SECOND MEETING OF THE REGIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE (RSC)
FOR THE PACIFIC ISLANDS OCEANIC FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
PROJECT
Tokatoka Resort, Nadi, Fiji
21 October 2006
SUMMARY RECORD OF DISCUSSION1
1.
The second meeting of the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) for the Pacific Islands
Oceanic Fisheries Management Project (OFM Project) was held at the Tokatoka Resort,
Nadi, Fiji on 21 October 2006. Representatives from the following participating
country Governments and organizations were present: Australia, Cook Islands,
Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, New Zealand,
Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, the Secretariat of
the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA),
World Wildlife Fund for Nature, and the United Nations Development Programme
UNDP/GEF and UNDP (Suva country office). A list of participants is appended at
Attachment A.
Opening of Meeting
2.
The Project Coordinator briefly welcomed the delegates and acknowledged the
presence of UNDP and other organizations at the meeting. Mr. Silivenusi Ha'unga was
invited to open the meeting with a prayer.
Introductory Remarks
3.
Mr. Hans de Graaf, Deputy Regional Representative, UNDP Suva, made introductory
remarks that explained the importance of the Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
(OFMP) and objective of the meeting. A copy of his introductory remarks is appended
at Attachment B.
Opening Remarks
4.
Mr Feleti Teo, Director-General of the Pacific Islands Forum fisheries Agency made an
opening address. A copy of his opening address is appended at Attachment C.
Procedural Issues
5.
Mr Randall Purcell, UNDP/GEF, noted the significance of the OFMP as the largest
GEF regional fisheries project and that the project was unique in its connection to the
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPF Commission) i.e. support
for capacity-building and implementation of obligations under the Commission, as well
as its stress reduction indicators/ecosystem indicators.
6.
The procedural requirement to appoint a co-Chair was raised. Mr Bernard Thoulag of
the Federated States of Micronesia agreed to co-chair the meeting with Mr Hans de
Graaf (UNDP) on this occasion.
1 Endorsed on .... 2006
Apologies
7.
The Chair conveyed apologies of Niue, Palau, Samoa, Tokelau, SPREP and IUCN.
Adoption of Agenda
8.
UNDP Suva requested that the agenda item pertaining to the financial report be moved
forward and considered following the Annual Report to allow for their attendance. The
Committee agreed and a copy of the adopted agenda is appended at Attachment D.
Regional Steering Committee Representation
9.
The Project Coordinator provided a presentation on Regional Steering Committee
representation. The importance of stakeholder participation and awareness raising, and
the progress of representation, to date was stressed. The presentation noted that as a
result of a consultancy to determine environmental non-governmental organization
(ENGO) involvement on the Project, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature South Pacific
Programme (WWF SPP) was identified as the logical choice for regional ENGO
engagement in project implementation. It was noted that investigation continues for
similar arrangements with industry non-governmental participation in the project and
that the newly formed Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association (PITIA) was the only
defined regional association representing industry in the region.
10. In addition, it was noted that in relation to donor observers at the RSC, Australia and
New Zealand, as significant contributions to fisheries management in the region, and
FFA and SPC should be formally recognized as continued participants at RSCs. Fiji
expressed their appreciation to the GEF and the Project and acknowledged the
contributions of Australia and New Zealand.
11. The Committee agreed that:
i)
the Project Coordination Unit (PCU) formalize the link with the WWF SPPO
through a co-financing agreement;
ii) the PCU progress discussions with PITIA with the view of concluding a similar
co-financing agreement; and
iii) the WWF SPPO, PITIA, Australia and New Zealand as nominated NGOs, and
project co-financiers participate in all meetings of the RSC.
Agenda Item 1: Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project Annual Report
(UNDP/GEF Annual Project Report/Project Implementation Report)
12. The Chair asked the Committee to take note of the Annual Report provided and invited
the FFA and SPC to make presentations in support of the Annual Report.
13. SPC made a presentation of science related work contained in Component One of the
OFM Project which they have the responsibility for implementing. They noted that
with the development of the regional observer programme under the Commission, there
would be a greater need for training of observers which is currently partially supported
by the Project.
14. Members commended current work particularly those that are relevant to addressing
local capacity issues in the areas of stock assessment, tagging, data analyses and
reporting. In addition, the Cook Islands sought funding for a small chest freezer for
their in-country work species sample collection. SPC agreed that they would make
enquiries on this.
15. In response to a query relating to environmental standards certification, it was noted
that FFA is currently looking at the Marine Stewardship Council certification and its
application to the Western and Central Pacific region's tuna fishery.
16. Fiji pointed out the lack of information on social and economic benefits or returns from
tuna fisheries, and requested that this information be provided as a matter of priority.
The Chair responded that the OFM Project does not address these important issues,
rather it seeks to assist Pacific Island countries to gain a better scientific understanding
to manage the tuna resources and that the Fiji's concerns were being addressed by
major parallel project funded by the European Union in the region (DEVFISH).
17. Questions were raised on the number of people that participated in the regional observer
and other training and the impact in countries of staff being absent from their duties for
extended periods of time. The SPC responded saying that this was a well recognized
issue and they were actively seek ways in which to make the delivery of training
initiatives more efficient and effective.
18. The FFA Secretariat made several presentations relating the progress of project work
undertaken, to date, within Components Two and Three respectively (legal, policy and
institutional reform, compliance strengthening and project coordination and
management) of the Project.
19. Members noted the importance of funds from the OFM Project that supported the
attendance at meetings and helped them prepare for Commission meetings and
expressed their gratitude for this assistance through the project. In relation to this the
RSC also acknowledged with gratitude New Zealand's project co-financed contribution
to the project for past and future convening of the Commission related management
options workshops. It was also noted that the OFM Project funded consultancies that
provided expert advice to the recently held 3rd Management Options Workshop.
20. The FFA Secretariat compliance presentation outlined the progress of work undertaken,
to date, towards strengthening compliance in Pacific island country project
beneficiaries.
21. PNG expressed their appreciation for the OFM Project supported in-country workshops
that has assisted them greatly in building national compliance and enforcement
knowledge and skills.
22. The Project Coordinator presented to the RSC a report on the coordination and
management of the project covering the period from, October 2005 when the project
commenced to June 2006.
23. Nauru asked if the OFMP was able to fund identified projects in a country where funds
were no longer available under an existing project, such as work on the Fisheries
internet website which has been under construction for some time. The Project
Coordinator encouraged Nauru to raise all matters relating to revised national priorities
in the course of completing their project national annual work plans and offered to
discuss this on the up-coming country visit.
24. The RSC noted and discussed the IUCN Status Report. In the absence of representation
from IUCN, the Project Coordinator outlined the key issues and a proposed way
forward for the IUCN components of the OFM Project.
25. The Committee noted that IUCN was striving to secure an appropriate vessel to conduct
the scientific research as planned, but that they would not know until February 2007
whether this would be possible.
26. The Committee noted the:
i)
draft 2006 Annual Report of the OFM Project and endorsed the forwarding of the
report to UNDP Suva once they had had the opportunity to comment on the final
version which required the completion of a risk analysis by UNDP; and
ii)
contents of the status report prepared by IUCN concerning project activities that they
are responsible for implementing and agreed to wait until February 2007 to see if
IUCN would be able to secure a research vessel before discussing alternative options.
Agenda Item 2: Financial Reports
27.
The PCU presented the 2006 Financial Report that tabled the 2005 Financial Report
year ending 31st December 2005; an interim 2006 Financial Report; the Revised 2006
Annual Work Plan and Budget; and 2007 Draft Annual Work Plan and Budget
28.
The Committee asked for clarification as to why the project funds were under spent in
2005 and early 2006 and whether the substantial amount of money not spend in 2005
resulted in planned activities not being implemented. In response, the PCU explained
that there was a great deal of uncertainty as to when exactly funds were to be
disbursed and neither FFA nor SPC where able to offer contracts and confirm start
dates for professional technical positions supported by the project until funds had
been received. A large proportion of the under spent funds in 2005 (4th quarter only)
related to staff costs including the Project Coordination Unit which was not
established until 31 December 2005. It was also explained that there were
unavoidable delays in the commencement of work to be undertaken by IUCN and
marginally, the SPC planned tagging exercise which was to have started in the second
quarter. The PCU confirmed that the latter had since commenced in the third quarter
and as costs related victualling a research vessel, expenditure rates were quite high.
29.
The Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP Suva (UNDP Suva DRR) stated that
they had great difficulty in accepting the work plan and budgets as presented and
sought further explanation of the impact on the project outcomes of the under
spending particularly in relation to the sub component on Ecosystems Analysis.
UNDP considered that they thought it unrealistic to think that the allocations in the
revised 2006 Work Plan and Budget would be spent considering the spending rate in
2005 and early 2006.
30.
The UNDP Suva DRR stated that in the formulation of the draft budget for 2007,
there should not be automatic carry forward and that it should be based on what can
be delivered in a work plan of activities. He stated that UNDP Suva could not accept
the draft 2007 Work Plan and Budget and suggested further consultation with the
PCU before the Committee endorses the 2007 Annual Work Plan and Budget.
31.
In response to questions from the UNDP Suva DRR, SPC stated that they worked
collaboratively with IUCN and the PCU in both formulating the work plan and
budget and in the implementation of activities. While the delays in the IUCN would
not prevent their work in ecosystems analysis they remained confident that project
outcomes could be achieved.
32.
The Project Coordinator stated that the draft 2007 work plan and budget was not
formulated in isolation and projections were obtained from those implementing
activities at FFA, SPC and IUCN. Project spending rates had increased significantly
across executing agencies due to the completion of staff recruitment, and as a flow on
the capacity to undertake the activities aligned with positions funded by the project.
33.
Fiji asked whether it was possible to possible to implement the extensive array of
activities with the number of staff recruited to the project. The Project Coordinator
explained that a large amount of the project activities were supported by the work
programmes of both the FFA and SPC and it was unnecessary to recruit further
project staff. It was explained that one of the attractive features of the project design
was the low administrative overhead.
34.
The UNDP Suva DRR again expressed his concerns as to whether 100 per cent of the
2006 budget could be expended by year end and would have great difficulty
approving the 3.6 million draft budget for 2007. He explained that UNDP Suva was
judged by its delivery of project outcomes and said that if large amounts were unspent
they would be held accountable for funds received that could have usefully been
applied elsewhere.
35.
The Project Coordinator again stated that she was confident that the project would
expend the revised UNDP Suva benchmark of 80%, a figure which differed from
early advice from UNDP Suva, in 2007 and that spending rates for the second half of
2006 which are not covered on the reporting period currently under examination were
on target. On advice from UNDP Suva the project retained some flexibility between
line items and that if anyone had real concerns about that level of detail for planned
expenditure for 2007, she would be only to happy to explain them.
36.
SPC stated that they would be able to provide detailed, line by line information to
support the draft 2007 work plan and budget and could provide adequate justification
for how the would spend the funds, despite being in the position of having to play
catch up.
37.
The UNDP Suva DRR reiterated that it would be poor financial planning and
management if what it approved could not be spend and again stated that UNDP
could not approved the draft 2007 budget and that further adjustments would need to
be made.
38.
Vanuatu stated that were happy to endorse the draft 2007 budget but in the interest in
moving matters forward they suggested that the Committee simply note the draft
2007 budget and the PCU and UNDP Suva discuss it further, the outcome of which
could be endorsed by focal points inter-sessionally.
39.
The Committee
i)
approved the OFM Project 2005 Financial Report Year Ending 31 December 2005;
ii)
considered and noted the OFM Project 2006 Interim Financial Report;
iii)
considered and approved the Revised 2006 Annual Work Plan and Budget; and
iv)
agreed that the PCU would further consult with UNDP Suva on the draft 2007 Annual
Work Plan and Budget, the outcome of which would be returned to the Committee
inter-sessionally for consideration.
Agenda Item 3: National Annual Project Reports
40.
The PCU presented information paper RSC2/INFO.5 National Annual Reports and
reiterated the responsibilities of the National Project Focal Points and making the
distinction between them and the established GEF recognised Political and
Operational Focal Points. The presentation also highlighted the low level of operation
of project National Consultative Committees noting that many countries are making
good progress towards re-establishing national tuna fisheries management
committees.
41.
The Committee noted the written submission of annual national project reports by
Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea,
Solomon Islands, and Tonga. Those countries that had not submitted reports were
invited to submit them to the PCU as soon as practically possible.
42.
The Committee noted the attempt by the Project Coordinator to complete in-country
consultations to further discuss national issues before the annual committee meeting
and also noted the difficulty due to availability of key people in-country. The
Committee encouraged to the Project Coordinator to complete the visits and the
assistance with national level priorities and to assist focal points with coordination
responsibilities and reporting difficulties.
Agenda Item 4: Other Matters
43. The Committee agreed the next annual meeting of the Regional Steering Committee
shall be held in conjunction with the 4th Management Options workshop in 2007.
44. The Committee agreed that the Summary Record will be made available for comment.
The PCU will make available the final version for endorsement by the Committee inter-
sessionally.
45. The Committee agreed that the national Co-Chair for the third Regional Steering
Committee in 2007 would be Fiji.
ATTACHMENT A
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
Australia
Kiribati
Mr James Lee
Mr Raikaon Tumoa
International Fisheries
Senior Fisheries Officer
Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch
Oceanic Fisheries Program
Department of Agriculture Fisheries and
Fisheries Division
Forestry
P O Box 64
GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601,
Bairiki, Tarawa
Australia
raikaont@mfmrd.gov.ki
james.lee@daff.gov.au
Marshall Islands
Mr Gordon Anderson
Pacific Fisheries Programme Development
Mr Samuel K Lanwi Jr
Advisor
Deputy Director, Oceanic & Industrial
AusAID
Affairs
gordon.anderson@ausaid.gov.au
MIMRA
skljr@mimra.com
Cook Islands
Nauru
Mr Peter Graham
Legal AdvisorMinistry of Marine
Hon. Marcus Stephen, MP
Resources
Chairman
Box 85, Rarotonga
Nauru Fisheries & Marine Resources
P.W.Graham@mmr.gov.ck
Authority
Aiwo District, Nauru Island
Federated States of Micronesia
chairman@naurufisheries.com.nr
Mr Bernard Thoulag
Mr Felix Kun
Executive Director
Policy Adviser
NORMA
Nauru Fisheries & Marine Resources
P O Box PS122
Authority
Palikir, Pohnpei, FSM
Aiwo District, Nauru Island
bthoulag@mail.fm
felix.kun@naurufisheries.com.nr
Fiji
New Zealand
Mr Saimone Tuilacala
Ms Tamsyn Royson
Acting Director
Second Secretary
Fisheries Department
New Zealand High Commission
Ministry of Fisheries & Forests
Honiara
stuilaucala@mff.net.fj
tamsyn.royson@dfat.govt.nz
Mr Matt Hooper
Senior International Adviser
Ministry of Fisheries
matthew.hooper@fish.govt.nz
Papua New Guinea
Vanuatu
Mr Sylvester Pokajam
Mr Moses Amos
Acting Managing Director
Director
National Fisheries Authority
Fisheries Department
P O Box 2016, Port Moresby, NCD, PNG
fisheries@vanuatu.com.vu
spokajam@fisheriesgov.pg
Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
Mr Ludwig Kumoru
(FFA) Secretariat
Manager-Tuna
National Fisheries Authority
Mr Feleti Teo
P O Box 2016, Port Moresby, NCD, PNG
Director-General
lkumoru@fisheries.gov.pg
P O Box 629 Honiara
Solomon Islands
Mr Paul Martin
feleti.teo@ffa.int
Industry Liaison Coordinator
National Fisheries Authority
Mr Steve Shanks
P O Box 2016, Port Moresby,NCS, PNG
Fisheries Management Adviser
pmartin@fisheries.gov.pg
steve.shanks@ffa.int
Mr Jack Kariko
Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen
Deputy State Solicitor (International Law)
Acting Legal Counsel
Attorney Generals Department
manu.tupou-roosen@ffa.int
P O Box 591, WAIGANI, NCD, 121,
Papua New Guinea
Ms Lara Manarangi-Trott
jack_kariko@justice.gov.pg
WCPFC Liaison Officer
lara.manarangi-trott@ffa.int
Solomon Islands
Mr Sean Sloan
Mr Eddie Oreihaka
Fisheries Management Adviser
P O Box G13
sean.sloan@ffa.int
Honiara , Solomon Islands
edohaka@yahoo.com
Ms Barbara Hanchard
OFM/GEF Project Coordinator
Mr Simon Alewera
barbara.hanchard@ffa.int
P O Box G13
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Mr Samasoni Sauni
Fisheries Management Adviser
Tonga
samasoni.sauni@ffa.int
Mr Silivenusi Ha'unga
Mr Lamiller Pawut
Fisheries Officer (Licensing)
Surveillance Operations Officer
Ministry of Fisheries
lamiller.pawut@ffa.int
shaunga@tongafish.gov.to
Ms Anne Vave
Tuvalu
Personal Assistant DG
anne.vave@ffa.int
Mr Samasoni Finikaso
Director of Fisheries
Ms Kakala Vave
Ministry of Natural Resources & Lands
Planning Coordinator
Fisheries Department
kakala.vave@ffa.int
Private Mail Bag
Teone, Funafuti, Tuvalu
fisheries@tuvalu.tv
safin07@yahoo.com
FFA Consultants
Mr Les Clark
les_g_clark@xtra.int
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Mr Adam Langley
Principle Fisheries Scientist (Stock
assessment & modeling)
adaml@spc.int
United Nations Development
Programme
Randall Purcell
Regional Technical Advisor
UNDP/GEF Bankok
UN Building
Rajadamnern Nok
Bankok, Thailand
Email: randall-purcell@UNDP.ORG
Mr. Hans de Graaf
Deputy Resident Representative
UNDP Suva Country Office
Suva, Fiji
Email: hans.degraaf@undp.org.sb
Alvin Chandra
Environmental/GEF/Energy Associate
UNDP Suva Country Office
Suva, Fiji
Email: alvin.chandra@undp.org.sb
World Wildlife Fund Pacific
Mr. Seremia Tuqiri
Oceans Policy Officer
WWF SPPO
Suva
Fiji
stuqiri@wwfpacific.org.fj
ATTACHMENT B
UNDP OPENING REMARKS
Mr. Hans de Graaff, Deputy Resident Representative
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Pacific Island Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Tokatoka Resort Hotel,
Nadi, Fiji Islands
Saturday 21 October 2006
Good Morning to all of you
I am happy to be here at the 2nd Regional Steering Committee Meeting for the Oceanic
Fisheries Management Programme. I bid a special welcome to the country delegates, officials
from CROP organisations and the members of the regional steering committee.
The Pacific Island Oceanic Fisheries Management project has successfully progressed
into almost 10 months of operation now. The project is driven by the concerns of Pacific
SIDS on the unsustainable use of transboundary oceanic fish stocks of the Pacific Islands
region and unsustainable levels and patterns of exploitation in the fisheries that target stocks.
These are transboundary concerns that apply especially to the impacts of unregulated fishing
in the areas of high seas in the region, but also apply more generally across all waters of the
region.
The UNDP is strongly committed to the environmental concerns of the Pacific.
Equally important is the link between environment to poverty alleviation as what we do with
the environment impacts the daily sustenance of the disadvantaged in our rural areas the most.
Fisheries resources provide critical 'ecosystem services' on which development depends. Loss
of marine resources exacerbates poverty, and likewise, poverty is a major threat to fisheries
resources for island environments. Fisheries resources are very important in the future
economic development of Pacific SIDS.
The Regional Steering Committee meeting today will provide valuable input for the
project. We hope that the discussions from the last few days will also add to the review of the
project performance and provide strategic guidance for its future progress. It is indeed great to
see such great stakeholder participation. Your continued commitment and coordination will
determine the success of this project.
I would like to thank our partners, Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), for their efficient
preparation and planning to make today's meeting possible. We are indeed laying foundations
for achieving MDG goals by such partnerships that support environmental sustainability. The
UNDP remains committed to such partnerships in the region so that jointly we can take the
dialogue of sustainable development forward.
I am sure we all look forward to a rich and rewarding discussion today.
Thank you
10
ATTACHMENT C
Brief Opening Remarks by the FFA Director General, Mr. Feleti
P.Teo to the Second Meeting of the Pacific Island Oceanic
Fisheries Management Project
At Nadi, Fiji; 21 October 2006
1.
Good morning to you all and nisa bula to you all. Please allow me to make some very
brief opening remarks as part of the opening formalities for this second meeting of the
Regional Steering Committee for the Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project.
2.
Many of you will have been here over the course of the last three days and have
participated in the Management Options Workshop. The programme for that workshop was
quite intensive and the special FFC meeting yesterday endorsed some very substantial and
concrete outcomes of the workshop that will now be forwarded to WCPF Commission as FFA
propose measure and related proposals. I congratulate those of you who were involved in that
workshop for the hard work and progress made on some of those substantive issues that will
no doubt feature predominantly in the meeting of the WCPFC in December in Apia, Samoa.
3.
For those of you, who have arrived specifically come for this meeting, let me
welcome you to Nadi.
4.
As you will all know this meeting was also scheduled to take place in Honiara on 10
October, last week, but for reasons of safety concerns in Honiara at that particular time, we
had to re-schedule the meeting for today. We apologise if this has caused any of you any
inconvenience but it was a clear case of being `better safe than sorry'.
5.
Please let me acknowledge the presence of UNDP/GEF and UNDP representatives
who are central in the coordination and implementation of the Oceanic Fisheries Management
Project; National Focal Representatives to the project who is also regular attendants at FFC
meetings; and some invited Observers.
6.
The Oceanic Fisheries Management Project has been operational for twelve months
now and has made significant contributions towards helping Pacific Island countries
participating in this project, to achieve some global environmental benefits through enhanced
conservation and management of transboundary oceanic fishery resources in the Pacific
Islands region. Recognizing the limitations in capacity of many of the participating countries
and the growing complexity of oceans governance and resource management issues makes the
assistance provided through this project funded by the Global Environment Facility very
timely and significantly essential. The machinery of the WCPFC is gaining momentum and
efforts to keep abreast of issues of conservation and management in that fora will continue to
challenge Pacific island countries. This makes efforts such as the Management Options
Workshop funded by New Zealand through NZAID as a co-financing activity to the Oceanic
Fisheries Management Project and the work by SPC to help countries draft National Tuna
Fisheries Status Reports and improve data collection to name but a few project related
activities, very important.
7.
While good progress is being made with the project, although a little slow at first in
terms of implementation start up, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage and urge
FFA member representatives with national level coordinating roles in this project to remain
11
vigilant in project matters in order to reap maximum benefits. Correspondingly, the FFA as
executing agency for the project will continue to diligently ensure that the objectives are met
in an accountable and transparent manner.
8.
I am conscious of the fact that this is a Saturday and that you have a full agenda for
today, so I don't want to take up much of your time. But I would like to wish the meeting of
the OFM Project Regional Steering Committee well and productive meeting and I look
forward to the outcomes of your deliberations.
Thank you.
12
ATTACHMENT D
REGIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE
2nd Meeting of the RSC
Honiara, Solomon Islands
10 October 2006
Paper Number RSC2/WP.2
Title ADOPTED
AGENDA
a.
Opening of Meeting
b. Apologies
c.
Adoption of Agenda
d.
Regional Steering Committee Representation
1. Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project Annual
Report - (UNDP/GEF Annual Project Report /Project
Implementation Report)
2. Financial Reports
3. National Annual Project Reports
4. Other Matters
e. Next
Meeting
f. Records
of
Proceeding
g.
Close of the Meeting
13
NATIONAL LEVEL ANNUAL REPORT
TO THE
OCEANIC FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT
REGIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE (OFM RSC)
Reporting Period October 2005 June 2006
1. Country: COOK ISLANDS
2. Project Title: Oceanic Fisheries Management: Implementation of the Strategic
Action Programme of the Pacific SIDs (Pacific SAP II)
3. Period Covered: 1 October 2005 30 June 2006
4. Summary of Overall Project Progress
The Legal Adviser of the Ministry of Marine Resources participated in the
FFA Meeting to develop a legal strategy of assistance for FFA Member
countries in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 14th -16th October, 2005.
As the Marine Resources Act 2005 is now enforced, the Cook Islands priority
had shifted from Legislation (the Act) to Regulations and Licensing Regime.
In July 2005, FFA conducted a Port-side Inspection and Prosecutions
Workshop, and as this such a success, and the fact the Cook Islands now has a
new Marine Resources Act, another Prosecution Workshop has been requested
be held in Rarotonga.
There had been plans to hold a Workshop for members of Cabinet on the
obligations under the WCPFC Convention - an awareness-raising workshop is
planned for 2009, taking into account that there was to be an election in 2008.
A Snap Election has been called for September 2006, therefore it maybe
timely to bring forward this awareness-raising workshop to early or mid-2007.
Cook Islands proactively participated in regional Workshops and Meeting
where GEF OFM Project had made contributions.
5. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (as per annual work-plan):
National level activities
· An upgraded version of the `Catch and Effort Query System' installed
in May 2006 Offshore Fisheries Division up-skilled in its use.
· Mr. Les Clark, OFM Project International Consultant, continued
working on the Cook Islands Fisheries Management Plan.
Regional level activities
· Ms. Pamela Maru, National Observer Coordinator attended the 6th
Regional Observer Coordinator in Honiara.
· Mr. Ian Bertram, Secretary of Marine Resources participated at the
Seamount Research Planning Workshop was organized at SPC
Headquarters on the 20-21 March 2006.
· Secretary of Marine Resources attended the GEF Regional Steering
Committee Meeting in Nadi June 2006
6. Challenges/Issues Encountered
Challenges and issues encountered with project activities in this reporting period
(October 2005 June 2006) include:
· Les Clark had worked on a Fisheries (Tuna) Management Plan,
however the Cook Islands has now decided to incorporate this work
into an `Ecosystems Approach to Fisheries Management Plan'.
· Visit to Rarotonga by Ms Barbara Hanchard, Project Coordinator, was
timely and allowed the opportunity to review the Cook Islands Work
plan and also to discuss other areas where GEF may be able to support
the Cook Islands Marine Sector Institutional Strengthening Project
currently in progress.
· An issue encountered when preparing this Annual Report, was that the
National Focal Point was a little behind, in knowing what activities
Regionally, GEF had contributed to.
7. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
Solutions applied to address the issues and challenges included:
· EAFM In line with regional approach as promoted by FFA.
· Project Coordinators - Roundtable, informal discussions.
9. Recommendations for Future Action
As reported above, visits by the Project Coordinator are very useful, and we
believe they should continue on a more regular basis. We also believe that
the Work plan should be a living document and evolve with time,
e.g. if activities planned for a particular year are not undertaken, then they
should be able to be slotted into the following years activities.
10. Report Prepared By: Peter W Graham, National (OFM Project) Focal Point.
NATIONAL LEVEL ANNUAL REPORT
TO THE
OCEANIC FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT
REGIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE (OFM RSC)
Reporting Period October 2005 September 2006
1. Country: Federated States of Micronesia
2. Project Title: Oceanic Fisheries Management: Implementation of the Strategic
Action Programme of the Pacific SIDs (Pacific SAP II)
3. Period Covered: 1 October 2005 30 September 2006
4. Summary of Overall Project Progress
The FSM has benefited from several projects during their reporting period.
The FSM has participated in several regional workshops, attachments, training
programmes, and beneficiary to some the activities aimed at increasing FFA
members' understanding of issues and effective participation in the WCPF
Commission and related meetings.
Due to our practical reasons given our political setup, the FSM has not been
successful in fully engaging the private sector and NGOs in their consultative
process.
5. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (as per annual work-plan):
National level activities
An in-country prosecution and port-side workshop was held in Pohnpei, FSM
in April 2006.
Regional level activities
On a regional level, FSM participated in various conferences, meetings,
workshops, trainings, and attachments aimed at building up the capacity of the
FFA members to meet their obligations and effectively participate in the work
of the WCPF Commission. These sessions include:
· first Steering Committee held in Honiara in October 2005;
· second FFA Management Options Workshop held in Honiara in
October 2005;
· the meeting to develop a strategy for legal assistance to FFA Member
countries in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 14th -16th October, 2005;
1
· a sub-regional Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM)
meeting held in Apia, Samoa in April 2006;
· an EAFM progress follow-up meeting held in Vanuatu, June 2006;
· a regional stock assessment workshop held in Noumea, New Caledonia
in July 2006;
· an observer training course that was held in the Majuro, Marshall
Islands in August 2006;
· work progressing on National Fisheries Status Report; and
· the provision of technical advice and materials for data collection,
observer and port sampling programmes.
6. Challenges/Issues Encountered
· It has been difficult to set a consultative committee given our political set-up.
Currently the NORMA board has been used for consultation purposes but the
process had not allowed the participation of the private sector and the NGOs.
· I am not sure which projects we had participated in had been funded by the
project.
7. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
Solutions applied to address the issues and challenges included:
· Other alternatives have been employed for consultations as the use of the
NORMA Board.
· Further consultation with the project coordination unit will be required in the
future.
9. Recommendations for Future Action
Closer consultation with the Coordination unit in the future will be very helpful.
Any project future activities should be clearly shown that they are funded under the
project.
10. Report Prepared By: Bernard Thoulag, National (OFM Project) Focal Point.
2
NATIONAL LEVEL ANNUAL REPORT
TO THE
OCEANIC FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT
REGIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE (OFM RSC)
Reporting Period 1 Oct 2005 30 June 2006
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 October 2005 30 June 2006
4. Summary of Overall Project Progress: The RMI benefited from various projects under
the overall project progress. A few of these highlights include:
1. The Chief Fisheries Officer for the Oceanic & Industrial Affairs Division, MIMRA,
completed an attachment to the SPC/OFP during the reporting period. Attachment
training included (i) an overview of tuna fishery data collection, (ii) familiarisation with
OFP-developed database query tools (e.g. CES) and TUFMAN, and (iii) having the
trainees sufficiently advance their National Fisheries Report in preparation for the 2nd
meeting of the WCPFC Scientific Committee meeting (August 2006), using the skills
obtained during the training. As a result, the RMI was able to complete and submit its
National Fishery Report in advance of the SC2.
2. The successful installation and periodical update of the TUFMAN also took place
during this reporting period; in addition, the RMI also received an upgrade to its Catch
and Effort Query System (CES).
3. The RMI National Observer Coordinator and key assistant attended the Observer
Coordinators Meeting in Honiara in January 2006.
5. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (as per annual work-plan):
National level activities:
A full observer training course was conducted in Majuro in early February 2006; in
addition, a debriefing course took place in August 2006 with considerable assistance from
the Project's Fishery Monitoring Supervisor alongside FFA and SPC counterparts.
Regional level activities:
· The RMI National Observer Coordinator and assistant coordinator (senior observer)
attended the 6th Regional Observer Coordinator meeting in Honiara January 2006.
· Deputy Director attended pre-FFC project progress report briefing in Nadi May
2006.
· Chief Fisheries Officer for the Oceanic & Industrial Affairs, MIMRA attend EAFM
follow-up workshop in Port Vila in March 2006; also attended SPC stock assessment
workshop in Noumea in July.
6. Challenges/Issues Encountered
Challenges and issues encountered with project activities in the first 16 months (Oct 2005
June 2006 include:
· Lack of familiarity with the Project; specifically, which projects fall under or are entitled
to GEF funding, etc.
· Inability to keep track or up to date on overall progress of Project.
· Lack of local/national coordination in formally establishing a national project
coordinator at this juncture. In all likelihood, this is further complicated by the fact that
another government agency is GEF focal point.
7. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
Solutions applied to address the issues and challenges included:
· Need for increased and effective coordination with relevant agencies at the national
level.
· Increased awareness and up to date liaison with PCU.
· Possible in-country visit by PCU (subject to timing/schedule availability) to help assist
in identifying projects.
9. Recommendations for Future Action
As stated above, an in-country visit to hold local/national consultations and offer key
assistance in priority areas for future projects would be more than timely especially now with
proposed Work Plan envisaged taking into account the potential areas of assistance identified
during project design phase. Future correspondence with PCU is essential.
10. Report Prepared By: Samuel K. Lanwi, Jr. [for RMI National (OFM Project) Focal Point]
NATIONAL LEVEL ANNUAL REPORT
TO THE
OCEANIC FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT
REGIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE (OFM RSC)
Reporting Period 1 Oct 2005 30 June 2006
1. Country: Solomon Islands
2. Project Title: Oceanic Fisheries Management: Implementation of the Strategic Action
Programme of the Pacific SIDs (Pacific SAP II)
3. Period Covered: 1 October 2005 30 June 2006
4. Summary of Overall Project Progress
Solomon Islands has benefited both from the national and regional programme activities of
the Oceanic Fisheries Management Project (OFM Project) during the above reporting period.
On the national level, the Project has (i) run an in-country Prosecution and Dockside Boarding
Workshop for our Licensing Officers and Observers from the 17 -21st October 2005, (ii)
provided the Department with an upgraded version of the Catch and Effort Query System
(CES), (iii) Develop an MOU that has been signed for the recruitment of a National Tuna Data
Coordinator for Solomon Islands, (iv) drafted a National Tuna Fisheries Status Report
(NTFSR) for Solomon Islands by the OFP of SPC which is now finalised and (v) visits late last
year and early 2006 to the Department by the Fisheries Monitoring Supervisor at SPC to
liaise with our Observer Coordinator on observer issues. A visit was also made to the
Department in late 2006 by the Project Coordinator, Ms Barbara Hanchard of FFA and will be
the subject of the next annual country report. No National Consultative Committee has been
established yet under the project.
The planned attachments at FFA for the new Chief Fisheries Officer (Licensing, Surveillance
and Enforcement) and the Director of Fisheries with the OFP at SPC to help with the writing
of the NTFSR did not eventuate during the reporting period. The planned national workshop
to look at the legal implications of decisions adopted by the WCPFC did not take place as
anticipated and is due to official travel commitments by staff of the Department.
On the regional level, as part of our institutional strengthening programme, our staff have
benefited from the knowledge and experiences acquired from their participation at the (i) 6th
Regional Observer Coordinators' Workshop, (ii) the MCS Workshop in October 2005 and the
2nd meeting of the WCPFC in December 2005 and (iii) briefs provided has helped
representatives from the FFA member countries participate effectively at the WCPFC related
meetings and the FFC officials and the Ministerial meeting in May 2006. Our nominated
participants were sick and could not attend the first regional stock assessment workshop at
SPC and the Seamount Planning Workshop at SPC.
5. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (as per annual work-plan):
5.1 National level activities
(i) An in-country Prosecution and Dockside Boarding Workshop for our Licensing Officers and
Observers was held in Noro, Western Province from the 17 -21st October 2005,
(ii) An upgraded version of the Catch and Effort Query System (CES) has been provided to
the Department,
(iii) An MOU between SPC and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources for the
recruitment of a National Tuna Data Coordinator for Solomon Islands was developed and
finally signed and
(iv) A National Tuna Fisheries Status Report (NTFSR) for Solomon Islands drafted by the
OFP of SPC is now finalized.
5.2 Regional level activities
(i) The late George Diau attended the 6th Regional Observer Coordinators' Workshop which
was held in early 2006 at the FFA conference centre in Honiara,
(ii) The Principle Fisheries Officer (VMS/S&E), Mr. Charles Tobasala and the Under Secretary
of Fisheries attended the MCS Workshop in October 2005
(iii) The 2nd meeting of the WCPFC in December 2005 was attended by the Director of
Fisheries, Mr. Edwin Oreihaka and the under Secretary of Fisheries
(iv) briefs were provided to representatives from FFA member countries to enable their
effective participation at the WCPFC related meetings and the FFC officials and the
Ministerial meeting in May 2006.
6. Challenges/Issues Encountered
Challenges encountered in the preparation of this national report are that activities carried out
nationally and at the regional level are not quite clearly known to the national focal point,
hence the unnecessary delays in the production of this report.
Challenges and issues encountered with project activities in the first 16 months (Oct 2005
June 2006 include:
. there has been a substantive delay in finalizing the MOU for the recruitment of National
Tuna Data Coordinator.
. there has been difficulties in making arrangements by the Department for the attachment
of the Director of Fisheries with the OFP of SPC to help with the writing of the NTFSR
and to learn the stock assessment methods used in the tuna fisheries status report.
. staff allocated to learn from regionally arranged tuna stock assessment and Seamount
planning workshops were not able to attend and sick was given as reasons for not
attending.
.the national and regional project activities are not all known to the national focal point
until the quarterly reports and checks are made with appropriate staff of the
Department.
7. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
Solutions applied to address the issues and challenges included:
. monthly updated reports on both national and regional activities involving a country,
. quarterly reports highlighting overall project activities for each member country,
. or regular e-mails noting project activities which each country benefited from per
month/quarter, and
. regular visits by the Project Coordinator to discuss project activities with national focal
points.
9. Recommendations for Future Action
Closer timely working relationship with national focal points which will include regular in-country
visits by the Project Coordinator and other project staff to discuss the implementation of project
activities and difficulties encountered should be encouraged in the future.
10. Report Prepared By: Mr. Sylvester Diake, National (OFM Project) Focal Point.
NATIONAL LEVEL ANNUAL REPORT
TO THE
OCEANIC FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT
REGIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE (OFM RSC)
Reporting Period October 2005 June 2006
1. Country : TONGA
2. Project Title: Oceanic Fisheries Management: Implementation of the Strategic
Action Programme of the Pacific SIDs (Pacific SAP II)
3. Period Covered: 01 OCTOBER 2005 30 JUNE 2006
4. Summary of Overall Project Progress
The Legal Adviser of Fisheries Department participated in the FFA Meeting to
develop a legal strategy of assistance for FFA Member countries in October,
2005.
Tonga, like all FFA member countries participated in all regional workshops and
meetings where GEF OFM Project had made contributions.
5. Specific Outputs/Results Achived
National Level Activities
· A refresher longline training course for qualified regional observers was
given in Tonga by Mr.Fukofuka from SPC during the first quarter of
2006.
· A legal fellowship for Tonga was undertaken by Fisheries Legal Officer,
Viliami Mo'ale at the Centre for Maritime Policy at the University of
Wolllongong, Australia, during the first quarter of 2006.
· Tonga and some other member countries were given an upgraded version
of the Catch and Effort Query System (CES) during the 2nd quarter of
2006
· Preparations commenced during 2nd quarter of 2006 for Operations
`Kurukuru' and `Islands Chief'. This was supported by Australian Defence
with contributions from FFA MCS Division, to undertake coordinated
surveillance operations between and across national jurisdictions. The
Operations were expected to take place just after the 2nd quarter 2006.
Regional Level
Tonga's MCS officer participated in all the Regional Workshops and
Meetings.
Secretary for Fisheries attended the GEF Regional Steering Committee
just before the end of the 2nd quarter of 2006
6. Challenges/Issues Encountered
Challenges and issues encountered with the project activities within this reporting
period (October 2005 June 2006) included the following:
· One of the main issues encountered by Tonga is that the National Focal
Point was rather a little late in knowing the actual activities that GEF
contributed to. However, the quarterly reports are of great assistance.
7. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
· National Focal Point to be informed of all activities related to GEF
contributions. This can be done when coordinator is sending invitations to
member countries.
8. Recommendation
Established better communications from coordinator.
Prepared by: Siliveinusi M. Ha'unga,
National ( OFM Project) Focal Point of Contact,TONGA