Description

This form provides for the reporting of operational and catch data from purse seine fisheries under the IOTC Regional Observer Scheme (ROS). The form is designed to capture verified information on fishing activity, catch composition, and bycatch associated with purse seine operations, including IOTC species, and other bycatch species. The reporting format follows the standards adopted by the IOTC Scientific Committee and includes multiple hierarchical data levels, ranging from trip and set information to species-specific catch and bycatch records. Data collected through this form contribute to scientific assessments of tuna and tuna-like species and support monitoring of the impact of purse seine fisheries on associated and dependent species. CPCs are required to complete the form for purse seine operations covered by the ROS, ensuring consistency, transparency, and quality of the data collected by scientific observers at sea or Electronic Monitoring Systems.

Click here to download a blank version of Form ROS-PS, or return to the list of all IOTC statistical data reporting forms.

Data content

Sheet Data Components Resolution Description
META Metadata Trip Information on the data submission and main characteristics
O-INFO Metadata Observer & Trip Information on the observer and the fishing trip observed
V-INFO Technology / Equipment Trip Information on the fishing vessel, its gear, and personnel
V-TRIP Effort Trip Information on the fishing trip’s departure and return
V-ATTRIBUTES Technology / Equipment Vessel Information on the vessel’s attributes and equipment
G-GENERAL Technology / Equipment Trip Information on the fishing gear’s equipment and machinery
E-SET Effort & Technology / Equipment Set Information on effort (sets) and gear characteristics (materials, targeting)
E-SET-CETACEANS Effort Set Information on cetacean sightings and interactions
E-SET-CATCHES Catch Set Information on magnitude, composition, and fate of catch
E-SET-CATCH-SPECIMENS Catch Specimen Information on fish biology (size, sex, maturity), samples, and depredation
E-SET-CATCH-SPECIMENS-SSI Catch & Technology / Equipment Specimen Information on specimen condition, depredation, and technical details associated with the catch for Species of Special Interest
E-SET-TAG-DETAILS Catch Specimen Information on specimen condition and tag details
DAILY-ACTIVITIES Activities Trip Information on the locations of various trip activities

Metadata

Submission Information

General Information

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
Reporting year M Gregorian calendar year of the fishing activities reported through the dataset 4-digit integer e.g., 1996
Reporting entity M Three-letter (alpha-3) code of the entity reporting the dataset to the IOTC Secretariat Code from Entities e.g., ABW
Flag / Chartering state M The country registration of the fishing vessels or chartering flag in case of chartering agreement Code from Countries e.g., FRA
Data source M The source of data provided: ‘OAS’ for data collected by Observers at sea and ‘EMS’ for data derived from Electronic Monitoring Systems String e.g., OAS

O-INFO

This section of the form includes information about the observer and an overview of the fishing trip they observed.

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
observed_trip_id M Unique identifier of the fishing trip defined as the concatenation of (i) the observation or trip start date (YYYY-MM-DD), (ii) the IOTC observer number, (iii) the IOTC vessel identifier as per Record of Authorised Vessels (RAV) and the vessel gear group code as per IOTC classification Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS

Observer Identification

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
iotc_id M The unique registration identifier assigned to each observer by the IOTC Secretariat Alphanumeric e.g., IOTC_0976
full_name O The name of the scientific observer(s) that collected the data on-board the fishing vessel or EM reviewer String e.g., John Doe

Observer Trip Details

Embarkation: Record the starting port. If the first observation is available after the departure form the port while the vessel is within port limits, this is still recorded as the observation starting port. If the observation starts at sea outside port limits (onboard observer boarding the vessel via a vessel transfer or EM records not available at the trip starting date due to a recording failure) , record “at sea”.
In port
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
country M The country or EEZ of the observation starting location. Code from Countries e.g., FRA
port M The port of the observation starting location Code from Ports e.g., REREU
At sea
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
latitude M The latitude of the observation starting location. Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., -20.88
longitude M The longitude of the observation starting location. Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., 55.53
date_time_utc M The date and time of the start of observations YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00
Disembarkation: The ending port. If the last observation is available after a port launch while the vessel is within port limits, this is still considered as the observation ending port. If the observation ends at sea outside port limits (onboard observer disembarking boarding the vessel via a vessel transfer or EM records not available at the end of observations due to a recording failure) , it is considered “at sea”.
In port
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
country O The country or EEZ of the observation ending location. Code from Countries e.g., FRA
port O The port of the observation ending location Code from Ports e.g., REREU
At sea
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
latitude M The latitude of the observation ending location. Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., -20.88
longitude M The longitude of the observation ending location. Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., 55.53
date_time_utc M The date and time of the end of observations YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00

Observed Trip Summary

Number of fishing events
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
conducted M The total number of fishing events/sets conducted by the vessel from the observation starting date to the observation ending date, regardless their catch and data collection activities. Integer e.g., tbd
observed M The total number of fishing sets/events monitored by the observer. In the case of EM, only processed events to be included Integer e.g., tbd
Number of days
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
searching M The number of hours/days searching during the observation period Integer e.g., tbd
actively_fishing M The number of active fishing hours/days during the observation period Integer e.g., tbd
in_fishing_area O The number of hours in the fishing area during the observation period Integer e.g., tbd
transiting O The number of hours transiting during the observation period Integer e.g., tbd
lost M The number of hours/days lost during the observation period Integer e.g., tbd
Reasons for lost days: Record the reason(s) a vessel was unable to fish: (i) adverse weather conditions, (ii) mechanical breakdown or inoperative gear or (iii) unforeseen events (specify). Up to 4 reasons can be reported on the form.
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
reason_1 O Reason(s) of hours lost Code from Reasons for Days Lost e.g., AW

V-INFO

This section of the form includes specific vessel information.

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS

Vessel Information

Identification
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
name M The vessel full name as recorded on vessel official documentation or record the vessel full name as imprinted on the vessel itself or EM records Plain text e.g., Playa De Laida
flag_or_chartering_state M Record the name of country in which vessel is registered. Where chartering occurs, record name of the chartering country Code from Countries e.g., SYC
iotc_number M The unique identification number assigned to the vessel by the IOTC when it is included in the Record of Authorised Vessels Free entry, alphanumeric code e.g., IOTC016711
imo_number O The unique vessel identification number assigned by the International Maritime Organization Seven-digit number e.g., 8541701
ircs O Record vessel International Radio Call Sign (IRCS) if available. This is the number displayed prominently on the vessel’s side or superstructure Alphanumeric e.g., S7TO
Registration
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
country O The code of vessel’s country of registry Code from Countries e.g., FRA
port O The code of vessel’s port of registry (also called home port) shown on its registration documents and lettered on the stern of the ship’s hull – also include the country. Code from Ports e.g., REREU
registration_number O The number issued by country in which the vessel is registered, shown on its registration documents and written on the hull of the vessel. This may be a combination of characters and numbers; record them all Alphanumeric or numeric according to CPC standards e.g., CBG303
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
licensed_target_species O The licensed target species as specified in vessel licences or permit conditions. Vessels will generally target a narrow range or aggregation of species, however one or more might not be an IOTC species; record them all Code from Target Species e.g., AL
main_fishing_gear M The main vessel fishing gear Code from Fishing Gear e.g., DL
Vessel Personnel
Fishing master: The fishing master name and nationality in full
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
full_name M Plain text e.g., John Doe
nationality M Nationality code Countries e.g., FRA
Skipper/captain: The skipper name and nationality in full
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
full_name M Plain text e.g., John Doe
nationality M Nationality code Countries e.g., FRA
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
crew_number O The number of crew. This should be cross checked against the vessel’s crew list Integer e.g., 25

V-TRIP

This section of the form includes information about the overall fishing trip of the vessel.

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS

Trip Details

Vessel departure: The name and/or geographical coordinates of the port from where the vessel sailed – also include the country. If the vessel started a new trip at sea following transhipment record ‘at-sea’ plus the geographical coordinates corresponding to the location the trip started
In port
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
country O The country or EEZ of the observation starting location Code from Countries e.g., FRA
port O The port of the observation starting location Code from Ports e.g., REREU
latitude M The latitude of the observation starting location Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., -20.88
longitude M The longitude of the observation starting location Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., 55.53
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
date_time_utc M The date and time the vessel departed from port YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00
Vessel return: The name and/or geographical coordinates of the port where the vessel returned – also include the country. If the vessel arrived at a transhipment location record ‘at-sea’ plus the geographical coordinates corresponding to the location the transhipment started. If the observer disembarked before the vessel returned then record expected port of return as provided by the vessel
In port
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
country O The country or EEZ of the observation ending location Code from Countries e.g., FRA
port O The port of the observation ending location Code from Ports e.g., REREU
latitude M The latitude of the observation ending location Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., -20.88
longitude M The longitude of the observation ending location Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., 55.53
date_time_utc M The date and time the fishing vessel finishes its fishing campaign, i.e., returns to port or to a transhipment location for unloading. If is the expected date and time of arrival (ETA) if the observer disembarks before the vessel returns YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00

V-ATTRIBUTES

This section of the reporting form describes the attributes of the vessel.

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric

Vessel Attributes

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
gross_tonnage O The vessel gross tonnage (no unit) as specified in vessel registration documents Float e.g., 2319
loa_m O The vessel overall length (m) as specified in vessel registration documents Floats e.g., 84.1
hull_material O The vessel hull material Code from Hull Material Types e.g., AL
Main engines: The make (brand) and power of the main engines
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
make O String e.g., MAN Energy Solutions
power_value O Float e.g., 5000
power_unit O Indicates power units: kilowatts (kW), horsepower (hp), or break horsepower (bhp) e.g., kW
fish_storage_capacity_m3 O The vessel total maximum capacity to store catches (measued in cubic meters) Float e.g., 1100
Fish preservation methods: The fish preservation methods used by the vessel to preserve the catch, e.g., iced, frozen in brine, deep-frozen. Up to 4 different preservation methods can be reported on the form
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
method_1 O Code from Fish Preservation Methods e.g., BR
Fish storage types: The type of structure(s) present on-board used by the vessel to store the catch. Up to 3 different storage types can be reported on the form
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
type_1 O Code from Fish Storage Types e.g., BF
Autonomy range: Vessel autonomy, expressed by the time (days) a vessel can spend at sea without refuelling. If this information is not available then record vessel range expressed in cruising distance (nm). If a figure for the range cannot be obtained, the observer should calculate vessel range as follows: Vessel range (nm)> = <Vessel average cruising distance per metric ton (nm/t)> : <Tonnage of fuel carried (t)> Note: specify units (days or nautical miles)
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
value O Float e.g., 30
unit O The unit used to describe the value of autonomy range Days or nm e.g., days

Vessel electronics

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
gnss O Indicates whether or not one or more Global Navigation Satellite System systems (GNSS) such as the US Global Positioning System (GPS) were present on the vessel (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes
vms O Indicates whether or not one or more Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) were present on the vessel (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes
ais O Indicates whether or not one or more Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) were present on the vessel (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes
radars O Indicates whether or not one or more radars were present on the vessel (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes
track_plotter O Indicates whether or not one or more track plotters were present on the vessel (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes
depth_sounder O Indicates whether or not one or more depth sounders were present on the vessel (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes
Sonar O Indicates whether one or more sonars were present on the vessel (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes
doppler_current_meter O Indicates whether one or more doppler current meters were present on the vessel String e.g., Yes
xbt O Indicates whether or not one or more expendable bathythermographs (XBT) were present on the vessel String e.g., Yes
vhf_radios O Indicates whether or not one or more VHF radios weere present on the vessel String e.g., Yes
hf_radios O Indicates whether one or more HF radios were present or not on the vessel String e.g., Yes
satellite_comms O Indicate whether or not one or more satellite communication systems were present on the vessel String e.g., Yes
fis O Indicates whether or not one or more Fisheries Information Services were present on the vessel String e.g., Yes

Waste Management Details

Waste Management Details: Up to four categories of waste and storage disposal may be reported on the form.
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
category O The category of the waste produced by the vessel Code from Waste Categories e.g., CP
storage_disposal_method O The method used to dispose of the waste Code from Storage/Disposal Methods e.g., AS

G-GENERAL

This section of the reporting form describes the purse seine fishing gear present on the vessel.

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS

Special Equipment or Machinery

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
power_block O Indicates whether or not the vessel is equipped with this technology (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes
purse_winch O Indicates whether or not the vessel is equipped with this technology (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes

General Gear Attributes

Net
Maximum length
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
value O The maximum length of the net according to the net specifications. This corresponds to the length of the topline. Float e.g., tbd
unit O Indicates units (m or km) String e.g., km
Maximum depth
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
value O The maximum fishing depth according to the net specifications Float e.g., tbd
unit O Indicates units (m or km) String e.g., km
Mesh size
Bunt Stretched: The stretched mesh size of the bunt section of the purse seine net (measured knot-to-knot when the mesh is pulled taut). This indicates the size of openings in the bunt where fish are concentrated during hauling
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
value O The numerical measurement of the bunt stretched mesh size Float e.g., tbd
unit O Indicates units (mm or cm or m) String e.g., mm
Mid net stretched
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
value O The mesh average stretched lengths (knot to knot) of the mid-net. Usually calculated by measuring 3 stretched mesh lengths and calculating the average Float e.g., tbd
unit O Indicate units (mm or cm or m) String e.g., mm

Maximum Brail Capacity: the maximum brailing capacity for the purse seine net

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
value_mt O The maximum weight capacity of a full brail in metric tonnes (mt) Float e.g., tbd

E-SET

This section describes details of each of the setting operations within the fishing trip.

Setting Operations

Field Requirement Description Reporting format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS
set_id M The unique four-digit numerical code for each fishing set, beginning with 0001 and assigned consecutively from the first to the last line set of the observed trip 4-digit number e.g, 0007
Start setting: Details on the start of setting operations
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
date_time_utc M The date and the time in GMT/UTC the first dhan buoy and / or radio buoy is deployed to start the setting of the line YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00
latitude M The latitude of the position at the start of the setting operation Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., -20.88
longitude M The longitude of the position at the start of the setting operation Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., 55.53
School Sighting Cues: Report up to the first four cues which lead the vessel to detect the presence of the tuna school
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
cue_1 O School sighting cues which lead the vessel to detect the presence of the tuna school. Up to four cues may be reported on the form Code from Sighting Cues e.g., AF
school_types M The type of tuna school encountered Code from School Types e.g., FS
first_detection_method O How the vessel first detects the tuna school, floating object or birds. If more than one method, this field only indicates what first made the vessel change course. Code from Detection Methods e.g., AS
school_size_t O Provides an estimation of the size of the tuna school being targeted (in tonnes). This information can be requested from the bridge officers Float e.g., tbd
date_time_net_pursed_utc O The time (hh:mm) when the net is fully pursed. All rings are up. YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00
Brailing
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
date_time_start_utc O The time that brailing starts (hh:mm) YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00
date_time_end_utc O The time that brailing ends (hh:mm) YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm e.g., 2025-09-15 14:00
date_time_skiff_onboard_utc M The time when the skiff comes on board and the set is over (hh:mm) YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00
maximum_closing_net_depth_m O The real, measured, closed net depth (m). Only record if depth gauge is used. Use information from middle gauge if more than one gauge is present Float e.g., tbd
Object details
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
buoy_id O For every activity involving artificial or a natural FADs equipped with a buoy report BUOY ID (i.e. Buoy marking or any information allowing identifying the owner) Alphanumeric e.g., tbd

FAD equipped with artificial lights Characterizes artificial lights on the FAD

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
at_deploy O Indicates whether or not artificial lights were present at this time (Yes/No) String e.g., Yes
on_retrieval O Indicates whether or not artificial lights were present at this time (Yes/No) String e.g., Yes
FAD design: Characterizes FAD design using fields of current version of reporting forms on activities with FOBs and instrumented buoys
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
raft_design O Code from FAD Raft Designs e.g., EM
tail_design O Code from FAD Tail Designs e.g., NL

E-SET-CETACEANS

Within each purse seine fishing trip, this section outlines the cetacean sightings prior to and during each of the setting operations.

Field Requirement Description Reporting format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS
set_id M The unique four-digit numerical code for each fishing set, beginning with 0001 and assigned consecutively from the first to the last line set of the observed trip 4-digit number e.g, 0007

Cetacean and Whale Shark Sightings During Setting

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
sighting_before_setting M Indicates whether or not a sighting occurred before setting (Yes/No). If a sighting occurred after, consider as “No” String e.g., Yes
species M The species code for the sighted specimen/s Code from Cetacean Species e.g., BAW
number_sighted M The number of cetaceans sighted Integer e.g., 15
caught_inside_net M Indicates whether or not any individuals where caught inside the net (Yes/No) String e.g., Yes

E-SET-CATCHES

This section of the form is for the reporting the details of a subsample of the catch for each set.

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS
set_id M The parent set identifier 4-digit number e.g, 0007
catch_id M Unique within a specific set Alphanumeric e.g., tbd

Catch Details

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
species M The species code for each specimen observed. If species FAO code is not available, record the species scientific name Code from All Species e.g., ABL
Fate: The fate which includes whether it was retained or discarded and the reason
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
type M Code from Types of Fate e.g., DI
code M Code from Fates e.g., DL
sampling_method M The sampling method used to obtain total catch estimates per species for the catch detail Code from Sampling Methods for Catch Estimation e.g., EP
number_of_fish M Record the numbers of individuals observed/caught by species and fate (including if recording at an individual animal level) Integer
Weight: The catch weight corresponding to the specified product type recorded in ‘weight code’. If the fish has not been processed, record the unprocessed weight.
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
processing_type M The type of processing the species underwent prior to weighing Code from Fish Processing Types e.g., DR
value M Float e.g., tbd
unit M Indicates units (kg or t) String e.g., kg
estimation_method M The weight estimation method used to obtain the weight Code from Total Catch Estimation e.g., EP

E-CATCH-SPECIMENS

In this section, the form outlines fields for specimens details from a proportion of catch from one of the sets from the fishing trip.

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS
set_id M The parent set identifier 4-digit number e.g, 0007
catch_id M Unique within a specific set Alphanumeric e.g., tbd
specimen_id M Alphanumeric e.g., tbd
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
sampling_method M The sampling method used for the collection of biometric information on specimens Code from Biological Sampling Method e.g., ES
Length
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
type M The length code used for the measurement. Up to two lengths may be reported on the form Code from Length Measurements e.g., CF
value (cm) M The length corresponding to the length type taken rounded to the lower centimetre Float e.g., tbd
measuring_tool M The tool code used for the measurement Code from Length Measurement Tools e.g., CA
is_straight M Indicates if true (Yes/No) String e.g., Yes
Weight: The specimen’s weight corresponding to the specified product type recorded in ‘weight code’. If the fish has not been processed, record the unprocessed weight.
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
processing_type O The type of processing the specimen underwent prior to weighing Code from Weight Measurements e.g., GG
value_kg O The weight (in kg) corresponding to the length type code Float e.g., tbd
weight_measurement_tool O The weight estimation method used to obtain the weight Code from Weight Measurement Tools e.g., BR
Sex O The sex of the sampled fish specimen Code from Sex e.g., F
Maturity: The stage of maturity of the specimen according to standard maturity scales approved by the IOTC.
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
Scale O Code list being developed
Stage O Code list being developed
Sample collected: The details on the collection of samples: a) type (e.g. otoliths, spine clippings, and genetic samples) b) preservation method (e.g. alcohol, frozen, etc.), and c) destination (i.e., location to be sent/stored).
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
type O Code list being developed
preservation_method O Code list being developed
destination O Code list being developed
Depredation details
Field Requirement Description Format Input value
depredation_source O For depredated specimens/or catch, this indicates the depredation source based on depredation scar characteristics. For non-depredated specimens record NA Code from Depredation Sources e.g., BA
observed_predator O For depredated specimens/or catch, this indicates the predator species directly observed and identified. If the predator was not observed record UNK (unknown). For non-depredated specimens record NA Code from Predator Species e.g., AG15

E-SET-CATCHES-SPECIMEN-SSI

This section of the ROS form is for the reporting of catches of species of special interest. As defined by IOTC in the WPDCS14 report, this includes (1) all marine turtles, (2) all cetaceans, (3) all seabirds, (4) designated shark species, and more specifically those species subject to a retention ban (i.e., whale sharks, oceanic whitetip shark, and thresher sharks), (5) designated billfish species, and more specifically those included in Res. 18/05 (i.e., striped marlin, black marlin, blue marlin, and Indo-Pacific sailfish), and all mobulid rays.

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS
set_id M The parent set identifier 4-digit number e.g, 0007
catch_id M Unique within a specific set Alphanumeric e.g., tbd
specimen_id M Alphanumeric e.g., tbd

Specimen details SSI

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
condition_at_capture M The condition of the specimen at capture Code from Individual Conditions e.g., A0
condition_at_release M The condition of the specimen at the time of release Code from Individual Conditions e.g., A0
gear_interaction M The type of interaction of the specimen with the fishing gear. In the case of difficulty to collect this information, use the code “UNK” Code from Gear Interactions e.g., EF
brought_onboard O Indicates if the specimen was brought on board (Yes/No) String e.g., Yes
handling_method O Details how the specimen was brought on-board Code from Handling Methods e.g., AN
revival O Indicates whether or not the release took place with resuscitation for turtles (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes
photo_id O The unique identifier of the photo taken of a specimen Alphanumeric code e.g., Doe_Hawwa_20260302_1435_hawksbill.png
depredation_source O For depredated specimens/or catch, this indicates the depredation source based on depredation scar characteristics. For non-depredated specimens record NA Code from Depredation Sources e.g., BA
observed_predator O For depredated specimens/or catch, this indicates the predator species directly observed and identified. If the predator was not observed record UNK (unknown). For non-depredated specimens record NA Code from Predator Species e.g., AG15

E-SET-TAG-DETAILS

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS
set_id M The parent set identifier 4-digit number e.g, 0007
catch_id M Unique within a specific set Alphanumeric e.g., tbd
specimen_id M Alphanumeric e.g., tbd

Tag details

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
release O Indicates whether or not the individual was re-released with a tag attached (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., No
recovery O Indicates whether or not the individual was recovered with a tag attached (Yes/No/Unk) String e.g., Yes
type O The type of tag used Code from Tag Types e.g., CP
tag_number O The tag identifier(s) Alphanumeric e.g., tbd
finder_name O the full name of the person who found the tag String e.g., Jane Doe
finder_contact_details O the contact details of the person who found the tag String e.g., (650) 214-6369 | jane.doe@fishing.org

D-ACTIVITIES

This section of the reporting form describes the activities conducted throughout the fishing trip

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
observed_trip_id M The parent observed trip identifier Alphanumeric e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTCFRA001/IOTC012345/PS

Daily activities

Field Requirement Description Format Input value
date_time_utc O The date and time of the activity YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00
latitude O The latitude of the activity location Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., -20.88
longitude O The longitude of the activity location Decimal degrees (two decimal places) e.g., 55.53
activity_type O Record vessel activity at the start of every fishing activity and every two hours from sunrise to sunset Code from Surface Fishery Activities e.g., BA
Comments O Free entry. Plain text

Reporting deadlines

  • Surface fisheries: 30 June (final)

Reference Code Lists

Entities

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  • Version: 1.0.0
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Countries

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  • Version: 1.0.0
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Ports

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  • Version: 1.0.0
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Reasons for Days Lost

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  • Version: 1.0.0
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Target Species

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  • Version: 1.0.1
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Fishing Gears

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  • Version: 1.0.2
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Hull Material Types

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  • Version: 1.0.0
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Fish Preservation Methods

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Fish Storage Types

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  • Version: 1.0.3
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Waste Categories

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Storage/Disposal Methods

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Sighting Cues

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School Types

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Detection Methods

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FAD Raft Designs

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FAD Tail Designs

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Cetacean Species

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  • Version: 1.0.1
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All Species

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Types of Fate

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Fates

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Sampling Method for Catch Estimation

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Fish Processing Types

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Total Catch Estimation

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Biological Sampling Method

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Length Measurements

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Length Measurement Tools

Weight Measurements

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Weight Estimation Methods

Sex

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Depredation Sources

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Predator Species

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Individual Conditions

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Gear Interactions

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Handling Methods

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Tag Types

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  • Version: 1.0.0
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