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
| META |
Metadata |
Trip |
Information on the data submission by reporting fleet |
| O-INFO |
Metadata |
Trip |
Observer identification and information of the observed fishing trip |
| V-INFO |
Metadata |
Trip |
Identification of the fishing vessel and personnel information |
| V-TRIP |
Metadata |
Trip |
Information on the fishing trip’s course |
| V-ATTRIBUTES |
Technology / Equipment |
Vessel |
Information on the vessel’s attributes and equipment |
| G-GENERAL |
Gear configuration |
Trip |
Information on the fishing gear’s equipment and machinery |
| E-SET |
Gear Technology / Equipment |
Operations |
Information on setting by operations |
| E-SET-CETACEANS |
Effort |
Operations |
Information on cetacean sightings and interactions |
| E-SET-CATCHES |
Catch |
Operations |
Information on magnitude, composition, and fate of catch |
| E-SET-CATCH-SPECIMENS |
Catch |
Species |
Information on fish biology (size, sex, maturity), samples, and depredation |
| E-SET-CATCH-SPECIMENS-SSI |
Catch |
Species |
Information on Species of Special Interest (SSI) caught in the observed trip |
| E-SET-TAG-DETAILS |
Catch |
Species |
Information on specimen condition and tag details |
| DAILY-ACTIVITIES |
Metadata |
Trip |
Information on the locations of various trip activities |
O-INFO
This section of the form includes information about the observer and an overview of the fishing trip they observed.
| 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/IOTC001/IOTC012345/PS |
Observer Identification
| 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”.
| 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 |
| 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”.
| 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 of the end of observations |
YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm |
e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00 |
Observed Trip Summary
Number of fishing events
| 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
| 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.
V-INFO
This section of the form includes specific vessel information.
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/IOTC012345/PS |
V-TRIP
This section of the form includes information about the overall fishing trip of the vessel.
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/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
| 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 |
| 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
| 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 (in Coordinated Universal Time, UTC) corresponding to the end of the observation period at the reported location |
YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm |
e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00 |
V-ATTRIBUTES
This section of the form includes details on vessel attributes.
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/IOTC012345/LL |
Vessel Attributes
| gross_tonnage |
O |
Gross tonnage (GT), a dimensionless measure of vessel’s internal volume from registration documents |
Integer |
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 primary material used in the construction of the vessel’s hull |
Code from Hull Material Types |
e.g., AL |
Main engines: The make (brand) and power of the two main engines.
| make |
O |
The manufacturer or brand name of the vessel’s engine, as specified in the official vessel registration or engine documentation |
String |
e.g., MAN Energy Solutions |
| power_value |
O |
The rated power output of the vessel’s main engine as specified in the official vessel registration or engine documentation |
Integer |
e.g., 5000 |
| power_unit |
O |
Rated output of the vessel’s main engine, as specified in official registration or engine documentation in kilowatts (kW), horsepower (hp), or break horsepower (bhp) |
String |
e.g., kW |
| fish_storage_capacity_m3 |
O |
Total volume of fish hold(s) (cubic metres; m3) |
Float |
e.g., 1100 |
| preservation_method |
O |
The fish preservation methods used by the vessel to preserve the catch. Up to four preservation methods may be reported on the form |
Code from Fish Preservation Methods |
e.g., BR |
| storage_type |
O |
The type of structure(s) onboard used by the vessel to store its catch. Up to three storage types may be reported on the form. |
Code from Fish Storage Types |
e.g., BF |
Autonomy range: Vessel autonomy, expressed as the number of days a vessel can remain at sea without refuelling. If this information is not available, autonomy may be expressed as cruising distance (nm).
| range_value |
O |
The vessel’s operational endurance, expressed either as the maximum number of days it can remain at sea without resupply, or as the maximum distance it can cover (in nautical miles, nm) |
Float |
e.g., 30 |
| range_unit |
O |
The unit used to describe the value of autonomy range |
days or nm |
e.g., days |
Vessel Electronics
| 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 |
| satcom |
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.
| waste_management_category |
O |
The category of the waste produced by the vessel |
Code from Waste Categories |
e.g., CP |
| waste_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.
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/IOTC012345/PS |
Special Equipment or Machinery
| 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
Purse seine net: Net characterized by the use of a purse line at the bottom of the net. The purse line enables the net to be closed like a purse and thus retain all the fish caught.
Maximum length: The total length of the purse seine net measured along the topline (corkline), from one end to the other, when fully extended. This represents the maximum horizontal extent of the net that can be deployed during a set.
| value |
O |
The maximum length of the net according to the net specifications |
Float |
e.g., 2.5 |
| unit |
O |
The unit of the net maximum length (m or km) |
String |
e.g., km |
Maximum depth: The maximum vertical depth of the purse seine net, measured from the corkline (topline) to the leadline (bottom line) when the net is fully extended. This indicates the maximum fishing depth that the gear can reach under ideal conditions
| value |
O |
The maximum fishing depth according to the net specifications |
Float |
e.g., 150 |
| unit |
O |
The unit of the net maximum depth (m or km) |
String |
e.g., m |
Mesh size: The stretched mesh size of the purse seine net, measured knot-to-knot when the mesh is pulled taut. This measurement represents the distance between opposing knots and indicates the size of the openings in the netting. Mesh size may vary between sections of the net (e.g., wings, mid-net, bunt) according to their function.
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 the openings in the bunt where fish are concentrated during hauling.
| value |
O |
The numerical measurement of the bunt stretched mesh size |
Float |
e.g., 55 |
| unit |
O |
The unit of the stretched mesh size of the bunt section (mm, cm or m) |
String |
e.g., mm |
Mid-net Stretched: The stretched mesh size of the mid-net, i.e., the main body of the purse seine between the wings and the bunt, measured knot-to-knot when the mesh is pulled taut. This indicates the size of the openings in the mid-net that funnel the school toward the bunt.
| value |
O |
The average stretched mesh length of the mid-net (measured knot-to-knot). Usually calculated by measuring three consecutive meshes and taking the average |
Float |
e.g., 70 |
| unit |
O |
The unit of measurement for the stretched mesh size of the mid-net section (mm, cm, or m) |
String |
e.g., mm |
Maximum Brail Capacity: the maximum brailing capacity for the purse seine net, where the brail is defined as the basket-shaped net used to lift the fish from the bunt of the purse seine into the vessel.
| value_t |
O |
The maximum weight capacity of a full brail in metric tonnes (t) |
Float |
e.g., 7 |
E-SET
This section describes details of each of the setting operations within the fishing trip.
Setting Operations
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/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.
| 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: The visual or instrumental signs used to detect the presence of a tuna school before setting the net. These cues may include natural indicators such as bird activity, fish jumping or surface ripples, floating objects, discoloured water, or instrumental detections from sonar, echo sounders, or radars.
| cue |
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 |
The method by which the vessel first detected the tuna school, floating object, or bird aggregation. If multiple cues were observed, this field records the one that first prompted the vessel to change course |
Code from Detection Methods |
e.g., AS |
| school_size_t |
O |
The estimation of the size of the tuna school being targeted (in tonnes) |
Float |
e.g., tbd |
| date_time_net_pursed_utc |
O |
The time when the net is fully pursed, i.e., all rings are up |
YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm |
e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00 |
Brailing: The operation of lifting fish from the bunt of a purse seine net into the vessel using a brail, a basket-shaped net. This concentrates the catch and transfers it on board for sorting and storage.
| date_time_start_utc |
O |
The time that brailing starts |
YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm |
e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00 |
| date_time_end_utc |
O |
The time that brailing ends |
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 |
YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm |
e.g., 2025-09-15 12:00 |
| maximum_closing_net_depth_m |
O |
The real, measured, closed net depth in metres (m) |
Float |
e.g., 60 |
Object details
| buoy_id |
O |
The unique identifier of the buoy |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., ISD+295781 |
FAD equipped with artificial lights Characterises artificial lights on the DFAD.
| 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.
| raft_design |
O |
The description of the materials and construction of the floating raft of a drifting FAD, e.g., ecological coverings or netting of specified mesh size) |
Code from FAD Raft Designs |
e.g., EM |
| tail_design |
O |
The description of the construction and mesh size of the submerged appendage of a drifting FAD, e.g., net panels with specified stretched mesh size |
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.
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/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
| sighting_before_setting |
M |
Indicates whether or not a sighting occurred before setting (Yes/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 reporting the details of the species-specific portion of the catch for each set.
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/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
| species |
M |
The species code for the portion of catch observed |
Code from All Species |
e.g., ABL |
| Fate: The fate which includes whether it was retained or discarded and the reason. |
|
|
|
|
| fate_type |
M |
The outcome of the catch, indicating whether a fish was retained on board or discarded |
Code from Types of Fate |
e.g., DI |
| fate |
M |
The final disposition of the catch or sampled portion of the catch, indicating whether it was retained on board or discarded, with specification of the reason where applicable |
Code from Fates |
e.g., DL |
| sampling_method |
M |
The method applied to derive the total catch from the samples collected during observation |
Code from Sampling Methods for Catch Estimation |
e.g., EP |
| number_of_fish |
M |
The numbers of individuals observed/caught by species and fate (including if recording at an individual animal level) |
Integer |
183 |
Weight: The catch weight corresponding to the specified species and product type recorded in processing type. If the fish has not been processed, it corresponds to the unprocessed weight.
| processing_type |
M |
Form in which the fish is processed prior to storage |
Code from Fish Processing Types |
e.g., DR |
| value_kg |
M |
The value of fish weight expressed in kilograms (kg) |
Float |
e.g., 35 |
| estimation_method |
M |
The method applied to derive the weight from the samples collected during observation |
Code from Total Catch Estimation |
e.g., EP |
E-SET-CATCH-SPECIMENS
This section of the form is for the recording of biological information of the specimens sampled during individual sets.
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/IOTC012345/PS |
| set_id |
M |
The parent set identifier |
4-digit number |
e.g., 0007 |
| catch_id |
M |
The parent catch identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., tbd |
| specimen_id |
M |
A unique four-digit numerical code for each specimen, beginning with 0001, assigned consecutively within the same catch detail of a set during the observed trip |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., tbd |
| sampling_method |
M |
The sampling method used for the collection of biometric information on specimens |
Code from Biological Sampling Method |
e.g., ES |
Length: The specimen’s individual length corresponding to the specified length type. Up to two length measurements may be reported on the form.
| length_type |
M |
The type of length used for the measurement |
Code from Length Measurements |
e.g., CF |
| length_value_cm |
M |
The value of length corresponding to the length type taken rounded to the lower centimetre |
Float |
e.g., 34 |
| length_measuring_tool tool |
M |
The tool used for the measurement of the fish length |
Code from Length Measurement Tools |
e.g., CA |
| is_straight |
M |
Indicates whether the size measurement was made straight (Yes/No/Unk) |
String |
e.g., Yes |
Weight: The specimen’s weight corresponding to the specified product type recorded in ‘weight code’. The specimen’s individual weight corresponding to the specified specie and product type. Unprocessed weight when the fish has not been processed.
| weight_processing_type |
O |
The processing/dressing used for the weight measurement |
Code from Weight Measurements |
e.g., GG |
| weight_value_kg |
O |
The weight corresponding to the weight measurement type code |
Float |
e.g., 43.2 |
| weight_estimation_method |
O |
The method used to estimate the weight of the specimen |
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.
| maturity_scale |
O |
The standardised system used to classify the reproductive development of fish (i.e., source) |
String |
e.g., ICCAT |
| maturity_stage |
O |
The reproductive stage of a fish determined through visual inspection of the gonads without the aid of a microscope |
Code from Maturity Stages |
e.g., DEV |
Sample collected: Details on the collection of samples: a) type (e.g., otoliths, spine clippings, and genetic samples), b) preservation method (e.g., alcohol, frozen, etc.), c) destination (i.e., location to be sent/stored).
| sample_type |
O |
The type of sample collected by the observer |
Code from Sampling Type |
e.g., WM |
| sample_preservation_method |
O |
The type of preservation method used to preserve the sample collected by the observer |
Code from Sample Preservation Method |
e.g., FR20 |
| sample_destination |
O |
Destination of the collected sample after the trip (institution or lab of analysis) |
Free entry |
e.g., University of Tasmania |
E-SET-CATCH-SPECIMENS-SSI
This section of the form includes information about Species of Special Interest (SSI) sampled in selected sets.
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/IOTC012345/LL |
| set_id |
M |
The parent set identifier |
4-digit number |
e.g., 0004 |
| catch_id |
M |
The parent catch identifier |
Alphanumeric code |
e.g., 0004#1 |
| specimen_id |
M |
The parent specimen identifier |
4-digit code |
e.g., 01 |
Specimen details SSI
| 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 |
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 |
E-SET-TAG-DETAILS
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/IOTC012345/LL |
| set_id |
M |
The parent set identifier |
4-digit number |
e.g., 0023 |
| catch_id |
M |
The parent catch identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 0023#1 |
| specimen_id |
M |
The parent specimen identifier |
4-digit number |
e.g., 02 |
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_id_1 | O | The tag identifier(s) | Alphanumeric | e.g., tbd |
| tag_id_2 | 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 |
| well | O | The well number from which the tagged fish has been recovered, if the fish is recovered during shifting, transhipping or unloading | String | e.g., 3ST |
D-ACTIVITIES
This section of the reporting form describes the activities conducted throughout the fishing trip.
| observed_trip_id |
M |
The parent observed trip identifier |
Alphanumeric |
e.g., 2024-01-23/IOTC001/IOTC012345/PS |
Daily activities
| 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 |
An open field for additional notes or observations that are not captured in other sections of the form. This may include unusual events, clarifications, or any relevant information the observer wishes to provide |
String |
free text |
Reporting deadlines
- Surface fisheries: 30 June (final)
Reference Code Lists
Entities
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Countries
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Ports
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Reasons for Days Lost
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Target Species
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Fishing Gears
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Hull Material Types
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Fish Preservation Methods
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Fish Storage Types
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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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- Version: 1.0.0
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FAD Tail Designs
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Cetacean Species
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All Species
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- Version: 1.0.1
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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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- Version: 1.0.0
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Total Catch Estimation
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Biological Sampling Method
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Length Measurements
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Weight Measurements
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Sex
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Maturity Stages
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Sampling Type
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Sample Preservation Methods
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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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