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: Tuvalu

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

The reporting period witness concerted efforts by the project in terms of fulfilling the
requirements of member countries by providing financial and technical support to
some new and ongoing programmes.

Tuvalu commends the financial assistance provided by the project that enables its
participation on some of the FFA important meetings and training workshops.


5. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (as per annual work-plan):

National level activities;

- National Tuna Data Procedures reviewed and updated.


Regional level activities;

- Fellowship training of local staff on Tuna Data, Stock assessment, compliance,
especially inspection and VMS.

6. Challenges/Issues Encountered

Currently, Tuvalu encounters a problem of staff shortage. This put us in a very
difficult position in trying to meet some of our regional and international obligations
particularly on reporting.

7. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)


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A new institutional structure for the Department was recently formulated with
assistance from FFA and SPC. The structure was submitted for approval. Hopefully,
the new positions in the structure will be approved by our Government soon.

9. Recommendations for Future Action

Tuvalu with limited resources, would sincerely like to request OFM for its continued
assistance in other development projects for Tuvalu. This would allow Tuvalu make
sound and informed decisions in managing and conserving the only marine resource
Tuvalu has and meeting our regional and international obligations, thus assisting us
with our preparation to future WCPFC Annual Sessions and its related meetings.


10. Report Prepared By: Sam Finikaso, National (OFM Project) Focal Point.


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