Training of the 1000th observer – ICCAT

Since 2010, the COFREPECHE-MRAG consortium has managed the ICCAT Regional Observer Programme for Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna (ROP–BFT). In this context, the MRAG-COFREPECHE consortium recruits, trains, and deploys observers on vessels, fattening farms, and traps listed in the ICCAT register, under the supervision of the Secretariat.

This year, the COFREPECHE ROP–BFT team concluded its training session in Naples this Friday, marking a significant milestone with the training of the 1000th observer.

The event was celebrated in the presence of Captain Paolo Pignalosa, one of the first graduates of the programme, who is now the director of Oceanis SRL, where the training sessions are held in Naples.

This milestone highlights the ongoing commitment to monitoring fishing operations, particularly during the bluefin tuna season from May to July. Such monitoring has greatly contributed to the sustainable management and rebuilding of the bluefin tuna stock in the region.