UNDP GEF ANNUAL PROJECT REPORT (APR)/PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
REPORT (PIR) 2006 (November 2006)
(1 October 2005 to 30 June 2006) 1
I. Basic Project Data
Official Title:
PACIFIC ISLANDS OCEANIC FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT
Country/ies:
Cook Islands, Federated States of
PIMS Number
2992
Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati,
Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue,
Palau, Papua New Guinea,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga,
Tokelau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Atlas Project Number
Award No.
00041230
Project ID.
00046932
Focal Area
International Waters
Project Type (FSP/MSP)
Full-sized project
Strategic Priority
IW1 - Catalyse financial
Operational Programme
OP 9, Integrated
resource mobilisation for
Land and Water
implementation of reforms and
Multiple Focal
stress reduction measures agreed
Area, SIDS
through TDA-SAP or equivalent
Component.
processes for particular
transboundary systems;
IW2 - Expand global coverage
of foundational capacity
building addressing the two key
programme gaps and support for
targeted learning, specifically
the fisheries programme gap.
Date of Entry into Work
GEF Council endorsement
Planned Project
Five years
Programme
March 2005
Duration
GEF CEO endorsement 24
May 2005
ProDoc Signature Date
(See Attachment A)
Original Planned Closing
2010
Date
Date of First Disbursement
28 October 2005 (USD628,676)
Revised Planned Closing
None currently
Date
proposed
Is this the Terminal
Date Project
While project
APR/PIR?
No
Operationally Closed
activities should
(if applicable)
be completed by
2010 provisions
1 Reporting Period: This `annual' report does not cover a full calendar year of project activity but
a nine month period between 1 October 2005 to 30 June 2005, taking in account project
commencement in the fourth quarter of 2005.
Page 1 of 37
have been made
for a post
evaluation to
verify IW
indicator
assessments in
2012
Date Mid Term Evaluation
Not Applicable
Date Final Evaluation
Not applicable
carried out
carried out
(if applicable)
(if applicable)
Dates of visits to project by
March 2005 (I Toorawa - UNDP
Date of last TPR Meeting
14 October 2005
UNDP country office
HIR)
June 2005 (Toorawa HIR, De
Graff Suva)
Date of last visit to project by
RSC - 14 Oct 2005
UNDP-GEF RTA
Project Contacts:
Title
Name
E-mail
Date
Signature
National Project
N.Barbara
barbara.hanchard@ffa.int
22
Manager / Coordinator
HANCHARD
September
2006
Government GEF OFP2
(optional)
UNDP Country Office
Asenaca RAVUVU
asenaca.ravuvu@undp.org
Programme Manager
UNDP Regional
Randall PURCELL
randall.purcell@undp.org
Technical Advisor
Page 2 of 37
Project Summary (as in PIMS and ProDoc)
Summary
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have special conditions and needs that were identified for international attention in the
Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States and in the World Summit for Sustainable
Development's Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. Throughout these instruments, the importance of coastal and marine resources and the
coastal and marine environment to sustainable development of SIDS is emphasised, with the Plan of Implementation specifically calli
support for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention (the WCPF Convention).
The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) identifies sustainable management of regional fish stocks as one of the major environmental issues
SIDS have in common and as a target for activities under the SIDS component of OP 9, the Integrated Land and Water Multiple Focal Area
Operational Programme.
In addition, the GEF promotes the adoption of an ecosystem-based approach to addressing environmental problems in Large Marine Ecosystems
is through activities under the Large Marine Ecosystem Component of OP 8, the Waterbody-Based Operational Program.
Consistent with this framework, GEF financing for the International Waters (IW) South Pacific Strategic Action Programme (SAP) Project from
2000 supported the implementation of an IW Pacific Islands SAP, including a pilot phase of support for the Oceanic Fisheries Management
(OFM) Component, which underpinned successful efforts to conclude and bring into force the WCPF Convention. Now, GEF assistance is
sought for a new Pacific Islands OFM Project to support Pacific SIDS efforts as they participate in the setting up and initial period of operation
of the new Commission that is at the centre of the WCPF Convention, and as they reform, realign, restructure and strengthen their national
fisheries laws, policies, institutions and programmes to take up the new opportunities which the WCPF Convention creates and discharge the
new responsibilities which the Convention requires.
The goals of the Project combine the interests of the global community in the conservation of a marine ecosystem covering a huge area of the
surface of the globe, with the interests of some of the world's smallest nations in the responsible and sustainable management of resources that
are crucial for their sustainable development.
The global environmental goal of the Project is to achieve global environmental benefits by enhanced conservation and management of
transboundary oceanic fishery resources in the Pacific Islands region and the protection of the biodiversity of the Western Tropical Pacific Warm
Pool Large Marine Ecosystem.
The broad development goal of the Project is to assist the Pacific Island States to improve the contribution to their sustainable d
from improved management of transboundary oceanic fishery resources and from the conservation of oceanic marine biodiversity generally.
The IW Pacific Islands SAP identified the ultimate root cause underlying the concerns about, and threats to, International Waters in the region as
deficiencies in management and grouped the deficiencies into two linked subsets lack of understanding and weaknesses in governance. In
response, the Project will have two major technical components.
Component 1, the Scientific Assessment and Monitoring Enhancement Component, is aimed at providing improved scientific information and
knowledge on the oceanic transboundary fish stocks and related ecosystem aspects of the Western Tropical Pacific Warm Pool Large Marine
Ecosystem (WTP LME) and at strengthening the national capacities of Pacific SIDS in these areas. This work will include a particular focus on
the ecology of seamounts in relation to pelagic fisheries and the fishing impacts upon them.
Component 2, the Law, Policy and Institutional Reform, Realignment and Strengthening Component, is aimed at assisting Pacific Island States
as they participate in the earliest stages of the work of the new WCPF Commission and at the same time reform, realign and strengthen the
national laws, policies, institutions and programmes relating to management of transboundary oceanic fisheries and protection of marine
biodiversity.
Component 3, the Coordination, Participation and Information Services Component, is aimed at effective project management, complemented by
mechanisms to increase participation and raise awareness of the conservation and management of oceanic resources and the oceanic
environment.
The design of the Project has involved a substantial consultative process, which has been warmly supported throughout the region. Reflecting
outcomes of this process, the Project seeks to apply a regional approach in a way that recognises national needs; to strike a balance between
technical and capacity-building outputs by twinning technical and capacity building activities in every area; and to open participation in all
project activities to governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
The structure for implementation and execution of the Project builds on a record of successful collaboration between the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), regional organisations and Pacific SIDS in past activities in oceanic environmental management and
conservation, strengthened by planned new partnerships with The World Conservation Union (IUCN), a regional environmental non
governmental organisation (ENGO) and a regional industry non-governmental organisation (INGO).
Page 3 of 37
II. Progress towards achieving project objectives
Level at 30 June 2006
Project Objective3 and
Description of Indicator
Baseline Level
Target Level
(quantitative indicator)
Outcomes
(quantitative indicator)
(quantitative numerical value)
(quantitative indicator)
Information and Knowledge
Improved information on the
Reports from the scientific
Commission Members can
Considerable progress has been achieved
Objective
biology and ecology of target
structure of the Commission
establish, resource and manage
towards the Information and Knowledge
To improve understanding of the
fish stocks, including their
show improved information
effective data and research
objective of the project since the start of
transboundary oceanic fish
exploitation characteristics
and assessment methods are
programmes. Project
the project in October 2005. Inaugural
resources and related features of
and fishery impacts, the
providing a credible basis for
mechanisms contribute
meetings of the Science (8 9 August,
the Western and Central Pacific
fishery impacts on non-target,
the formulation and
effectively to raising awareness
2005), the Technical and Compliance (5
Warm Pool Large Marine
dependent and associated
assessment of conservation
and improving understanding
9 December 2005) Committees for the
Ecosystem.
species and on the pelagic
and management measures,
within PacSIDS about oceanic
WCPF Commission convened, outputs of
ecosystem as a whole.
including measures to address
fisheries management.
which feed into important conservation
Substantially improved
broader ecosystem effects.
and management measures decision
understanding of Seamount
Commission reports and
making at the 2nd Regular Session of the
ecosystems, especially their
project documentation show
Commission held at Pohnpei, Federated
relation to migratory pelagic
that the information is being
States of Micronisia, 12 16 December
fisheries.
used in the Commission; is
2005.
reaching a broad range of
stakeholders; and is
Work continues to contribute towards
contributing to improved
improving the quality, compatibility and
awareness and understanding
availability of scientific information upon
of issues associated with
which to make those decisions. Some
transboundary oceanic
delays are being experienced in terms of
fisheries conservation and
some parts of the project that would
management.
investigate the ecology of seamounts.
Broad stakeholder participant at the
Commission level (both Environment
NGOs and the regional tuna association
have observer status at the Commission)
and in the implementation of the project
in terms of awareness raising is well
progressed, although the provision of
publications material needs to be
progressed. Much effort has been
3 Objective: (equivalent to "Immediate Objective"). The overall result that the project itself will achieve, independent of other interventions. What the project is
accountable for delivering. While the template instructs that there should be only one objective per project, the PI OFM Project in fact has two principal Objectives.
Page 4 of 37
Level at 30 June 2006
Project Objective3 and
Description of Indicator
Baseline Level
Target Level
(quantitative indicator)
Outcomes
(quantitative indicator)
(quantitative numerical value)
(quantitative indicator)
invested assisting Pacific SIDS improve
their national capacities in oceanic fishery
monitoring and assessment.
Governance Objective
The WCPF Commission
Commission reports
The WCPF Convention is
The WCPF Convention entered into force
To create new regional
established and functioning.
document the development of
ratified by sufficient states to
on 19 June 2004. This was largely due to
institutional arrangements, and
PacSIDS amend their
the Commission, its
make the Commission
the expeditious ratification of the
reform, realign and strengthen
domestic laws and policies
Secretariat and its compliance
effective. PacSIDS are able to
Convention by Pacific SIDS. The WCPF
national arrangements for
and strengthen their national
and science structures.
secure financing and sufficient
Commission's inaugural session and 2nd
conservation and management of
fisheries institutions and
Project documentation,
political commitment to make
regular of the Commission convened in
transboundary oceanic fishery
programmes, especially in the
including an independent
necessary legal, institutional
December 2005.
resources
areas of monitoring and
review, shows measurable
and policy changes.
The Technical and Compliance
compliance, to implement the
progress in PacSIDS national
Committee and the Science Committee of
WCPF Convention and apply
capacities in oceanic fisheries
the Commission are operationally having
the principles of responsible
management.
agreed to their rules of procedures
and sustainable fisheries
management more generally.
The progress by Pacific SIDS to realign
their legislation and policies with their
obligations to the WCFP Commission
will take place at a steady pace over the
life of the project. The complexity and
burden that this places on small
administrations and countries with small
resource bases can not be marginalised. In
the first nine months of the project
significant progress has been made
towards shifting policy approaches from
emphasizing fisheries development by
increasing catches to promoting
sustainable fisheries through conservation
and management.
An independent review of the projects
progress is expected to be conducted in
2007.
Page 5 of 37
Level at 30 June 2006
Project Objective3 and
Description of Indicator
Baseline Level
Target Level
(quantitative indicator)
Outcomes
(quantitative indicator)
(quantitative numerical value)
(quantitative indicator)
COMPONENT ONE
Substantial, relevant and
Commission Reports,
Commission membership
Inaugural meetings of the Science and the
OUTCOME: Improved quality,
reliable information collected
especially from the Scientific
prepared to accept scientific
Technical and Compliance Committees
compatibility and availability of
and shared between
Committee show that the
findings and statistical
for the WCPF Commission produced
scientific information and
stakeholders with respect to
Commission has access to,
evidence in formulating what
outputs of which feed into important
knowledge on the oceanic
transboundary oceanic fish
and is using, on-going
may be difficult policy
conservation and management measures
transboundary fish stocks and
stocks and related ecosystem
reliable statistics and
decisions on management of
decision making at the 2nd Regular
related ecosystem aspects of the
aspects, (particularly for
scientific advice/evidence by
the fisheries, and difficult
Session of the Commission in December
WTP warm pool LME, with a
seamounts). The Commission
end of project to formulate
management proposals for the
2005. These included estimates of both
particular focus on the ecology
using this information as the
and amend policy on oceanic
ecosystems. Sufficient
sustainable catch and effort levels for
of seamounts in relation to
basis for it discussions and
fisheries management within
sustainability available or
bigeye, yellowfin and South Pacific
pelagic fisheries, and the fishing
policy decisions on WCPF
the WCPF system boundary.
identified through project to
albacore, biomass projections for bigeye
impacts upon them. This
management. National
These reports show particular
support national capacity
and yellowfin tuna relative to 2003 catch
information being used by the
technical capacity and
progress in relevant
improvements in technical and
and effort levels, including the effects on
Commission and PacSIDS to
knowledge greatly improved
ecosystem analysis, including
scientific functions as well as
stocks of time/area closures, investigation
assess measures for the
results of the seamount-
to support continued regional
of measures to mitigate the catch of
conservation and management of
related work undertaken in
data coordination and analyses. juvenile bigeye and yellowfin including
transboundary oceanic fishery
the Project. The reports also
controls on setting on floating objects;
resources and protection of the
show that the results of the
and estimates of the mortality of non-
WTP LME. National capacities
ecosystem analysis are being
target species with an initial focus on
in oceanic fishery monitoring
used to begin to
seabirds, turtles and sharks, as well as
and assessment strengthened,
operationalise an ecosystem
data and other issues requiring
with PacSIDS meeting their
approach to conservation and
consultation between the Scientific
national and Commission-related
management. PacSIDS
Committee and the Technical and
responsibilities in these areas.
national scientific capacities
Compliance Committee (Resolutions and
improved to level whereby
Conservation and Management Measures
each national lead agency can
can be found at http://www.wcpfc.org/).
supply relevant and effective
data to SPC and the
To date five Resolutions and six
Commission, and can
Conservation and management measures
interpret and apply nationally
have been adopted and entered into force
results of regional data
since the establishment of the
analyses and scientific
Commission on December 2005.
assessments.
A Planning workshop report (available at
http//www.ffa.int/gef/) shows the in-roads
into making arrangements for seamount
related work to be undertaken as part of
the ecosystems based anaylsis.
Page 6 of 37
Level at 30 June 2006
Project Objective3 and
Description of Indicator
Baseline Level
Target Level
(quantitative indicator)
Outcomes
(quantitative indicator)
(quantitative numerical value)
(quantitative indicator)
While support for national scientific
capacities to improve data collection and
its interpretation and assessment is
ongoing, concentrated efforts to augment
this are being planned and specific
workshops will take place in the second
half of 2006.
COMPONENT TWO
WCPF Commission operating Reports of the Commission
Commission remains effective
Within the scope of this report it is
OUTCOME: The WCPF
with a formally adopted
and its Committees show that
throughout project lifetime and
premature to comment on the
Commission established and
framework of rules and
within 30 months of the
beyond. Countries continue to
effectiveness and sustainability of the
beginning to function
regulations. Commission
Project inception the
meet financial commitments to
WCPF Commission. However, the WCPF
effectively. Pacific Island
Secretariat has been
Commission is functioning
Commission to ensure its
Commission Secretariat has been
nations playing a full role in the
established and the core
with a full programme of
sustainability. Enormous
established and appointments have been
functioning and management of
science and compliance
work in compliance and
Convention area and project
made for the Executive Director and other
the Commission, and in the
programmes and Committee
science. Commission reports
system boundary can be
professional staff posts and science and
related management of the
structures are operational.
show PacSIDS are effectively
effectively monitored to ensure
compliance structures and programmes
fisheries and the globally-
PacSIDS are participating
participating in Commission
compliance. Programmes of
are well progressed and have begun to
important LME. National laws,
effectively in provision of
decision-making processes.
information collection and data
function in the manner for which they
policies, institutions and
information and in decision-
Independent assessments
analyses can be sustained
have been designed. Pacific SIDS have
programmes relating to
making and policy adoption
show that national capacities
throughout and beyond project
participated fully in all meetings of the
management of transboundary
process for WCPF fisheries
significantly improved to
lifetime. PacSIDS able to
Commission and significant efforts have
oceanic fisheries reformed,
management. National
meet commitments to
participate in the Commission
been invested in providing them with
realigned and strengthened to
institutions and supportive
Convention and to undertake
effectively.
coordinating briefs on issues of common
implement the WCPF
laws and policies have been
MCS responsibilities.
position.
Convention and other applicable
reformed effectively to
global and regional instruments.
support national roles in
A steady progression of effort over the
National capacities in oceanic
Commission and to meet
next 12 to 24 months will support Pacific
fisheries law, fisheries
national commitments both to
SIDS to reform national laws, policies
management and compliance
WCPF Convention, and to
and institutions to align themselves with
strengthened
other relevant MEAs, and
their Commission obligations and other
global treaties and
global commitments to conservation and
conventions.
management, particularly in terms of
transboundary oceanic fisheries
management and globally important
LMEs.
Page 7 of 37
Level at 30 June 2006
Project Objective3 and
Description of Indicator
Baseline Level
Target Level
(quantitative indicator)
Outcomes
(quantitative indicator)
(quantitative numerical value)
(quantitative indicator)
COMPONENT THREE
Project achieving its
Project Implementation
National commitment needs to
The Project Coordination Unit was
OUTCOME: Effective project
objectives. Project
Reviews and Project
be high to ensure fully
officially established in December 2005
management at the national and
implementation and
Performance Evaluations
participatory involvement in
with the appointment of the Project
regional level. Major
management is fully
provide justification that
project over lifetime.
Coordinator and other staff soon after.
governmental and non-
participatory with appropriate
project is successfully
Stakeholder commitment also
Prior to this the Forum Fisheries Agency
governmental stakeholders
involvement of stakeholders
achieving its objectives and
needs to be high to ensure
the principal Executing Agency
participating in project activities
at all levels. Information
deliverables. These are
continued contributions,
preformed coordinating functions to
and consultative mechanisms at
access is transparent and
supported by findings of the
sometimes at own cost. Policy-
maintain the momentum and prevent
national and regional levels.
simple. Information available
Independent Evaluations
makers are receptive to
disruption to proceedings.
Information on the project and
is relevant and significant.
(Mid and Terminal).
awareness-raising information
the WCPF process contributing
Public awareness raising at
Stakeholders confirm
and presentations.
Broad stakeholder participation and
to increased awareness of
national and regional policy
transparent participation in
national level commitments to project
oceanic fishery resource and
level is effective. High
the project, and
involvement are aggressively promoted
ecosystem management. Project project evaluation ratings.
improvements in knowledge
by the PCU. A co-financing agreement
evaluations reflecting successful
and awareness across all
has been developed with a major regional
and sustainable project
levels and sectors.
environmental NGO which anticipates the
objectives.
enhancement of awareness-raising
information through workshops with
targeted audiences.
The first six months of 2006 have
required a significant amount of effort to
settle in the project and establish routine
between the Implementing Agency and
the project Executing Agency. A more
concentrated effort on an effective
information strategy and general
awareness raising of oceanic resource
management and ecosystems based
management will commence in earnest in
the second half of 2006.
The mid-term review of the project will
take place in late 2007, early 2008 and the
terminal review at the close of 2010.
Page 8 of 37
Rating of Project Progress towards Meeting Objective
2005
2006 Rating
Comments
Rating
National Project
S
S
The establishment of a legally binding fisheries
Manager/Coordinator
management arrangement in the WCPO is a major
achievement which can only contribute positively
towards global environmental benefits for
transboundary oceanic fisheries, including sustainable
conservation and management measures across a
significant area of the global. The ability for Pacific
SIDS to participate effectively in this arrangement
remains challenging. Their capacity to absorb
commitments to the growing complexity of
international fisheries and conservation agreements
will be assisted greatly by the objectives of this project
but sustainability of that capacity becomes an issue for
anaylsis within the review processes of this project, as
will the status of resources and their overall
management through the Commission process.
Government GEF OFP
(optional)
UNDP Country Office
S
S
The project achievements to date are satisfactory. The
objectives identified in the project are long term
objectives, and can be achieved through continued
focus on the intended outputs. Given a year's
operation, the project has established good institutional
arrangements, and the PMU is vigilant in carrying out
the project activities. It is highly recommended that the
project continues to encourage strong stakeholder
participation, especially of national counter parts in
order to develop the much needed capacity for meeting
obligations under the WCPF developing scientific
capability and responsiveness and understanding of
scientific data.
UNDP Regional Technical
S
S
The PMU has been established with quality hires at
Advisor
FFA and SPC. The Science and Technical Compliance
Committees of the WCPF Commission are drawing on
good science generated by the project. Five resolutions
and six conservation and management measures have
been adopted and entered into force since the
establishment of the Commission. Its confidence is in
no small part due to strengthening of national and
regional monitoring and reporting programs. And as a
result of awareness building, Pacific SIDS are already
realigning their legislation and policies with their
obligations to the WCFP Commission.
There are challenges: perhaps the most important
immediate substantive issue is determining the
contribution the project can make to the study of
seamounts and their effects on fisheries following
IUCN's delay in delivering the research vessels.
Options are being explored, including a refocusing on
seamount mapping (these are activities for which
budget will be needed in 2007). The project will also
have to learn how to engage the private sector. It will
need to develop a more robust knowledge learning
system. And it must sustain capacity for monitoring
Page 9 of 37
and assessment as people and politics in the region
change.
Action Plan to Address Marginally Unsatisfactory, Unsatisfactory or Highly Unsatisfactory Rating
Where a project has received a rating of MU, U or HU describe the actions to be taken to address this:
Action to be Taken
By Whom?
By When?
Page 10 of 37
II . Progress in Project implementation
List the 4 key outputs delivered so far for each project Outcome:
Project Outcomes
Key Outputs
Outcome 1: Scientific Assessment and
Monitoring Enhancement:
1.1 Fishery Monitoring, Coordination
A template for national integrated monitoring programmes and provision of data to the Commission
and Enhancement
The SOC OFP is developing a standard software package named TUFMAN (Tuna Fishery Data Management System), which provides
Integrated and economically sustainable
countries with a general purpose tuna fishery data management capability. Fourteen new reports were added to the TUFMAN database
national monitoring programmes in
during this reporting period, including a report used to reconcile logsheets with telex reports. Data entry modifications were made to
place including catch and effort,
screens for licensing, logsheets, port sampling, telex reports and reference tables. The system was installed in Tuvalu for the first time and
observer, port sampling and landing
updates of the system were sent to the Cook Islands, Palau and the Marshall Islands. TUFMAN is currently installed and functional in
data; Pacific SIDS providing data to the
Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Tonga and Tuvalu. PNG has an independently developed system in place. TUFMAN
Commission in the form required;
will be installed and training provided in the remaining beneficiary countries during the course of the project.
national capacities to process and
analyse data for national monitoring
Several Commission data reports have now been incorporated into TUFMAN. Further development of the Commission reporting module
needs enhanced; improved information
is envisaged during the next year.
on fishing in national waters and by
national fleets being used for national
National monitoring systems based on the regional template for integrated monitoring, customised to meet national needs
policy making and to inform national
All countries were given an upgraded version of the Catch and Effort Query System (CES) in March 2006, and further upgrades were
positions at the Commission. Enhanced
provided to FFA, Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu in April/May 2006.
quality and accessibility of fisheries
Dedicated travel was made to: Palau, where the TUFMAN database was installed and the port sampling database upgraded, and the
information and data leading to more
Marshall Islands, where the TUFMAN database was installed. Appropriate training was given to users in all countries.
effective development and improvement
of the Commission's policy and
National observer programmes are now established in 10 of the 15 FFA member countries (Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, FSM, Fiji,
decision-making process.
PNG, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa), while three other countries aspire to running observer programmes in the future
(Vanuatu, Niue and Tokelau).
There has been significant focus during this reporting period on putting in place the regional observer debriefing policy. This requires
debriefers to be identified, a training course to be organised and the debriefing training format to be set up.
A complete review of the port sampling programme in the port of Pago Pago, American Samoa was undertaken in collaboration with staff
from NMFS, FFA and SPC during May.
Time was spent substantially revising the monitoring support for both Tonga and Samoa. The new MOUs now include observer
components and were put in place utilizing OFMP co-funding resources.
Data collection from 25 port sampling sites is also supported by SPC utilizing OFMP and co-funding resources. All data received during
the period were entered, checked and immediate feedback given to the port sampler supervisors.
The centrepiece of this activity is the establishment of National Tuna Data Coordinators (NTDCs) in beneficiary countries. The status of
Page 11 of 37
NTDCs in each country and a summary of support being provided by the project is as follows:
· Cook Islands NTDC is Pamela Maru. Position funded by Cook Is. Government. In-country support under review, likely in the
area of port sampling and observer programme part-funding.
· FSM NTDC is Steven Retalmai. Position funded by FSM Government. In-country support under review.
· Fiji NTDC is Jone Amoe. Position funded by Fiji Government. In-country support under review, likely in the area of IT
support.
· Kiribati NTDC is Tamaurea Tebao. Position funded by Kiribati Government. In-country support under review.
· Marshall Islands NTDC is Berry Muller. Position funded by Marshall Is. Government. OFMP provides 50% salary support for
Observer/Port Sampling Program Coordinator.
· Nauru NTDC is Karlick ?. Position funded by Nauru Government. OFMP providing IT support.
· Niue NTDC is Vanessa Marsh. Position funded by Niue Government. In-country support under review.
· Palau NTDC is Kathleen Sissior. Position funded by Palau Government. OFMP funding position of Assistant NTDC and IT
support (scanner).
· PNG NTDC is Donna ?. Position funded by PNG Government. Well developed fishery monitoring programme requiring
advisory and training support only.
· Samoa NTDC is Ueta Fa'asili. Position funded by Samoa Government. In-country support under review. Possible support for
Assistant NTDC position.
· Solomon Islands NTDC is under recruitment. Position funded by OFMP.
· Tokelau NTDC is ? In-country support under review. Support for NTDC position requested.
· Tonga NTDC is Tala'ofa Lotohead. Position funded by Tonga Government. POFM providing IT support (computer hardware,
internet connection).
· Tuvalu NTDC is Falasese Tupau. Position funded by Tuvalu Government. In-country support under review. IT support and/or
artisanal tuna data collection likely areas of support.
· Vanuatu NTDC is Tony Taleo. Position funded by OFMP.
A regional monitoring coordination capacity, to develop regional standards such as data formats, and to provide a clearing house
for information on fishery monitoring
During this reporting period 466 observer workbooks, 695 observer waterproof pads and 150 waterproof port sampling pads were
distributed to five countries with active sampling programmes.
The debriefing forms were printed and made available to relevant countries. Printed copies of the longline logbook were received from
the overseas printer and communication was established with a number of fishing captains who are willing to trial the logbook.
Work continued on documenting all form change requests. The 7th Data Collection Committee (DCC) meeting has been re-scheduled for
2007, so the development of data formats will take a lower priority during 2006.
The first regional statistics workshop is planned to be held in the 4th quarter 2006.
Resource material production continues to focus on observer needs with the Longline Observer Guide being brought through the layout
stage.
Work has started on the next edition of the newsletter ForkLength. The intention is to make this available for publication during the 4th
quarter of 2006.
Page 12 of 37
Training of national monitoring staff, particularly monitoring coordinators, observers and port samplers
A full basic observer training course was conducted in Marshall Islands and Palau, with a refresher longline training course given in
Tonga, while the observer component of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Officers course was presented in Nelson, New Zealand. A
dedicated debriefing trip was also undertaken to Tonga.
The OFP Observer and Port Sampler Trainer also attended the NMFS observer training course that was held in Hawaii. This activity
utilised co-funding.
There were attachments to the SPC/OFP during the reporting period - from Cook Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, PNG and Marshall Islands.
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.
1.2 Stock Assessment
National oceanic fisheries status reports prepared collaboratively with national scientific staff
Detailed information available on the
A significant amount of co-funding contributes to this output. During the reporting period, National Tuna Fishery Status Reports for
status of national tuna fisheries,
PNG, French Polynesia (OFP funded activity), and Solomon Islands were finalised, while work on NTFSRs for Cook Islands, FSM,
including the implications of regional
Vanuatu and New Caledonia (OFP-funded activity) was progressed.
stock assessments and the impacts of
local fisheries and oceanographic
No work in-country Stakeholder Workshops for delivery of National Status Reports were conducted during this period although a
variability on local stocks and fishing
timetable for provision of information was agreed with FFA, and significant contributions to briefs planned for 3rd quarter 2006.
performance; strengthened national
Advice to Pacific SIDS on scientific issues in the work of the Commission
capacities to use and interpret regional
No contributions to briefs on scientific issues for Pacific SIDS for meetings of the Commission, the Scientific Committee and Science
stock assessments, fisheries data and
Working Groups were conducted during this period although a timetable for provision of information was agreed with FFA, and
oceanographic information at the
significant contributions to briefs planned for 3rd quarter 2006.
national level, to participate in
Training of national technical and scientific staff to understand regional stock assessment methods, and interpret and apply the
Commission scientific work, and to
results; and to use oceanographic data
understand the implications of
The first regional stock assessment workshop was successfully held at SPC headquarters in Noumea. Extensive work on the development
Commission stock assessments.
of workshop materials and other preparatory activities took place during the reporting period with positive output.
No attachments or training of scientific counterparts in-country took place this reporting period, although planning for attachments is in
progress.
Observer sampling and analysis of commercial fishery catches to determine trophic relationships of pelagic species in the WTP
LME
24 samples of stomachs, muscle and liver have also been collected during a longline observer trip.
A complete list of the samples stored at SPC has been compiled. This information has been incorporated into the detailed list of the
samples already analysed; The sampling strategy and work-plan report had to be postponed but will be finalized and sent to PICT
observer programmes in July; it will also be presented as an Information Paper in the Ecosystems and Bycatch Specialist Working Group
of the second Scientific Committee of the WCPFC in August 2006. Biological sampling should start in the 3rd quarter 2006.
Some additional storage space has been added to the SPC biological laboratory to accommodate the increasing number of prey items
preserved for reference.
Two research assistants were contracted utilizing co-funding sources to continue lab-based analysis of stomach samples collected under
the previous OFM project and new samples collected during the current project. This work will continue through 2006 and beyond,
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subject to the availability of funding. During the reporting period, the contents of 535 stomachs (from multiple observer trips) were
examined and about 80% of the information has been entered into the database. Tissue samples have been dehydrated and sent to the
University of Hawaii for isotopic analysis.
The prey item reference collection was augmented and now contains more than 600 specimens from about 110 families.
With specimens collected from the New Caledonia longline fleet, the feasibility of conducting a growth study on albacore using otolith
seasonal structures was assessed. A lab assistant will be contracted for a 8 month period (using co-funded sources) to collect and analyse
the otoliths required for the study
Isotopes of 350 samples have been analysed and entered into the database.
IUCN
In mid-June, IUCN was informed that the research vessel to be provided by DeepOcean Quest (DOQ) was experiencing delays in the re-
fit. Given continued delays, and uncertainty of vessel preparedness, it became clear that IUCN could longer count on DOQ to complete
their outputs in the OFM project. DOQ indicated that remainded keen to do this expedition but were unable to provide assurance of i)
when the vessel would be ready to sail; and ii) when she would be available in the central Pacific.
Hurricane Katrina and refit and repair contracting problems continued to hinder progress. DQO are attempting to address their problems
by looking for a new shipyard and contractor to continue work within the next two months and had expected to test the vessel and
submersibles in the Sea of Cortez and eastern tropical Pacific (Cocos-Galapogos corridor) in 2007. However, DOQ refuse to make any
commitments until the vessel has been tested and is functioning, meaning that future cruise plans (e.g. IUCN plans for the Pacific) would
not be confirmed before early 2007 at the earliest. This would mean the actual expedition would not occur before mid- to late-2008.
IUCN continues to engage DOQ to press them to fulfill their original commitment and intends to obtain in a written commitment in early
2007 and proceed with the planned expedition but given the incertainty have decided it would be prudent to develop alternative options.
This will require a substantial reassessment of what types of activities are possible under the project. IUCN has employed a short-term
consultant to assist Dr. Rogers in this planning, in close collaboration with SPC.
Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
Delays in the IUCN led research survey meant that SPC OFP have not been able to support national scientist participation in the benthic
biodiversity survey.
IUCN have indicated that project implementation on IUCN-led activities is slower than originally expected but still on target to meet
objectives. The primary reason for the delays in project implementation are that delays in the re-fitting of the research vessel due to
hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in late 2005 have meant two postponements in the dates for the seamount cruises. Current plan is for the
cruises to take place from January April 2007, but this can only be confirmed once the vessel re-fit is complete and it has been tested on
the water. The vessel is expected to be ready for testing in early June 2006; once the seaworthiness is confirmed, exact dates for the
cruises will be set, and project resources will start being expended at increased rates.
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Estimate Levels of By catch in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean fisheries
Work has commenced on this activity and will continue through 2006. A NZ-based consultant, Dr Brian McArdle, was contracted to
assist SPC staff analyse observer data for the estimation of by-catch levels. This work is currently being documented and will be
presented to the 2nd meeting of the WCPFC Scientific Committee in August 2006.
By-catch estimates and a preliminary ecological risk assessment for selected species will be presented to the 2nd meeting of the WCPFC
Scientific Committee in August 2006.
Results of ecosystem analysis and proposals for long-term ecosystem monitoring and operationalisation of the ecosystem-based
approach for use by the Commission's Scientific Committee, especially its Ecosystems & Bycatch Working Group, and by Pacific
SIDS
No work has progressed towards this output.
Outcome 2: Law, Policy and
Institutional, Reform, Realignment
and Strengthening
2.1 Legal Reform
A strategy and workplan for activities on regional and national legal issues
Major Commission legal arrangements
The services of Professor Martin Tsamenyi of the University of Wollongong Australia have been secured to assist in national workshops
and mechanisms in place, including
and the analysis of legal implications from decisions adopted by the WCPF Commission. The specific outputs from this consultancy are
provisions relating to non-Parties and
the preparation of National Country Reports, the development of course material and where applicable draft legislation for PI countries.
sanctions for non-compliance; national
The work commence in second quarter of 2006 with the first of a series of in-country workshops for Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands and
laws, regulations, license conditions
Tokelau. Further workshops have been completed in advance of schedule for the Cook Islands and Vanuatu (originally scheduled for
reformed to implement the WCPF
August/September and June respectively).
Convention and other relevant
In-country national assistance has been re-programmed to provide for Samoa, Kiribati, Marshalls, Palau, FSM , Fiji, PNG, Tonga and
international legal instruments;
Nauru in the second two quarters of 2006
enhanced national legal capacity to
apply the Convention and national
Work has been completed in regards to a legal and technical review for Fiji on the implications of the decisions of the 2nd meeting of the
management regimes, including
WCPF Commission; the commencement of preliminary analysis on implications of WCPF Decisions for Tuvalu. A report was also
domestic legal processes for dealing
prepared on the challenges facing the management of the region's tuna resources for the 14th Annual Conference of the Australia and
with infringements.
New Zealand Society of International law in June.
A legal planning workshop for Pacific SIDS took place in Vanuatu in November 2005 with a significant contribution from a project
consultant. The workshop outcome determined priorities for national legal work under the UNDP GEF project for National Consultative
and the Regional Steering Committees consideration.
A review of Samoa's fisheries legislation has commenced as has work on the revisions for the Cook Islands Fisheries regulations to
incorporate obligations under the WCPF Convention and the emerging decision of the WCPF Commission. These activities were funded
by other sources.
New draft laws, regulations, agreements & license conditions in line with WCPF Convention prepared and shared with PacSIDS
Work in relation to the preparation of templates for legal provisions to implement the Convention for fisheries legislation has been
deferred until the second quarter of 2006 when a team of legal experts will meet in Brisbane.
TORs for a consultancy for the preparation of background materials for the development of guidelines to legislate for sustainable fisheries
Page 15 of 37
in the Pacific Islands has been completed.
Harmonising with outputs from the previous section, assistance continued to be provided to Tokelau, Samoa and Fiji on the review of
their national fisheries legislations. A contract has been signed with Consultant for legal reviews to be undertaken in all FFA members by
October 2006. A request has been received from Kiribati for review of national legislations. At the time of this report, discussions are
ongoing on the timing of the in-country visit to undertake the review.
Mr John Hauirae Maito'o of the Solomon Islands has been contracted to complete work in relation to the drafting of the Marshall Islands
High Seas Authorisation. This short term consultancy will finalise the High Seas Fisheries regulations for the Marshall Islands
establishing a High Seas Authorisation.
A meeting on guidelines for national fisheries legislations took place in Brisbane in May. The report on the meeting together with the
draft guidelines are being finalised.
Proposals for the Commission from Pacific SIDS for legal arrangements to implement the Convention
A draft report for the Marshall Islands on how to implement the recent decisions of the first and second annual sessions of the WCPF
Commission was prepared by the FFA.
A paper has been prepared on implications of Commission measures for FFA members. The papers were presented to the annual meeting
of the Forum Fisheries Committee and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement.
FFA has prepared a commentary on the Rules of Procedure for the Commission Scientific Committee. These were submitted to the
Executive Director of the WCPF Commission.
Regional consultations on the development of model legislation convened in Brisbane from 4 -8 July 2006 (outside the scope of this
report but worth mentioning).
Training of policy makers and legal personnel in oceanic fisheries management legal issues
No Regional Legal Workshops to date
An in-country Prosecution and Dockside Boarding workshop took place in Pohnpei, FSM from 3 7 April 2006 in cooperation with the
MCS Division at FFA. This exercise was co-financed with AusAID and NZAID funds.
National workshops have been conducted in Samoa and Fiji on the implications of decisions of the WCPF Commission.
An in-country Prosecution and Dockside Boarding workshop took place in Pohnpei, FSM from 3 7 April 2006 in cooperation with the
MCS Division at FFA. This exercise was co-financed with AusAID and NZAID funds.
National workshops have been conducted in Samoa and Fiji on the implications of decisions of the WCPF Commission.
A Ni-Vanuatu legal officer was attached to the Legal Division of FFA in June 2006.
A second legal attachment was for a legal fellowship from Tonga. The legal attachment for Tonga was undertaken at the Centre for
Maritime Policy at the University of Wolllongong.
2.2 Policy Reform
National oceanic fisheries management plans, policies and strategies
Page 16 of 37
Commission Secretariat and technical
A fisheries management plan for Vanuatu has been undertaken by Dr Rick Fletcher from Western Australian Fisheries, which includes
programmes established and
stakeholder consultations. Assistance has also been provided by regional based consultants and staff at Vanuatu Fisheries. This contract is
conservation and management measures
co-financed with FFA funds from other sources.
beginning to be adopted; national
Work is being progressed on the Cook Islands Fisheries Management Plan. This work is being done with the assistance of Mr. Les Clark,
oceanic fisheries management plans,
an OFM Project funded International Consultant.
policies and strategies prepared,
implemented and reviewed; adoption of
Work for the Palau TMP is in the planning stage in consultation with the Palau Fisheries.
a more integrated and cross-sectoral
approach and, improved coordination
Support and advice have been provided to RMI, FSM and Palau in addressing their pressing fisheries management and development
between government departments
issues, such as vessels reflagging, charter arrangements and IUU fishing in accordance with WCPFC decisions and resolutions.
(Fisheries, Environment, Development,
Economy, etc); enhanced understanding
Work has yet to commence on a plan, policy and strategy review.
by policy makers and enhanced national
Strategies and specific proposals for the overall development of the Commission, including its Secretariat and technical
capacities in regional and national
programmes, and for Commission conservation and management measures
policy analysis for sustainable and
On-going work. FFA and FFA consultant continues to work on analysis of management options for pacific islands input into the
responsible fisheries; enhanced
Commission meetings, SC2, TCC1 and WCPFC.
stakeholder understanding of
Commission and national policy issues,
Preparations for the FFC annual governing council in May will require the provision of advice and reports on oceanic fisheries
especially the private sector.
management issues in relation to proposals for the Commission and subsidiary bodies. Fisheries management expert has been retained as
an international consultant (co-financed by the OFM Project funds and other sources) and GEF funded Fisheries Management Advisor are
undertaking work in this quarter in anticipation of the May meeting.
Briefs for Science Committee and the Technical and Compliance meetings, FFC meetings to discuss issues that are relevant to island state
interests have been completed.
An FFA sub-regional EAFM workshop was held at Apia Samoa, 24 27 April.
FFA Southern Tuna Management Workshop was held at Honolulu, Hawaii in March 2006. This workshop was to discuss issues
pertaining to southern albacore fisheries as directed by the WCPF Commission 2 resolutions on conservation and management for tunas.
This workshop was attended by Commission members (includes FFA Pacific Island members) and cooperating non-members.
Identification of possible management options for seamounts, including compliance options
Given the overall project structure, the activities to be conducted under the Policy, Law and Compliance Component, need to wait until
the scientific research has been completed and initial analyses done. Therefore, very little expenditure is expected under this Component
in 2006; in fact, most expenditure will occur in second half of 2007 and in 2008 if the research cruise is to commence.
Training of policy makers, technical personnel and other Pacific SIDS stakeholders to increase understanding of sustainable and
responsible fisheries
The 2nd Management Options Workshop funded by New Zealand was held in Oct 2005. Consultancy services were provided by a GEF
funded consultant and a facilitator for the workshop which assisted Pacific SIDS to consider fisheries management work anticipated to be
considered by the 2nd meeting of the WCPF Commission in December.
Support was also provided for Pacific Islander representation at the 2nd meeting of the WCPF Commission held at Pohnpei, Federated
States of Micronesia in early December 2005
Page 17 of 37
A consultation of experts met at FFA in Honiara on 14 February 2006 to discuss and analyse the Commission resolutions to determine the
obligations of the Pacific island parties.
Communication has commenced with USP to discuss the joint delivery of a Train Sea Coast (TSC) Fisheries Management Policy course.
The revision of the existing module of the TSC Pacific Islands Region Fisheries Management will be undertaken as part of an existing
consultant contract for fisheries management. This is an on-going activity.
A national consultation with the Department of Fisheries, Vanuatu regarding the review process for the existing fisheries management
plan took place with the reporting period. Those consultations are on-going with Vanuatu as well as the Cook Island and Palau regarding
the reviews of their TMPs.
A newly appointed licensing officer from the Solomon Islands Fisheries department undertook an attachment at FFA in March.
Arrangements are being finalised for the training of key personnel from selected pacific island countries to attend the train the trainers
workshop in Vanuatu.
Support was provided to the 2nd FFC Officials and Ministerial governing council in May for the provision of advice and reports on
oceanic fisheries management issues in relation to proposals for the Commission and subsidiary bodies.
2.3 Institutional Reform
Strategies, plans and proposals for the reform, realignment and strengthening of national oceanic fisheries management
Public sector fisheries administrations
administrations
reformed, realigned and strengthened;
The provision of advice and consultation with the Government of Nauru on their proposed fisheries institutional reform program has
capacities of national non-governmental
commenced. Efforts to recruit expertise identified in the TORs submitted with the request for assistance under the OFM Project has been
organisations to participate in oceanic
progressed.
fisheries management enhanced;
consultative processes enhanced to
The design of an institutional strengthening project for Nauru Fisheries has commenced. This work is expected to progress over the next
promote a more integrated approach to
half of 2006.
fisheries management and
administration that encourages
A regional National Institutional Workshop has yet to be held. It is anticipated that work on an overall review needs to be completed first.
coordination and participation between
The work in this area is not on scheduled but priority has been given to addressing this in the last two quarters of 2006 and early 2007.
diverse government and non-
Processes for national consultation between stakeholders in oceanic fisheries management
government stakeholders.
Advice and support for national consultative processes in Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Palau have been provided.
Consultations with and provision of advice to Vanuatu on the issue of ENGOs and INGOs participation in the Vanuatu Fisheries
Management Plan review consultation scheduled for June 2006. An invitation to ENGOs and INGOs to participate in the Vanuatu
Fisheries Management Plan review consultation scheduled for June 2006 was extended.The same procedure was also carried out for the
Cooks.
WWF Pacific have been invited to attend the Management Options Workshop. Support will be provided to Industry representatives to
attend also.
Until the full complement of fisheries management staff at FFA have been recruited attachments and study tours for non-stakeholder
participants can not commence. This issues is expected to be addressed by second half of 2006.
Page 18 of 37
2.4 Compliance Strengthening
Strategies, plans and proposals for realigning and strengthening national oceanic fisheries compliance programmes
Realigned and strengthened national
An overall review of Convention implications for national compliance has yet to be conducted.
compliance programs; improved
Ongoing contributions to reviews of needs to strengthen and realign national compliance programmes under the auspices of activities in
regional MCS coordination; strategies
the legal sub-component continue.
for Commission compliance programs;
Arrangements for regional coordination of monitoring, control and surveillance activities
enhanced national compliance capacities The annual regional meeting for Monitoring, Control and Surveillance which includes as a prior meeting, an annual meeting for the
(inspection, observation, patrol, VMS,
coordination of aerial surveillance in the region was to be held in March 2006. However, to take into account the Commission schedule of
investigation).
meetings the MCS Working Group Meeting is now re-scheduled to take place in September.
Additionally, 0perations `Kurukuru' and `Islands Chief' supported by Australian Defence with contributions from FFA MCS Division,
assists sub-grouping of Pacific Islands countries to undertake coordinated surveillance operations between and across national
jurisdictions. These are expected to take place in the later part of 2006.
Requests for assistance from some Pacific SIDS for the preparation of Niue Treaty subsidiary agreements have been received. Resources
have been directed towards these activities.
A review of the agreement between Palau, FSM and the Marshall Islands is being proposed with the possibility of this extending to
include PNG and Kiribati.
An agreement is in place between the Cook Islands and Samoa as at 2005.
Dialogue between Vanuatu and New Caledonia is in progress and a draft document for surveillance exchanges between Samoa, Vanuatu,
Tonga, Fiji and Tuvalu has been completed
Nauru has held bilateral dialogue with each of Kiribati, the Marshall Islands and FSM on matters concerning a possible agreement.
Strategies and proposals for regional compliance measures and programmes
Pacific SIDS convened at a Monitoring, Control and Surveillance workshop in Honiara in October 2005 to consider preparations for the
first meeting of the WCPF Commission Technical and Compliance Committee held in December 2005.
Terms of Reference have been drafted for the development of a regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance strategy for the Pacific.
Expressions of interest will be called for. The strategy will take into account compliance issues under the Convention and other
international instruments, including the requirement for the development of national plans of action for the prevention of IUU fishing.
The annual regional meeting for Monitoring, Control and Surveillance which includes as a prior meeting, an annual meeting for the
coordination of aerial surveillance in the region was to be held in March 2006. However, to take into account the Commission schedule of
meetings the MCS Working Group Meeting is now re-scheduled to take place in September.
Preparations have commenced for a meeting in the margins of the May FFC to discuss with Pacific SIDS issues relating to VMS and data
sharing policies in relation to the Commission.
Training of national compliance staff, especially in inspection and VMS
An in-country Dockside boarding and Inspection Workshop has taken place in FSM in the first quarter of 2006. The workshop was
Page 19 of 37
successfully completed with the assistance of the Australian Defence. Participants from Palau also participated. The workshop is seen as
positive steps towards building and developing national capacity in maritime enforcement. Three more national workshops are planned
for PNG, Vanuatu and a joint exercise for Fiji and Tuvalu third and fourth quarter.
With the roll out of updated VMS hardware a series of VMS training for national compliance staff is scheduled for the third and fourth
quarter of 2006.
A Fellowship from Tuvalu undertook an attachment at the FFA Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Division. A report of the work
undertaken by the Fellow is on file.
Outcome 3: Coordination,
Participation and Information
Services
3.1 Project information System
Project Information System for capture, storage and dissemination of project data, lessons and best practices, and provision of
Enhancement of awareness about the
information products
Project and understanding of its
Service of a website design company were engaged to design the project webpage which is located on the FFA website at
objectives and progress; establishment
www.ffa.int/gef/. The webpage is operational. A project logo was also secured and this will also be used on project documentation and
of a Clearing House for lessons and best
publications. Email request for IW Learn information and guidelines for developing websites unanswered. No follow up was done.
practices within the Pacific SIDS, as
Project Coordinator registered on the IW LEARN network and the BCLME Programme website as a comparable GEF project.
well as through linkages to other global
A specific document cataloguing system was developed by the PCU.
fisheries and their issues; capture of up-
to-date information and advice on
The process to engage a communications specialist to address awareness raising activities has commenced and it is expected that work
related ecosystem management and
will commence in late 2006 with the view for possible ongoing services throughout the project on a consultancy basis.
innovative fisheries management
approaches; transfer of lessons and
The OFM Project website is operational and will be maintained and administered by FFA and the PCU.
replication of best practices through an
The webpage menu contains relevant links, project documentation, list of national OFM Project focal points and other project related
active mechanism linked to the
information. Improvement in the upload of material to the webpage needs to occur.
Commission; active participation with
IW:LEARN
No progress has occurred to date but is expected to be addressed in the Communications consultancy.
Knowledge management process identifying innovative, best practice and replicable ideas within the Project and relevant to the
Project
Knowledge Management Strategy to be progressed in the second half of 2006.
Activities in relation to webpage and progress reports have occurred.
3.2 Monitoring and Evaluation
Measures of, and reports on, overall project performance and delivery, including independent evaluations of the Project
Effective monitoring and evaluation of
Mid-term evaluation is scheduled for late 2007, early 2008.
progress and performance, including
Terminal evaluation will be conducted at the close of the project in 2010
monitoring of process, stress reduction
The post evaluation will occur two years after the close of the project in 2012.
and environmental status indicators;
monitoring and evaluation outputs used
This report constitutes the annual report for the project by FFA. It will be consolidated with reports from other contributing Agencies to
in project management and in assessing
feed into the reporting template (APR/PIR) and systems of the GEF & UNDP.
the effectiveness of Commission
Preparations for the production of the annual report for the project have commenced. This will be prepared according to formats required
Page 20 of 37
measures.
by UNDP and GEF and taking into account the logical framework analysis and the results identified that require verification. UNDP will
reflect evaluation of their identified results.
The services of an independent Auditor has been secured for the audit of expenditure of project funds 2005. This relates only to the fourth
quarter at which point the project commenced with the first advance being received early November 2005. An audit of expenditure of
project funds 2005 was submitted to UNDP. A number of shortfalls were identified by UNDP and the PCU was asked to rectify these
with the engaged auditors. After consultation with the Auditor's a revised management letter and audit report was submitted to UNDP.
Analysis of process, stress-reduction, and environmental status indicators as per the GEF International Waters Operational
Strategy
Terms of reference are being developed for the engagement of consultant to identify environmental indicators for the project. These
TORs are being designed by the consultant who is currently engaged under the project as an Fisheries Management Consultant. Calls for
expressions of interest are expected to made once the TORs are agreed and finalised.
The inclusive of indicator measures in progress reports will be progressed as a priority in the second half of 2006.
3.3 Stakeholder Participation and
ENGO participation and awareness raising in Convention-related processes
Awareness Raising
A consultant has been recruited to perform a short term consultancy that will provide a database of regional environmental non-
Non-governmental stakeholder
governmental organisations in the region. The main purpose of the consultancy will be the development of a strategy to engage ENGOs in
participation in national and regional
project implementation to promote NGO stakeholder and public awareness of oceanic fisheries management issues and strengthen NGO
oceanic fisheries management
participation in oceanic fisheries management at national and regional levels; established links with regional ENGOs (including contact
processes, including the Commission,
details and point of contact); provide advice on the scheduling and framework for national and regional workshops for ENGOs; draft a
enhanced; awareness of oceanic
co-financing arrangement with a Pacific ENGO; and recommend ENGO representation at the Regional Steering Committee.
fisheries management issues and the
WCPF Convention improved. Specific
The report of the consultant that will be develop a strategy to engage ENGOs in project implementation is due for submission early Q3
forums developed for NGO
2006 and will be presented to the RSC in October.
participation and discussion process;
promotion of awareness of national and
Visits to Suva based environmental NGOs took place in June and the consultant was accompanied by the PC to some of the organisations.
regional development and economic
priorities and how these relate to
The next annual session of the Commission meeting is scheduled to be held at Apia Samoa in December 2006. The next meeting of the
sustainable fisheries management.
Science Committee is scheduled for 7 18 August 2006 at Manila Philippines. Discussion for the provision of support for the attendance
and participation of a Pacific ENGO at the Commission meetings will evolve in the course of the above consultancy.
A proposal to also invite the Pacific ENGO representative to participate in the policy workshop for Pacific countries to consider
management options for outcomes in the Commission has been agreed to. This is scheduled for October prior to the MOW workshop.
WWF have observer status at the Commission.
Greenpeace Pacific participated in the Legal Workshop in November 2005. Every effort is being made to facilitate the participation of
Pacific ENGOs in project workshops across the sub-components.
A Pacific ENGO will participate in the project Regional Steering Committee and the established practice by the PCU will be to include
the transmission of all information on the Convention and oceanic fisheries management issues to Pacific ENGOs.
National and Regional workshops for ENGOs forms part of the co-financing agreement with WWF Pacific Operations which is currently
Page 21 of 37
in a draft form. The agreement is currently with WWF.
Produce information materials to raise public awareness on oceanic fisheries management issues forms part of the co-financing agreement
with WWF Pacific Operations which is currently in a draft form and will also be conducted in con-junction with the PCU information
strategy process.
Organising regional and national fora on the Convention and oceanic fisheries management issues for civil society participation forms
part of the co-financing agreement with WWF Pacific Operations which is currently in a draft form.
Support industry participation and awareness raising in Convention-related processes
A newly formed Pacific tuna industry association has formed in principle but has yet to have an annual general meeting to confirm office
bearers. Contact has been established with the interim president, Mr. James Movick.
Discussions with the Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association have been initiated and are ongoing with regards to project support for
their representative participation in the Commission. The Association have to date obtained observer status at Commission meetings as
have WWF.
The provision of information flow on the Convention and oceanic fisheries management issues to Pacific INGOs and businesses is to be
discussed in a formal co-financing agreement with the PITIA.
Support was to have been provided for a meeting of the Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association that was planned for the first quarter of
2006. Due to the uncertainty of dates of other meetings which the Association meeting was to have convened along side it has been
postponed until the third or fourth quarter of 2006.
3.4 Project Management and
Project Coordination Unit staffing and office
Coordination
Appointment of the Project Coordinator was made on the 29 December 2005.
Project effectively managed and
Mr. Royden Gholomo was appointed as the Project Finance and Administration Officer. He commenced work on 6 February 2006.
coordinated between implementing and
Mr Daren Cameron accepted the post of Fisheries Management Advisor in January 2006 but due to prior commitments did not commence
executing agencies and other
work until 18 March 2006. He joins FFA from the Queensland Fisheries Management Authority where he was a Fisheries Manager for
participants in the Project; effective
seven years.
participation in Project management and
coordination by stakeholders; reports on
Computer hardware purchases for three positions have been completed. Software programmes are on order. Partial costs of a high end
Project progress and performance
printer for project use have been committed.
flowing between Project participants
Arrangements for coordination between Implementing and Executing Agencies
and being used to manage the Project.
The Inception Workshop in 2005 served as the preliminary collective consultations. FFA and SPC meet on a fairly regular basis at a
range of regional fisheries meetings. A face to face meeting between Andrew Hurd (IUCN) and the Project Coordinator took place in the
margins of the Third Global Oceans Policy held at Paris in January 2006.
Letters of Agreements were completed in 2005.
Communication with UNDP Suva began intermittently. We the departure of the Environment portfolio officer, Dr Jan MacDonald,
UNDP staffing issues at UNDP Honiara has meant that most project related queries have been directed to Suva with delays. Matters
arising have been addressed through the UNDP Honiara office. Face to face meetings have taken place with Mr Ismael Toorawa and the
Page 22 of 37
Project Finance and Administration Officer.
Consultations were held between UNDP-Suva and the PCU at Suva, Fiji in May. The meeting was attended by:
UNDP Suva Deputy Resident Representative, Hans De Graaff, Cecilia Pau'u, Finance and Ruth Verevukivuki, Programme Portolio
Manager
OFM Project Coordination Unit Barbara Hanchard, Project Coordinator and Royden Gholomo, Project Finance and Administration
Officer.
The meeting was productive in that a number of issues both administrative and financial were discussed to achieve common
understandings. A record of discussion is available on file.
Regional Steering Committee Meetings and Reports
An inception Workshop was held in August 2005 at the UNDP office in Suva Fiji. This workshop was attended by representatives from
UNDP Suva and UNDP Honiara, UNDP/GEF Bangkok and FFA. A report of this meeting is available.
The first meeting of the Regional Steering Committee took place in Oct 2005. The Committee approved their terms of reference, a
revised budget and the annual work plan and budgets for 2005 and 2006. The Committee also considered and accepted the Project
Inception Report.
Both FFA and SPC also take the opportunity to report project progress to their governing councils. SPC Heads of Fisheries meeting took
place at Noumea New Caledonia in March 2005 and FFA will report project progress to the annual meeting of the Forum Fisheries
Committee and Ministerial meeting in May at Honiara, Solomon Islands.
The next meeting of the Regional Steering Committee is scheduled for October 2006 in Honiara at which the PIR/APR report, revised
2006 budget, draft 2007 and reports by beneficiary countries will be discussed. A report of project progress was made to a Pre-FFC
meeting held at Nadi, Fiji in June. UNDP Suva was unable to attend. FFA and SPC covered aspects of the project for which they are
responsible for implementing. A report of the project is available at www.ffa.int/gef
National Consultative Committee Meetings and Reports
National Focal Points for the OFM Project have been secured. A list of these can be located on the project webpage.
The Project Coordinator has commenced a schedule of visits to Pacific countries to provide support for the national level activities of the
project. The assistance also includes reviewing the national priorities identified by the countries during the needs assessment missions of
the design of the project in 2004. A visit was made to the Department of Fisheries at Port Vila Vanuatu from 22 26 March 2006. The
Director for Fisheries Mr Moses Amos indicated that the management body that oversees fisheries management in Vanuatu is not
operational but that they hoped to revive the committee soon and matters relating to the project would form part of that bodies agenda. A
template for an AWP for national level activities was completed by the Fisheries Department during the visit.
Visits have been made to Tuvalu and Cooks Islands. Draft National Annual Work Plans were developed for the Cook Islands and Tuvalu.
Discussions relating to potential areas at which the countries will seek assistance at a national level took place. Reports of these visits are
on file. Early indications are that the formation of national consultative processes in countries is proving to be challenging and this is
reinforced by information collected by the DEVFISH EU Domestic Industry Project. While most countries have tuna management
committees formed during the processes to develop and implement tuna management plans many are not operational and are in the
processes of being re-establish. This does not apply to all countries.
Reports on Project implementation, workplan and finances
A quarterly financial and narrative report was submitted to UNDP in January 2006 and the request for an advance was declined by
Page 23 of 37
UNDP. A further financial report of acquittal was also submitted at the end of February.
A quarterly financial and narrative report was submitted to UNDP for the first quarter of 2006 at the end of March, beginning of April.
While this provided financial acquittals it did not include a request for advance funds, as the outcome of the first quarter advance request
was still pending.
RSC1 approved the revised AWP and budget which has reflected the real project start date. The revised project AWP & budget spread the
project over a 6 year period but still accounting for 5 years of 12 month.
The Committee also approved the revised 2006 Annual Work Plan and Budget. The PCU will place before the next RSC in Oct 2006, a
further revised 2006 AWP & Budget to better reflect expenditure and implementation progress, an acquittal of the 2005 finances and a
draft 2007 AWP & Budget.
The preparation of the required UNDP/GEF - PIR/APR is expected to commence in the next quarter. These will be facilitated by
discussions with the UNDP/GEF Technical Coordinator during a visit to Suva in July.
The preparation of the UNDP/GEF APR/PIR is coordinated by UNDP Suva. The PCU also takes the opportunity to present reports of
progress to the annual meetings of the governing councils of FFA and SPC and did so in the first half of 2006.
Page 24 of 37
Rating of Project Implementation
2005
2006 Rating
Comments
Rating
National Project
S
S
While a settling in period of the project has delayed
Manager/Coordinator
some aspects of the projects management and
coordination; it has had minimal impact on the
implementation of activities and outputs from the two
technical components of the project, largely due to the
professional dedication of the Executing Agencies.
Overall the Executing Agencies have done well to
`catch up' on activities that did not occur immediately
at the official commencement of the project in the last
quarter of 2005 due to uncertainties relating to
disbursement and some implementation guidelines
from the Implementing Agency. The first six months of
2006 also contained an element of distraction while
communication between the Implementing Agency and
the Executing Agency were addressed.
A significant activity that will not be implemented in
accordance with the approved work plan, is the work
in relation to research activities on benthic
communities of seamounts. This sub-component of
Ecosystems Analysis is to be performed by IUCN and
circumstances beyond their control have hampered
implementation. These events will be taken into
account in revised work plans and budgets that will
need approval by the Regional Steering Committee.
Government GEF OFP4
(optional)
UNDP Country Office
S
S
The project provides a more realistic scenario of
fisheries management in the Pacific. The project is
quick to adapt to these challenges and respond to the
stakeholder
and
project
demands
within
the
confinements of the work plan. Alternate mechanisms
proposed by IUCN to expedite activities in the light of
the delays in the IUCN component is being factored
into the work plan and closely monitored.
Communication between the PMU and UNDP has also
significantly improved resulting in quick resolutions of
project issues. In terms of addressing further issues,
project management training will be planned as
requested by PMU.
UNDP Regional Technical
S
S
Project implementation is satisfactory. There have been
Advisor
challenges with respect to agreement between UNDP
Suva and the PMU on financial management which are
being resolved.
Action Plan to Address Marginally Unsatisfactory, Unsatisfactory or Highly Unsatisfactory Rating
Where a project has received a rating of MU, U or HU describe the actions to be taken to address this:
Action to be Taken
By Whom?
By When?
Not applicable
Page 25 of 37
IV. Risks (UNDP Suva)
Risk Type
Date
Risk Description
Risk Management Response
Identified
Environmental
Exceeding catch and effort levels for bigeye, Project mechanisms contribute effectively to raising awareness and
yellow fin tuna and other fisheries beyond improving understanding within Pacific SIDS about oceanic
its sustainable limits as produced by WCPF fisheries management.
Commission highlights that Pacific SIDS
lack necessary awareness and commitment
to take the hard decisions involved in
limiting fishing in their waters. This shows
weak
implementation
of
the
WCPF
convention by convention parties and may
impede the conservation and management of
fishery resources which the project is trying
to address.
Financial
Under spending of GEF resources by PCU Efficient quarterly authorization of expenditure of funds by UNDP.
as per annual allocations. This may reflect
weak delivery of project activities.
Programme finance and management training for PCU provided by
UNDP.
Operational
Commission becoming ineffective during the Countries continue to meet financial commitments to Commission to
project lifetime (which in turn may affect the
ensure its sustainability.
sustainability of the project).
Organizational
Others
Difficult policy decisions on management of Sufficient sustainability available or identified through project to
the fisheries and difficult management support national capacity improvements in technical and scientific
proposals for the ecosystems may be functions as well as to support continued regional data coordination
proposed as per scientific findings and and analysis.
statistical evidence of the commission.
Country commitment to national and regional legal and institutional
reviews as proposed by project for conservation and management of
transboundary oceanic fishery resources.
Problem
April 2006
Meeting held on 15th May, 2006 between PCU & UNDP and
UNDP Suva office financial procedure
confirmed the following:
imposing the withhold of the quarterly
· In terms of the flow of project funds UNDP stated that while
advance requests on the basis of under
funds showed on their books they acted as a transfer point.
spending in the previous quarter.
· In response to the PCU's explanation of the difficulties it faced
Page 26 of 37
with expenditure occurring across three different sites, UNDP
also stated that their performance was judged across all their
projects and the levels of under spending reflected badly.
· Confirmation of whether or not UNDP does in fact impose a 70%
expenditure benchmark and penalty at quarterly intervals is to be
made.
· UNDP indicated that obligations for the next quarter should
include all costs for expenses such as salaries
UNDP confirmed that the ASL was determined by UNDP/GEF and
that this was based on the approved project budget.
Question
Revision
Page 27 of 37
V. Adjustments to Project Strategy
Please report any adjustments made to the project strategy, as reflected in the logical framework matrix, since
the Project Document signature:
Change Made to:
Yes/No
Reason for Change
Project Objective
No
Not Applicable
Project Outcomes
No
Not Applicable
Project Outputs/ Activities / Inputs
Yes
IUCN activities in relation to Benthic Survey on
Seamounts experiencing delays. Alternative options
are being investigated in consultation with the PCU
and SPC.
Adjustments to Project Time Frame
If the duration of the project, the project work schedule, or the timing of any key events such as project start up,
evaluations or closing date, have been adjusted since project approval please explain the changes and the
reasons for these changes.
Change
Reason for Change
Not Applicable
Page 28 of 37
VI. Financial Information
Name of Partner or
Nature of
Amount
Amount
Additional
Estimated
Expected
Contributor
Contributor
used in
committed
amounts
Total
Total
(including the Private
Project
in Project
committed
Disbursement
Disbursement
Sector)
Preparation
Document
after Project
to
by end of
(PDF A, B)
Document
30 June 2006
project
finalization
GEF Contribution
GEF
$0.6m
$10.9m
Nil
$1.6
Cash Cofinancing
UNDP Managed
UNDP (TRAC)
UN Agency
Cash Cofinancing Partner Managed
Project only: excludes PDF co-financing
NZAID
$0.4m
$0.4m
$0.8m
PNG NFA
$0.1m
$0.1m
Fr Pacific Fund
$.06m
$0.06m
ACIAR
$0.3m
$0.3m
Uni of Hawaii
$0.1m
$0.1m
Under consideration
EC
$1.9m
$1.91m
US Dept of State (OESI)
$0.2m
$0.2m
In-Kind Cofinancing
Participating Govts (in cash and kind):
$17.28m
$17.28m
Reg Org (in cash and kind):
$14.45m
$14.45m
NGOs (in cash and kind):
$0.6m
$.6m
NGOs (in cash and kind):
$0.4m
$.4m
Other WCPFC Members (Commission
$6.48m
$6.48m
contributions):
Other Estimated Co-financing
Fishing States (in kind regulation costs):
$32.25m
$32.25m
Surveillance Partners (in kind):
$7.20m
$7.20m
Total Co financing
$79.09m
$3.07m
Total for Project
$.6m
$90.03m
$3.07m
Comments
Please explain any significant changes in project financing since Project Document signature, or differences
between the anticipated and actual rates of disbursement:
UNDP Suva - Not Applicable
Page 29 of 37
VII.
Additional Financial Instruments used in the Project
This section is not applicable to the OFM Project in this reporting period but two co-financing
agreements relating to stakeholder participation and awareness raising are expected to be concluded in
the last two quarters of 2006.
These agreements will involve a represented regional environmental non-government organization
and a regional tuna industry association.
Page 30 of 37
VIII.
Procurement Data
Note: For projects or project components executed by UNOPS this section must not be filled in - data will be
provided by UNOPS headquarters.
Please report the US$ value (in Thousands, e.g. 70,000 = 70) of UNDP/GEF Payments made to GEF Donor
Countries for Procurement. Please enter Project expenditure accumulated from project start up to the date of
this report into the matrix against the donor country supplying the personnel, sub-contract, equipment and
training to the project. Please report only on contracts over US$ 2,000.
Equipment
Training
Total
Supplying Donor
Personnel
Sub-contracts
(US$
(US$
(US$
Country
(US$ thousands)
(US$ thousands)
thousands)
thousands)
thousands)
Code: 71400
Code:71200
Code:72200/72800
Code:74500
SPC $237
SPC $4
SPC $7
SPC $-
$248
IUCN $24
IUCN $5
IUCN $-
IUCN $-
$29
FFA $65
FFA $82
FFA $11
FFA $11
$169
Total
$326
$91
$18
$11
$446
Page 31 of 37
IX. Lessons
Are there any lessons from this project that could benefit the design and implementation of other GEF-funded
projects? Please list up to three and indicate which one/s could be worth developing into case studies of
good/bad practice.
i) In the design phase of the full project, a strategic decision to recruit regional fisheries experts to work along
side international experts to consult with stakeholders proved to be exceptionally beneficial in the final
design of the project document. Notably, in designing the project emphasis is directed not only to the
regional aspects of project assistance but a clear direction to address national level interventions to address
the root causes and threats to international waters in the region, specifically deficiencies in management
relating to governance and lack of understanding. A well executed terminal review of the first phase with
clear recommendations also provided noteworthy guidance in the formation of the full Oceanic Fisheries
Management project for the Pacific region.
ii) The Pacific region has a long history of regional cooperation on oceanic fisheries management matters and
this is supported by the evolution of regional organizations whose technical and management competence
have worked for the benefit of the small island developing States in this area. In the case of the Pacific these
recognized and established mechanisms serve positively for addressing transboundary international waters
concerns, particularly for migratory resources.
iii) A set of guidelines detailing the processes, including timeframes, involved from project concept to the
official start date of projects might have prevented the delayed roll out of the PI OFM Project. While some
delays by their nature of needing scheduled committee type approval are unavoidable, others concerning
communication, preparation work and roles of responsibility could have reasonably been avoided with clear
guidelines for all organizations involved. In the course of addressing the accessibility of GEF assistance to
the Pacific region any advice provided should be inclusive of clear process guidelines with timeframes.
Page 32 of 37
X.
Project Contribution to GEF Strategic Targets in Focal Area
"The global concerns addressed by the GEF in activities in the focal area include:
"Excessive exploitation of living and nonliving resources due to inadequate management and control measures (for example,
overfishing...)"- Ch. 4. Operational Strategy of the GEF.;
and the overall strategic thrust of GEF-funded IW activities is:
"to meet the agreed incremental costs of (a) assisting groups of countries to better understand the environmental concerns of
their International Waters and work collaboratively to address them; (b) building the capacity of existing institutions (or, if
appropriate, developing the capacity through new institutional arrangements) to utilise a more comprehensive approach for
addressing transboundary water-related environmental concerns; and (c) implementing measures that address the priority
transboundary environmental concerns." - Ch. 4. Operational Strategy of the GEF
Within the GEF IW focal area:
· sustainable management of regional fish stocks is identified as one of the major environmental issues that SIDS have in
common and a target for activities under the SIDS component of OP 9, the Integrated Land and Water Multiple Focal Area
Operational Program; and
· the adoption of an ecosystem-based approach to addressing environmental problems in Large Marine Ecosystems is
promoted through activities under the Large Marine Ecosystem Component of OP 8, the Waterbody-Based Operational Program.
Consistent with this framework, GEF financing for the South Pacific SAP Project has been supporting the implementation of an
IW Pacific Islands SAP, including a pilot phase of support for the OFM Component, which underpinned successful efforts to
conclude and bring into force the WCPF Convention"
The Pacific Islands OFM Project supported Pacific SIDS efforts as they participate in the setting up and initial period of operation
of the new Commission that is at the center of the WCPF Convention and as they reform, realign, restructure and strengthen their
national fisheries laws, policies, institutions and programmes to take up the new opportunities which the WCPF Convention
creates and discharge the new responsibilities which the Convention requires.
GEF support for the Pacific Islands OFM Project includes the following elements:
· The Project will provide a contribution towards meeting the incremental costs of implementation by Pacific SIDS of the
WCPF Convention, which is the first major regional application of the UN Fish Stocks Agreement.
· The Project has supported Pacific SIDS in taking a leading role in the establishment of the new WCPF Commission. The
establishment of the Commission will put an end to the situation where there is no regulation of fishing in the high seas of the
Western and Central Pacific. With most of the Pacific SIDS' major trade and aid partners involved in the Commission as
fishing states, it is important for the Pacific SIDS to be able to look to an independent multilateral agency for support in this
work.
· The Project will also support Pacific SIDS in making the necessary national legal, policy and institutional reforms for the
implementation of the SAP and the WCPF Convention. With much of the catch and fishing in the WTP LME occurring in
the waters of the Pacific SIDS, and an increasing share of the high seas catches being made by vessels of Pacific SIDS,
successful implementation of the oceanic fisheries management component of the SAP and of the WCPF Convention
depends heavily on the commitment and capacity of Pacific SIDS to apply conservation and management measures in their
Page 33 of 37
waters that are compatible with arrangements for the high seas and to exercise control over their vessels fishing on the high
seas. All Pacific SIDS will have to make substantial efforts to upgrade and realign their oceanic fisheries management
regimes and programmes to meet the responsibilities and standards arising from the establishment of the new Commission.
For many, this will require reforms of institutional structures to make the necessary incremental resources available at a time
of general restraint on levels of core public service funds and posts. GEF is the most appropriate agency to support this
effort. It has the necessary capacity and mandate to assist these vital reforms and to provide the necessary support to capacity
enhancement and the sustainability of input from the Pacific SIDS.
· 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 management in the WTP LME. In the pilot phase of the OFM component
of the South Pacific SAP Project, GEF support allowed work to begin in this crucial area. Following the design of an
appropriate approach to biodynamic modelling of the WTP LME, biological sampling of ecosystem components, food web
analysis and trophic level determination have been initiated as a first step in what will be a long-term effort. This pilot
activity was also successful in leveraging additional complementary funding for collaborative ecosystem research on a
Pacific basin scale over a longer time frame. GEF support for activities related to the operationalisation of an ecosystem-
based approach will ensure that ecosystem analysis is given a high priority from the earliest stages of the establishment of the
Commission. 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.
· The implementation of the Convention will mobilise a major increase in resources for conservation and management from
those who use the fishery resources of the region. Implementation of the Convention will see the establishment of substantial
technical, compliance and science programmes under the Commission, also to be financed largely by those who use the
region's fishery resources as well as requiring the commitment of resources to expanded compliance and science
programmes at national level by those involved in fishing, especially in high seas fishing. In addition to increasing the
resources committed for these purposes, this will reduce the burden on Pacific SIDS who have, until now, carried the major
burden for research and monitoring of oceanic fisheries with funding from donors that could have been used for other socio-
economic purposes.
· The approach of the Project closely matches the GEF approach to IW Projects noted above. It has its origins in the
preparation of a SAP that identified transboundary concerns, the associated threats and their root causes. The Project itself is
aimed at addressing the root causes identified in the SAP and it will assist Pacific SIDS to utilise the full range of technical,
economic, financial, regulatory and institutional measures needed to operationalise sustainable development strategies for
oceanic fisheries in the international waters of the Pacific Islands region. It will help them to better understand the
transboundary environmental concerns related to oceanic fisheries and to work collaboratively to address them; to build a
new regional Commission and strengthen the capacity of existing national institutions to utilise a more comprehensive
approach for addressing those transboundary concerns; and to implement at regional and national level measures that address
the priority transboundary environmental concerns identified in the SAP.
· The Project will contribute to achievement of IW Strategic Priorities for the period FY04-06 through its support for SAP-
based management reforms, its SIDS focus and its LME and fisheries applications.
Page 34 of 37
· GEF support for the Project will be the first tangible response by the global community to the call in Section VII of the
WSSD JPOI for actions to:
"Further implement sustainable fisheries management and improve financial returns from fisheries by supporting and
strengthening relevant regional fisheries management organisations, as appropriate, such as the recently established
Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism and such agreements as the Convention on the Conservation and Management
of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean";
and supports the other relevant parts of the WSSD Plan of Implementation relating to SIDS noted above.
· There is a good basis for expecting that the Project will be effective. The SAP is in place and remains appropriate. The
WCPF Convention was concluded and has come into force earlier than expected, assisted by the South Pacific SAP Project
advisory and training activities - these have also led to some Pacific SIDS completing ratification of the UN Fish Stocks
Agreement and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The WCPF Commission has therefore been established and
provides a very clear focus for much of the Project's proposed activities.
Page 35 of 37
ATTACHMENT A
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project Beneficiary Country Endorsements, Confirmations and
Signatures on the Project Document
GEF Operational Points
Dates of Endorsement/
Project Document Signatu
(at November 2004)
Confirmation
Cook Islands
Endorsed: 13 October 2003
Mr Vaitoti Tupa, Director, Environment Service
Confirmed: 24 December 2004
Federated States of Micronesia
Endorsed: 6 November 2003
Mr John Mooteb, Deputy Assistant Secretary
Confirmed: 29 December 2004
Sustainable Development Unit
Fiji
Endorsed: 1 March 2004
Endorsed: 29 August 2005
Mr Cama Tuiloma, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Local Governm
C e
ontf,
irmed 1 February 2005
Housing, Squatter Settlement & Environment
Kiribati
Endorsed: 28 November 2003
Mr Tererei Abete-Reema, Deputy Director, Environment and Conservation
Division
Republic of Marshall Islands
Endorsed: 16 September 2003
Ms Yumiko Crisostomo, Director, Office of Environmental Planning and
C
oP
n o
fili
r cy
m
ed 4 February 2005
Coordination
Nauru
Endorsed: 20 October 2003
Mr Joseph Cairn, The Secretary, Department of Industry & Economic Confirmed 14 December 2004
Development
Niue
Endorsed: 9 February 2004
Endorsed: 27 July 2005
Mr Crossley Tatui, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs Office
Confirmed: 24 December 2004
Palau
Endorsed: 22 October 2003
Ms Youlsau Bells, National Environment Planner, Office of Environmen
C ta
o l
n
f a
i n
r d
m ed: 17 December 2004
Response Coordination
Papua New Guinea
Endorsed: 19 February 2004
Endorsed: 10 August 2005
Mr Wari Iamo, Director, Department of Environment and ConservationConfirmed 2 February 2005
Samoa
Endorsed: 17 October 2003
Mr Aiono Mose Pouvi Sua
Confirmed: 23 December 2004
Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Solomon Islands
Endorsed: 11 October 2003
Mr Steve Likaveke, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Forests, Environm
C e
ontf i&
r
med: 20 December 2004
Conservation
Tonga
Endorsed: 26 January 2004
Mr Uilou Samani, Director, Department of Environment
Confirmed: 3 January 2005
Tokelau
Endorsed: 27 February 2004
Endorsed: 18 July 2007
Mr Falani Aukuso, Director, Office of the Council of Faipule
Confirmed: 13 December 2004
Tuvalu
Endorsed: 7 November 2003
Endorsed: August 2005 (Mr. Enate Evi Tuvalu
Mr Nelesone Panapasi, Secretary to Government, Office of the Prime M
C in
o i
n s
fite
r r
med 1 February 2005
GEF Focal Point)
Vanuatu
Endorsed: 17 March 2004
Endorsed: 24 August 2005
Mr Ernest Bani, The Head, Environment Unit
5 Status UNDP Suva.
Page 36 of 37
GEF Operational Points
Dates of Endorsement/
Project Document Signatu
(at November 2004)
Confirmation
Other Project Document Signatures
Implementing Agency
United Nations Development Programme
Suva
Endorsed: 30 September 2005
Mr. Hans de Graff
Deputy Resident Representative
Papua New Guinea
Endorsed: 4 August 2005
Ms. Jacqui Badcock
Resident Representative
Executing Agency
Endorsed: 13 July 2005
Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
Mr. Feleti.P.Teo
Director General
Page 37 of 37