Argentina strengthens Onboard Observers Program for fisheries

The Ministry of Production and Environment, in collaboration with the Sustainable Fisheries Development Center (CeDePesca), has conducted training sessions to strengthen the provincial Onboard Observers Program. This initiative is part of a project to improve the black hake fishery and follows a collaboration agreement between the province and the organization.

The training aimed to standardize sampling protocols, improve incidental catch estimation, and optimize the provincial database. This effort follows a period where the program was largely inactive. A recent training course produced 17 graduates, 8 of whom are currently active in the field.

Sebastián Gauna, director of the Maritime Research and Training Center (CECAFMA), noted that the cooperation allows for advancements in observer training, data systematization during tides, and the development of fishing protocols. Additionally, the program included educational sessions for fisheries engineering students from the National Technological University (UTN) regarding sustainability and regional fishing improvement projects.