IUCN-OFM situation report - September 2006
IUCN CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS
COMPONENT OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS OCEANIC
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT
Report to: Andrew Hurd, IUCN Global Marine Programme, Gland, Switzerland
Prepared by: David Bowden, IUCN Consultant at the Institute of Zoology, London, UK
Date: 13 September 2006
SITUATION REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The purpose of the present document is to review the current status of IUCN-led activities
under the Ecosystem Analysis component of the OFM projecta The following sections
describe the current situation, summarise the stated commitments of IUCN to the OFM
project, the range of options explored by IUCN to fulfil these commitments following the
postponement of the DOQ collaboration, and the immediate priorities for moving forward.
DSV Alucia and Deep Ocean Quest
In mid-2005 the operators of the privately owned diving support vessel Alucia, Deep Ocean
Quest (DOQ) b, invited IUCN to develop a research itinerary for their vessel in the western
Pacific over 4 months in 2007. In collaboration with Dr. Alex Rogers at the Institute of
Zoology, London, IUCN subsequently developed a science plan for biological sampling of
seamounts in the western tropical Pacific as an integral element of the GEF-funded Pacific
Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management (OFM) Project. Under the working title of the Tui
Delai Gau Expedition, this plan consisted of four back-to-back research cruises to study
seamounts in Fiji, Tonga, Western Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The science objectives of
these cruises divided into two broad categories of research: surveys of the diversity and
distribution of seabed (benthic) organisms on seamounts, and studies of the influence of
seamounts on water-column (pelagic) primary productivity and on the vertically-migrating
zooplankton of the deep scattering layer (DSL)1,2.
These objectives were ambitious but were developed to exploit fully the capabilities of the
Alucia and the available sea time. Furthermore, it is central to the present situation that the
research programme was planned on the basis of DOQ's offer to make the R/V Alucia
available without charter fee. Thus, IUCN's budget for the project did not include vessel costs
and the overall cost for this contribution to the OFM was extraordinarily low for the quantity
and quality of data it had the potential to deliver. On this basis, while there was always an
element of risk involved in the arrangement, it would have been unreasonably cautious of
IUCN not to act on the DOQ offer.
During a major refit of the Alucia in New Orleans in 2005, the vessel and its associated
equipment were damaged as a result of hurricane Katrina. The hull was believed to be sound,

a IUCN is also involved in the Policy Component of the OFM Project. Work under this Component was
scheduled to begin upon completion of the scientific research cruises. However, this phasing is now being re-
evaluated in light of the information contained in this document and a new workplan for activities will be
developed in the 4th Quarter of 2006.
b The Alucia was formerly operated by the French marine research institute IFREMER as DSV Nadir and in its
current ownership is linked to a private company called Deep Ocean Quest Quest (DOQ). In communications
since 2005 "DOQ" has been used to denote the team running the Alucia.
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IUCN-OFM situation report - September 2006
however, and in late 2005 the Alucia was towed to a shipyard in Seattle where the refit was
resumed. IUCN were informed that the planned date for completion of the refit would now be
set back to mid-2006: still in time for the proposed collaboration on the OFM Tui Delai Gau
cruises in 2007. However, when IUCN spoke to DOQ's project manager for the Alucia refit in
June 2006, it became clear that work had come to a halt and that the vessel would not be
operational in time to participate in the OFM before 2008 at the earliest. At this point, IUCN
decided it had no choice but to proceed on the assumption that the agreement with DOQ
would not come to fruition during the period of the OFM project. Without immediate funds to
charter an alternative vessel of comparable specification, it was also clear that the extensive
research plan drawn up for the Tui Delai Gau cruises would probably now be unachievable
and hence that the planned activities led by IUCN under the OFM project would have to be
re-evaluated.
Planned commitments by IUCN to the Ecosystem Analysis Component of the OFM
project
The primary focus of the OFM project is to provide information that will enable the
sustainable management of trans-boundary fisheries for tuna and other pelagic fish species in
the western central Pacific. Within this objective, the OFM seeks to improve understanding of
wider ecosystem-scale processes which influence the distribution and abundance of
commercial fish stocks and the effects of fishing on other species and habitats in the region.
The IUCN commitments to the OFM are contained in subcomponent 1.3 of the OFM Project
Document:
p. 41, paragraph 2
"The project will provide support to give effect to the adoption of the principles of the ecosystem approach
in the new arrangements for transboundary oceanic fish stock assessment in the WTP LMEc. ... Through
collaboration with IUCN, the ecosystem analysis will be broadened to support the first systematic efforts in
the region to look at seamount-related aspects of an ecosystem-based approach."
p. 51, paragraph 2
"... IUCN and SPC/OFP will collaborate to undertake specific activities to obtain information on the
ecology of, and fishery impact on, seamounts as a habitat of special concern. ...
"The IUCN will arrange a research cruise to undertake underwater survey work at selected seamounts to
determine benthic biodiversity. ... The results of the research cruise/benthic biodiversity surveys will be
included in awareness-raising activities to complement information about fisheries and seamounts. ...
"This information will allow assessments of the need for, and the utility of, seamount-specific management
measures. Moreover, it is anticipated that the results of the project will enable the scientific assessment of
specific proposals regarding the management of ecosystem impacts and the efficacy of specific classes of
management measures such as marine protected areas (MPAs)."
These commitments contribute to intended outputs summarised in the OFM Project Executive
Summary under the headings:
Output 1.3.2: Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP warm pool
Output 1.3.3: Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
The IUCN-led activities, therefore, would provide wider knowledge on the general ecology of
seamounts, particularly in relation to the influence of seamounts on the distribution and
feeding ecology of pelagic fish stocks and the potential effects of commercial fish-stock
exploitation on seamount benthic communities. Although the project document specifically

c Western Tropical Pacific large marine ecosystem
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IUCN-OFM situation report - September 2006
mentions only surveys of benthic biodiversity, the science proposal developed by IUCN
includes a large pelagic component as outlined above (page 1, para 1). The key focus of this
pelagic research is to assess the influence of seamounts on local biological productivity in
terms of two hypothesised mechanisms: the local enhancement of primary production through
topographically-induced upwelling effects1, and the `trophic-focussing' of zooplanktonic
organisms in the deep scattering layer (DSL) through a combination of passive lateral
advection and active diurnal vertical migration2. By investigating the mechanisms by which
seamounts cause locally enhanced biological production, this pelagic research would link
directly to studies of the feeding ecology of commercially important fish species associated
with seamounts and thus to the main components of the OFM project.
Of the extensive seamount sampling programme proposed by IUCN, it is the pelagic element,
rather than the benthic, which is of most direct relevance to the central aims of the OFM and
which is likely to generate the more important data for incorporation into the ecosystem
model outputs of the OFM project. Thus, while the benthic elements of the original proposal
are of considerable scientific interest, and could potentially contribute to policy decisions
regarding the conservation of marine biodiversity in the Pacific and perhaps globally, the
pelagic elements of the proposal must be considered to be of higher priority in relation to the
OFM project.
Potential courses of action for IUCN following postponement of the IUCN-DOQ
collaboration in 2007
Following the decision on the Alucia, the first move by the IUCN team was to investigate the
availability of alternative vessels that would be capable of fulfilling core elements of the
original sampling plan. This search was undertaken in the hope that, if a suitable vessel could
be found, it might yet be possible to raise funding for the charter fee. A range of options,
including the French research vessel Alis, the New Zealand research vessel Kaharoa, the
Tongan fisheries training and research vessel Takuo, commercial survey vessels chartered
from the USA, and the possibilities for collaborating with other research cruises planned in
the region were investigated. To date, most of these have proved to be unworkable but one or
two remain possibilities. In all cases, the primary constraint is cost but this is increasingly
exacerbated by timing: scientific research cruises require an extended lead-in period in order
to ensure that the vessel and specialist equipment can be mobilised, and that the scientific
personnel can plan around their existing professional commitments. Among the alternative
possibilities, IUCN also considered collaborations with other research cruises, and non ship-
based research.
The alternative courses of action considered by the IUCN Global Marine Programme
following the postponement of the 2007 IUCN-DOQ collaboration are summarised below.
1) IUCN could delay participation in the OFM project until 2008 on the expectation that the
Alucia will be operational in 2007.
If the Alucia were to complete sea trials by early 2007, the original cruise schedule in the
western equatorial Pacific could take place, one year late, in 2008. The OFM project runs
from 2005 to 2010 and ideally data collection would take place in the first years of the
project to allow a realistic period for collation and analysis of samples. However, if the
vessel could be secured for use in 2008 there would potentially be time to generate
worthwhile output, albeit at a reduced level, within the remit of the project. Thus, there
remains a possibility that the original plan, using the R/V Alucia, might yet be viable
within the timescale of the OFM.
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IUCN-OFM situation report - September 2006
From conversations with Alucia project manager, Carlos de Paco, IUCN understand that
DOQ are confident of completing the refit of the Alucia by early 2007. Following sea-
trials and delivery to its home port in Costa Rica, the vessel is then scheduled to undertake
a programme of short range work-up cruises off the Pacific coast of Central America and
on the Cocos Ridge. If the vessel performs satisfactorily during this stage, DOQ anticipate
that it will be able to resume the original cruise programme, of which the Tui Delai Gau
Expedition formed part, in 2008. This scenario would allow IUCN to conduct many, if not
all, of its original research activities planned under the OFM. Consequently, the IUCN is
maintaining contacts and goodwill with DOQ so that they are in a position to utilise the
Alucia should she become available in the future. In light of the progress of the refit to
date, however, it must be assumed that this remains a risky option but one that should not
be discounted entirely as we should know the status with more certainty in the next three
to four months.
2) IUCN could charter an alternative research vessel.
This option is heavily constrained by the availability of suitable vessels, the high cost of
chartering, and the time required to raise the necessary funding. Furthermore, it is unlikely
that any vessel obtained at short notice and with limited funding would be capable of
fulfilling the original, very extensive, sampling programme. It will be necessary,
therefore, to concentrate only on priority work. The following possibilities have been
considered:
a) N/O Alis, operated by IRDd, Noumea, New Caledonia.
This is a well-equipped 28 m marine research vessel capable of deploying a range of
benthic and pelagic sampling gears. Although smaller than the Alucia, and not
equipped with submersibles, the Alis would be capable of fulfilling a significant part
of the mapping and sampling programme in the original Tui Delai Gau plan. In
particular, it would be capable of conducting the acoustic surveys and targeted mid-
water trawls required for recording DSL zooplankton dynamics. Being based in
Noumea, New Caledonia, the Alis would be an obvious first choice replacement for
the Alucia.
In July 2006, on the recommendation of Dr. Valerie Allain at SPCe, IUCN attempted
to contact Dr. Bertrand Richer-de-Forges at IRD, Noumea, regarding possible use of
the Alis. To date, there has been no reply to this enquiry, nor to a request made to IRD
in France for information on the availability of the vessel. Assistance with improving
these communications may be necessary if this possibility is to be pursued.
It is significant that SPC intend to submit a proposal for use of the Alis in 2008 to
conduct pelagic studies within the OFM project. If this application were to be
successful, the vessel would clearly then be ideally placed to conduct the IUCN
sampling programme if suitable funding and approval for use of the vessel could be
obtained. The timescale for applications to use the Alis is for proposals to be submitted
to IRD in January of the year preceding that in which cruises would take place.
Therefore, there is still potential for the IUCN to raise funding and submit an
application for use of the Alis in 2008.

d Institute de Recherche pour le Developpement
e Secretariat of the Pacific Communities.
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IUCN-OFM situation report - September 2006
b) R/V Kaharoa, operated by NIWAf, Wellington, New Zealand.
This is another well-equipped 28 m marine research vessel capable of fulfilling a large
part of the original Tui Delai Gau programme. Specification is slightly more
technically advanced than that of the Alis but the overall capability is similar. New
Zealand already has commitments to the OFM project including financial
contributions from New Zealand Aid, the use of specialist seabed survey equipment
and the participation of NIWA scientists in the planned IUCN seamount cruises.
As with the Alis, use of the Kaharoa would depend on IUCN securing substantial
funding for charter of the vessel, and submission of a cruise proposal to the vessel's
operators no later than January 2007.
c) F/V Takuo, Tonga Fisheries training and research vessel.
This vessel will probably be used by SPC for longline sampling during the OFM.
Although conveniently located and potentially available, neither the design nor the
specification of the vessel is suited to the work IUCN intend to do. Specifically, the
vessel has no facility for deploying benthic or mid-water trawl gear and has
inadequate acoustics equipment for DSL work.
d) Other vessel on commercial charter.
IUCN has conducted a web-based search of research vessel specifications and
itineraries in the Pacific, and has discussed its requirements with Global Seas Vessel
Management, Seattle, who act as agents for a large number of commercial survey
vessels based in the eastern Pacific. No commercial vessels for which information was
available met the required minimum specification and none would have been suitable
without some modifications to deck hardware and the installation of specialist
acoustics systems. Considering the substantial costs involved in chartering, it was
concluded that adapting a vessel designed for another purpose would not be a
satisfactory or cost-effective course of action.
3) IUCN could investigate opportunistic collaborations with planned cruises from other
research initiatives.
Given the high cost and limited availability of sea-time on scientific research vessels, this
option was never likely to be realistic. In order to secure funding for ship-based deep sea
research, participating scientists are under considerable pressure to maximise the use of
time and resources during cruises. Schedules are, accordingly, planned with full
complements of scientific personnel to enable intensive sampling programmes with
minimum down-time. Furthermore, the benthic and pelagic biological sampling involved
in the IUCN component of the OFM project would require the shipping of specialised
equipment in addition to that required for the primary purpose of the cruise. It was always
highly unlikely, therefore, that any existing cruise plan would have the capacity to absorb
the extra personnel, equipment, and time demands necessary to conduct a worthwhile
sampling programme on seamounts. Nevertheless, lists of research vessels operating in the
western central Pacific area through 2007 were compiled (from web searches and contacts
at SOPACg and SPC) and, where available, schedules and research objectives were
evaluated to assess the potential for collaborative work. None were found which offered

f National Institute for Water and Atmospheric research
g South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission
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IUCN-OFM situation report - September 2006
any prospect of accommodating the required research.
4) IUCN could divert its resources into alternative, non ship-based, research activities to
facilitate the wider goals of the OFM project.
This input could be to any of the three major components of the OFM and might include,
for instance: the organisation of workshops to coordinate data-integration between work
groups; inputs to data-mining and analysis; or the collation and analysis of data which
does not require ship-based sampling. A relevant example of the latter might be the use of
satellite-derived sea-surface colour data to assess the local influence of seamounts on
oceanic primary production3.
For any contribution within this option, it would be essential to consult fully with other
partners in the OFM project in order to ensure that the work undertaken makes a useful
contribution to the project's objectives and does not duplicate work being done elsewhere.
Given the original research goals of the IUCN within the OFM project, and its wider
commitment to promoting research into biodiversity of the deep-sea, this is the least
satisfactory scenario for both the IUCN and the OFM project. However, given the present
situation with regard to funding and timescales it might prove be the most pragmatic
course of action and has the potential to deliver worthwhile outputs.
Main conclusions
1) Given the postponement of the IUCN-DOQ collaboration, IUCN will not be in a position
to conduct research activities as originally planned under the OFM project unless either:
the Alucia becomes available, or significant extra funding is obtained to charter an
alternative vessel.
2) In light of the continuing uncertainties surrounding the Alucia, the IUCN is faced with the
choice of either: pursuing substantially increased funding for the charter of an alternative
vessel, or diverting its existing resources into contributions to the OFM project which do
not involve ship-based sampling. Any work within this second option should be
undertaken only after detailed discussions with SPC and other partners in the OFM
project.
3) Of the research vessels potentially available, the N/O Alis or the R/V Kaharoa represent
the best chances of completing a worthwhile seamounts sampling programme within the
timescale of the OFM project.
4) The lead-in period for mobilising personnel and equipment for sampling cruises is now
too short for cruises to take place in 2007. Therefore, if ship-based sampling is to take
place, revised cruise plans and science strategies should be prepared for submission to
vessel operators no later than January 2007 for operations in 2008. This is the latest date
for sampling to take place if data are to be made available within the timescale of the
OFM project.
5) If ship-based sampling does take place, limitations of time and resources will probably
require that the research plan originally proposed by IUCN should be cut to include only
those elements which contribute directly to the central goals of the OFM project. In
practice, this would mean concentrating on the pelagic elements of the research,
particularly acoustic surveys of interactions between seamount topography and the
vertically-migrating zooplankton of the DSL, and the `ground-truthing' of these surveys
by use of controlled-opening mid-water trawls.

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IUCN-OFM situation report - September 2006
Recommendation
It is clear that there are two primary options for moving forward:
1. Continue striving to secure an appropriate vessel to conduct the scientific research as
planned. The variations of this option include the following (with financial implications in
parentheses):
a. Using MSV Alucia (DOQ) as originally planned (no additional funds required)
b. Finding ways to complement efforts and join up with SPC in their planned cruises
with the N/O Alis (additional funds most likely not required)
c. Securing either the N/O Alis or R/V Kaharoa to conduct scaled-down versions of the
original cruise developed with the Alucia in mind (requires significant additional
funding, estimated at roughly 15,000 USD per day of ship-time at a minimum)
2. Re-programme IUCN resources into alternative, non ship-based, research activities to
facilitate the wider goals of the OFM project.
IUCN proposes to pursue both options in parallel initially in order to allow sufficient time to
exhaust all the variations outlined under Option 1, but not lose any time in being able to move
forward under Option 2 in the event that Option 1 is deemed unfeasible. A date of 28
February 2007 is proposed at which time a final decision will be taken as to which option is to
be implemented. This five-month period will ensure adequate time to see how the Alucia refit
progresses, for consultation with OFM partners, as well as other potential collaborators, while
not jeopardizing the eventual delivery of project outcomes within the life-span of the project.
REFERENCES
1.
Rogers, A. D. The Biology of Seamounts. Advances in Marine Biology 30, 305-350 (1994).
2.
Genin, A. Bio-physical coupling in the formation of zooplankton and fish aggregations over abrupt
topographies. Journal of Marine Systems 50, 3-20 (2004).
3.
Longhurst, A., Sathyendranath, S., Platt, T. & Caverhill, C. An estimate of global primary production in
the ocean from satellite radiometer data. Journal of Plankton Research 17, 1245-1271 (1995).

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