Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS)

A catch documentation scheme (CDS) is a traceability instrument that records and validates a fish product’s legal origin from the point of capture through landing, processing, and trade, so that illegal, unreported, and unregulated catch can be screened out of markets. Each consignment carries a validated catch certificate tied to an authorized vessel and a managed stock. RFMO schemes such as CCAMLR’s toothfish CDS, the ICCAT bluefin tuna eBCD, and the EU catch certificate under its IUU Regulation 1005/2008 are the working examples. The FAO adopted Voluntary Guidelines for Catch Documentation Schemes in 2017 to harmonize design.