The COSTA project relies on the voluntary collaboration of ship owners and captains of the Portuguese surface longline fleet that allow fishery observers to embark. The main objectives of monitoring fishing operations are to assess the interaction of sea turtles with the longline fisheries and provide the fishermen with knowledge on best handling practices and dehooking tools that helps minimize the impact of surface fisheries on the mortality of these animals. COSTA has two observers going on vessels regularly.
COSTA is committed to disseminating information among the various stakeholders in the fishing industry through the organization of workshops and meetings, and through the distribution of outreach materials, like the turtle handling kit and posters.
The information provided by COSTA is shared with the Regional Fisheries Directorate of the Azorean Government to support policy-making, as well as for compliance with reporting obligations under the European Data Collection Framework.
