NATIONAL LEVEL ANNUAL REPORT
TO THE
OCEANIC FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT
REGIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE (OFM RSC)
Reporting Period, 1 July 2007 30 June 2008
1. Country: MARSHALL ISLANDS
2. Project Title: Oceanic Fisheries Management: Implementation of the Strategic Action Programme
of the Pacific SIDs (Pacific SAP II)
3. Period Covered: 1 July 2007 30 June 2008
4. Summary of Overall Project Progress: As in the previous reporting period, the RMI continued to
benefit from various assistance and support under the overall project umbrella. A few of the highlights
from this current reporting period include:
-
As briefly reported in National Report from previous reporting period, a very timely in-
country visit by the PCU finally commenced in early July 2007 and was a success. Among
other things, the PCU updated the RMI Needs Assessment Report which was done in 2004 for
the development of the OFM Project. Project brochures were also handed over to MIMRA
during the brief visit.
-
RMI hosted 2007 Operation Bigeye in mid-September 2007 which was the largest thus far in
the Bigeye and Island Chief series at the time. Level of support to MCS initiatives from OFM
Project quite prolific given vast array of technical issues involved.
-
WCPFC Meetings:
a. MIMRA Director and Chief Fisheries Officer, Oceanic & Industrial Affairs, attended
SC3 meetings in Honolulu in August 2007 and subsequently they, along with RMI
Attorney General and industry representatives, attended pre-TCC3 (FFA briefing)
and main TCC3 meetings in Pohnpei, FSM in September 2007;
b. Honorable Minister and Chairman of MIMRA Board led RMI delegation to
WCPFC4 meeting in Guam in December 2007 (delegation included MIMRA
Director and Deputy Director as well as large number of domestic industry
representatives).
c. Director attended WCPFC Chair's briefing in Canberra in April 2008 prior to
attending Access Negotiations Workshop alongside Deputy Director in Honiara.
d. It is well understood and fully acknowledged that the Project contributes significantly
in the form of assisting with FFA briefs for all the above meetings.
-
The TUFMAN database at MIMRA was upgraded to version 4.0 during this reporting period
(latest upgrade to current version 4.43 recently completed and will be part of next National
Report); in addition, MIMRA was also provided with all the latest periodical updates to the
CES during this period.
-
Deputy Director and industry representative attended MOW4 meetings in Rarotonga, Cook
Islands in October 2007. Due to logistical difficulties, RMI was not able to attend related
important meetings including RSC3 meeting.
-
Deputy Director and industry representative attended Special PNA meeting in Honiara in
February 2008; Deputy Director also attended US Treaty consultations in Rarotonga in March
2008.
-
Director and Deputy Director attended Annual FFC67 Meeting in Koror, Palau in May 2008.
1
5. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (as per annual work-plan):
National level activities:
-
Due to scheduling conflicts and other logistical misfortunes, the RMI was not able to
attend the last FFA WCPFC Sub-Regional Workshop. Instead, MIMRA opted to formally
request FFA DG's assistance in allowing for WCPFC National Workshop to be held in
Majuro in September 2008.
-
As with the first Sub-Regional hosted by RMI in 2007, RMI stakeholders greatly
benefited from the workshop and there was lot of active discussions on WCPFC issues
and their implications on national fisheries development efforts.
Regional level activities:
-
Chief Fisheries Officer, Oceanic & Industrial Affairs, attended and further refined her
scientific analysis and stock assessment skills at the following:
a. FFA Sea Turtle Mitigation Workshop: 11-12 March, 2008 (Nadi)
b. WCPFC 2nd Tuna Data Workshop: 7-11 April, 2008 (Noumea)
c. SPC ERA Workshop: 26-27 June, 2008 (Noumea)
d. SPC Stock Assessment Workshop: 30 June-4 July, 2008 (Noumea)
6. Challenges/Issues Encountered:
-
Overall, there is some considerable improvement with regards to familiarization and
linkages of the Project to the wider regional fisheries management umbrella especially
with ongoing efforts and developments stemming from WCPFC obligations and related
challenges and issues. While challenges and related issues still linger, it has become much
clearer how the overall project progress impacts upon national and regional initiatives.
The RMI acknowledges that it had to take some time and will require even more as the
Project ebbs along with the region's ongoing efforts to effectively manage its fisheries
resources.
7. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges):
-
Increased awareness and up to date liaison with PCU. Establishment of routine contact
with PCU via email has been well-received and very responsive. While often times
overlooked, the existence of Project website has also been very beneficial in keep up-to-
date on Project progress throughout the reporting period and overall during calendar years
since inception. RMI considers this to be a big plus and thus very positive engagement.
-
Hence, the need for more frequent liaison with PCU. In-country visit has really helped
RMI in ongoing efforts at familiarization of the project and related cross-cutting issues at
the national and regional levels.
-
9. Recommendations for Future Action:
-
Periodic in-country visits have proven to be beneficial not only in terms of familiarization
but also optimization of Project outputs.
-
Possible assistance needed on formal initiation of NCC in RMI; additional briefing for
relevant stakeholders inevitable.
-
Informal discussions with both FFA and SPC on EAFM and NTFSR processes; possible
start in early 2009 pending confirmation of agreed dates as per schedule of meetings and
other relevant factors; periodic updates and ongoing correspondence.
-
Ongoing communication with PCU on progress both at national and regional levels.
10. Report Prepared By: Samuel K. Lanwi, Jr., National (OFM Project) Focal Point.
2