OUTLINE SAP II PROJECT:
NATIONAL PROJECT PREPARATION REPORTS

REPUBLIC of the MARSHALL ISLANDS
Foreword
This brief report was prepared by Dr. Tony Lewis during a visit to Majuro from 21st
to 26th June 2004. It aims to assemble information relating to RMI necessary for the
preparation of the GEF SAP II Project document.
The main aims of the report are:
· To make an assessment of the implications of the WCPF Convention for RMI
· To identify possible interventions to support implementation by RMI of the
WCPF Convention
· To make an analysis of the incremental costs to RMI of activities related to the
Convention
· To undertake an analysis of stakeholders in RMI with interests in the regional
oceanic fisheries resources
· To identify relevant consultative mechanisms in RMI for the GEF SAP II
Project
· To collect information relating to available indicators of performance in areas
related to the WCPF Convention and to the financial sustainability of RMI's
participation in the Commission and implementation of the WCPF Convention
The report is based on available published information and information provided in
the consultations with stakeholders listed in Annex 3.

1.
Background
1.1
Status of Oceanic Fisheries
The Exclusive Economic Zone of Marshall Islands, lying between 50N and 150N, is
large (2.1 million km2) and moderately productive, with over 50% of the zone
bordering international waters to the east and west. RMI has opted to promote onshore
development, transhipment and processing, rather than the development of its own
domestic tuna fleet. RMI has had long-standing access agreements with a variety of
countries and industry associations, and operates a vessel registry, with six (6) RMI-
flag purse seine vessels currently on the register.
Catches taken by foreign vessels fishing in the zone under access agreements are
significant - purse seine catches (various fleets) have been as high as 70,000t p.a.,
longline catch (mostly Japanese) to 7,600t and Japanese pole-and-line vessel catch to
18,000t, but total catches (all gears) are usually less than 40,000t in most years.
ENSO effects on purse seine catches, typically taken in the southern parts of the zone,
are marked.
A base for locally-based foreign longline vessels has operated in Majuro at various
times, and was recently reactivated. 29 vessels, mostly of Chinese origin, are currently
fishing, landing over 2,000t of mainly bigeye and yellowfin for airfreight export
through Honolulu to the USA and Japan. A small shark longline fishery (5 vessels)
commenced in recent times
Large volumes of transshipment have occurred in Majuro in recent years, involving
up to 400 vessels in some years and possibly 300,000t of fish, a significant proportion
of the regional catch. A loining plant was established in 2000, to produce product for

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eventual canning in PagoPago, and processes around 10,000t of fish p.a, employing
300 people.
Tunas and related species remain an important food source, especially in the outer
islands. There is an active sport fishery in Majuro and to a lesser extent Kwajalein, for
blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, etc. which has attracted international recognition.

1.2
Oceanic Fisheries Management
The recently revised Marine Resources Act (1997) and associated Regulations
establish the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) and direct it to,
inter alia:
"conserve, manage and sustainably develop all resources in the Fishery Waters and
seabed and subsoil thereunder, in accordance with the principles and provisions in
this Act and in sub-regional, regional and international instruments to which the
Republic of the Marshall Islands is party".

With respect to the conservation, management and sustainable use of the fishery
resources, "the Authority shall ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use
of the fishery resources, and to this end shall adopt management measures which
promote the objective of optimum utilization".

Whereas many other PINs have prepared a Tuna Management and Development Plan
that has required revision of legislation and the creation of new administrative
structures, the RMI already has in place the legislation and the implementing body ie
MIMRA. Nonetheless, MIMRA intends to finalize a Tuna Management Plan before
the end of 2004, and has completed much of the preparation for this, with the
assistance of FFA, SPC/OFP and others.
No formal management measures or limits currently apply to tuna fishing within the
EEZ. Waters inside 12 nautical miles of all islands are closed to longlining, whilst
waters inside 50 nautical miles around three heavily-populated islands (Majuro,
Kwajalein, Arno) are closed to longlining. These closures primarily apply to the
locally-based foreign longline fishery.

1.3
Oceanic Fisheries Institutional Arrangements
The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) is the primary agency
responsible for oceanic fisheries management in RMI. The Division has a staff
establishment of around 50 posts, and an annual operating budget of US$1.4 million
(which includes coastal fisheries and the Fisheries and Nautical Training Center).
Within MIMRA, sections with responsibilities for oceanic fisheries include:
· Oceanic and Industrial Affairs Division: licensing, national fisheries database
(data collection and statistics), research and monitoring (port sampling and
observer programmes), international liaison, and collaboration in national MCS
· Administration and Finance, Policy and Planning : policy and administration

Overall, oceanic fisheries has the highest priority in the work of MIMRA, although
this is not reflected in staffing numbers. Oceanic fisheries work comprises all of the
work of the OIA Division. Institutional strengthening of MIMRA is proposed, in
association with the adoption of the Tuna Management Plan.

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Other government agencies involved in oceanic fisheries are:
·
Sea Patrol Division of the National Police, Ministry of Justice, who operate the
patrol boat Lmor, with assistance from the RAN Maritime Surveillance Advisor
·
Foreign Affairs, Asia Pacific Desk, which is active in international aspects of
fisheries policy, including work related to the WCPF Convention and other regional
and international aspects of fisheries affairs
·
Office of the Attorney General(Ministry of Justice), which provides legal advice
on issues pertaining to oceanic fisheries management Ministry of Resources and
Development ­ oversight Ministry for MIMRA, with the Minister as Chairman of the
MIMRABoard
·
Environmental Protection Agency, and Office of Environmental Planning and
Policy Coordination

There is currently no formal mechanism for consultation with stakeholders on OFM
issues, but this is envisaged under the forthcoming Tuna Management Plan. The
Board of MIMRA includes representatives from relevant government departments
and the private sector. Fisheries policy is largely driven by MIMRA, with the
approval of the Board, and where legislative change is involved, the National
Parliament (Nitijela).

The Office of Environmental Planning and Policy Coordination is responsible for
broader aspects of environmental management, including marine pollution, whilst
EPA is concerned with grass roots environmental issues.
1.4
Donor involvement
There is some OFCF involvement (but in the coastal fisheries development area), and
Australian (RAN) support of the patrol vessel programme.

1.5
Other Oceanic Fisheries Management Issues

Other oceanic fisheries management issues that arose in the mission to RMI include:
· Maritime boundary delimitation
· Details of flag state responsibility
· The need for a national coordination mechanism for MCS activity
· The need for improved national database and scientific monitoring capacity
· Interaction issues in the RMI EEZ ­ longline impacts on the sportfishery and
tourist dive operations, purse seine impacts on longline viability
· The need to improve the capacity to relate regional information and catch trends
to local conditions, especially to improve understanding of the kinds of
oceanographic effects that affect RMI tuna fisheries and associated levels of
transhipment and onshore activity.
2.
RMI and the WCPF Convention
2.1
Overview
RMI's primary aims in the MHLC and Prep Con process have been:
The need for conservation of the regional tuna resources of all species. RMI
licences fleets of all the main gears, is committed to the continuing
development of its tuna base, and is a flag state.


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As a Member of the Commission and a Party to the WCPF Convention, major short
term implications arising for RMI are seen as follows:
i)
The need to collect unloadings data (transhipment and landings), and improve
monitoring (port sampling) of the locally-based foreign longline fishery, and
possibly vessels licensed under access.
ii)
Developing an authorization process for RMI-flag vessels
iii)
strengthening of institutional capacities in statistics, monitoring, surveillance
and enforcement;
iv)
additional responsibilities associated with presenting RMI's interests in the
Commission, and interpreting regional analysis and Commission decisions to
stakeholders in RMI; compilation of annual reports to the Commission
v)
improving the pattern of participation and understanding by the private sector
and other stakeholders in the processes of the Commission.
Overall, RMI has a well-developed oceanic fisheries management framework, with
MIMRA in place since the mid-80s and key legal instruments recently revised to take
account of UNFSA, but will need to continue to update and strengthen it to respond to
emerging needs associated with the Convention and the new Commission.
2.2
Implications of the Convention
2.2.1 Legal
The MIMRA Act has recently been revised (1997) to implement the requirements of
relevant regional and international instruments, including the UN Fish Stocks
Agreement and those anticipated for the WCPF Convention, and is regarded as very
strong with respect to fulfilment of international obligations. A recent study
(Tsamenyi, 2003) confirms that the provisions of the Act do adequately implement
conservation and international obligations under the two instruments, but not flag
state responsibility, inspecting state obligations and port state enforcement measures.
Regulations can be promulgated to implement these obligations, and draft regulations
have already been prepared.

Instrument
Status
WCPF Convention
Ratified (2001)
UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
Ratified
UN Fish Stocks Agreement
Ratified
FAO Code of Conduct
Accepted
WSSD fisheries targets
Not formally adopted
Convention on Biological Diversity
Ratified
FAO Compliance Agreement
Adopted
FAO International Plans of Action
NPOA being implemented for shark
FFA Minimum Terms & Conditions
Implemented
Driftnet Convention
Ratified
RMI has adequate legal capacity in its government legal offices (AG), to which
MIMRA has access. MIMRA would like to develop in-house legal capacity to deal
with the range of issues which it confronts. There is a need to make sure that the legal
provisions can be interpreted by stakeholders, which could be done through national

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workshops. There is also a need to enhance prosecution capability and capacity in
RMI, probably through a series of regional or sub-regional training workshops.
2.2.2 Policy/Institutional
RMI has a well-developed oceanic fisheries management framework but it needs
further reform and strengthening to take account of the development that has taken
place, and to meet the additional responsibilities associated with the WCPF
Commission. Specific needs include:
· Strengthening the Oceanic Division within MIMRA, to include a Compliance
Manager, additional IT staff associated with the development of an integrated
national fishery database, and a Senior Observer, with additional observers, to
enable observer coverage to be increased to around 5-10% in the short term, and
to allow transhipments and landings to be regularly monitored.
· the possible appointment of an economist to the Policy and Planning section of
MIMRA

RMI's participation in the WCPF Commission will continue to be led by MIMRA and
Foreign Affairs, with consultation (in future) with stakeholders under a consultative
mechanism to be established under the TMP. The MIMRA Board presently provides
an interim consultative mechanism.
The cost of financial contributions for RMI to the WCPF commission is expected to
be in the range of US$23,000 per year once the Commission is fully established,
although it may be more in the first year or two if major fishing states delay becoming
Members of the Commission.

Possible interventions identified in the area of policy and institutional reform and
institutional strengthening include:
· assistance with the implementation of the suggested MIMRA restructure and
training for observers and port samplers
· regional workshops and national attachments to improve understanding of the
strategic directions and implications of the new regional tuna management
arrangements.

2.2.3 Compliance
Compliance activities are carried out by the Police Sea Patrol Division, with
assistance from MIMRA, and ongoing technical support from the RAN. Sea Patrol
operates one Australian-provided patrol vessel, the Lmor, with an annual target of 120
days of seagoing patrols.
Vessels are currently licensed annually by MIMRA. There is a good database of
vessel and gear characteristics. Control of RMI vessels fishing outside RMI waters is
an issue (currently 6 purse seine vessels, plus several other p/s vessels which base
there but are not RMI flag). A formal process for authorisation of high seas operations
needs to be developed, and there may be other issues associated with the operation of
the MI open register. There is almost complete inspection of landings and
transshipments, but unloadings data are not available.

The FFA VMS is under the control of the Police and is operational, although there is
limited capacity within RMI to maintain and service VMS operations.


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With RMI largely surrounded by productive international waters, there is believed to
be an issue with IUU fishing in contiguous waters, and possibly in the northern parts
of the EEZ. RMI operates one patrol vessel, and is assisted by periodic air patrols by
Australia and New Zealand (although there has been a recent decline in the frequency
of the former). The issue of whether RMI will undertake high seas patrols under the
Convention has yet to be fully considered. RMI is involved in collaborative
surveillance operations with its neighbours to the west (eg Operation Bigeye ­ FSM
and Palau, and the forthcoming Operation Island Chief), undertakes contracted
surveillance around Kwajalein Atoll, and also been approached by Nauru to contract
patrols in its own zone, and possibly adjacent high seas areas.

Possible interventions in the compliance area include:
· technical assistance to strengthen enforcement and regulatory capacity, including
building capacity in controlling RMI vessels outside RMI waters;
· support to collaborative surveillance operations with other Pacific Island states,
both in-zone and on the high seas
· appointment of a compliance officer in MIMRA, to coordinate compliance
activities and the compilation of various annual reports to the Commission

Flag state responsibility

A major new responsibility for RMI under the Convention is the need to regulate
fishing by RMI vessels outside RMI waters. There are currently six large purse
seiners on the RMI register (operated by the Trust Company) which fish widely
throughout the region. There is currently no process of authorization for these vessels
to fish on the high seas, and capability to discharge flag state responsibilities may be
under-resourced at present.


2.2.4 Monitoring
There is a well-developed system for the collection and analysis of catch and effort
data from all vessels licensed under access agreements, flag and locally-based foreign
vessels. With the assistance of SPC, to whom scanned logsheet data are routinely sent,
RMI has the capacity to produce catch and effort data by species/gear/fleet/area, as
will be required by the Commission. Catches are however not yet fully verified.

There is an observer programme focusing on the locally based foreign longline
vessels, RMI-flagged purse seine vessels, and FSM Arrangement vessels, managed by
a full-time Observer and Port Sampling Coordinator. Coverage is currently low, but
there is a firm commitment to increasing this to 5-10% in the short term, and 15-20%
in the medium term. The observer programme is supported by SPC under the IW
SAP Project and by the EU-Procfish Project (check).

There are elements of a port sampling programme, but establishment of the observer
programme has been given priority at this stage. Regular port sampling of the locally-
based foreign vessels should be undertaken as the first priority.
The large number of transshipments and landings in Majuro provides an excellent
opportunity for catch verification; whilst these are currently inspected, some port
sampling occurs, but unloadings information seems not to be routinely collected.

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Possible interventions in the monitoring area include:
· development of a larger observer programme, with increased funding and a plan
for eventual transfer of full costs to RMI (costs are partially met from observer
levies in access agreements)
· advice on ensuring the expansion and ongoing funding of the port sampling
programme
· commitment to monitoring of all transhipments and landings (unloadings data)

2.2.5 Scientific Analysis
Scientific Analysis
RMI has well-developed capacity to provide scientific analysis of information related
to oceanic fisheries, including regular reporting of catch and effort by fleet/gear/flag,
as evidenced by the detailed and timely annual reports produced.
RMI provides strong support for regional monitoring and science programmes
undertaken by the SPC/OFP
The regular flow of information from regional stock assessment work in a form useful
for national fisheries management continues, but there will be an ongoing need for
assistance in interpretation of the regional analyses. RMI will continue to rely on
SPC in this area but also needs to continue to develop its national capacity.
There is an important need for long term scientific training. MIMRA has devoted
considerable resources to the development of its staff in the OFM area.

Ecosystem analysis
The species taken as bycatch in oceanic fisheries are important in RMI as highly
regarded food products, although landings seem to be small. RMI has some data
generally on bycatch from the observer programme. Interaction issues are important
in the RMI situation - between longline fisheries and the sportfishery and dive
operations, and between purse seine and longline fisheries.
Large scale oceanographic changes have significant impacts on oceanic fisheries in
and adjacent to the RMI EEZ, and thus transhipment activity. Improving
understanding of these through current SPC work is valuable, and continuing that
research is important.

Possible interventions in the science area include:
· Development of an integrated national tuna fisheries database, including the
appointment of additional IT staff, and improved computer facilities and services
· Development of scientific capacity in the Oceanic Division
· Improved capacity to interpret oceanographic and regional stock assessment data.








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3.
Potential Contribution of SAP II Project
Potential areas in which the SAP II Project could contribute to assisting RMI in the
implementation of national activities related to the WCPF Convention are summarised
in the table below.

Activity
Incremental Actions
Possible Interventions
Legal


Legal framework
Revisions to Regulations (drafted)
Legislative action
Support Commission
Provide legal advice
Regional Legal Workshops
participation
Prosecution workshops
Implement Commission
Interpret legal requirements

decisions
Policy


Participate in the
Commission financial
Institutional Strengthening
Commission and new
contributions
Regional Fisheries Management
regional management
Commission meeting participation
Training/Consultations
arrangements
Additional FFA Meeting
Attachments
participation

Strengthen In-Zone
Improve statistical capacity and
Enhance integrated national tuna
Management/ Provide
reporting capacity
fishery database
data to the Commission
Compliance


Increase IUU deterrence
Improve Fisheries Division
Technical assistance for Sea Patrol
in-zone
Regulations and Enforcement
Regional MCS WGparticipation
capacity
MCS staff training
Prosecution workshops
Monitoring


Improve at-sea data
Expand Observer Programme
Assistance to expand observer
programme
Improve catch /size
Expand Port sampling, and
Ongoing in-country training and
composition data
unloading monitoring
support of port samplers by SPC
Plan for financial sustainability of
monitoring activities
Science


Improve understanding
Strengthen national capacity to
Long term training in fisheries
of oceanic resources and
analyse national data
science
ecosystem
Strengthen national capacity to
Ongoing support from SPC
interpret regional analyses
Training in analytical methods used
in Commission science programme


ANNEXES
Annex 1
Incremental Cost/Co-financing Analysis
Annex 2
Stakeholder Inventory and Analysis (including consultative mechanism
inventory)
Annex 3
Record of Stakeholder Consultation
Annex 4
Indicator Availability
Annex 5
Sustainability Analysis

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Annex 1 ­ Incremental Cost Analysis
Summary

Total 2005-2009
Total 2005-2009
Theme
Baseline
Incremental

(US$ `000)
1 Law
225
75
2 Policy/Management*
160
265
3 Compliance
2750
425
4 Monitoring
330
175
5 Science
450
200
Total
3925
1140
* includes Commission contribution of U$ 23,000 p.a. for 2005-2009

Marshall Islands, with its moderate tuna fishery, flag state responsibility and large scale
transhipment activity, is committed to expanded monitoring, compliance and surveillance
activity.

Co-financing estimates based on:
Policy/management: Institutional strengthening of MIMRA, participation in Commission and
annual contribution
Law: Participation in Commission activities and regional training opportunities
Compliance: Flag state responsibility and increased seagoing surveillance
Monitoring: Expanded observer, port sampling and other monitoring programmes
Science: Database and hardware enhancement, additional staff

Donor Funding
Total 2005-2009
Total 2005-2009
Theme
Donor
Project
Baseline
Incremental



(US$ `000)
Compliance
Australia
Patrol Boat
?
?

Base Data
2004
2004
Institution
Programme
Theme
%OFM
OFM
Budget
Budget
MIMRA
Executive Mgmt
Policy/Mgmt
220
10%
22
Oceanic and
Licensing and
100
100%
100
MIMRA
Industrial Affairs Data
MIMRA
"
Monitoring
60
100%
60

"
Compliance
30
100%
30
Police
Sea Patrol
Compliance
550
100%
550
For Aff
Asia Pacific
Policy/Mgmt
80?
25%
20 ?
A.G.

Law
500
10%
50 ?






Total




832 ?

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Details
2004
2004
2004
Non-
2005-2009
Total
Theme
Institution Programme
OFM
WCPF
New WCPF Increment
WCPF
Baseline
Incr
budget Increment Baseline








2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total

1 Law
A.G.
Law
50
5
45
225
10
10
10
10
10
50
75
2 Policy/Mgmt MIMRA
Executive
22
5
17
85
33
33
33
33
33
165
190

For Aff
Asia Pacific
20
5
15
75
10
10
10
10
10
50
75
3 Compliance MIMRA
Oceanic
30
5
25
125
25
25
25
25
25
125
150

Police
Maritime
550
25
525
2625
30
30
30
30
30
150
275
4 Monitoring MIMRA
Oceanic
60
5
55
330
30
30
30
30
30
150
175
5 Science
MIMRA
Oceanic
100
10
90
450
30
30
30
30
30
150
200



832 ?
60
770
3925
168
168 168 168 168
840
1140













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Annex 2 - Stakeholder Inventory and Analysis (including consultative mechanism
inventory)

Stakeholder inventory data sheet [and preliminary participation plan]

Country:

Republic of Marshall Islands
Date:

24th June, 2004
Data Recorder:
Dr. Tony Lewis, alewis9@bigpond.com

Description of
Stakeholder analysis and preliminary participation plan
Interests
1o s/holder
2o s/holder
Other
Representative/
Stakeholder
Contact details
[factors that may
[role in decision-
[2-way flow of

post
influence
making]
information]
[Keep informed]
participation]
Danny Wase,
PO Box 236,
X


Marshall Islands Marine
Director.
Majuro
Responsible body
Resources Authority
Glen Joseph,
dwase@mimra.com
for OFM
Deputy Director.
gjoseph@mimra.com
George Lanwi,
X


National Police - Sea Patrol
Maritime
Commissioner.

Division
surveillance
Thomas Heine
Polisese
X


Attorney General's Office
Bloomfield (Asst

Legal inputs
AG)
Raynard Gideon,
Email:
X


Foreign Affairs
Policy cordination
Secratray
mfa@mfa.gov.ws
Office of Environmental
Yumi
X


PO Box 15, Majuro
Planning and Policy
Crisostomo,
GEF OFP
oeppc@ntamar.net
Coordination (OEPPC)
Director
John Silk,
X


PO Box 1727,
Minister
MIMRA Board
Resources and Development
Majuro
Frederick
Chair
mdsec@ntamar.net
Muller, Secretary
James Miyazoe,

X

The Trust Company

Vessel registry
Joseph Bigler
Environmental Protection
John Bungitak,
PO Box 1322
Environmental

X


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Annex 2 - Stakeholder Inventory and Analysis (including consultative mechanism
inventory)

Agency
General Manager Majuro
oversight
eparmi@ntamar.com
Josephus

X

PO Box 154, Majuro
MI Ports Authority
Tiobech,
Port management
miot@ntamar.com
Director
Jorelik Tibon,
PO Box 1079,

X

Transport & Communications

Secretary
Majuro
PO Box 1139,

X

Marshalls Billfish Club

Sportfishing
Majuro
Tuna processing

X

PM and O Processors
Eugene Muller

and shipping
Pacific International Inc.
Jerry Kramer



X

Koo's FC Ltd
Johnson Chuang

Fishing Co.

X

MFIV
Jason Rui

Fishing Co.

X

PO Box 672, Majuro


X
Pacific Magazine/MI Journal
Giff Johnson
Media
pacmag@ntamar.net
Edgewater Fisheries


Fishing Co

X

POBox 2143,

X

Clearwater Fisheries Inc.
James Movick
Kolonia, Pohnpei,
Fishing Co (FSM)
FSM
LGCs (Majuro, Bikini,

X

Riley Alberrter,
Coastal fisheries
Enewetak, Kwajalein, Namo,

Majuro
management
Rongelap, Utirik)
USP


Training Provider


X
College of the Marshall
PO Box 1258


X

Training Provider
Islands
Majuro
RAN, Maritime Surveillance



X


Financial Institutions
MIDB




X
Chamber of Commerce





X
General Public





X



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Annex 2 - Stakeholder Inventory and Analysis (including consultative mechanism
inventory)

Inventory of Project-related national consultative mechanisms
Consultative
Parent/host body
Representative/
Area(s)
Frequency
Members and affiliations
body
contact details
of
of
interest
meetings
None yet ­ ad
MIMRA Board

OFM
Quarterly
Minister, Resources and Development
hoc only, but
Attorney General
Board very
Secretary, Foreign Affairs
inclusive
Two fisheries sector reps (Presidential
appointment)
Director, MIMRA (ex officio, and
secretary)


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GEF SAP II Country Mission
RMI

Primary Stakeholder Consultation
Wednesday, 23rd June, 2004

The Mission to RMI held a stakeholders consultation at MIMRA headquarters on to
discuss the development of the SAP II project. Those present were: Ms. Yumi
Crisostomo (Office of Environmental Planning, and Policy Coordination (OEPPC), and
GEF Operational Focal Point), Mr. George Lanwi, Commissioner of Public Safety, Mr.
Raynard Gideon, Acting Secretary ­ Foreign Affairs, Mr. Posesi Bloomfield, Attorney
Generals Office (asst AG); Mr. Sam Lanwi jr., Pacific Asia Desk ­ Foreign Affairs;
Mrs. Emrina Bing Langidrik, Oceanic Affairs ­ MIMRA, and Glen Joseph, Deputy
Director ­ MIMRA

Dr. Tony Lewis gave a presentation on the GEF process, the Convention and its
implications for RMI, and the proposed SAP II project. The group then worked through
the needs assessment and identified possible interventions for follow-up consultations
on a direct individual basis with the agencies concerned.

Public Consultation
Thursday 24th June 2004

Dr. Lewis gave an awareness-raising presentation on the Convention, its implications
for RMI and the region, and associated issues at the Robert Reimers Hotel fale (Mon
Boknake). The public forum was attended by around a dozen participants from various
bodies, in addition to the primary stakeholders (list can be supplied)
Issues raised in discussion were:
· The need for industry and other stakeholders to participate in the work of the
Commission and in particular to be represented at relevant meetings. A
mechanism to facillitate this is required
· The purse seine lobby was significant and influential through the PrepCon
process. It is important that the interests of the longline fishery are adequately
represented in the work of the Commission
· A greater understanding of the affects of oceanographic conditions on tuna stocks
is required
· The need to establish a consultative committee at the national level to facilitate the
project

Other direct consultations were held with:
Foreign Affairs (Minister Gerald Zackios)
Resources and Development (Minister John Silk)
EPA (Ted Tazkwon)
MIMRA (Director, Glen Joseph, DD Oceanic; Manasseh Avicks, PS & O Coordinator)
MIFV (Jason Rui)
OEPPC (Yumi Crisostomo, Deborah Barker)
The RMI Trust (Joseph Bigler)

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Koo's Fishing Co. Ltd (Joti Sauuel, Sharon Samson)
Pacific Magazine / MI Journal (Giff Johnson)
Marshalls Billfish Club


Annex 4 ­ Availability of National Indicators

Current Status, if
Indicator
Availability
readily available
1. Coverage of:


a) catch and effort logsheets: flag and

Close to 100%
foreign fleet
b) catch and effort logsheets: lbf fleet

Uncertain ?
c) unloadings data (landings and

N/a
transhipment)
d) port sampling of transhipment and

Currently ad hoc for t/s,

unloading
low for lbf landings
e) observers: lbf , flag and FSM fleets

Limited coverage
ef observers: foreign fleets

No coverage
2. Levels of budgets and staffing for these

Needs to increase
programmes
3. Levels of fleet capacity and fishing effort


Catch estimates from
4. Verified catch of target species

logsheets only
5. Levels of mortality of related species,


including bycatch, seabirds and sharks
Note: this analysis does not include a range of national indicators which are known to be available for all
countries such as status of legislation, undertaking of national reforms etc.


Annex V - Sustainability Analysis
Annual Access Receipts:
Cash: US$ 4 million
In-Kind : US$




Annual In-Zone Catch Value:
(Data above to be estimated by FFA)

Annual Domestic Catch Value:








Annual Production Value (including value of processing): Catch US$ .... Million, processing
US $8 million

Expected Annual Commission Contributions: US$23,000

Estimated Annual Government Incremental Costs: US$ ...,000

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