iTunnes marine ecology research project sampling protocal

iTunnes aims to develop the best scientific advice on tropical tuna biology (yellowfin – YFT, skipjack – SKJ and bigeye – BET) to reduce single species and ecosystem models uncertainties, for fostering the implementation of effective management measures for tropical tunas at tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (t-RFMOs) notably at the International Commission for Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) and Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). iTunnes will build a coordinated European sampling network upon existing national sampling structures and develop an efficient sampling scheme to collect biological samples that are non-targeted by the national Data Collection Framework (DCF) programs (Regulation (EU) 2017/1004 – https://dcf.ec.europa.eu/index_en). Our strategy consists of (i) developing and applying consistent and standardized methodologies for preparing and analysing region-wide biological samples, (ii) maximizing the research opportunities from previous and current international collaborations to have access to a stock of previously collected samples to ensure the project´s objectives are met within the agreed timeline, (iii) building research capacity developing countries (e.g., Ivory Coast), and (iv) engaging and participating in ongoing fishery and ecosystems assessment processes in t-RFMOs to ensure that the new biological knowledge produced in iTunnes are used by the End-Users (European Commission (DG MARE, STECF), ICCAT, IOTC, EU Member States). To achieve this, iTunnes has built an international consortium of research institutions with longstanding experience in biological sampling, processing and modelling in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and internationally recognised experts in the fields of four key biological axes (age/growth, reproduction, trophic ecology and population structure). iTunnes’ ultimately goal is to produce high-quality biological data and parameters, along with products that can be applied by End-Users to ensure that tropical tunas can continue supporting fisheries and livelihoods while maintaining marine ecosystem health. This file describe the port sampling protocol to be followed by organisms collaborating to specimens sampling.