals and individuals individuals involved in responsibilities: involved in the involved in the the management management management process have been The process have process have identified. Functions, management been identified. been identified. roles and system has an Functions, roles Functions, roles responsibilities are effective and and explicitly defined and consultation responsibilities are responsibilities well understood for all process that is generally are explicitly responsibility and open to understood. defined and well interaction areas. interested and understood for affected parties. key areas of responsibility and interaction.

The roles and The management The management The management responsibilities of system includes system includes system includes organizations consultation consultation consultation and individuals processes to processes that processes that who are involved obtain relevant regularly seek regularly seek and in the information from and accept accept relevant management the main affected relevant information, including process are clear parties, including information, local knowledge. The and understood local knowledge to including local management system by all relevant inform the knowledge. The demonstrates parties. management management consideration for the system. system information and demonstrates explains how it is used consideration of or not used. the obtained data.

The consultation The consultation process provides process provides opportunity for all opportunity and interested and encouragement for all affected parties interested and to be involved. affected parties to be involved, and facilitates their effective engagement Current Status: The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food supports the National Agricultural Board, a body where fisheries can have participate; but no activities of integration processes are known to this body yet.

Article 6 from Chapter I of the General Fishing and Aquaculture Law defines the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food obligation to carry out the Call. Here is a description of how the competent authority, in this case the DIPESCA, shall convene the fisheries and aquaculture sector to discuss issues related to the use, development and management of hydrobiological resources, when necessary. This activity would be carried out directly by the Fishing Technical Management Office. Consequently, this indicator would score higher than 60 points. Priority: Medium Comments: To improve the score of this indicator, there is a need to promote a closer relationship with the stakeholders involved in the mahi-mahi fishery, both among themselves and with the Fishing Technical Management as a way to continue the promotion of dialogue opportunities and liabilities with each other to strengthen mahi-mahi fisheries in Guatemala. This should aim to promote more formal and permanent consultative processes.

References: Fishing and Aquaculture Law. Decree 80-2002. Republic of Guatemala

SG60 SG80 SG100 3.1.3. Long term Long term Clear long term Clear long term objectives: objectives to objectives that objectives that guide decision- guide decision- guide decision- Management making, making, making, policies have consistent with consistent with consistent with clear long-term MSC Principles MSC Principles MSC Principles objectives to and Criteria and and Criteria and and Criteria and guide decision- the the the making, which precautionary precautionary precautionary at the same approach, are approach, are approach, are time are implicit within explicit within explicit within consistent with management management and required by MSC Principles policy. policy. management and Criteria, policy. and incorporate the precautionary approach. Current Status: The General Fishing and Aquaculture Law, Decree 80-2002, Chapter 1 Article 7, states on the Precautionary approach. The State shall widely apply the precautionary approach in conservation management and exploitation of hydrobiological resources in order to protect and preserve the aquatic environment, taking into account the best scientific evidence available. This article is directly related to responsible and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources, which are consistent with MSC Principles and Criteria and the precautionary approach.

ARTICLE 13, Management measures description. The competent authority will implement management measures for the conservation and sustainable long-term use of fishery resources, which should be based on the best available evidence of technical and scientific data.

Within the main attributes of the fishing authority itself is the power to propose together with the Policies and Strategic Information Unit, the policies and strategies, as well as the management actions for the sustainable use of hydrobiological resources or the development and dissemination of rules and procedures for the use of hydrobiological resources and to ensure compliance.

The related aims of the Republic of Guatemala coastal marine policy are:

a. Coastal marine ecosystems, watersheds and biodiversity are under restoration, conservation and integrated handling actions as well as an effective management of goods and its generated services. b. Coastal and marine natural resources and their services are safeguarded for the benefit of the Guatemalan people in the exercise of its sovereignty. c. The productive sector that uses resources, coastal and marine goods and services, develops and implements best practices to ensure the ecosystem permanence. d. Local communities have access to goods and services generated by coastal marine resources without undermining them. e. The knowledge and research of coastal ecosystems and marine resources improves, innovates, and facilitates the outline of strategies for conservation, restoration and sustainable and integrated use. f. Vulnerability to natural disasters on communities and coastal marine ecosystems are prevented, reduced and mitigated by implementing risk management measures. g. There is public awareness, political will, mechanisms and instruments to enforce the rights and obligations under the national legal framework, international conventions and treaties related to the marine area and their associated resources. h. The coastal municipalities have the resources to support the empowerment and fulfillment of the coastal marine policy. i. The coastal marine policy is articulated, harmonized and taken into account with other national initiatives.

The Coastal Marine Policy defines among its core principles the following: a) The common good takes precedence over the individual good. b) The activities in the coastal marine area should not alter the ecological balance of ecosystems. c) The territorial control allows the sovereign exercise in the coastal marine area. d) Integral human development in the coastal marine area produces a social economic growth that reduces poverty and ensures food security. e) Lack of full scientific certainty should not be plead if there is a threat of reduction or significant loss of biological diversity as a reason for postponing measures to avoid or minimize such a threat. f) Natural goods and services must be used sustainably. g) The use and management of natural resources appropriate traditional practices will be observed. h) The management of goods and services produced in marine areas and their watersheds is under the ecosystemic approach.

59 i) Effective social participation will be encouraged in the policy development within a framework of social equity

As a consequence, this indicator would score at least 80 points.

Priority: Low Comments: It is necessary to support implementation actions of compliance and socialization processes related to this Performance Indicator. References: Fishing and Aquaculture Law. Decree 80-2002. Republic of Guatemala Organization and Functions Manual of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Unit -UNIPESCA- Final Draft of the Integrated Management of Coastal Marine Areas Policy of Guatemala.

SG60 SG80 SG100 3.1.4. Incentives for The The management The management sustainable management system provides system provides for fishing: system provides for incentives that incentives that are for incentives are consistent consistent with The management that are with achieving the achieving the outcomes system provides consistent with outcomes expressed by MSC economic and achieving the expressed by Principles 1 and 2, and social incentives outcomes MSC Principles 1 explicitly considers for sustainable expressed by and 2, and seeks incentives in a regular fishing and does MSC Principles to ensure that review of management not operate with 1 and 2. perverse policy or procedures to subsidies that incentives do not ensure that they do not contribute to arise. contribute to unsustainable unsustainable fishing fishing. practices Current Status: Currently, it seems that there are no perverse subsidies or incentives encouraging unsustainable fishing practices. There are no guidelines of incentives creation for sustainable fisheries in the country.

Therefore, this Performance Indicator would score less than 60 points. Priority: High Comments: During a Fisheries Improvement Project, it will be necessary to bring up again the issue of incentives to promote sustainable fishing, taking advantage of the fact that the Fishing and Aquaculture Law mentions in ARTICLE 3: State Jurisdiction. It is a State duty within this planning and development, to promote and diversify fishing and aquaculture activities in general, to regulate existing fisheries and protect the establishment of new, using the precautionary approach, thus creating the conditions appropriate for the responsible use of hydrobiological resources heritage of all Guatemalans. References: Fishing and Aquaculture Law. Decree 80-2002. Republic of Guatemala

3.2 FISHERY-SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SG60 SG80 SG100 3.2.1. Fishery- specific Objectives, which Short and long Well defined and objectives: are broadly term objectives, measurable short consistent with which are and long term The fishery has achieving the consistent with objectives, which clear, specific outcomes achieving the are demonstrably objectives expressed by outcomes consistent with designed to MSC Principles 1 expressed by achieving the achieve the and 2, are implicit MSC Principles 1 outcomes outcomes within the and 2, are explicit expressed by expressed by fishery’s within the MSC Principles 1 MSC Principles 1 management fishery’s and 2, are explicit and 2. system. management within the system. fishery’s management system. Current Status: The Government Agreement 223-2005 Fishing and Aquaculture Law in Chapter III Commercial mahi-mahi and shark fishing in the Pacific Ocean, gives specific guidelines for the implementation of this fishery by medium scale fishing vessels. The target species, fishing areas used, fishing gear and a subsection on bycatch, which may provide evidence for compliance with Principles 1 and 2, can be found within the guidelines. However, there are no specific regulations for small scale fleet. On the other hand, by not having a specific Management Plan, there are no specific objectives for the short and long term. Therefore, this Performance Indicator would score less than 60 points. Priority: High Comments: Is necessary to establish a Management Plan with short and long term specific objectives for this fishery. This Plan may be established by the Fisheries Authority or as a self-management plan for the fishery parties. If so, this indicator would score 80 points. References: General Fishing and Aquaculture Law Regulations. Government Agreement 223- 2005.

SG60 SG80 SG100 3.2.2. Decision- There are There are decision- making decision-making making processes in processes: processes in place that result in place that result measures and The fishery- in measures and strategies to achieve specific strategies to the fishery-specific management achieve the objectives. system fishery-specific includes objectives. effective decision- making Decision-making processes that processes result in respond to measures and serious issues Decision-making strategies to identified in processes respond to Decision-making achieve the relevant serious and other processes respond to objectives. research, important issues all issues identified in monitoring, identified in relevant relevant research, evaluation and research, monitoring, monitoring, evaluation consultation, in evaluation and and consultation, in a a transparent, consultation, in a transparent, timely timely and transparent, timely and adaptive manner adaptive and adaptive manner and take account of manner and and take account of the wider implications take some the wider implications of decisions. account of the of decisions. wider implications of decisions. The decision-making processes use the precautionary approach and are based on the best scientific information available. Explanations are Formal reports to all provided for any stakeholders describe actions or lack of how the management action associated with system responded to

findings and relevant findings and relevant recommendations recommendations emerging from emerging from research, monitoring research, monitoring, evaluation and review review and evaluation activities. activities. Current Status: The Fishing and Aquaculture Law is implemented and monitored by the Fisheries Technical Directorate, through fisheries inspectors located in major Pacific berths of Guatemala. These inspectors alone are responsible for the monitoring of catches and its data collection. There is no dynamic process for adopting specific decisions to this fishery. Currently, this Performance Indicator would score less than 60 points Priority: High Comments: The implementation of a Management Plan can stimulate a participatory process of specific decision-making for fishery. It is necessary to provide supplies to enhance the efficiency of the Fisheries Technical Directorate work and socialize the governing provisions in Government Agreement 223-2005 Fishery Regulations between fishermen and boat captains. It is also necessary to assist in the efficiency of data collection and aboard inspection support. The regional approach can also help stimulate these processes References: General Fishing and Aquaculture Law Regulations. Government Agreement 223- 2005.

SG60 SG80 SG100 3.2.3. Compliance Existing A monitoring, A comprehensive and monitoring, control control and monitoring, control and enforcement: and surveillance surveillance surveillance system mechanisms are system has been has been implemented Monitoring, implemented in the implemented in in the fishery under control and fishery under the fishery under assessment and has surveillance assessment and assessment and demonstrated a mechanisms there is a has demonstrated consistent ability to ensure the reasonable an ability to enforce relevant fishery expectation that enforce relevant management management they are effective management measures, strategies measures are measures, and/or rules. enforced and strategies and/or complied with. rules.

Sanctions to deal with non- Existing sanctions to Sanctions to deal compliance exist, deal with non- with non- are consistently compliance are compliance exist applied and consistently applied and there is some thought to provide and demonstrably evidence that they effective provide effective are applied deterrence. deterrence.

Some evidence exists to demonstrate fishers comply There is a high degree Fishers are with the of confidence that generally thought management fishers comply with the to comply with the system under management system management assessment, under assessment, system for the including, when including the fishery under required, information delivery of assessment, providing importance to the including, when information of effective management required, providing importance to the of the fishery. information of effective importance to the management of effective the fishery. management of the There is no

fishery. evidence of systematic non- compliance. Current Status: The implementation of satellite monitoring system was considered, as an OSPESCA and national authority initiative, although the measure has not been applied, which would provide a reasonable expectation that rules on protected areas can be enforced. There is also a reasonable expectation of the successful enforcement of rules related with fishing gear, release of turtles and the prohibition of shark finning.

There are sanctions that act as deterrent against rule trespassing, which include the possibility of withdrawal of fishing licenses, although no aboard inspector figure exists. There is no evidence of systematic violation of fishing laws and regulations. However, more information is needed to determine if sanctions are enforced consistently and if the system is capable of enforcing the rules. Finally, the system does not require the information supply relevant to the fishery management. Therefore, this indicator would score between 60 and 79 points. Priority: Medium Comments: It is advisable to encourage the implementation of improved fishing logbook, including relevant data for the fishery management. Given the fact that the cooperation of fishermen in the gathering of information about catch and interaction with other species is taken into account when allocating scores for this indicator, the implementation of an onboard observer program -either by the government or non- governmental organizations including the private sector- could bring the score to 80.

During a full assessment, a certification body can obtain more information on the consistency of sanctions application and determine whether there is clear evidence that fishers comply with the management measures, which may in turn help raise the score. References: General Fishing and Aquaculture Law Regulations. Government Agreement 223- 2005.

SG60 SG80 SG100 3.2.4. Research plan: Research is A research plan A undertaken, as provides the comprehensive The fishery has required, to management research plan a research plan achieve the system with a provides the that addresses objectives strategic management the information consistent with approach to system with a needs of MSC Principles research and coherent and management. 1 and 2. reliable and strategic timely approach to information research across sufficient to P1, P2 and P3, achieve the and reliable and objectives timely consistent with information MSC Principles sufficient to 1 and 2. achieve the objectives consistent with MSC Principles 1 and 2.

Research Research Research plan results are results are and results are available to disseminated to disseminated to interested all interested all interested parties. parties in a parties in a timely fashion. timely fashion and are widely and publicly available Current Status: There is no specific research plan in Guatemala or at regional level to guide the management of this resource. Cooperation agreements have recently been made with the Centre for Marine Studies and Aquaculture of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala who could be strategic partners in the field of scientific research and contribution of technical scientific evidence for a better management of these fisheries, but this plan and their strategies have not been established or developed. Therefore, this Performance Indicator would score less than 60 points.

Priority: High Comments: According to the MSC, a "strategic approach" is proactive, it anticipates and identifies gaps in knowledge in advance, guided by the management needs. Moreover, a research plan is a written document that includes a specific research plan for the fishery under assessment and is significant to the fishery issues.

To achieve an acceptable score on this indicator, it is necessary to encourage the adoption and implementation of a Research Plan for this fishery. Within these efforts, the monitoring efforts that have been suggested for other indicators would be framed. References: MSC Certification Requirements v.1.2 (2012);

SG60 SG80 SG100 3.2.5. Management The fishery has The fishery has The fishery has and Monitoring implemented implemented in place performance mechanisms to mechanisms to mechanisms to evaluation: evaluate some evaluate key evaluate all parts of the parts of the parts of the There is a management management management system for system. system. system. monitoring and evaluating the The fishery- performance of specific The fishery- The fishery- the fishery- management specific specific specific system is management management management subject to system is system is system against occasional subject to subject to its objectives. internal review. regular internal regular internal and occasional and external There is external review. review. effective and timely review of the fishery- specific management system.

Current Status: No regular reviews of the management system are carried out to verify its effectiveness and to correct their shortcomings. The Fishing and Aquaculture Law and its regulations are considered to fulfill general expectations for the fisheries management in Guatemala. Currently there is a lack of enough technical staff to fulfill these legal instruments. It deems appropriate to undertake reviews of the implementation in progress as well as the design and socialization of agreements with supporting entities and the Academia, private sector, and others, which can support the best performance of Dipesca. Therefore, this Performance Indicator would score less than 60 points. Priority: High Comments:

To overcome the obstacles posed by this Indicator it would be necessary to encourage regular dialogue processes, socialization and participation of users, academics and those responsible for the standards implementation and applicable measures to the mahi-mahi fishery. Reference: Organization and Functions Manual of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Unit -UNIPESCA-

PART II

1. Improvement Plan for the longline mahi-mahi fishery in the Pacific coast of Guatemala

This section contains an Improvement Plan for this fishery. The plan aims at improving the score of those Performance Indicators that run the risk of receiving less than 60 points in a full assessment process against MSC standards, and it also aims to improve the score of other indicators that could help in obtaining average scores of 80 points or above for each one of the three MSC principles.

For this fishery, a small number of activities that have the potential to simultaneously improve several indicators are proposed. This is considered to be the most effective way to face obstacles within the shortest timeframe.

No. Activity Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

1 Presentation of Improvement Projects (FIP) to each party 2. Reception of contributions and suggestions for the implementation of FIP 3. Training workshop for spreading Environmental Risk Assessment for the Effects of Fishing (ERAEF) methodology, targeting DIPESCA technical staff and researchers of the Centre for Marine Studies and Aquaculture of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. 4. Promoting cooperation between regional/international organisms such as IATTC, OSPESCA and with similar FIPs to resolve governance and research issues related with mahi-mahi and other large pelagic species. Joint development between DIPESCA-CEDEPESCA-CEMA of a plan to 5. start experiences with onboard observers for mahi-mahi fishery 6. Meetings with the Fisheries Technical Directorate to establish a working line linked to mahi-mahi fishery in which technology and social actions are involved for the benefit of small fishermen and their families 7. Meetings with the Institute for Hydrobiological Research of the University of San Carlos to establish a research linked to the mahi-mahi fishery in order to develop a research project subject to possible financing. 8. Meeting with stakeholders to talk about specific objectives and management tools that should be included in a Management Plan for the mahi-mahi fishery. 9. Promote a program for data collection from the fishery as a systematic approach to the fisheries authority. 10. Promote a review of management measures ruling longline use.

ANNEX

ANNEX A

CeDePesca presentation about FIP progress at the Boston Seafood Show (March 2013)

On December 10, 2013, CeDePesca took part in a meeting organized by the NGO Sustainable Fisheries Partnership during the Boston Seafood Show. Around 40 representatives of large international mahi-mahi buyers such as Wegmans, Walmart, Costco and Sea Delight, among others, participated in the event. This was the second in a series of meetings that the SFP is organizing regarding this issue, in an attempt to attract the participation of large buyers in the mahi-mahi Improvement Projects developed in Central America. The first meeting was held on December 4, 2012, in Miami, with the participation of 12 representatives of mahi-mahi US importers; the participation of CeDePesca in this event was made possible through the financial support of Panalang Union, Inc.

CeDePesca's presentation in the meeting held at the Boston Seafood Show focused in the preliminary results of the performance studies of mahi-mahi fisheries in Panama and Guatemala, focusing on a strengths and weakness analysis of these fisheries in regard to the MSC standard for sustainable fishing. Also, suggestions were made as to how those large buyers present at the meeting could support those Improvement Projects. In addition, the activities related with the FIP of the mahi-mahi fishery in Panama were mentioned, in particular the success of the first international mahi-mahi workshop organized by Panalang Union, S.A. and CeDePesca in the city of Panama in February 2013, with the participation of international speakers.

Below, a PowerPoint presentation provided by CeDePesca with reference to Guatemala is available.