A collection of code lists modelling:
Return back to the list of reference data domains.
Corresponds to the main fishery categories defined in IOTC Resolution 15/02), used to group fisheries based on gear type and scale of operation. The three categories are COASTAL, LONGLINE, and SURFACE, supporting the classification of data submissions, compliance monitoring, and scientific analyses under the IOTC framework.
Classifies fisheries based on their scale, purpose, design characteristics (e.g. length overall, LOA), and area of operation, with distinctions between national jurisdictions (NJAs) and areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). The area of operation is consistent with definitions used in the IOTC Record of Authorised Vessels (RAV). The code list includes categories such as exploratory, large-scale, medium-scale, small-scale commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries. It supports the identification and analysis of fishery types in relation to management, reporting obligations, and scientific assessments under the IOTC framework.
A set of code lists modelling the IOTC fisheries concept and its components. The latter are not generally used within IOTC forms, and are kept here for reference only.
An ad-hoc classification derived from a combination of several factors (purpose, area of operation, vessel size category, gear, gear configuration, fishing mode, and target species) that uniquely describe fishing practices for groups of vessels.
An interactive wizard is available to help CPCs identify the IOTC code for their fisheries among those currently considered of relevance in the Indian Ocean.
See also: IOTC-2022-WPDCS18-13 to understand how IOTC fisheries are determined from a combination of:
Defines the primary intent or objective of a fishing activity or operation. This code list includes commercial, subsistence, recreational, and scientific fishing, as well as mixed-purpose categories. It supports the classification of fishing activities for reporting, monitoring, and policy analysis across different sectors and scales of tuna and tuna-like fisheries in the IOTC area.
An ad-hoc classification for the fishery’s areas of operation consistent with the IOTC Record of Authorised Vessels (RAV)
An ad-hoc classification for the length overall (LOA) classes of the vessels participating to a fishery consistent with the IOTC Record of Authorised Vessels (RAV) and extended to better classify semi-industrial activities
An ad-hoc classification to model the group of gears commonly used in IOTC fisheries. These are mapped on the latest ISSCFG gear groups or on a subset of their included ISSCFG gears.
An ad-hoc classification to model the gear used to catch the fish. These are mapped on the latest ISSCFG gears.
An ad-hoc classification to model the specific configuration of the gear used to catch the fish, whose possible values are determined by the specific gear selected among those available for the gear group.
The gear configurations associated to all valid combinations of gear and fishery type.
Describes the behavioural or environmental context in which fishing activity occurs, particularly in purse seine and other surface fisheries. This code list distinguishes between fishing on free-swimming schools, schools associated with drifting or anchored floating objects (e.g., man-made Fish Aggregating Devices), dolphin-associated schools, and schools aggregated near seamounts. It supports analysis of fishing strategies, effort characterisation, and catch composition in tuna fisheries.
The fishing modes associated to all valid combinations of gear and fishery type.
An ad-hoc classification to model the (group of) species that most accurately represent the target of the fishery.
Provides standardised categories for describing wind intensity using the Beaufort scale, which ranges from calm conditions to hurricane-force winds. The Beaufort scale is widely used in marine and fisheries contexts to report sea conditions based on observed wind effects. This code list supports consistent documentation of weather conditions during fishing operations and at-sea data collection.
Identifies the main reasons for days at sea lost to fishing activity. This code list includes operational disruptions such as adverse weather, mechanical breakdowns, gear loss, or other unforeseen circumstances. It supports the monitoring of fishing effort, vessel activity, and operational constraints in fisheries data collection and analysis.
Defines standard compass directions used to indicate orientation or bearing at sea. This code list includes the 16-point compass rose, with abbreviations and full names in both English and French. It supports consistent recording of vessel movement, fishing set directions, and environmental observations in multilingual fisheries data systems.
Defines the main structural sections of a vessel used to describe position or location on board. This code list includes the bow, stern, port, and starboard sides, with standard abbreviations and labels provided in both English and French. It supports detailed reporting in observer programmes, catch sampling, and vessel-based data collection.
Classifies fishing vessels according to their primary gear or operational function, based on the FAO Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics (CWP) International Standard Statistical Classification of Fishery Vessels (ISSCFV). The code list includes categories such as longliners, gillnetters, trawlers, purse seiners, pole-and-line vessels, multipurpose vessels, and those engaged in support or training activities. It supports standardised reporting and analysis of fleet composition across tuna and tuna-like fisheries in the IOTC area.
Describes the structural design and construction type of fishing vessels, including regional, cultural, and material-specific features. This code list includes a diverse range of vessel forms such as pirogues, dhows, schooners, stern trawlers, baitboats, industrial purse seiners, and traditional designs like the Maldivian Masdhoani or Réunionese vedette. It supports detailed characterisation of fishing fleets, enabling analyses of vessel functionality, construction material, and geographic or cultural typologies relevant to tuna and tuna-like fisheries in the IOTC area.
Defines standard measurement types used to describe vessel size and capacity. This code list includes metrics such as length overall (LO), fish carrying capacity (in tonnes or cubic metres), gross tonnage (GT), and gross registered tonnage (GR), in accordance with IMO conventions. Bilingual labels are provided in English and French to support consistent vessel characterisation across IOTC datasets and reporting frameworks.
Defines the primary material used in the construction of a vessel’s hull. This code list supports vessel classification, monitoring, and analysis, particularly in relation to durability, fishing capacity, and safety. Values include standard materials such as wood, steel, and fibreglass-reinforced plastic, as well as categories for aluminium, other materials, and unknown cases.
Classifies vessels and fishing units based on their mode of propulsion and level of mechanisation. This code list distinguishes between mechanised boats with inboard or outboard engines, non-mechanised units including sailing vessels, and shore-based manned fishing operations. It supports the characterisation of fishing effort, vessel activity, and fleet structure in data reporting and analysis.
Describes the method used onboard vessels to preserve fish after capture to maintain quality and minimise spoilage. This code list includes techniques such as chilling, freezing, salting, drying, and smoking, as well as modern methods like refrigerated sea water and brine. It supports analysis of product condition, onboard handling practices, and post-harvest loss in fisheries data reporting
Describes the type of onboard storage used to hold fish after preservation. This code list includes systems such as blast freezers, brine-freezing wells, ice storage, and refrigeration chambers, as well as the option for no dedicated storage. It supports assessments of storage capacity, product handling, and vessel operational characteristics in fisheries data reporting.
Reference codes for the categories of waste produced by a vessel.
Reference codes for the categories of waste disposal method available to a vessel.
Reference codes for the fate given to the offal and bait produced during the observed set.
Reference codes of all materials commonly used for poles.
Reference codes of all materials commonly used for mainlines / branchlines.
Reference codes for the branchline storages.
Reference codes for the type of hooks used.
Reference codes of all materials commonly used for nets / gillnets.
Reference codes for the colours of the net webbing.
Reference codes for the deployment depth categories of a gillnet.
Reference codes for the strategies according to whom a gillnet can be set.
Reference codes for the spatial configurations in which a gillnet can be set.
Reference codes for the condition of the net at haul-back.
Reference codes for the type of buoyancy aid that is attached to the head-rope of a gillnet.
Reference codes for the type of sinker (defined according to the materials they are made of) attached to the footrope of a gillnet.
Reference codes for the various type of activities performed by a vessel engaged in surface fisheries.
Reference codes modelling the units used to report the level of catches of a given species, further stratified by the specific criteria characterizing each reporting form.
Reference codes modelling the units used to report the level of effort, further stratified by the specific criteria characterizing each reporting form.
Reference codes modelling the type of processing applied to the retained fish.
Reference codes for the methods used to stun fish during hauling.
Reference codes for the fishing methods used during a specific bait fishing event.
Reference code for the type of schools internally associated to the sighting cues.
Reference codes for the cues which lead vessels to detect the presence of a tuna school.
Reference codes for the methods used by a vessel to detect a tuna school.
Reference codes for the methods used by a vessel to detect a bait school.
Reference codes modelling the type of activities undertaken when visiting or deploying a buoy. Based on the CECOFAD FOB activity types classification extended with the proposals in IOTC-2022-WGFAD03-18.
Reference codes modelling the type of activities undertaken when visiting or deploying a FOB. Based on the CECOFAD FOB activity types classification extended with the proposals in IOTC-2022-WGFAD03-18.
An activity applies to drifting FOBs when DFOB = TRUE, and to anchored FOBs when AFOB = TRUE.
Reference codes modelling the type of activities undertaken when interacting with an anchored FOB. Based on the CECOFAD FOB activity types classification extended with the proposals in IOTC-2022-WGFAD03-18.
Reference codes that model the type of activities undertaken when interacting with a drifting FOB. Based on the CECOFAD FOB activity types classification extended with the proposals in IOTC-2022-WGFAD03-18.
Reference codes that model the type of FOBs, both drifting (DFOB = TRUE) and anchored (DFOB = FALSE).
Based on the CECOFAD FOB types classification extended with the proposals in IOTC-2022-WGFAD03-18.
Reference codes that model the types of anchored FOBs.
Based on the CECOFAD FOB types classification extended with the proposals in IOTC-2022-WGFAD03-18.
Reference codes modelling the types of drifting FOBs.
Based on the CECOFAD FOB types classification extended with the proposals in IOTC-2022-WGFAD03-18.
Reference codes for the artificial FAD raft (floating part) design and materials.
Reference codes for the artificial FAD tail (underwater hanging structure) design and materials.
Reference codes for the other mitigation measures observed.
Reference codes for the type of lights attached to the branchlines.
Reference codes for the colours of the lights attached to the branchlines.
Reference codes for the types of streamers used with the tori lines.
Reference codes for the de-hooking or line cutting device used to extract the hook from the individual.
Reference codes for the categories of transhipments.