PIMS 2992 IW: FSP Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
Fourth Quarter 2005
1. Country: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall
Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga,
Tokelau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu
2. Project Number/Code: PIMS 2992
3. Project Title: Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
4. Executing Agency: South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) with the Pacific
Community (SPC) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and
natural Resources.
5. Period Covered: October December 2005 (4th Quarter 2005)
6. Summary of Overall Project Progress:
Project activities for the UNDP/GEF Pacific Oceanic Fisheries Management Project have
commenced in earnest in the second month of the QTR. An Inception workshop held in
August 2005 in Suva allowed the individuals and organizations that will be responsible
for implementing the project to discuss and clarify roles and responsibilities. Funds for
the project start were received by FFA in the 2nd month of this quarter and onward
transfers were made to SPC & IUCN immediately. All three organizations have
commenced planned project activities but overall there appears to be under spending in
the 2005 budget (1 QTR) as a result of the late start. Communication between project
stakeholders is remains sound.
7. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (As per quarter work-plan):
Activity 1
SPC
Project Administration
Recruitment of 4 positions was completed, as follows:
Fishery Monitoring Supervisor:
Ms Deirdre Brogan (from 1 Nov 05)
Fishery Scientist (Ecosystem Monitoring):
Mr Bruno Leroy (from 1 Nov 05)
Fishery Scientist (Ecosystem Analysis):
Dr Valerie Allain (from 1 Jan 06)
Fishery Scientist (Stock Assessment):
Dr Don Bromhead (from 11 Feb 06)
Efforts continued to secure co-funding for a number of project activities, including
tagging and trophic structure investigations.
Fishery Monitoring
The FMS began planning project activities relating to development of a regional fishery
monitoring template, and associated national level support. A working plan for allocation
of project resources to national activities in 2006 has been developed and will be further
refined during Q1 2006. The FMS and another OFP representative attended the
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PIMS 2992 IW: FSP Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Regional Steering Committee meeting in Honiara in October.
Stock Assessment
No activities this quarter. FS (Stock Assessment) in post in February 2006.
Ecosystem Monitoring and Analysis
A review of lab work requirements for processing stomach contents samples was
undertaken. Planning for tagging operations in 2006 began.
IUCN
· Participation in Inception Workshop.
· Development of draft cruise plans.
· Travel to region (Fiji) to meet with stakeholders
Project implementation is on target. IUCN participated in the Inception Workshop held in
Honiara, Solomon Islands. IUCN has prepared a draft scientific research proposal and
cruise plan for its seamount work, and has distributed this draft plan throughout the
region for comments. IUCN has met with its partner, DeepOcean Quest, in an effort to
advance research cruise planning and start developing a communications strategy for
the cruises. IUCN has met with stakeholders in the region (Fiji) to discuss the seamount
work and gather information that will assist in refining the cruise plan and ensure the
results of the cruise will be relevant to local and regional stakeholders.
Activity 2
FFA
Legal Reform
A legal planning workshop for Pacific SIDS took place in Vanuatu in November 2005.
Mr. Les Clark provided professional services for the workshop. The workshop outcome
determined priorities for national legal work under the UNDP GEF project for National
Consultative and the Regional Steering Committees consideration.
Policy Reform
The 2nd Management Options Workshop funded by New Zealand was held in Oct 2005.
Consultancy services were provided by Mr. Les Clark and Mr. Ian Cartwright as
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.
Institutional Reform
No Activity
Compliance Strengthening
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.
IUCN
See activity one.
Activity 3
PCU
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.
Recruitment procedures for the two posts in the PCU and the technical position of
Fisheries Management Advisor were completed in this quarter. The post of the Project is
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PIMS 2992 IW: FSP Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
now filled as at 29 Dec, Barbara Hanchard has been appointed. The Project Finance
and Administration post is expected to be filled in the first two weeks of 2006, as is the
Fisheries Management Advisor.
8. Challenges/Issues Encountered
Activity 1
SPC
None
IUCN
None
Activity 2
FFA
None
IUCN
None
Activity 3
PCU
Recruitment of the posts that make up the PCU have occurred after the convening of the
Regional Steering Committee.
Funds for the project were released in October 2005 although some project activities
had commenced soon after project approval in May 2005.
9. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
Activity 1
SPC
N/A
IUCN
N/A
Activity 2
FFA
None
IUCN
N/A
Activity 3
PCU
FFA committed to act as interim PCU to maintain the project momentum until the PCU
could be established.
FFA & SPC used alternative funds until the release of the 2005 budget occurred on the
understanding that they would be reimbursed.
10. Recommendations for Future Action
Activity 1
SPC
None
IUCN
None
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PIMS 2992 IW: FSP Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 2
FFA
None
IUCN
None
Activity 3
PCU
None
11. Report Prepared By:
Barbara Hanchard, Project Coordinator
Contributions by Dr John Hampton (SPC) and Andrew Hurd (IUCN)
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QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
(Consolidated)
1. Country: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
2. Project Number/Code: PIMS No. 2992
3. Project Title: Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
4. Executing Agency: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
5. Period Covered: 1 January 2006 31 March 2006 (Q1 2006)
6. Summary of Overall Project Progress:
FFA and SPC report that staff recruitment and administrative arrangements for the project
were finalized and that project activities are now in full implementation phase.
The roll out of outputs and activities across the
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.
7. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (As per quarter work-plan):
Project Administration
FFA and Project Coordination Unit
The commencement of Mr. Darren Cameron, Fisheries Management Advisor on 18 March
2006 completed the recruitment process for the FFA component of the OFM Project.
SPC
Recruitment of positions was completed, with the commencement of Dr Donald Bromhead on
11 February 2006.
Information and documents for the 2005 project audit were assembled and transmitted to the
PCU.
Efforts continued to secure co-funding for a number of project activities, including tagging and
trophic structure investigations. Good progress in particular has been made in securing co-
funding for tagging, including the following confirmed funding commitments for tagging work in
PNG:
PNG National Fisheries Authority
USD 100,000
New Zealand AID
USD 400,000
French Pacific Fund
EUR 100,000
In addition, the following funding proposals are currently under consideration (amounts shown
are specifically for tagging):
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European Commission
EUR 1,500,000
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research AUD 400,000
University of Hawaii
USD 200,000
US Dept of State (OESI)
USD 214,000
IUCN
None
Sub-component 1.1: Fishery Monitoring
Output 1.1.1: A template for national integrated monitoring programmes including
logsheet, observer, port sampling and landing data collection and management; and
provision of national data to the Commission
Activity 1.1.1.1: Develop
Under this activity, the OFP is developing a standard software
database and associated
package named TUFMAN (Tuna Fishery Data Management
software
System). Eight new reports were added to the TUFMAN
database as well as the facility to print customised license
certificates. Telex positions can now also be mapped from the
database. Data entry modifications were made for logsheets,
port sampling data and telex reports.
Activity 1.1.1.2: Develop
This will be developed once collection procedures are
reporting module for
implemented in-country.
Commission data
Output 1.1.2: National monitoring systems based on the regional template for
integrated monitoring, customised to meet national needs
Activity 1.1.2.1: Support
All countries were given an upgraded version of the Catch and
establishment and
Effort Query System (CES), and observer data viewer
enhancement of national
(Observer) on CD in March. The TUFMAN database was
databases and software
upgraded for the Cook Islands and Fiji.
Dedicated travel was made to: Palau, where the TUFMAN
database was installed and the port sampling database
upgraded; French Polynesia (co-funded activity), where the
observer query system (ORSE) was upgraded and the national
database reviewed; and the Marshall Islands, where the
TUFMAN database was installed. Appropriate training was
given to users in all countries.
Activity 1.1.2.2: Support
National observer programmes are now established in 10 of
establishment and
the 15 FFA member countries (Palau, Marshall Islands,
enhancement of national
Kiribati, FSM, Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands,
port sampling and observer
Tonga and Samoa), while three other countries aspire to
programmes
running observer programmes in the future (Vanuatu, Niue and
Tokelau). Active observer programmes are also supported in
New Caledonia and French Polynesia. SPC, utilizing POFM
and co-funding resources, provided continuing support,
guidance, funding for activities, information sharing and
materials to these programmes during this period.
A current focus is 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.
Three staff members from SPC, including the FMS, travelled to
the Solomon Islands in January to assist FFA and NMFS to
conduct the 6th Regional Observer Coordinators' Workshop.
The meeting allowed the FMS to present and handover much
of the work that had been done on data quality during the
2
previous OFM project.
Data collection from 25 port sampling sites is also supported
by SPC utilizing POFM and co-funding resources. All data
received during the quarter were entered, checked and
immediate feedback given to the port sampler supervisors.
Activity 1.1.2.3: Support the
Duty travel to Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa
coordination of national
allowed the FMS to review each country's data collection
monitoring programmes
system and to identify or establish, where necessary, a
National Tuna Data Coordinator (NTDC). The NTDC positions
will be advertised in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. A job
description and a draft MOU have been prepared in
anticipation of this recruitment.
Output 1.1.3: A regional monitoring coordination capacity, to develop regional
standards such as data formats, and to provide a clearing house for information on
fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.1: Develop
During this quarter 396 observer workbooks, 668 observer
and make available
waterproof pads and 140 waterproof port sampling pads were
common data formats
distributed to nine countries with active sampling programmes.
Work continued on documenting all form change requests and
the initial planning for the 7th Data Collection Committee (DCC)
meeting has commenced.
Activity 1.1.3.2: Hold
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter. The
Regional Workshops on
first regional statistics workshop is planned to be held in the 4th
regional and national fishery quarter 2006.
monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.3: Distribute
Resource material production continues to focus on observer
newsletters, webpage and
needs with the longline observer guide being brought through
other forms of information
the editing stage. The final layout stage has still to be
exchange
completed.
Output 1.1.4: Training of national monitoring staff, particularly monitoring
coordinators, observers and port samplers
Activity 1.1.4.1: Organise
A full observer training course was conducted in the Marshall
and hold in-country
Islands, while a refresher longline training course was given in
observer & port sampling
Tonga. The OFP Observer and Port sampler Trainer also
courses and other training
attended the NMFS observer training course that was held in
activities
Hawaii. These activities utilized co-funding resources.
Activity 1.1.4.2: Regional
See activity 1.1.3.2.
training courses in
integrated fishery
monitoring
Activity 1.1.4.3: Attach
There were no attachments this quarter.
national monitoring
personnel to SPC/OFP
Sub-component 1.2: Stock Assessment
Output 1.2.1: National oceanic fisheries status reports prepared collaboratively with
national scientific staff
Activity 1.2.1.1: Prepare 6
This is an activity that benefits from significant co-funding.
National Oceanic Fisheries
During the quarter, National Tuna Fishery Status Reports for
Status Reports annually
PNG and French Polynesia (OFP-funded activity) were
finalised, while work on NTFSRs for Solomon Islands, FSM
and New Caledonia (OFP-funded activity) was progressed. A
work plan for the remainder of 2006 and for 2007 was
3
discussed at the 5th SPC Heads of Fisheries Meeting.
Activity 1.2.1.2: Hold In-
No in-country workshops for beneficiary countries were held
country Stakeholder
this quarter, although a workshop was held in French
Workshops for delivery of
Polynesia utilizing non-project resources of the OFP.
National Status Reports
Output 1.2.2: Advice to Pacific SIDS on scientific issues in the work of the Commission
Activity 1.2.2.1: Provide
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter
contributions to briefs on
although a timetable for provision of information was agreed
scientific issues for Pacific
with FFA.
SIDS for meetings of the
Commission, the Scientific
Committee and Science
Working Groups
Activity 1.2.2.2: Present
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter.
scientific briefs to
preparatory meetings of
Pacific SIDS for the
Commission
Output 1.2.3: Training of national technical and scientific staff to understand regional
stock assessment methods, and interpret and apply the results; and to use
oceanographic data
Activity 1.2.3.1: Hold
The first regional stock assessment workshop is scheduled to
Regional Workshops on
be held during the 2nd quarter of 2006. Work on the
stock assessment methods
development of workshop materials and other preparatory
and analysis of
activities took place during the quarter.
oceanographic impacts on
fisheries
Activity 1.2.3.2: Attach
No attachments took place this quarter.
national technical staff to
SPC/OFP and other
institutions to participate in
Commission stock
assessment work and
preparation of national
status reports
Activity 1.2.3.3: Train
No in-country training took place this quarter.
scientific counterparts in-
country
Sub-component 1.3: Ecosystem Monitoring and Analysis
Output 1.3.1: Observer sampling and analysis of commercial fishery catches to
determine trophic relationships of pelagic species in the WTP LME
Activity 1.3.1.1: Collect
The 65 samples collected at the end of 2005 by the French
observer-based sampling
Polynesia observer programme have been received and
data, especially stomach
stored. These samples were collected on the North-East side
contents, tissue samples
of the French Polynesian EEZ during an exploratory campaign.
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 will be finalized and sent to PICT
observer programmes in April. Observer programmes have
been informed of the situation and are on stand-by regarding
biological sampling for the project.
Activity 1.3.1.2: Lab-based
Some additional storage space has been added to the SPC
4
analysis of samples
biological laboratory to accommodate the increasing number of
prey items preserved for reference.
Lab safety has been improved with the addition of a first aid
kit, a fire-blanket and a security pad lock.
A research assistant was contracted utilizing co-funding
sources to continue lab-based analysis of stomach samples
collected under the previous OFM project. This work will
continue through 2006 and beyond, subject to the availability
of funding. During the quarter, the contents of 102 stomachs
(from 6 observer trips) were examined and about 70% of the
information has been entered into the database.
Tissue samples have been dehydrated and sent to the
University of Hawaii for isotopic analysis.
Some albacore otoliths have been collected from the New
Caledonia longline catch; more specimens are needed to
assess the feasability of a growth study on albacore otolith
seasonal structures.
Output 1.3.2: Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP LME
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
A Seamount Planning Workshop was organized at SPC
seamount activity planning
Headquarters on the 20-21 March 2006. Gathering 14
and review workshops
seamount benthic and pelagic ecology specialists as well as
pelagic fisheries experts from Europe, Pacific countries and
territories, seamount ecology and the POFM seamount work
plan were discussed. Subjects discussed include bathymetric
and oceanographic data, benthic and pelagic ecology,
benthos-pelagos interactions, fisheries in relation to
seamounts, and implementation of the seamount activities
during the POFM project (data analysis and scientific cruises).
A report of the workshop will be provided in April 2006.
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
Several seamount geographical position datasets were
Seamounts and analyse
gathered and included into a GIS. Analysis of fisheries data in
historical fishing patterns
relation to seamounts has commenced. Following the above-
around seamounts
mentioned workshop, screening of seamount localization
datasets should be conducted before continuing the analysis
of fisheries data.
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect data
Two pop-up satellite archival (PSAT) tags were deployed on
at sea at selected
large yellowfin and bigeye tuna during a NOAA scientific cruise
seamounts, including
around American Samoa.
tagging, trophic sampling
Various planning activities for the co-funded PNG tagging
and analysis
project began during the quarter. A project logo and tag reward
posters were designed and posters have been translated into
PNG and Solomon Island languages. The tagging project
plans were presented to a POFM briefing held in Noumea in
conjunction with the 5th SPC Heads of Fisheries Meeting.
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter.
national scientist
participation in benthic
biodiversity survey
Output 1.3.2: Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP LME
(IUCN)
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
Participation in Seamount Planning Workshop.
seamount activity planning
Further refinement of draft cruise plans.
and review workshops
Much planning and coordination work is going on, but are
resulting in relatively low expenditure levels (typically involving
5
some travel and staff-time). This is to be expected since the
bulk of the resources under the Scientific Assessment
Component are directly linked to the research cruises
themselves (e.g. equipment for the cruises, covering costs of
scientists participating in the cruises, on-the-ground planning
and coordination of cruise activities, etc.).
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter
Seamounts and analyse
historical fishing patterns
around seamounts
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect data
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter
at sea at selected
seamounts, including
tagging, trophic sampling
and analysis
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
Continued recruitment of additional partners and securing of
national scientist
both cash and in-kind counterpart resources.
participation in benthic
IUCN continues to refine its draft scientific research proposal
biodiversity survey
and cruise plan for its seamount work, incorporating comments
from a wide range of reviewers. IUCN continues to have
regular communication with its partner, DeepOcean Quest, in
an effort to advance research cruise planning. IUCN continues
to bring other partners, with either cash or in-kind
contributions, to the project, including the CenSeam project of
the Census of Marine Life (COML), the Institute of Zoology
(UK), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (US), among
others. The key activity this quarter, which contributed to both
the refinement of the cruise plan, and the creation of stronger
synergies amongst project partners, was the Seamount
Planning Workshop, hosted by SPC's OFP, 20-21 March, in
New Caledonia, attended by Dr. Alex Rogers, Scientific
Advisor to IUCN, and the Principal Scientist for the seamount
cruise.
Output 1.3.3: Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
Activity 1.3.3.1: Incorporate
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
ecosystem data and
information into existing
ecosystem models and
refinement of those models
as necessary
Activity 1.3.3.2: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and data
to assess ecosystem-based
management options
Activity 1.3.3.3: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and data
to assess management
options targeted specifically
at seamounts
Output 1.3.4: Estimates of levels of by-catch in WCPO oceanic fisheries
Activity 1.3.4.1: Review
Work has commenced on this activity and will continue through
historical observer data and
the 2nd quarter.
methodological
development
1.3.4.2: Estimate levels of
By-catch estimates and a preliminary ecological risk
6
by-catch
assessment for selected species will be presented to the 2nd
meeting of the WCPFC Scientific Committee in August 2006.
Output 1.3.5: 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
Activity 1.3.5.1: Present
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
results of ecosystem
analysis to the Commission
through the Ecosystem &
Bycatch Working Group
Activity 1.3.5.2: Present info
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
on national & regional
implications of results of
ecosystem analysis to
Pacific SIDS
Activity 1.3.5.3: Attach
No attachments were conducted during this quarter.
national technical staff to
SPC/OFP and other
institutions to participate in
ecosystem analysis
Component Two
Sub-component 2.1: Legal Reform
Output 2.1.1: A strategy and workplan for activities on regional and national legal
issues
Activity 2.1.1.1: Carry out
The services of Professor Martin Tsamenyi of the University of
legal and technical reviews
Wollongong Australia have been secured to assist in national
of legal issues and national
workshops and the analysis of legal implications from
legal structures
decisions adopted by the WCPF Commission. The specific
outputs from this consultancy are the preparation of National
Country Reports, the development of course material and
where applicable draft legislation for PI countries. The work
commences in this quarter with the first of a series of in-
country workshops for Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands and
Tokelau. In-country national assistance is programmed for
Samoa, Kiribati, Marshalls in second quarter (April/May), Palau
and Vanuatu in June, FSM & Fiji in July, Cook Islands and
PNG in August September and Tonga and Nauru in
September/October.
Activity 2.1.1.2: Hold a
Deferred payment for the Regional Legal Workshop held in
Regional Legal Consultation Port Vila Vanuatu in November 2005 was paid in this quarter.
on Legal Issues, National
Legal Officer commenced review of Samoa's fisheries
Legal Structures and the
legislation and revised the Cook Islands Fisheries regulations
Project strategy for legal
to incorporate obligations under the WCPF Convention and the
work.
emerging decision of the WCPF Commission. These activities
were funded by other sources.
Output 2.1.2
New draft laws, regulations, agreements and license conditions in line
with WCPF Convention prepared and shared with Pacific SIDS.
Activity 2.1.2.1. Prepare
No activity this quarter. Work in relation to this activity to
templates of legal
develop a template for fisheries legislation has been deferred
provisions to implement the
until the second quarter of 2006 when a team of legal experts
7
Convention.
will meet in Brisbane.
Activity 2.1.2.2. Undertake
See Activity 2.1.1.2
national legal reviews.
Activity 2.1.2.3. Provide
Mr John Hauirae Maito'o of the Solomon Islands has been
draft Bills, regulations,
contracted to complete work in relation to the drafting of the
license conditions and
Marshall Islands High Seas Authorisation. This short term
access agreements to
consultancy will finalise the High Seas Fisheries regulations for
Pacific SIDS.
the Marshall Islands establishing a High Seas Authorisation.
Output 2.1.3. Proposals for the Commission from Pacific SIDS for legal arrangements
to implement the Convention.
Activity 2.1.3.1. Undertake
A draft report for the Marshall Islands on how to implement the
legal studies on
recent decisions of the first and second annual sessions of the
Commission and
WCPF Commission was prepared by the FFA Legal Counsel.
Convention issues including
This preliminary work is the basis for Activity 2.1.1.1. The
non-Contracting Parties and
Legal Counsel at FFA is not supported by GEF funds.
new members.
Activity 2.1.3.2. Prepare
No activity this quarter
legal briefs for Pacific SIDS
for Commission and
subsidiary body meetings.
Activity 2.1.3.3. Hold
No activity this quarter
Regional Legal
Consultations.
Output 2.1.4. Training of policy makers and legal personnel in oceanic fisheries
management legal issues.
Activity 2.1.4.1. Hold
No activity this quarter
Regional Legal Workshops.
Activity 2.1.4.2. Hold
A in-country Prosecution and dock side boarding workshop is
National Legal Workshops.
planned for Pohnpei, FSM for 3 7 April 2006. This exercise is
co-financed with AusAID and NZAID funds.
Activity 2.1.4.3. Attach legal
No activity this quarter.
staff to FFA and other
A Ni-Vanuatu legal officer will be attached to the Legal Division
institutions to participate in
of FFA in June 2006.
legal analyses.
Sub-component 2.2: Policy Reform
Output 2.2.1. National oceanic fisheries management Plans, policies and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.1. Prepare
Fisheries Management Plan for Vanuatu was undertaken in
Plans, policy and strategy
this quarter. Dr Rick Fletcher from Western Australian
documents.
Fisheries has been contracted to undertake this work. This
contract is co-financed with FFA funds from other sources.
Work is being progressed on the Cook Islands Fisheries
Management Plan. This work is being done with the assistance
of Mr. Les Clark, OFM Project International Consultant.
Activity 2.2.1.2. Support the
No activity this quarter.
implementation of Plans,
policies and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.3. Undertake
See Activity 2.2.1.1.
Plan, policy and strategy
reviews.
Output 2.2.2. Strategies and specific proposals for the overall development of the
8
Commission, including its Secretariat and technical programs, and for Commission
conservation and management measures.
Activity 2.2.2.1. Undertake
On- going work. International Consultant Mr Les Clark
studies on Commission and
continues to work on analysis of management options for
Convention conservation
Pacific Islands input into the Commission meetings.
and management issues.
Activity 2.2.2.2. Prepare
No activity this quarter.
and present reports on
Preparations for the FFC annual governing council in May will
regional oceanic fisheries
require the provision of advice and reports on oceanic fisheries
management issues to
management issues in relation to proposals for the
Pacific SIDS, including
Commission and subsidiary bodies. Fisheries management
analysis of proposals for the
expert Mr. Les Clark retained as an international consultant
Commission and its
(co-financed by the OFM Project funds and other sources) and
subsidiary bodies.
Fisheries Management Advisor, Darren Cameron are
undertaking work in this quarter in anticipation of the May
meeting.
Activity 2.2.2.3. Hold
An FFA sub-regional EAFM workshop is to be held at Apia
Regional Fisheries
Samoa, 24 27 April. Preparation for this workshop took place
Management Workshops
in this reporting period.
and Consultations.
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.
Output 2.2.3. Identification of possible management options for seamounts, including
compliance options. (IUCN)
Activity 2.2.3.1. Undertake
technical studies on
management of oceanic
fisheries around seamounts. Given the overall project structure, the activities to be
conducted under the Policy, Law and Compliance Component,
Activity 2.2.3.2. Hold
necessarily need to wait until the scientific research has been
Workshops on seamount-
completed and initial analyses done. Therefore, very little
related management
expenditure is expected under this Component in 2006; in fact,
options.
most expenditure will occur in second half of 2007 and in
Activity 2.2.3.3. Prepare
2008.
proposals on seamount-
related conservation and
management measures.
Output 2.2.4. Training of policy makers, technical personnel and other Pacific SIDS
stakeholders to increase understanding of sustainable and responsible fisheries.
Activity 2.2.4.1. Hold
A consultation of experts met at FFA in Honiara on 14
Regional Policy
February 2006 to discuss and analyse the Commission
Consultations / Workshops.
resolutions to determine the obligations of the Pacific island
parties.
Activity 2.2.4.2. Offer a
Communication has commenced with USP to discuss the joint
TSC/USP Policy Training
delivery of a Train Sea Coast (TSC) Fisheries Management
Course.
Policy course. Revision of the existing module of the TSC
Pacific Islands Region Fisheries Management will be
proposed.
Activity 2.2.4.3. Present
A national consultation with the Department of Fisheries,
National Fisheries
Vanuatu regarding the review process for the existing fisheries
9
Management Seminars and
management plan took place in this quarter.
Workshops.
Activity 2.2.4.4. Attach
A newly appointed licensing officer from the Solomon Islands
Fisheries Management
Fisheries department undertook an attachment at FFA in
personnel to FFA and
March.
arrange study tours for
Pacific SIDS personnel to
other Fisheries
Commissions.
Activity 2.2.4.5. Support
Preparations for the FFC annual governing council in May will
relevant Ministerial
require the provision of advice and reports on oceanic fisheries
meetings.
management issues in relation to proposals for the
Commission and subsidiary bodies for Ministers at the May
meeting.
Sub-component 2.3: Institutional Reform
Output 2.3.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for the reform, realignment and
strengthening of national oceanic fisheries management administrations.
Activity 2.3.1.1. Prepare a
No activity in this quarter
review of experience and
best practices in institutional
reform.
Activity 2.3.1.2. Undertake
The design of an institutional strengthening project for Nauru
and support implementation
Fisheries has commenced. This work is expected to progress
of reviews of national
over the next quarter.
oceanic fisheries
management institutions.
Activity 2.3.1.3. Present
No activity in this quarter
National Institutional Reform
Workshops.
Output 2.3.2. Processes for national consultation between stakeholders in oceanic
fisheries management.
Activity 2.3.2.1. Advise on
Vanuatu and Cooks Islands
and support national
consultative processes.
Activity 2.3.2.2.Support
Preparations have been made for the invitation to ENGOs and
strengthening of national
INGOs to participate in the Vanuatu Fisheries Management
environmental non-
Plan review consultation scheduled for June 2006.
governmental organisations
(ENGOs) and industry non-
governmental organisations
(INGOs) to empower them
to participate in oceanic
fisheries management.
Activity 2.3.2.3.Support
See Activity 2.3.2.2
national workshops for non-
state stakeholders.
Activity 2.3.2.4. Arrange
No activity in this quarter.
attachments and study tours
for non-state stakeholders
to learn from experience
elsewhere.
Sub-component 2.4: Compliance Strengthening
10
Output 2.4.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for realigning and strengthening
national oceanic fisheries compliance programs.
Activity 2.4.1.1.Prepare a
No activity this quarter
review of Convention
implications for national
compliance.
Activity 2.4.1.2. Undertake
Ongoing contributions to reviews of needs to strengthen and
and support implementation
realign national compliance programmes under the auspices of
of reviews of needs to
activities in the legal sub-component continue.
strengthen and realign
national compliance
programs.
Output 2.4.2. Arrangements for regional coordination of monitoring, control and
surveillance (MCS) activities.
Activity 2.4.2.1.Support
See Activity 2.4.3.2
regional consultations on
coordination of air and sea
patrols.
Activity 2.4.2.2.Provide
See Activity 2.4.3.2
advice on MCS coordination Additionally, 0perations `Kurukuru' and `Islands Chief'
between Pacific SIDS and
supported by Australian Defence with contributions from FFA
other states involved.
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.
Activity 2.4.2.3.Prepare
Requests for assistance from some Pacific SIDS for the
Niue Treaty subsidiary
preparation of Niue Treaty subsidiary agreements have been
agreements.
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.
Output 2.4.3. Strategies and proposals for regional compliance measures and
programs.
Activity 2.4.3.1. Undertake
Terms of Reference have been drafted for the development of
technical studies on
a regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance strategy for the
compliance issues under
Pacific. Expressions of interest will be called for. The strategy
the Convention.
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.
Activity 2.4.3.2. Hold
The annual regional meeting for Monitoring, Control and
meetings of a Working
Surveillance which includes as a prior meeting, an annual
Group of Pacific SIDS on
meeting for the coordination of aerial surveillance in the region
11
MCS issues related to
was to be held in March 2006. However, to take into account
oceanic fisheries.
the Commission schedule of meetings the MCS Working
Group Meeting is now re-scheduled to take place in
September.
Activity 2.4.3.3. Prepare
Preparations have commenced for a meeting in the margins of
and present reports on
the May FFC to discuss with Pacific SIDS issues relating to
regional compliance issues
VMS and data sharing policies in relation to the Commission.
to Pacific SIDS, including
analysis of proposals for the
Commission and its
Technical and Compliance
Committee.
Output 2.4.4. Training of national compliance staff, especially in inspection and VMS.
Activity 2.4.4.1. Present
An in-country Dockside boarding and Inspection Workshop has
courses on National
taken place in FSM in the first quarter of 2006. The workshop
Inspection, VMS and other
was successfully completed with the assistance of the
national MCS training
Australian Defence. Participants from Palau also participated.
programs.
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.
Activity 2.4.4.2. Attach
No activity this quarter
national compliance staff to
With the roll out of updated VMS hardware a series of VMS
FFA and other Pacific SIDS. training for national compliance staff is scheduled for the third
and fourth quarter of 2006.
Component Three
Sub-component 3.1: Information Strategy
Output 3.1.1. Project Information System for capture, storage and dissemination of
project data, lessons and best practices and provision of information products using
experience and guidelines from IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.1.1. Design
Service of a website design company were engaged to design
logos and other Project
the project webpage which is located on the FFA website at
identifiers, Project
www.ffa.int/gef/. The webpage is operational. A project logo
Website/page and Project
was also secured and this will also be used on project
Document Cataloguing
documentation and publications. Email request for IW Learn
System.
information and guidelines for developing websites
unanswered. No follow up was done. Project Coordinator
registered on the IW LEARN network and the BCLME
Programme website as a comparable GEF project.
A specific document cataloguing system was developed by
the PCU.
Activity 3.1.1.2. Operate the
The OFM Project website is operational and will be maintained
Website/page.
and administered by FFA and the PCU.
The webpage menu contains relevant links, project
documentation, list of national OFM Project focal points and
other project related information.
Activity 3.1.1.3. Project
No activity in this quarter.
information materials
including CDs, papers,
12
videos, pamphlets,
newsletters, interviews,
press releases etc.
Output 3.1.2. Knowledge management process identifying innovative, best practice
and replicable ideas within the Project and relevant to the Project and active
involvement with IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.2.1. Prepare
No activity in this quarter
Knowledge Management
Strategy.
Activity 3.1.2.2. Generate
No activity in this quarter but activities in relation to webpage
Knowledge Management
and progress reports have occurred.
Components for
Website/page, newsletters,
and progress reports.
Sub-component 3.2: Monitoring and Evaluation
Output 3.2.1. Measures of, and reports on, overall project performance and delivery,
including independent evaluations of the Project.
Activity 3.2.1.1. Mid-term
No activity this quarter
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.2. Terminal
No activity this quarter
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.3. Post
No activity this quarter
evaluation (Year 8).
Activity 3.2.1.4. Annual
No activity this quarter
reviews.
Activity 3.2.1.5. Annual
The services of an independent Auditor has been secured for
audit.
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.
Discussion is ongoing with UNDP to clarify the audit process.
Arrangements had been established for each of the co-
executing Agency to perform international standard
independent audits on funds for activities they are responsible
for implementing. Due to the uncertainty and the smaller
amounts certified copies of receipts from IUCN and SPC were
transmitted to the PCU. These were given to FFA auditors to
include in the FFA audit.
Output 3.2.2. Analysis of process, stress-reduction and environmental status
indicators as per the GEF International Waters Operational Strategy.
Activity 3.2.2.1. Carry out
Terms of reference are being developed for the engagement
baseline studies to measure
of consultant to identify environmental indicators for the
IW indicators.
project. These TORs are being designed by Mr Les Clark who
is currently engaged under the project as an Fisheries
Management Consultancy. Calls for expressions of interest
are expected to made once the TORs are agreed and
finalised.
Activity 3.2.2.2. Include
No activity this quarter
indicator measures in
progress reports.
Sub-component 3.3: Stakeholder Participation and Awareness Raising
13
Output 3.3.1. ENGO participation and awareness raising in Convention-related
processes.
Activity 3.3.1.1. Conclude
A consultant Michelle Lam has been recruited to perform a
co-financing arrangement
short term consultancy that will provide a database of regional
with a Pacific ENGO.
environmental non-governmental organisations in the region.
The main purpose of the consultancy will be he development
of a strategy to engage ENGOs in project implementation to
promote NGO stakeholder and public awareness of oceanic
fisheries management issues and strengthen NGO
participation in oceanic fisheries management at national and
regional levels; established links with regional ENGOs
(including contact details and point of contact); provide advice
on the scheduling and framework for national and regional
workshops for ENGOs; draft a co-financing arrangement with
a Pacific ENGO; and recommend ENGO representation at the
Regional Steering Committee.
Activity 3.3.1.2. Support
The next annual session of the Commission meeting is
Pacific ENGO participation
scheduled to be held at Apia Samoa in December 2006. The
in the Commission.
next meeting of the 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.
Activity 3.3.1.3. Provide
Greenpeace Pacific participated in the Legal Workshop in
information on the
November 2005. Every effort is being made to facilitate the
Convention and oceanic
participation of Pacific ENGOs in project workshops across
fisheries management
the sub-components.
issues to Pacific ENGOs.
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.
Activity 3.3.1.4. Hold
No activity in this quarter
national and regional
Workshops for ENGOs.
Activity 3.3.1.5. Produce
No activity in this quarter
information materials to
raise public awareness on
oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Activity 3.3.1.6. Organise
No activity in this quarter
regional and national fora on
the Convention and oceanic
fisheries management
issues for civil society
participation.
Output 3.3.2. Support industry participation and awareness raising in Convention-
related processes.
Activity 3.3.2.1. Conclude
No activity this quarter
co-financing arrangement
with Pacific INGO.
Activity 3.3.2.2. Support
Discussions with the Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association
Pacific INGO participation in
(President, Mr James Movick) have been initiated and are
the Commission.
ongoing with regards to project support for their representative
participation in the Commission.
14
Activity 3.3.2.3. Provide
information flow on the
Convention and oceanic
fisheries management
issues to Pacific INGOs and
businesses.
Activity 3.3.2.4. Support
Support was to have been provided for a meeting of the
Pacific INGO consultations
Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association that was planned for
on the Convention and
the first quarter of 2006. Due to the uncertainty of dates of
oceanic fisheries
other meetings which the Association meeting was to be
management issues.
convened along side it has been postponed until the third or
fourth quarter of 2006.
Sub-component 3.4: Project Management and Coordination
Output 3.4.1. Project Coordination Unit staffing and office.
Activity 3.4.1.1. Appoint the
Appointment was made on the 29 December 2005. The
Project Coordinator.
Project Coordinator is Barbara Hanchard
Activity 3.4.1.2. Appoint
Mr. Royden Gholomo was appointed as the Project Finance
other PCU staff.
and Administration Officer. He commenced work on 6
February 2006.
Mr Daren Cameron accepted the post of Fisheries
Management Advisor in January 2006 but due to prior
commitments did not commence work until 18 March 2006. He
joins FFA from the Queensland Fisheries Management
Authority where he was a Fisheries Manager for seven years.
Activity 3.4.1.3. Procure
Computer hardware purchases for three positions have been
equipment and other
completed. Software programmes are on order.
requirements to establish
the PCU.
Output 3.4.2. Arrangements for coordination between Implementing and Executing
Agencies.
Activity 3.4.2.1. Preliminary
The Inception Workshop in 2005 served as the preliminary
UNDP/FFA/SPC/IUCN
collective consultations. FFA and SPC meet on a fairly regular
Consultations.
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.
Activity 3.4.2.2. Conclude
Letters of Agreements were completed in 2005.
FFA/SPC and FFA/IUCN
Letters of Agreement
(LOAs).
Activity 3.4.2.3. UNDP/FFA
Communication with UNDP Suva is confined to intermittent
Consultations.
email correspondence and some telephone conversations.
Staffing issues at UNDP Honiara has meant that most project
related queries have been directed to Suva. A number of
issues have arisen and are being addressed through the
UNDP Honiara office. Face to face meetings have taken place
with Mr Ismael Toorawa and the Project Finance and
Administration Officer in this quarter.
Output 3.4.3. Regional Steering Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.3.1. Hold
This was held in August 2005 at the UNDP office in Suva Fiji.
Inception Workshop.
This workshop was attended by representatives from UNDP
Suva and UNDP Honiara, UNDP/GEF Bangkok and FFA.
15
Activity 3.4.3.2. Hold
The first Regional Steering Committee was held at FFA,
Regional Steering
Honiara Solomon Islands in October 2005. The next meeting
Committee meetings.
of the Regional Steering Committee is scheduled for October
2006 again in Honiara. 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.
Output 3.4.4. National Consultative Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.4.1. Secure
National Focal Points for the OFM Project have been secured.
National Focal Point
A list of these can be located on the project webpage.
nominations.
Activity 3.4.4.2. Support
The Project Coordinator has commenced a schedule of visits
National Consultative
to Pacific countries to provide support for the national level
Committee meetings.
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 and AWP for
national level activities was completed by the Fisheries
Department during the visit.
Output 3.4.5. Reports on Project implementation, workplan and finances.
Activity 3.4.5.1. Prepare
A quarterly financial and narrative report was submitted to
periodic financial and
UNDP in January 2006. A further financial report of acquittal
narrative reports.
was also submitted at the end of February and this report
represents the financial and narrative report
Activity 3.4.5.2. Prepare
An initial draft AWP and budget has been prepared based on
Annual Workplans
the approved project revised budget.
Activity 3.4.5.3: Prepare
No activity this quarter
Annual Project Reports
8. Challenges/Issues Encountered
FFA and Project Coordination
Component two activities are being implemented at a steady rate, particularly those relating to
Legal and policy reforms. The FFA has restructured recently with a number of newly recruited
staff in the MSC division. This however, has not impacted overly on the delivery of activities
on this sub-component.
The administrative arrangements for the project are, on the whole established. The
establishment of the project webpage was slower than anticipated but is now fully operation.
Some confusion remains over channels of communication with the UNDP appointed country
office and consideration is being given to improving communications between the PCU and
UNDP.
SPC
None
16
IUCN
1. The recruitment of an activity coordinator in Fiji to handle on-the-ground planning and
coordination for the IUCN-led seamount cruises has been delayed for two reasons: i) the
cruise itself has been delayed; and ii) we had hoped to have the new IUCN Oceania Regional
Office up and running before recruiting. This has meant that coordination is being done from
IUCN HQ in Switzerland.
2. We do not have a budget line for travel under the first Component, even though we are
doing quite a bit of traveling in this planning stage. This is primarily due to a previous
misunderstanding on our part that the IUCN-led activities would be split across two
components and an underestimation of the amount and cost of travel required.
9. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
FFA and Project Coordination
Overall the progress of implementing project activities is satisfactory. Communications
between FFA and the co-executing agencies SPC and IUCN are good. Discussions with
UNDP-Honiara have taken place to clarify a number of administrative and financial
uncertainties.
SPC
None
IUCN
1. Given that the pace of ii) is beyond our control, we will begin recruitment as soon as we
know the exact dates of the cruises (decision expected June 2006).
2. None applied thus far (see below).
10. Recommendations for Future Action
FFA and Project Coordination
SPC
None
IUCN
IUCN will communicate with FFA before the next Quarterly Report to assess options for
rectifying this budget line issue. Due to the fact that some key decisions will be made in Q2
2006, e.g. timing of cruises, how many scientists can be accommodated on board, more
details on what equipment will be provided versus that which will need to be
rented/purchased, etc. it is expected that a more realistic expenditure plan will be developed,
in close collaboration with FFA.
11. Report Prepared By:
N. Barbara Hanchard, OFM Project Coordinator, FFA
Dr John Hampton, Oceanic Fisheries Programme Manager, SPC
Andrew Hurd, IUCN
17
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
(Consolidated)
1. Country: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
2. Project Number/Code: PIMS No. 2992
3. Project Title: Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
4. Executing Agency: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
5. Period Covered: 1 April to 30 June (Q2 2006)
6. Summary of Overall Project Progress:
The overall progress of the project for this quarter has matured significantly. The project
completes nine months of operation and project administration continues to make gains in the
transition to being well established. Communication between the Implementing Agency and
the Project Coordination Unit at FFA continues to develop and improve with consultation.
Although, the confusion over the advance request submissions has resulted in Executing
Agencies being overdrawn on two occasions.
Project presentations were given at the SPC Heads of Fisheries meeting in April and the
Forum Fisheries Committee meeting in May.
Efforts to focus on national level activities under the project are being progressed as are
continued efforts to secure co-funding for a number of project activities, including tagging and
trophic structure investigations. Good progress in particular has been made in securing co-
funding for tagging, including the following confirmed funding commitments for tagging work in
PNG:
PNG National Fisheries Authority
USD 100,000
New Zealand AID
USD 400,000
French Pacific Fund
EUR 50,000
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
AUD 400,000
University of Hawaii
USD 170,000
In addition, the following funding proposals are currently under consideration (amounts shown
are specifically for tagging):
European Commission
EUR 1,500,000
US Dept of State (OESI)
USD 214,000
Unfortunately, activities and efforts to commence the work in relation one part (benthic
biodiversity survey) of the output for the collection and analysis of information on seamounts
in the WTP LME continues to experience delays. A reassessment of these activities will be
addressed in the following quarter by IUCN and the PCU.
7. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (As per quarter work-plan):
Sub-component 1.1: Fishery Monitoring
Output 1.1.1: A template for national integrated monitoring programmes including
logsheet, observer, port sampling and landing data collection and management; and
provision of national data to the Commission
Activity 1.1.1.1: Develop
Under this activity, the OFP is developing a standard software
1
database and associated
package named TUFMAN (Tuna Fishery Data Management
software
System). Six new reports were added to the TUFMAN
database during this reporting period, including a report used
to reconcile logsheets with telex reports. Data entry
modifications were made to screens for licensing, logsheets
and reference tables. The system was installed in Tuvalu for
the first time during this reporting period and updates of the
system were sent to the Cook Islands, Palau and the Marshall
Islands.
Activity 1.1.1.2: Develop
This will be developed once collection procedures are
reporting module for
implemented in-country.
Commission data
Output 1.1.2: National monitoring systems based on the regional template for
integrated monitoring, customised to meet national needs
Activity 1.1.2.1: Support
The following countries were given an upgraded version of the
establishment and
Catch and Effort Query System (CES) in April/May: FFA, Cook
enhancement of national
Islands, Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu.
databases and software
Activity 1.1.2.2: Support
National observer programmes are now established in 10 of
establishment and
the 15 FFA member countries (Palau, Marshall Islands,
enhancement of national
Kiribati, FSM, Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands,
port sampling and observer
Tonga and Samoa), while three other countries aspire to
programmes
running observer programmes in the future (Vanuatu, Niue and
Tokelau). Active observer programmes are also supported in
New Caledonia and French Polynesia. SPC, utilizing POFM
and co-funding resources, provided continuing support,
guidance, funding for activities, information sharing and
materials to these programmes during this period.
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 POFM co-
funding resources.
Data collection from 25 port sampling sites is also supported
by SPC utilizing POFM and co-funding resources. All data
received during the quarter were entered, checked and
immediate feedback given to the port sampler supervisors.
Activity 1.1.2.3: Support the
Duty travel to Palau and Tonga was conducted by the FMS
coordination of national
during the quarter to review each country's data collection
monitoring programmes
system and to identify, or establish where necessary, a
National Tuna Data Coordinator (NTDC).
An assistant NTDC position will be advertised in Palau. A job
description and a draft MOU have been prepared in
anticipation of this recruitment.
The NTDC position has already been established in Tonga
and funding for this position will not be required. However,
computer hardware and computer services support was
identified as an area which could help improve data collection
and management. Further discussions will take place with
Tonga regarding this support.
The Database Supervisor traveled to Vanuatu, where (inter
2
alia) discussions were held on the planned installation of the
TUFMAN database and the MOU for the establishment of the
NTDC.
A presentation on the Fishery Monitoring Component of the
project was given to the `Heads of Fisheries Meeting', in
Noumea in April.
A draft version of the `Regional Tuna Data Collection
Template' was completed and made available for peer review.
Output 1.1.3: A regional monitoring coordination capacity, to develop regional
standards such as data formats, and to provide a clearing house for information on
fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.1: Develop
During this quarter 70 observer workbooks, 27 observer
and make available
waterproof pads and 10 waterproof port sampling pads were
common data formats
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.
Activity 1.1.3.2: Hold
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter. The
Regional Workshops on
first regional statistics workshop is planned to be held in the 4th
regional and national fishery quarter 2006.
monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.3: Distribute
Resource material production continues to focus on observer
newsletters, webpage and
needs with the Longline Observer Guide being brought
other forms of information
through the layout stage.
exchange
Work has started on the next edition of the newsletter
ForkLength. The intention is to make this available for
publication during the next quarter.
Output 1.1.4: Training of national monitoring staff, particularly monitoring
coordinators, observers and port samplers
Activity 1.1.4.1: Organise
A full basic observer training course was conducted in Palau,
and hold in-country
while the observer component of the Pacific Islands Fisheries
observer & port sampling
Officers, course was presented in Nelson, New Zealand. A
courses and other training
dedicated debriefing trip was also undertaken to Tonga.
activities
Other co-funded activities included a full basic observer
training course and revision of port sampling activities for
French Polynesia.
Activity 1.1.4.2: Regional
See activity 1.1.3.2.
training courses in
integrated fishery
monitoring
Activity 1.1.4.3: Attach
There were three attachments to the SPC/OFP during the
national monitoring
reporting period - from Tuvalu, PNG and Marshall Islands.
personnel to SPC/OFP
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
3
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.
Sub-component 1.2: Stock Assessment
Output 1.2.1: National oceanic fisheries status reports prepared collaboratively with
national scientific staff
Activity 1.2.1.1: Prepare 6
This is an activity that benefits from significant co-funding.
National Oceanic Fisheries
During the quarter, a National Tuna Fishery Status Report for
Status Reports annually
Solomon Islands was finalised, while work on NTFSRs for
Cook Islands, FSM, Vanuatu and New Caledonia (OFP-funded
activity) was progressed.
Activity 1.2.1.2: Hold In-
No in-country workshops for beneficiary countries were held
country Stakeholder
this quarter.
Workshops for delivery of
National Status Reports
Output 1.2.2: Advice to Pacific SIDS on scientific issues in the work of the Commission
Activity 1.2.2.1: Provide
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter.
contributions to briefs on
scientific issues for Pacific
SIDS for meetings of the
Commission, the Scientific
Committee and Science
Working Groups
Activity 1.2.2.2: Present
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter.
scientific briefs to
preparatory meetings of
Pacific SIDS for the
Commission
Output 1.2.3: Training of national technical and scientific staff to understand regional
stock assessment methods, and interpret and apply the results; and to use
oceanographic data
Activity 1.2.3.1: Hold
The first regional stock assessment workshop is currently
Regional Workshops on
underway at SPC headquarters in Noumea. Extensive work on
stock assessment methods
the development of workshop materials and other preparatory
and analysis of
activities took place during the quarter.
oceanographic impacts on
fisheries
Activity 1.2.3.2: Attach
No attachments took place this quarter.
national technical staff to
SPC/OFP and other
institutions to participate in
Commission stock
assessment work and
preparation of national
status reports
Activity 1.2.3.3: Train
No in-country training took place this quarter.
scientific counterparts in-
country
Sub-component 1.3: Ecosystem Monitoring and Analysis
Output 1.3.1: Observer sampling and analysis of commercial fishery catches to
determine trophic relationships of pelagic species in the WTP LME
4
Activity 1.3.1.1: Collect
24 samples of stomachs, muscle and liver have been collected
observer-based sampling
during an longline observer trip.
data, especially stomach
The sampling strategy and work-plan report had to be
contents, tissue samples
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 next quarter.
Activity 1.3.1.2: Lab-based
Lab-based analysis of samples is continuing. A second lab
analysis of samples
assistant has been contracted for a 6 month period to help with
stomach content analysis. During the quarter, 433 stomach
contents have been examined and about 90 % of the
information has been entered into the data base.
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 feasability 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.
Output 1.3.2: Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP LME
SPC
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
The Report of the Seamount Research Planning Workshop
seamount activity planning
held at SPC Headquarters on the 20-21 March 2006 has been
and review workshops
produced and distributed to the participants for comments. The
report will be finalised next quarter and provided as an
Information Paper in the Ecosystems and Bycatch Specialist
Working Group of the second Scientific Committee of the
WCPFC in August 2006. The main results of this workshop
were presented during the GEF session of the 5th SPC Heads
of Fisheries Meeting in Noumea in March-April 2006. A
popular article on this workshop has been published in the
SPC Fisheries Newsletter Jan-Mar 2006, vol. 116 (33-35) and
on the project web site.
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
As recommended during the Seamount Planning Workshop
Seamounts and analyse
the screening of seamount location datasets to establish a
historical fishing patterns
more accurate list of seamounts and positions has started and
around seamounts
62% of the seamounts that can potentially be validated have
been screened. The seamount positions of the Kitchingman
and Lai (2004) dataset have been compared with 17 other
sources of data. The Kitchingman and Lai dataset has been
validated (+ or -) and complementary information added. All
datasets are being incorporated into a GIS. Establishing this
database is a prerequisite to the analysis of fisheries and
oceanographic data.
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect data
Preparations for the co-funded PNG tagging project continued
at sea at selected
during the quarter. Agreement has been reached to charter a
seamounts, including
pole & line vessel, Soltai 6, from the Solomon Taiyo fishing
tagging, trophic sampling
company. After some necessary modifications, the boat should
and analysis
be ready to start the tagging campaign in mid-august 2006.Tag
reward posters have been translated into 9 languages. A
planning meeting has been held at SPC headquarters during
5
the week 26-30 June. Cruise plans, tagging strategy, biological
sampling and logistics were finalised during the meeting.
Preparation of the vessel and scientific and fishing equipment
is now underway.
The trophic sampling strategy during the PNG tagging project
has been discussed and is under preparation.
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter.
national scientist
participation in benthic
biodiversity survey
IUCN
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
In mid-June, IUCN was informed that the research vessel to be
seamount activity planning
provided by DeepOcean Quest (DOQ) was experiencing
and review workshops
delays in the re-fit. Given continued delays, and an overall
lack of confidence that the vessel will ever indeed sail, it has
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
become quite clear that we can no longer count on DOQ in our
Seamounts and analyse
plans under the OFM project - though DOQ says they remain
historical fishing patterns
keen to do this expedition, they cannot provide us with enough
around seamounts
assurance of i) when the vessel will be ready to sail; and ii)
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect data
when she would be available in the central Pacific.
at sea at selected
[Basically, hurricane Katrina continues to hinder progress,
seamounts, including
though the owners have also experienced problems with the
tagging, trophic sampling
project manager in terms of shoddy workmanship, ordering
and analysis
wrong pieces of equipment, etc. The owners are looking for a
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
new shipyard and contractor and hope to continue work within
national scientist
the next two months. Assuming all goes well, they plan to test
participation in benthic
the vessel and submersibles in the Sea of Cortez and eastern
biodiversity survey
tropical Pacific (Cocos-Galapogos corridor) in 2007. The
owners are refusing to make any commitments to us or other
potential partners until the vessel has been tested and is
functioning, meaning that future cruise plans (e.g. our plans for
the Pacific) would not be confirmed before early 2007 at the
earliest (this assumes the vessel does indeed sail) and would
mean the actual expedition would not occur before mid- to
late-2008. While still a possibility in the long-term, we cannot
dedicate further energy and resources into planning with DOQ
at this point in time. If, in early 2007, we can get a written
commitment to do the expedition as planned, we will proceed
accordingly, but we cannot count on that happening at this
point in time. We will continue to engage DOQ and press
them to fulfill their original commitment to providing the vessel
to the OFM project for four months to as described in the
cruise proposal - we just cannot count on their ability to deliver
and must develop alternative plans.]
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.
While a major frustration that severely restricts our capability to
implement the four-month expedition as planned with DOQ,
IUCN is confident that alternative plans will be developed, in
close collaboration with SPC and building on the workshop it
sponsored in March 2006.
Output 1.3.3: Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
Activity 1.3.3.1: Incorporate
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
6
ecosystem data and
information into existing
ecosystem models and
refinement of those models
as necessary
Activity 1.3.3.2: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and data
to assess ecosystem-based
management options
Activity 1.3.3.3: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and data
to assess management
options targeted specifically
at seamounts
Output 1.3.4: Estimates of levels of by-catch in WCPO oceanic fisheries
Activity 1.3.4.1: Review
A NZ-based consultant, Dr Brian McArdle, was contracted to
historical observer data and
assist SPC staff analyse observer data for the estimation of
methodological
by-catch levels. This work is currently being documented and
development
will be presented to the 2nd meeting of the WCPFC Scientific
Committee in August 2006
1.3.4.2: Estimate levels of
By-catch estimates and a preliminary ecological risk
by-catch
assessment for selected species will be presented to the 2nd
meeting of the WCPFC Scientific Committee in August 2006.
Output 1.3.5: 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
Activity 1.3.5.1: Present
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
results of ecosystem
analysis to the Commission
through the Ecosystem &
Bycatch Working Group
Activity 1.3.5.2: Present info
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
on national & regional
implications of results of
ecosystem analysis to
Pacific SIDS
Activity 1.3.5.3: Attach
No attachments were conducted during this quarter.
national technical staff to
SPC/OFP and other
institutions to participate in
ecosystem analysis
Component Two
Sub-component 2.1: Legal Reform
Output 2.1.1: A strategy and workplan for activities on regional and national legal
issues
Activity 2.1.1.1: Carry out
Carried out legal and technical review for Fiji on the
legal and technical reviews
implications of the decisions of the 2nd meeting of the WCPF
of legal issues and national
Commission. Started preliminary analysis on implications of
legal structures
WCPF Decisions for Tuvalu. Prepared report on the
7
challenges facing the management of the region's tuna
resources for the 14th Annual Conference of the Australia and
New Zealand Society of International law in June.
Activity 2.1.1.2: Hold a
Participated in the Review Conference of the UN Fish Stocks
Regional Legal Consultation Agreement in New York. Assisted Forum Island Countries in
on Legal Issues, National
the preparation of joint statements to the Plenary Meeting of
Legal Structures and the
the Conference.
Project strategy for legal
work.
Output 2.1.2
New draft laws, regulations, agreements and license conditions in line
with WCPF Convention prepared and shared with Pacific SIDS.
Activity 2.1.2.1. Prepare
Prepared consultancy for the preparation of background
templates of legal
materials for the development of guidelines to legislate for
provisions to implement the
sustainable fisheries in the Pacific Islands
Convention.
Activity 2.1.2.2. Undertake
Assistance continued to be provided to Tokelau, Samoa and
national legal reviews.
Fiji on the review of their national fisheries legislations.
Contract signed with Consultant for legal reviews to be
undertaken in all FFA members by October 2006. Request
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.
Activity 2.1.2.3. Provide
Meeting on guidelines for national fisheries legislations took
draft Bills, regulations,
place in Brisbane. Report on the meeting together with the
license conditions and
draft guidelines is being finalised.
access agreements to
Pacific SIDS.
Output 2.1.3. Proposals for the Commission from Pacific SIDS for legal arrangements
to implement the Convention.
Activity 2.1.3.1. Undertake
Paper prepared on implications of Commission measures for
legal studies on
FFA members. Papers were presented to the annual meeting
Commission and
of the Forum Fisheries Committee and the Parties to the Nauru
Convention issues including
Agreement.
non-Contracting Parties and
new members.
Activity 2.1.3.2. Prepare
FFA prepared commentary on the Rules of Procedure for the
legal briefs for Pacific SIDS
Scientific Committee. These were submitted to the Executive
for Commission and
Director of the WCPF Commission
subsidiary body meetings.
Activity 2.1.3.3. Hold
Regional consultations on the development of model
Regional Legal
legislation convened in Brisbane from 4 -8 July 2006.
Consultations.
Output 2.1.4. Training of policy makers and legal personnel in oceanic fisheries
management legal issues.
Activity 2.1.4.1. Hold
No regional workshops were held during this quarter.
Regional Legal Workshops.
Activity 2.1.4.2. Hold
National workshop conducted in Samoa and Fiji on the
National Legal Workshops.
implications of decisions of the WCPF Commission.
Activity 2.1.4.3. Attach legal
Two legal attachments were organised during the quarter. The
staff to FFA and other
first was a Legal Fellowship for Vanuatu and the second was
institutions to participate in
legal fellowship for Tonga. The legal attachment for Tonga was
legal analyses.
undertaken at the Centre for Maritime Policy at the University
8
of Wolllongong.
Sub-component 2.2: Policy Reform
Output 2.2.1. National oceanic fisheries management Plans, policies and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.1. Prepare
Planned activities for the stakeholders consultation for the
Plans, policy and strategy
Vanuatu TMP. Dr. R. Fletcher, FFA, Regional consultants
documents.
trainees and Vanuatu fisheries staff are involved in this
process.
Work continues for the Cook Island TMP with assistance from
Les Clark, FFA consultant.
Work for the Palau TMP is in the planning stage in consultation
with the Palau Fisheries.
Activity 2.2.1.2. Support the
Provision of support and advice to RMI, FSM and Palau in
implementation of Plans,
addressing their pressing fisheries management and
policies and strategies.
development issues, such as vessels reflagging, charter
arrangements and IUU fishing in accordance with WCPFC
decisions and resolutions.
Activity 2.2.1.3. Undertake
See activity 2.2.1.1.
Plan, policy and strategy
reviews.
Output 2.2.2. Strategies and specific proposals for the overall development of the
Commission, including its Secretariat and technical programs, and for Commission
conservation and management measures.
Activity 2.2.2.1. Undertake
On-going work. FFA and FFA consultant continues to work on
studies on Commission and
analysis of management options for pacific islands input into
Convention conservation
the Commission meetings, SC2, TCC1 and WCPFC.
and management issues.
Activity 2.2.2.2. Prepare
Prepare briefs for Science Committee and the Technical and
and present reports on
Compliance meetings.
regional oceanic fisheries
Prepare pre-SC and TCC FFC meetings to discuss issues that
management issues to
are relevant to island state interests
Pacific SIDS, including
analysis of proposals for the
Commission and its
subsidiary bodies.
Activity 2.2.2.3. Hold
See 2.2.2.2.
Regional Fisheries
Management Workshops
and Consultations.
Output 2.2.3. Identification of possible management options for seamounts, including
compliance options. (IUCN)
Activity 2.2.3.1. Undertake
technical studies on
management of oceanic
fisheries around seamounts.
Activity 2.2.3.2. Hold
See Component One for IUCN quarterly reporting: No activity
Workshops on seamount-
under Component Two
related management
options.
Activity 2.2.3.3. Prepare
proposals on seamount-
related conservation and
9
management measures.
Output 2.2.4. Training of policy makers, technical personnel and other Pacific SIDS
stakeholders to increase understanding of sustainable and responsible fisheries.
Activity 2.2.4.1. Hold
First meeting of the Southern Tuna and Billfish Committee to
Regional Policy
discuss the working agenda for this committee that includes
Consultations / Workshops.
research program, fisheries management issues and albacore
fisheries.
Activity 2.2.4.2. Offer a
Communication has commenced with USP to discuss the joint
TSC/USP Policy Training
delivery of a Train Sea Coast (TSC) Fisheries Management
Course.
Policy course. Revision of the existing module of the TSC
Pacific Islands Region Fisheries Management will be
proposed. This is an on-going activity.
Activity 2.2.4.3. Present
On going consultation with Vanuatu, Cook Island and Palau
National Fisheries
regarding the reviews of their TMPs.
Management Seminars and
Workshops.
Activity 2.2.4.4. Attach
Arrange for the training of key personnel from selected pacific
Fisheries Management
island countries to attend the train the trainers workshop in
personnel to FFA and
Vanuatu.
arrange study tours for
Pacific SIDS personnel to
other Fisheries
Commissions.
Activity 2.2.4.5. Support
Provided support for the 2nd FFC Ministerial meeting.
relevant Ministerial
meetings.
Sub-component 2.3: Institutional Reform
Output 2.3.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for the reform, realignment and
strengthening of national oceanic fisheries management administrations.
Activity 2.3.1.1. Prepare a
Consulted with and provided advice to Nauru on their
review of experience and
proposed fisheries institutional reform program.
best practices in institutional
reform.
Activity 2.3.1.2. Undertake
On going work on the Nauru ISP.
and support implementation
of reviews of national
oceanic fisheries
management institutions.
Activity 2.3.1.3. Present
No activity
National Institutional Reform
Workshops.
Output 2.3.2. Processes for national consultation between stakeholders in oceanic
fisheries management.
Activity 2.3.2.1. Advise on
Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Palau
and support national
consultative processes.
Activity 2.3.2.2.Support
Consultations with and provision of advice to Vanuatu on the
strengthening of national
issue of ENGOs and INGOs participation in the Vanuatu
environmental non-
Fisheries Management Plan review consultation scheduled for
governmental organisations
June 2006. Same procedure was also carried out for the
(ENGOs) and industry non-
Cooks.
governmental organisations
10
(INGOs) to empower them
to participate in oceanic
fisheries management.
Activity 2.3.2.3.Support
Vanuatu stakeholders consultation workshop.
national workshops for non-
state stakeholders.
Activity 2.3.2.4. Arrange
No activity
attachments and study tours
for non-state stakeholders
to learn from experience
elsewhere.
Sub-component 2.4: Compliance Strengthening
Output 2.4.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for realigning and strengthening
national oceanic fisheries compliance programs.
Activity 2.4.1.1.Prepare a
No activity this quarter
review of Convention
implications for national
compliance.
Activity 2.4.1.2. Undertake
Ongoing contributions to reviews of needs to strengthen and
and support implementation
realign national compliance programmes under the auspices of
of reviews of needs to
activities in the legal sub-component continue.
strengthen and realign
national compliance
programs.
Output 2.4.2. Arrangements for regional coordination of monitoring, control and
surveillance (MCS) activities.
Activity 2.4.2.1.Support
See Activity 2.4.3.2
regional consultations on
coordination of air and sea
patrols.
Activity 2.4.2.2.Provide
See Activity 2.4.3.2
advice on MCS coordination Additionally, 0perations `Kurukuru' and `Islands Chief'
between Pacific SIDS and
supported by Australian Defence with contributions from FFA
other states involved.
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.
Activity 2.4.2.3.Prepare
Requests for assistance from some Pacific SIDS for the
Niue Treaty subsidiary
preparation of Niue Treaty subsidiary agreements have been
agreements.
received. Resources have been directed towards these
activities.
Output 2.4.3. Strategies and proposals for regional compliance measures and
programs.
Activity 2.4.3.1. Undertake
Terms of Reference have been drafted for the development of
technical studies on
a regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance strategy for the
compliance issues under
Pacific. Expressions of interest will be called for. The strategy
the Convention.
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.
Activity 2.4.3.2. Hold
The annual regional meeting for Monitoring, Control and
meetings of a Working
Surveillance which includes as a prior meeting, an annual
11
Group of Pacific SIDS on
meeting for the coordination of aerial surveillance in the region
MCS issues related to
was to be held in March 2006. However, to take into account
oceanic fisheries.
the Commission schedule of meetings the MCS Working
Group Meeting is now re-scheduled to take place in
September.
Activity 2.4.3.3. Prepare
Preparations have commenced for a meeting in the margins of
and present reports on
the May FFC to discuss with Pacific SIDS issues relating to
regional compliance issues
VMS and data sharing policies in relation to the Commission.
to Pacific SIDS, including
analysis of proposals for the
Commission and its
Technical and Compliance
Committee.
Output 2.4.4. Training of national compliance staff, especially in inspection and VMS.
Activity 2.4.4.1. Present
An in-country Dockside boarding and Inspection Workshop has
courses on National
taken place in FSM in the first quarter of 2006. The workshop
Inspection, VMS and other
was successfully completed with the assistance of the
national MCS training
Australian Defence. Participants from Palau also participated.
programs.
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.
Activity 2.4.4.2. Attach
A Fellowship from Tuvalu undertook an attachment at the FFA
national compliance staff to
Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Division. A report of the
FFA and other Pacific SIDS. work undertaken by the Fellow is on file.
Component Three
Sub-component 3.1: Information Strategy
Output 3.1.1. Project Information System for capture, storage and dissemination of
project data, lessons and best practices and provision of information products using
experience and guidelines from IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.1.1. Design
The process to engage a communications specialist to
logos and other Project
address awareness raising activities has commenced and it is
identifiers, Project
expected that work will commence on the next quarter of 2006
Website/page and Project
with the view for possible ongoing services throughout the
Document Cataloguing
project on a consultancy basis.
System.
Activity 3.1.1.2. Operate the
The OFM Project website is operational and is maintained and
Website/page.
administered by FFA and the PCU.
Improvement in the upload of material to the webpage needs
to occur.
Activity 3.1.1.3. Project
No activity in this quarter (see Activity 3.1.1.1).
information materials
including CDs, papers,
videos, pamphlets,
newsletters, interviews,
press releases etc.
Output 3.1.2. Knowledge management process identifying innovative, best practice
and replicable ideas within the Project and relevant to the Project and active
involvement with IW:LEARN.
12
Activity 3.1.2.1. Prepare
No activity in this quarter (see Activity 3.1.1.1).
Knowledge Management
Strategy.
Activity 3.1.2.2. Generate
No activity in this quarter (see Activity 3.1.1.1).
Knowledge Management
Components for
Website/page, newsletters,
and progress reports.
Sub-component 3.2: Monitoring and Evaluation
Output 3.2.1. Measures of, and reports on, overall project performance and delivery,
including independent evaluations of the Project.
Activity 3.2.1.1. Mid-term
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.2. Terminal
evaluation.
No activity this quarter
Activity 3.2.1.3. Post
evaluation (Year 8).
Activity 3.2.1.4. Annual
Preparations for the production of the annual report for the
reviews.
project have commenced. This will be prepared according to
formats required by UNDP and GEF and taking into account
the logical framework analysis and the results identified that
require verification. Reference to the UNDP Results driver
need to also be taken into consideration.
Activity 3.2.1.5. Annual
An audit of expenditure of project funds 2005 was submitted to
audit.
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.
Output 3.2.2. Analysis of process, stress-reduction and environmental status
indicators as per the GEF International Waters Operational Strategy.
Activity 3.2.2.1. Carry out
Terms of reference are being developed for the engagement
baseline studies to measure
of consultant to identify environmental indicators for the
IW indicators.
project. These TORs are being designed by Mr Les Clark who
is currently engaged under the project as an Fisheries
Management Consultancy. Calls for expressions of interest
are expected to made once the TORs are agreed and
finalised.
Activity 3.2.2.2. Include
No activity this quarter
indicator measures in
progress reports.
Sub-component 3.3: Stakeholder Participation and Awareness Raising
Output 3.3.1. ENGO participation and awareness raising in Convention-related
processes.
Activity 3.3.1.1. Conclude
The report of the consultant that will be develop a strategy to
co-financing arrangement
engage ENGOs in project implementation is due for
with a Pacific ENGO.
submission early Q3 2006.
Visits to Suva based environmental NGOs took place in June
and the consultant was accompanied by the PC to some of
the organisations.
Activity 3.3.1.2. Support
The next annual session of the Commission meeting is
13
Pacific ENGO participation
scheduled to be held at Apia Samoa in December 2006. The
in the Commission.
next meeting of the 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.
Activity 3.3.1.3. Provide
Greenpeace Pacific participated in the Legal Workshop in
information on the
November 2005. Every effort is being made to facilitate the
Convention and oceanic
participation of Pacific ENGOs in project workshops across
fisheries management
the sub-components.
issues to Pacific ENGOs.
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.
Activity 3.3.1.4. Hold
No activity in this quarter
national and regional
Workshops for ENGOs.
Activity 3.3.1.5. Produce
No activity in this quarter
information materials to
raise public awareness on
oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Activity 3.3.1.6. Organise
No activity in this quarter
regional and national fora on
the Convention and oceanic
fisheries management
issues for civil society
participation.
Output 3.3.2. Support industry participation and awareness raising in Convention-
related processes.
Activity 3.3.2.1. Conclude
No activity this quarter
co-financing arrangement
with Pacific INGO.
Activity 3.3.2.2. Support
No activity this quarter
Pacific INGO participation in
the Commission.
Activity 3.3.2.3. Provide
No activity this quarter
information flow on the
Convention and oceanic
fisheries management
issues to Pacific INGOs and
businesses.
Activity 3.3.2.4. Support
Support was to have been provided for a meeting of the
Pacific INGO consultations
Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association that was planned for
on the Convention and
the first quarter of 2006. Due to the uncertainty of dates of
oceanic fisheries
other meetings which the Association meeting was to be
management issues.
convened along side it has been postponed until the third or
fourth quarter of 2006.
Sub-component 3.4: Project Management and Coordination
Output 3.4.1. Project Coordination Unit staffing and office.
Activity 3.4.1.1. Appoint the
Completed
14
Project Coordinator.
Activity 3.4.1.2. Appoint
Completed
other PCU staff.
Activity 3.4.1.3. Procure
Contribution towards the purchase of a high end printer for
equipment and other
project use.
requirements to establish
the PCU.
Output 3.4.2. Arrangements for coordination between Implementing and Executing
Agencies.
Activity 3.4.2.1. Preliminary
Concluded
UNDP/FFA/SPC/IUCN
Consultations.
Activity 3.4.2.2. Conclude
Concluded
FFA/SPC and FFA/IUCN
Letters of Agreement
(LOAs).
Activity 3.4.2.3. UNDP/FFA
Consultations were held between UNDP-Suva and the PCU at
Consultations.
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.
Output 3.4.3. Regional Steering Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.3.1. Hold
Concluded
Inception Workshop.
Activity 3.4.3.2. Hold
The next meeting of the Regional Steering Committee is
Regional Steering
scheduled for October 2006 in Honiara at which the PIR/APR
Committee meetings.
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 were 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
Output 3.4.4. National Consultative Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.4.1. Secure
A list of these can be located on the project webpage.
National Focal Point
nominations.
Activity 3.4.4.2. Support
Visits have been made to Tuvalu and Cooks Islands. Draft
National Consultative
National Annual Work Plans were developed for the Cook
Committee meetings.
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
15
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.
Output 3.4.5. Reports on Project implementation, workplan and finances.
Activity 3.4.5.1. Prepare
A quarterly financial and narrative report was submitted to
periodic financial and
UNDP for the first quarter of 2006 at the end of March,
narrative reports.
beginning of April. While this provided financial acquittals it did
not include a request for advance funds.
Activity 3.4.5.2. Prepare
The approved 2006 Annual Work Plan and Budget is followed.
Annual Workplans
A draft work plan and budget will be prepared for approval by
the Regional Steering Committee in Oct 2006.
Activity 3.4.5.3: Prepare
The preparation of the required UNDP/GEF - PIR/APR is
Annual Project Reports
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.
8. Challenges/Issues Encountered
The two principle challenges faced by the project to date concern the procedures to secure in
timely fashion advance requests and the delays, beyond the control of IUCN, of the
arrangements to undertake the benthic biodiversity survey.
9. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
Consultations with UNDP Suva have resulted in a clearer understanding of onward
obligations for UNDP to UNDP/GEF and for FFA and the PCU's in aide of its role in project
coordination with its co-executing agencies.
IUCN are to review and develop contingency planning for light of the delays being experience.
10. Recommendations for Future Action
Regular communication and consultation
11. Report Prepared By:
N. Barbara Hanchard, OFM Project Coordinator, FFA
Dr John Hampton, Oceanic Fisheries Programme Manager, SPC
Andrew Hurd, IUCN
16
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
(Consolidated)
1. Country: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
2. Project Number/Code: PIMS No. 2992
3. Project Title: Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
4. Executing Agency: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
5. Period Covered: 1 July to 30 September (Q3 2006)
6. Summary of Overall Project Progress:
Project implementation has achieved a level of uniformity and the roll-out of activities is
consistent with the approved annual work plan and budget. The exception to this is the
activities relating to benthic biodiversity survey and the analysis of data collected on
seamounts collected through tagging and trophic sampling. IUCN have proposed a number of
options for ways in which the delay in the work involved can be progressed. Their report is to
be considered by the Regional Steering Committee in October.
Increasingly, efforts to identify and secure co-financing for activities described in the project
are occurring. SPC has to-date reported co-financing from a number of externalities to the
project for activities relating to tagging and trophic structure investigations. These sources
include, but are not limited to PNG, New Zealand AID, French Pacific Fund, Australian Centre
for International Agricultural Research and the University of Hawaii, with proposals under
consideration from the EU and the US State Department. Discussions also took place with
the Japanese Government and the Secretariat for the WCPF Commission to look at ways in
which USD2m of trust fund contributions can be attributed to assisting developing member of
the WCPF Commission in the areas of data collection and regulation and enforcement.
As the work of the WCPF Commission picks up momentum, the project provides every
possible opportunity within its framework to assist Pacific SIDS met their obligations. The
challenges before them can not be underestimated. Two regular sessions of the WCPF
Committee have taken place, the second of which endorsed a series of management and
conservation measures and resolutions relating to seabirds and circle hooks, sharks,
overcapcity, non-target fish species, turtles, authorisation to fish, identification of fishing
vessels, measures in relation to bigeye and yellowfin tuna, albacore and northern Pacific
albacore. Two regular sessions of the Technical and Compliance Committee have met, the
most recent being 28 September. Two regular session of the Science Committee have also
met the last as recently as August this year and within the time frame of this quarterly report.
All
Commission
meeting
outcomes
at
available
at
the
Commission
website
http://www.wcpfc.org/
1
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
7. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (As per quarter work-plan):
Component Two
Sub-component 1.1: Fishery Monitoring
Output 1.1.1: A template for national integrated monitoring programmes including logsheet, observer,
port sampling and landing data collection and management; and provision of national data to the
Commission
Activity 1.1.1.1: Develop
The further enhancement of TUFMAN database continued during this quarter
database and associated
with an emphasis on direct requests from countries and follow-ups from in-
software
country visits. The ability to add port sampling and unloading totals was added,
as well as reconciliation reports to cross-check sampling data with unloading
data. The TUFMAN databases for Tonga, Nauru and Marshall Islands were
updated during this period.
Activity 1.1.1.2: Develop
Assistance was given to countries to prepare their data summaries and annual
reporting module for
catch estimates for the SC2 meeting. Peer review was also provided for the
Commission data
Fishery Status Reports for Niue, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, FSM, New Caledonia,
Kiribati, Vanuatu, Marshall Islands, Nauru and Palau.
The Regional Tuna Data Template was completed and made available for
peer review.
SPC staff participated at the WCPFC Ad Hoc Task Group [Data] Meeting in
Manila in early August.
Output 1.1.2: National monitoring systems based on the regional template for integrated monitoring,
customised to meet national needs
Activity 1.1.2.1: Support
The TUFMAN database was installed and configured to meet national
establishment and
requirements in Nauru and Tonga. Dedicated in-country training was given to
enhancement of national
users in these countries. Amendments and further support in the use of the
databases and software
TUFMAN database was carried out in the Marshalls Islands.
Activity 1.1.2.2: Support
National observer programmes are now established in 10 of the 15 FFA
establishment and
member countries (Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, FSM, Fiji, PNG, Solomon
enhancement of national
Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa), while three other countries are
port sampling and observer
aiming to run observer programmes in the future (Vanuatu, Niue and Tokelau).
programmes
Active observer programmes are also supported in New Caledonia and French
Polynesia. SPC, utilizing POFM and co-funding resources, provided continuing
support, guidance, funding for activities, information sharing and materials to
these programmes during this period.
Much of the support for sampling programmes went towards PNG during this
quarter. In addition to attendance at the Senior Observer Workshop, dedicated
port visits were made to each of the main boarding ports over an intensive two
month period to work individually with the senior observers on their debriefing
skills. Meanwhile general support and advice continued for the 12 active
observer programmes around the region.
Port sampling data collected from 25 port sampling sites was received,
checked and feedback given to the port sampling supervisors.
Activity 1.1.2.3: Support the
Dedicated travel to Nauru, Tonga and the Marshall Islands concentrated on
coordination of national
reviewing the national monitoring capacity and establishing each country's
monitoring programmes
funding requirements. `National Tuna Data Procedures Document's were also
drawn up. These documents will help countries establish standard data
collection and management procedures which will help to ensure they meet
their data requirements up to and including the reporting stage.
Output 1.1.3: A regional monitoring coordination capacity, to develop regional standards such as
data formats, and to provide a clearing house for information on fishery monitoring
2
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 1.1.3.1: Develop
The trial of the Longline Logbook started with the logbook delivered to Tonga
and make available
and taken onboard by one fishing company. One vessel in Tonga will be
common data formats
asked to use the logbook over the duration of five trips.
260 observer workbook and waterproof sampling pads, 130 debriefing forms,
and 15 waterproof port sampling pads were distributed to observer
programmes around the region.
Activity 1.1.3.2: Hold
The first `Tuna Data Workshop' will take place at SPC in October. Work on
Regional Workshops on
planning and other administrative arrangements for the workshop started
regional and national
during this quarter.
fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.3: Distribute
The LL Observer Guide was printed, distributed and made available on line
newsletters, webpage and
http://www.spc.int/oceanfish/Docs/Statistics/LL%20OBSERVER%20GUIDE.pd
other forms of information
f
exchange
Work on the Fork Length newsletter continued with completion of an article on
the Marshall Islands monitoring programme.
Output 1.1.4: Training of national monitoring staff, particularly monitoring coordinators, observers
and port samplers
Activity 1.1.4.1: Organise
Two basic observer training course were completed in July. One took place in
and hold in-country
PNG, while the other occurred in French Polynesia with co-funding. SPC were
observer & port sampling
present for the PNG Senior Observer Workshop in July.
courses and other training
A sub-regional debriefing workshop was held in the Marshall Islands in
activities
September. The workshop was used by the regional coordinators (SPC and
FFA) to work towards a standardised approach to debriefing training in the
future.
Activity 1.1.4.2: Regional
See activity 1.1.3.2.
training courses in
integrated fishery
monitoring
Activity 1.1.4.3: Attach
There was one attachment from Tonga to the SPC/OFP during this reporting
national monitoring
period Attachment training included (i) an overview of tuna fishery data
personnel to SPC/OFP
collection, (ii) familiarisation with OFP-developed database query tools (e.g.
CES) and TUFMAN, and (iii) database management
Sub-component 1.2: Stock Assessment
Output 1.2.1: National oceanic fisheries status reports prepared collaboratively with national
scientific staff
Activity 1.2.1.1: Prepare 6
This is an activity that benefits from significant co-funding. During the quarter,
National Oceanic Fisheries
National Tuna Fishery Status Reports for Cook Islands and New Caledonia
Status Reports annually
(OFP-funded activity) have been drafted and are awaiting final edits and
approval prior to release. Work on NTFSRs for FSM, Vanuatu and Palau were
progressed.
Activity 1.2.1.2: Hold In-
An in-country stakeholder workshop for the delivery of NTFSR was held in the
country Stakeholder
Cook Islands during this quarter, and work that comprised part of the
Workshops for delivery of
Vanuatuan NTFSR was also presented to an in-country stakeholder meeting in
National Status Reports
Vanuatu.
Output 1.2.2: Advice to Pacific SIDS on scientific issues in the work of the Commission
Activity 1.2.2.1: Provide
Scientific presentations and advice was provided to the FFA SWG (August
contributions to briefs on
2006) along with contributions to the associated brief.
scientific issues for Pacific
Scientific presentations and advice provision to the Scientific Committee of the
SIDS for meetings of the
WCPFC (August 2006)
Commission, the Scientific
Committee and Science
3
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Working Groups
Activity 1.2.2.2: Present
Scientific presentations and advice provision to the Management Options
scientific briefs to
Workshop (October 2006) and contributions to the associated brief.
preparatory meetings of
Pacific SIDS for the
Commission
Output 1.2.3: Training of national technical and scientific staff to understand regional stock
assessment methods, and interpret and apply the results; and to use oceanographic data
Activity 1.2.3.1: Hold
The first OFMP stock assessment workshop was held at SPC Headquarters in
Regional Workshops on
Noumea in early July 2006. The 2 week workshop provided participants with
stock assessment methods
the background knowledge required to understand and interpret stock
and analysis of
assessments and use their knowledge of stock assessment in domestic and
oceanographic impacts on
regional decision making fora and processes. The workshop focussed on the
fisheries
species and assessment methods used in the Western and Central Pacific
Ocean. Tests and surveys of participants indicated significantly increased
understanding of stock assessment after the workshop. It represented an
important first step towards meeting the overall stock assessment related
objectives of the OFMP. Its benefits will be lost without regular follow-up
workshops, and other training/attachments of fisheries staff
Activity 1.2.3.2: Attach
Communications with Samoa and Federated States of Micronesia fishery
national technical staff to
departments were undertaken in order to organise an attachment of fishery
SPC/OFP and other
personnel from each department to the OFP in the coming 4th quarter, to
institutions to participate in
assist in the preparation of national status reports
Commission stock
assessment work and
preparation of national
status reports
Activity 1.2.3.3: Train
No in country training took place in this quarter.
scientific counterparts in-
country
Sub-component 1.3: Ecosystem Monitoring and Analysis
Output 1.3.1: Observer sampling and analysis of commercial fishery catches to determine trophic
relationships of pelagic species in the WTP LME
Activity 1.3.1.1: Collect
The sampling strategy and work-plan report has been finalized and sent to
observer-based sampling
PICT observer programmes. It was also released as an Information Paper at
data, especially stomach
the WCPFC-SC2: (see www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_EB_IP6.pdf)
contents, tissue samples
Biological sampling of stomach contents and tissue samples started in several
countries and samples have been received from French Polynesia (39) and
collected in Solomon Islands and FSM. Observers from Samoa and Cook
Islands have also recently started to collect samples. Collaboration and
organisation of sampling is under discussion with Marshall islands, and Fiji.
Activity 1.3.1.2: Lab-based
Lab-based analysis of samples is continuing. During the quarter, 114 stomach
analysis of samples
content samples have been examined and about 95 % of the resulting
data/information has been entered into the data base. The total number of
stomachs examined and with data entered in the database is 2801 from 68
different species.
A lab assistant has been contracted (using co-funded sources) for a 6 month
period to conduct a growth study on albacore using otolith seasonal structures.
From the 274 archived samples, 70 have been prepared and analysed (daily
and annual structures) and 68 already analysed samples have been re-
analysed.
Isotopes of 135 samples have been analysed and entered into the database.
4
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Output 1.3.2: Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP LME
SPC
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
The seamount activity planning workshop took place during Q1-2006.
seamount activity planning
The workshop report was released during Q3-2006 as an information paper at
and review workshops
the WCPFC-SC2:
www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_EB_IP5.pdf .
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
An SPC contracted consultant completed the screening of 1207 shallow
Seamounts and analyse
seamounts from the Kitchingman & Lai (2004) dataset, validating these via
historical fishing patterns
comparison with 20 other sources of data recovered and stored into a GIS. A
around seamounts
final list was produced containing the position and depth of 496 validated
seamounts. This represents 41% of the shallow seamounts from Kitchingman
& Lai 2004 datase. Note that 711 59% - of the potential seamounts were in
fact misidentified atolls, or islands. All the data is stored in a database and a
report on this work is in preparation.
A research consultant was appointed in July for a 6 month period to examine
satellite oceanographic data (sea surface temperature, chlorophyll and sea
surface height) in relation to seamounts. Public domain SST and chlorophyll
data are available via a web-based interface, allowing visualization and
analysis at monthly intervals with a spatial resolution of 9 km x 9km. The first
part of the project involved the investigation of correlations between time
series of chlorophyll and SST. The analyses use a specific sampling scheme
around certain shallow seamounts to see if there is any variability indicative of
seamount associated oceanographic features. The preliminary results show
more variability in chlorophyll levels than is apparent for SST; whether this is a
localised seamount effect or a product of phytoplankton patchiness that also
occurs in ocean areas will be investigated. A second approach is to use GIS
software to identify with greater precision those areas around seamounts with
high levels of chlorophyll, during those months of the year where chlorophyll
concentration is highest, for the area between PNG and New Caledonia. Sea
surface temperature and Sea Level Anomaly may also be studied using the
same method.
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect data The first tagging campaign of the co-funded PNG tagging project started as
at sea at selected
planned in August 2006 and is under way until mid-November 2006. To date
seamounts, including
5,000 conventional tags (3,808 SKJ, 1,084 YFT and 108 BET) and 16 archival
tagging, trophic sampling
tags (5 YFT and 11 BET) have been released. 830 of them were released
and analysis
around seamounts (799 SKJ and 31 YFT). 2 conventional tags (1 SKJ and 1
YFT) have been recovered by fishing industry. Trophic sampling during the
cruise resulted in the collection of 240 stomach samples (180 SKJ, 55 YFT
and 5 BET) and included 15 SKJ sampled from around seamounts.
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter. However discussions
national scientist
and proposal preparation was started for a co-funded project with IRD (French
participation in benthic
Institute for the Research and Development) for a seamount sampling cruise; if
biodiversity survey
accepted it will allow the completion of this activity.
IUCN
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
All work under this component has been delayed due to problems with the
seamount activity planning
vessel re-fit of the DeepOcean Quest. Details on options for implementing
and review workshops
these activities can be found in the Situation Report prepared for the second
OFM RSC in October 2006.
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
Seamounts and analyse
historical fishing patterns
around seamounts
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect data
at sea at selected
seamounts, including
5
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
tagging, trophic sampling
and analysis
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
national scientist
participation in benthic
biodiversity survey
Output 1.3.3: Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
Activity 1.3.3.1: Incorporate
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
ecosystem data and
information into existing
ecosystem models and
refinement of those models
as necessary
Activity 1.3.3.2: Use
The Ecological Risk Assessment proposed several indicators of species
enhanced models and data
susceptibility and productivity that may be used to evaluate ecosystem-based
to assess ecosystem-based management options (see Activity 1.3.5.1).
management options
Activity 1.3.3.3: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and data
to assess management
options targeted specifically
at seamounts
Output 1.3.4: Estimates of levels of by-catch in WCPO oceanic fisheries
Activity 1.3.4.1: Review
SC 2 working papers prepared and presented:
historical observer data and
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_IP3.pdf
methodological
development
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_WP1.pdf
1.3.4.2: Estimate levels of
SC 2 working paper prepared and presented:
by-catch
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_IP1.pdf
Output 1.3.5: 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
Activity 1.3.5.1: Present
A preliminary Ecological Risk Assessment was carried out and presented to
results of ecosystem
SC2: http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_EB_WP1.pdf
analysis to the Commission
This work was well received by the SC, which recommended that in the
through the Ecosystem &
Commission provide funding in order to progress this work through 2007/8.
Bycatch Working Group
Activity 1.3.5.2: Present info Training was provided to representatives of Pacific SIDS through the Stock
on national & regional
Assessment Workshop and briefings on ecosystem analysis were prepared for
implications of results of
FFA representatives at SC2.
ecosystem analysis to
Pacific SIDS
Activity 1.3.5.3: Attach
There were no attachments at SPC-OFP during this quarter.
national technical staff to
SPC/OFP and other
institutions to participate in
ecosystem analysis
6
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Two
Sub-component 2.1: Legal Reform
Output 2.1.1: A strategy and workplan for activities on regional and national legal issues
Activity 2.1.1.1: Carry out legal
See Activity 2.1.1.2 and 2.1.2.2.
and technical reviews of legal
issues and national legal
structures
Activity 2.1.1.2: Hold a Regional
As a Project Strategy for Legal work, a legal consultant has been
Legal Consultation on Legal
engaged to draft guidelines for fisheries legislation, which are to be used
Issues, National Legal Structures
for any legislative review. This consultant's final report is due in mid-
and the Project strategy for legal
October.
work.
Output 2.1.2
New draft laws, regulations, agreements and license conditions in line with WCPF
Convention prepared and shared with Pacific SIDS.
Activity 2.1.2.1. Prepare templates
One of the outputs of the WCPF Convention workshops, if the member
of legal provisions to implement
country requests, is to draft legislation to address any gaps in the
the Convention.
current laws. To date, no such requests have been made. However, it
is expected that as we undertake more of these workshops that we will
start getting such requests.
Activity 2.1.2.2. Undertake national See Activity 2.1.1.2. All legislative reviews are on hold until the receipt
legal reviews.
of the consultant's report so that such guidelines are incorporate into
any legislative review.
Activity 2.1.2.3. Provide draft Bills,
See Activity 2.1.2.2.
regulations, license conditions and
access agreements to Pacific
SIDS.
Output 2.1.3. Proposals for the Commission from Pacific SIDS for legal arrangements to implement
the Convention.
Activity 2.1.3.1. Undertake legal
See 2.1.1.2. A small working group met in July to discuss the draft
studies on Commission and
guidelines for fisheries legislation.
Convention issues including non-
Contracting Parties and new
members.
Activity 2.1.3.2. Prepare legal
Contributions were made to the brief for the Pac SIDS for the 2nd
briefs for Pacific SIDS for
Technical and Compliance Committee meeting held in September, and
Commission and subsidiary body
advice was provided to member countries at the 2nd Scientific
meetings.
Committee meeting.
Activity 2.1.3.3. Hold Regional
Legal advise and contributions to the sub-regional consultations with
Legal Consultations.
tuna industries have been made.
Output 2.1.4. Training of policy makers and legal personnel in oceanic fisheries management legal
issues.
Activity 2.1.4.1. Hold Regional
FFA and FAO co-sponsored a regional workshop in Fiji on Port States
Legal Workshops.
Enforcement in August.
Activity 2.1.4.2. Hold National
Three workshops relating to the obligations under the WCPF
Legal Workshops.
Convention and the Commission's decisions were held in August and
September. Such workshops were in the Cook Islands, PNG and
Vanuatu. The Cook Is. and PNG workshops were co-financed
respectively with Cook Islands Ministry of Marine resources, and to a
large extent, by PNG National Fisheries Authority.
Activity 2.1.4.3. Attach legal staff
FFA funded a legal attachment for the legal advisor to Tonga Ministry
7
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
to FFA and other institutions to
of Fisheries to attend a 2-week course on law of the sea and maritime
participate in legal analyses.
law at the Centre of Maritime Policy, University of Wollongong.
Sub-component 2.2: Policy Reform
Output 2.2.1. National oceanic fisheries management Plans, policies and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.1. Prepare Plans,
Draft report on Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management on the
policy and strategy documents.
Tuna Fisheries of Vanuatu prepared.
Scoping consultation for Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries
Management on the Tuna Fisheries of Palau was undertaken in Palau
in August. (Note this activity was not OFM Project funded but was
fully funded by NZ AID.)
Activity 2.2.1.2. Support the
No activity this quarter
implementation of Plans, policies
and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.3. Undertake Plan,
See Activity 2.2.1.1
policy and strategy reviews.
Output 2.2.2. Strategies and specific proposals for the overall development of the Commission,
including its Secretariat and technical programs, and for Commission conservation and management
measures.
Activity 2.2.2.1. Undertake studies
Studies were initiated and drafts or final reports were produced on
on Commission and Convention
bycatch mitigation options for seabirds, turtles and issues associated
conservation and management
with shark finning.
issues.
Studies were also undertaken on evaluation of management options for
bigeye and yellowfin tuna including that relating to the management
options for Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), charter vessel control,
purse seine closures and albacore tuna management.
A consultancy on the WCPFC Special Requirements Fund was
completed by Gillett, Preston and Associates from FFA core funding.
Activity 2.2.2.2. Prepare and
Briefs were prepared and presented to Pacific SIDS, and extensively
present reports on regional
used by SIDS on the full range of scientific (stock-specific and
oceanic fisheries management
ecosystem-wide), technical and compliance issues as well as
issues to Pacific SIDS, including
institutional issues related to the establishment of the Commission
analysis of proposals for the
considered at the WCPFC Scientific committee (SC) and Technical &
Commission and its subsidiary
Compliance committee (TCC), and a meeting of the WVCPFC Ad Hoc
bodies.
Task group on Data. Advice on purse seine effort limitation (Vessel
day scheme) was provided to SIDS.
Activity 2.2.2.3. Hold Regional
A meeting of the FFA Science Working Group was held before the
Fisheries Management Workshops
WCPFC SC. Preparations were made for a Management Options
and Consultations.
Workshop in Q4 that will draw up SIDS proposals for conservation
measures relating to target species, bycatch and compliance measures
to be adopted by the Commission this year. The proposals will cover
catch and effort limits for target species, bycatch mitigation measures
and the establishment of MVCS programmes such as VMS and
observer programmes. Informal regional consultations were held on
albacore management.
Output 2.2.3. Identification of possible management options for seamounts, including compliance
options. (IUCN)
Activity 2.2.3.1. Undertake
Work has not begun on these activities.
technical studies on management
of oceanic fisheries around
seamounts.
Activity 2.2.3.2. Hold Workshops
on seamount-related management
8
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
options.
Activity 2.2.3.3. Prepare proposals
on seamount-related conservation
and management measures.
Output 2.2.4. Training of policy makers, technical personnel and other Pacific SIDS stakeholders to
increase understanding of sustainable and responsible fisheries.
Activity 2.2.4.1. Hold Regional
The FFA Science Working Group meeting and planned Q4
Policy Consultations / Workshops.
Management Options Workshop include a substantial training
component on aspects of ecologically sustainable fisheries.
Activity 2.2.4.2. Offer a TSC/USP
No activity this quarter
Policy Training Course.
Activity 2.2.4.3. Present National
No activity this quarter
Fisheries Management Seminars
and Workshops.
Activity 2.2.4.4. Attach Fisheries
No activity this quarter
Management personnel to FFA
and arrange study tours for Pacific
SIDS personnel to other Fisheries
Commissions.
Activity 2.2.4.5. Support relevant
No activity this quarter
Ministerial meetings.
Sub-component 2.3: Institutional Reform
Output 2.3.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for the reform, realignment and strengthening of
national oceanic fisheries management administrations.
Activity 2.3.1.1. Prepare a review
Continuation of Cook Island work (Note this activity is not OFM
of experience and best practices in
Project funded but is fully funded by NZ AID.)
institutional reform.
Activity 2.3.1.2. Undertake and
Preparatory work, literature reviews and interviews with professionals
support implementation of reviews
having worked on Nauru fisheries has commenced. A team
of national oceanic fisheries
comprising a team leader with extensive institutional strengthening
management institutions.
experience, a fisheries management specialist and an FFA Fisheries
Management Adviser will be travelling to Nauru in early November to
undertake in-country consultation associated with the scoping study on
institutional strengthening of Nauru Fisheries and Marine Resources
Authority.
Activity 2.3.1.3. Present National
No activity this quarter.
Institutional Reform Workshops.
Output 2.3.2. Processes for national consultation between stakeholders in oceanic fisheries
management.
Activity 2.3.2.1. Advise on and
A training workshop on the delivery of the EAFM process conducted by
support national consultative
Dr Rick Fletcher was conducted in Vanuatu over 2 days prior to the
processes.
Vanuatu Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management review
consultation of the Vanuatu Tuna Fishery. This training workshop was
attended by 3 fisheries managers from Palau, Tonga and Vanuatu as
well as 4 FFA Officers who will all be responsible for delivery of the
Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management process through Forum
Member Countries and Territories.
Activity 2.3.2.2.Support
ENGOs and INGOs participated in Vanuatu Ecosystem Approach to
strengthening of national
Fisheries Management review consultation of the Vanuatu Tuna
environmental non-governmental
Fishery in July 2006.
organisations (ENGOs) and
9
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
industry non- governmental
organisations (INGOs) to empower
them to participate in oceanic
fisheries management.
Activity 2.3.2.3.Support national
See 2.3.2.2
workshops for non-state
stakeholders.
Activity 2.3.2.4. Arrange
No activity this quarter
attachments and study tours for
non-state stakeholders to learn
from experience elsewhere.
Sub-component 2.4: Compliance Strengthening
Output 2.4.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for realigning and strengthening national oceanic
fisheries compliance programs.
Activity 2.4.1.1.Prepare a review of
MCS Country workshops include a module by the Legal officer on
Convention implications for
WCPFC implications on national compliance (no cost to project)
national compliance.
Activity 2.4.1.2. Undertake and
MCS Managers participated in legal review Workshop to review the
support implementation of reviews
status of existing laws governing compliance (no cost to project)
of needs to strengthen and realign
national compliance programs.
Output 2.4.2. Arrangements for regional coordination of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS)
activities.
Activity 2.4.2.1.Support regional
MCS staff participated in regional operations, (Kurukuru 06)
consultations on coordination of air
undertaking planning and coordination of air and Sea patrols in
and sea patrols.
conjunction with the Pacific Patrol boat program. Data harmonisation
and integration tests of various display tools were undertaken as part of
the exercise. (Project and non project funds used).
Activity 2.4.2.2.Provide advice on
Ongoing support in terms of Niue treaty implementation and
MCS coordination between Pacific
development, active advise on boarding and Inspections during multi-
SIDS and other states involved.
national and national operations (no project funds)
Activity 2.4.2.3.Prepare Niue
Development of Niue treaty subsidiary agreements for the MCS
Treaty subsidiary agreements.
working group meeting, 06, Brisbane.
Output 2.4.3. Strategies and proposals for regional compliance measures and programs.
Activity 2.4.3.1. Undertake
Participated in the FAO Port state Measures in Suva, Fiji
technical studies on compliance
issues under the Convention.
Activity 2.4.3.2. Hold meetings of a 9th MCS working group, Brisbane '06, 22- 27 October. Conducted MCS
Working Group of Pacific SIDS on
review and data harmonisation as well as TCC preparations for Pacific
MCS issues related to oceanic
SIDS
fisheries.
IUU Prosecutions Workshop 4th October 06, Brisbane. Reviewing
cases, legislation and experience in prosecuting IUU cases.
Activity 2.4.3.3. Prepare and
Due to number of crosscutting issues, the 9th MCS working group ,
present reports on regional
Brisbane '06, 22- 27 October included substantial TCC preparations for
compliance issues to Pacific SIDS,
Pacific SIDS
including analysis of proposals for
the Commission and its Technical
and Compliance Committee.
Output 2.4.4. Training of national compliance staff, especially in inspection and VMS.
Activity 2.4.4.1. Present courses
Training Workshops in PNG and Vanuatu were conducted, including
10
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
on National Inspection, VMS and
legal aspects, dockside monitoring, boarding and inspection.
other national MCS training
programs.
Activity 2.4.4.2. Attach national
PNG official (W. Waruru) on attachment to FFA. PNG elected to cover
compliance staff to FFA and other
the costs and no project funds were used in the end.
Pacific SIDS.
11
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Three
Sub-component 3.1: Information Strategy
Output 3.1.1. Project Information System for capture, storage and dissemination of project data,
lessons and best practices and provision of information products using experience and guidelines
from IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.1.1. Design logos and
Communication with IWLEARN was established with the view to seek
other Project identifiers, Project
some assistance with webpage management.
Website/page and Project
UNEP funded workshop on webpage management scheduled for
Document Cataloguing System.
Nairobi in November and Bangkok. OFM Project exploring possible
attendance.
Activity 3.1.1.2. Operate the
See above
Website/page.
Activity 3.1.1.3. Project information
No activity this quarter.
materials including CDs, papers,
videos, pamphlets, newsletters,
interviews, press releases etc.
Output 3.1.2. Knowledge management process identifying innovative, best practice and replicable
ideas within the Project and relevant to the Project and active involvement with IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.2.1. Prepare
No activity this quarter
Knowledge Management Strategy.
Activity 3.1.2.2. Generate
No activity this quarter
Knowledge Management
Components for Website/page,
newsletters, and progress reports.
Sub-component 3.2: Monitoring and Evaluation
Output 3.2.1. Measures of, and reports on, overall project performance and delivery, including
independent evaluations of the Project.
Activity 3.2.1.1. Mid-term
No activity this quarter
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.2. Terminal
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.3. Post evaluation
(Year 8).
Activity 3.2.1.4. Annual reviews.
The preparation of the first annual report of the project was undertaken
using the required GEF/UNDP formats for project implementation
review and an annual performance review. The report has been largely
prepared by the PC, although sections that require access to the
UNDP ATLAS database are to be completed by the Implementing
Agency. The report only covers a 9 month period from 1 October 2005
to 30 June 2006 and is expected to be placed before the 2nd meeting of
the Regional Steering Committee on 10 October. At the time of writing
this report the RSC2 had been postponed due to safety concerns in
Honiara and revised dates are not yet known
Activity 3.2.1.5. Annual audit.
No activity this quarter however the auditors will be approach early
next quarter to contract services for the 2006 Audit.
Output 3.2.2. Analysis of process, stress-reduction and environmental status indicators as per the
GEF International Waters Operational Strategy.
Activity 3.2.2.1. Carry out baseline
No activity this quarter
12
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
studies to measure IW indicators.
Activity 3.2.2.2. Include indicator
No activity this quarter
measures in progress reports.
Sub-component 3.3: Stakeholder Participation and Awareness Raising
Output 3.3.1. ENGO participation and awareness raising in Convention-related processes.
Activity 3.3.1.1. Conclude co-
A draft co-financing agreement as prepared by the consultant is to be
financing arrangement with a
presented to the RSC2. It is expected that this will completed as soon
Pacific ENGO.
as it has been endorsed.
Activity 3.3.1.2. Support Pacific
See above
ENGO participation in the
Commission.
Activity 3.3.1.3. Provide information Two Regional ENGOs participated in the 2nd regular session of the
on the Convention and oceanic
Technical and Compliance Committee for the Commission in late
fisheries management issues to
September 2006.
Pacific ENGOs.
Activity 3.3.1.4. Hold national and
These workshops are provided for in the draft co-financing agreement
regional Workshops for ENGOs.
which will be co-ordinated by WWF SPO
Activity 3.3.1.5. Produce
This is provided for in the draft co-financing agreement which will be
information materials to raise public co-ordinated by WWF SPO
awareness on oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Activity 3.3.1.6. Organise regional
This is provided for in the draft co-financing agreement which will be
and national fora on the
co-ordinated by WWF SPO
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues for civil society
participation.
Output 3.3.2. Support industry participation and awareness raising in Convention-related
processes.
Activity 3.3.2.1. Conclude co-
The Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association has yet to hold a first
financing arrangement with Pacific
annual meeting to elect office bearers. A consultant has been
INGO.
appointed to draw up a corporate plan and other founding documents.
It is expected that their inaugural meeting will take place in Nadi in
February 2007.
Activity 3.3.2.2. Support Pacific
Support will be provided for attendance at the Management Options
INGO participation in the
Workshop and the 3rd session of the Commission to be held at Apia,
Commission.
Samoa in December 2006.
Activity 3.3.2.3. Provide information PITIA has observer status at Commission meetings. Communication
flow on the Convention and
links with the interim executive for the PITIA is established and
oceanic fisheries management
maintained on matters relating to the Commission.
issues to Pacific INGOs and
businesses.
Activity 3.3.2.4. Support Pacific
Support will be provided for PITIA consultations on the Convention and
INGO consultations on the
oceanic fisheries management issues in February 2007.
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Sub-component 3.4: Project Management and Coordination
Output 3.4.1. Project Coordination Unit staffing and office.
Activity 3.4.1.1. Appoint the Project
Completed
Coordinator.
13
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 3.4.1.2. Appoint other PCU
Completed
staff.
Activity 3.4.1.3. Procure equipment
Completed
and other requirements to establish
the PCU.
Output 3.4.2. Arrangements for coordination between Implementing and Executing Agencies.
Activity 3.4.2.1. Preliminary
Completed
UNDP/FFA/SPC/IUCN
Consultations.
Activity 3.4.2.2. Conclude
Completed
FFA/SPC and FFA/IUCN Letters of
Agreement (LOAs).
Activity 3.4.2.3. UNDP/FFA
Completed
Consultations.
Output 3.4.3. Regional Steering Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.3.1. Hold Inception
Completed
Workshop.
Activity 3.4.3.2. Hold Regional
The second meeting of the Regional Steering Committee was
Steering Committee meetings.
scheduled for 10 October 2006. Concerns for safety in Honiara have
resulted in the last minute postponement. The meeting is rescheduled
and expected to be held at Nadi, Fiji on Saturday 21 October.
Output 3.4.4. National Consultative Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.4.1. Secure National
Completed.
Focal Point nominations.
Activity 3.4.4.2. Support National
Three National Project reports have been received from FSM, the
Consultative Committee meetings.
Cook Islands and Tonga.
Output 3.4.5. Reports on Project implementation, workplan and finances.
Activity 3.4.5.1. Prepare periodic
The 2006 Financial Report has been prepared for the second meeting
financial and narrative reports.
of the Regional Steering Committee in October 2006. It contains the
2005 Financial Report (Acquittal), an interim 2006 financial report, a
revised 2006 financial report and a draft AWP and Budget for 2007.
Activity 3.4.5.2. Prepare Annual
A draft AWP and Budget 2007 has been prepared for the approval of
Work plans
the second meeting of the Regional Steering Committee in October
2006.
Activity 3.4.5.3: Prepare Annual
The PIR/APR has been prepared in consultation with UNDP Suva.
Project Reports
This is expected to be presented to the RSC2.
14
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
8. Challenges/Issues Encountered
General
i)
Enhanced methods to provide training and effective and efficient capacity building
activities. The capacity to absorb training opportunities is complicated by the
saturation of meetings, workshops etc and the small size of most national
administrations;
ii)
Data summaries and other national reports due for submission to the Commission;
iii)
Reports on implementation of resolutions and conservation and management
measures
Project Coordination
i)
Delays in IUCN work relating to Seamounts;
ii)
Postponement of the RSC2 due to safety concerns in Honiara;
iii)
Limited discussion on the requirements for the annual project reporting;
iv)
Misplacement of quarterly reports
9. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
General
i)
Investigating solutions to enhance training opportunities, including IT options;
ii)
Assistance provided by SPC to help countries met their data submission obligations;
iii)
An assessment of how well Pacific SIDS are able to meet the submission demands
for data summaries and other reports required by the Commission should be able to
be assessed at the 3rd regular session of the Commission scheduled in December in
Apia, Samoa.
Project Coordination
i)
Options paper to look for a way forward for the IUCN work related to seamounts;
ii)
RSC2 rescheduled to take place in Nadi, Fiji on 21 October;
iii)
Encourage opportunities for increased discussion and direct for the preparation of the
annual report and other monitoring and evaluation requirements
iv)
PCU to present reports to UNDP HIR both electronically and in hard copy. All reports
are to be signed and returned to the PCU. A complete inventory of reports to date
have been produced to date in hard copy have been delivered to UNDP HIR for
onward transmission to UNDP Suva.
10. Recommendations for Future Action
None
11. Report Prepared By:
N. Barbara Hanchard OFM Project Coordinator
Dr John Hampton SPC
Andrew Hurd - IUCN
15
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
(Consolidated)
1. Country: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
2. Project Number/Code: PIMS No. 2992
3. Project Title: Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
4. Executing Agency: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
5. Period Covered: 1 October 2006 to 31 December 2006
6. Summary of Overall Project Progress:
This project report covers the last quarter of 2007, the end of which represents 15 months of
project operations. Project implementation continues to maintain a level of uniformity and the
roll-out of activities is consistent with the approved annual work plan and budget. The
exception to this remains the activities relating to benthic biodiversity survey, the analysis of
data on seamounts collected through tagging and trophic sampling and the policy work that
would involve from the science. The delay in this area of the project was considered by the
second regional Steering Committee meeting which met at Nadi, Fiji in October. The
Committee agreed to allow IUCN to determine which of the options presented the best way
forward for this work was. IUCN expects to make a decision by 28 February 2007.
In terms of co-financing, the exchange of correspondence with the Japanese Government
and the WCPF Commission Secretariat concerning the application of USD2m of trust fund to
assist developing members of the WCPF Commission in the areas of data collection and
regulation and enforcement continued.
The WCPFC meeting agenda in the later part of 2006 remains burdensome for small Pacific
Island fisheries administrations. Cumulating in the third session of the WCPFC Commission in
December 2006, the preceding WCPFC meetings included a second session of the
Commission Science Committee in August, and a second session of the Technical and
Compliance Committee at Brisbane in October. All Commission meeting outcomes are
available at the Commission website http://www.wcpfc.org/
Project coordination and management continues to operate with both achievements and
challenges. The successful conclusion of the second Regional Steering Committee despite
the need to change venues last minute due to political unrest in Honiara can be counted
positively. The meeting did highlight however the need to promote project activities at national
level and the weakness in communication between the Implementing Agency and the PCU,
particularly concerning financial matters. The presence of an IUCN representative at RSC2
would have been beneficial and with the establishment of an office in Suva, Fiji is anticipated
that IUCN will have a physical presence at future Committee meetings.
Professionals at SPC-OFP charged with implementation of component one comment that
"The administration demands of this project, in particular the need for monthly financial
reporting, on SPC-OFP resources continue to be high and insufficiently resourced by the
project." This is a view that is shared by the PCU. The suggestions to provide monthly
financial reports are inefficient and impact on the delivery of other project activities.
7. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (As per quarter work-plan):
Specific outputs and results achieved under the project against quarterly work plans are
reported in the following spreadsheets.
1
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component One
Sub-component 1.1: Fishery Monitoring
Output 1.1.1: A template for national integrated monitoring programmes including logsheet, observer,
port sampling and landing data collection and management; and provision of national data to the
Commission
Activity 1.1.1.1: Develop
Several changes where made to the TUFMAN and CES systems. The main
database and associated
addition to TUFMAN database this quarter was the inclusion of a new mapping
software
module. Used in conjunction with MAPINFO software, TUFMAN now has the
ability to display entered positions on small or large scale maps.
A review of work to be undertaken on TUFMAN during 2007 was undertaken in
November 2006, after consulting with NTDCs during the October Workshop. A
schedule for future development work was put in place by the three main
developers documenting the work they hope to achieve with TUFMAN during
the earlier part of 2007.
Activity 1.1.1.2: Develop
The design of the WCPFC reporting module was progressed during this quarter
reporting module for
and a dedicated form developed in the TUFMAN system. The design of the
Commission data
proposed form for the inclusion of the WCPFC Vessel Record data into the
TUFMAN system was also completed. The main development work on this
module is expected to be undertaken in the first half of 2007.
Output 1.1.2: National monitoring systems based on the regional template for integrated monitoring,
customised to meet national needs
Activity 1.1.2.1: Support
The TUFMAN databases for Palau and Tuvalu were updated to version 2.5
establishment and
during this period.
enhancement of national
In-country training was given in PNG for personnel using the observer viewer
databases and software
package.
Activity 1.1.2.2: Support
This quarter was essentially a period of consolidation with further testing and
establishment and
fine-tuning of debriefing tools (forms and systems of observer evaluation) and
enhancement of national
provision of detailed feedback to trainee debriefers. In particular, debriefing
port sampling and
work was carried out by SPC staff in Fiji and Tonga with the primary aim of fast-
observer programmes
tracking experienced observers to become in-country observer debriefers. Both
countries have made significant progress with their observer programmes with
the aid of OFP support during the past year.
Activity 1.1.2.3: Support
Dedicated travel to Niue and Tuvalu concentrated on reviewing both countries
the coordination of
national monitoring capacity and establishing their funding requirements under
national monitoring
GEF. Both during and following these trips considerable time was put into
programmes
editing the `National Tuna Data Procedures Documents' (NTDPD) for both
countries. An additional in-country visit was made to PNG with emphasis on the
transfer of collected data to SPC and a review of the completeness of the data
collection system. The NTDPD was also progressed during this time.
Output 1.1.3: A regional monitoring coordination capacity, to develop regional standards such as data
formats, and to provide a clearing house for information on fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.1: Develop
The trial of the Longline Logbook continued with logbooks sent to the National
and make available
Tuna Data Coordinators in Fiji and PNG to help with the distribution and
common data formats
supervision of the trial on vessels in these countries.
190 observer workbook and waterproof sampling pads, 60 debriefing forms, 20
waterproof port sampling pads and 10 pads of industry forms were distributed to
monitoring programmes around the region.
Activity 1.1.3.2: Hold
The first `Tuna Data Workshop' took place at the end of October. A lot of the
Regional Workshops on
planning and preparation for this workshop took precedent over other work
regional and national
during the month of October. The workshop concentrated on the collection and
2
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
fishery monitoring
management of data and covered areas such as the types of data to be
collected and common problems encountered with data collection. It is hoped
that further workshops will concentrate on the dissemination of data. As
mentioned under activity 1.1.3.3 the report of the workshop has already been
distributed to participants.
There were 26 participants to this one week workshop and 17 of these were
directly funded by the GEF project, the others were funded by other co-funding
projects or self-funded.
Activity 1.1.3.3: Distribute
Information distribution concentrated on compiling and circulating the
newsletters, webpage and
information gathered before and during the TDW-1. A CD containing the
other forms of information
presentations made at the workshop was handed to all participants. The results
exchange
of the group question and answer sessions which contain valuable reference
material for dealing with in-country problems are also available on the CD.
The report of the workshop was completed and the final draft copy circulated to
all participants for comments. It will be made available on the project web site
once those comments have been received.
Work continued on the purse-seine observer guide. It is now ready for peer
review.
Output 1.1.4: Training of national monitoring staff, particularly monitoring coordinators, observers
and port samplers
Activity 1.1.4.1: Organise
There was no observer training during this quarter and training efforts were
and hold in-country
confined to direct debriefing of observers by OFP staff and to training of
observer & port sampling
potential in-country debriefers, mainly in Fiji and Tonga.
courses and other training
activities
Activity 1.1.4.2: Regional
See activity 1.1.3.2.
training courses in
integrated fishery
monitoring
Activity 1.1.4.3: Attach
There was one attachment from PNG to the statistics and monitoring section of
national monitoring
the OFP during this reporting period. Attachment training included (i) General
personnel to SPC/OFP
overview of regional data collection, (ii) Advanced training using the MS
EXCEL, (iii) Training in Observer Trip View System, and (iv) Training in
MapInfo
There were also two attachments to the stock assessment section from Vanuatu
and FSM which were funded by GEF. Time, when available, was spent with
these attachments discussing the present state of their national fishery
monitoring systems and suggesting improvement and future work schedules.
Sub-component 1.2: Stock Assessment
Output 1.2.1: National oceanic fisheries status reports prepared collaboratively with national scientific
staff
Activity 1.2.1.1: Prepare 6
This is an activity that benefits from significant co-funding. During the quarter,
National Oceanic
National Tuna Fishery Status Reports for Cook Islands and New Caledonia
Fisheries Status Reports
(OFP-funded activity) were finalised. Work on NTFSRs for FSM, Vanuatu and
annually
Palau were progressed.
Activity 1.2.1.2: Hold In-
Outputs from the Palau NTFSR were presented at an in-country stakeholder
country Stakeholder
workshop, while OFP scientists met with New Caledonian fisheries officers to go
Workshops for delivery of
over the draft NTFSR for New Caledonia prior to finalisation (a co-funded
National Status Reports
activity).
Output 1.2.2: Advice to Pacific SIDS on scientific issues in the work of the Commission
Activity 1.2.2.1: Provide
Scientific presentations and advice were provided to the Management Options
contributions to briefs on
3
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
scientific issues for Pacific
Workshop (October 2006) along with contributions to the associated brief.
SIDS for meetings of the
Scientific presentations and advice were provided to the Western and Central
Commission, the Scientific
Pacific Fisheries Commission (December, 2006) along with significant
Committee and Science
contributions to the associated brief from the Scientific Committee
Working Groups
Activity 1.2.2.2: Present
Scientific presentations and advice provision to the Management Options
scientific briefs to
Workshop (October 2006) and contributions to the associated brief.
preparatory meetings of
Pacific SIDS for the
Commission
Output 1.2.3: Training of national technical and scientific staff to understand regional stock
assessment methods, and interpret and apply the results; and to use oceanographic data
Activity 1.2.3.1: Hold
A 2-day planning meeting was held (December 2006) to determine the timing,
Regional Workshops on
structure and content of stock assessment associated capacity building
stock assessment
exercises (e.g. Stock Assessment Workshops) in 2007. The meeting concluded
methods and analysis of
that additional components to stock assessment capacity building would be
oceanographic impacts on
added to strengthen the understanding and use of stock assessments by SIDS
fisheries
in 2007.
Activity 1.2.3.2: Attach
Attachments of technical fisheries officers from both Vanuatu (November 2006)
national technical staff to
and Federated States of Micronesia (December 2006) were hosted by the OFP,
SPC/OFP and other
to assist in the preparation of NTFSRs for both countries. Both attachments
institutions to participate in
resulted in the fisheries officers producing drafts of chapters to be included in
Commission stock
the final report, as well as allowing for some training in data manipulation,
assessment work and
review and analyses (e.g. using GIS).
preparation of national
status reports
Activity 1.2.3.3: Train
Planning for training of the scientific counterpart in FSM was undertaken, to
scientific counterparts in-
coincide with NTFSR consultation visit by OFP scientist in February 2007
country
Sub-component 1.3: Ecosystem Monitoring and Analysis
Output 1.3.1: Observer sampling and analysis of commercial fishery catches to determine trophic
relationships of pelagic species in the WTP LME
Activity 1.3.1.1: Collect
Biological sampling of stomach contents and tissue samples started in several
observer-based sampling
countries and samples have been received from FSM (11) and Cook Islands
data, especially stomach
(34) (the latter collected in Samoa). Observers from FSM and Marshall Islands
contents, tissue samples
have also recently started to collect samples (December 2006). Organisation of
sampling is under discussion with Solomon Islands and Fiji. An overview of the
sampling completed in 2006 is in preparation and will be sent to countries in
January 2007.
Activity 1.3.1.2: Lab-based
Lab-based analysis of samples is continuing. During the quarter, 234 stomach
analysis of samples
contents samples were examined and the resulting data/information entered
into the database. The total number of stomachs examined and with data
entered is now 2,999 samples from 68 different species. In addition, 354 tissue
samples have been sent to the University of Hawaii for isotope analysis.
Output 1.3.2: Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP LME
SPC
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
This activity was completed during Q1-2006 and Q3-2006.
seamount activity planning
and review workshops
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
Two reports have been completed during this quarter by contracted consultants:
Seamounts and analyse
The first report relates to the validation of the seamount dataset in the western
historical fishing patterns
and central Pacific region and concerns mainly seamounts shallower than 600
4
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
around seamounts
m depth. The final dataset provides a list of 975 seamounts for which presence,
position and sometimes depth and other characteristics have been validated by
several sources of information. Screening of deeper seamounts and a proper
classification of shallow underwater features such as reefs and banks is still
required.
The second report relates to the examination of satellite oceanographic data
(sea surface temperature, chlorophyll and sea surface height) in relation to
seamounts using correlations and GIS methods. This work will continue in Q1
2007.
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect
The first tagging campaign of the co-funded PNG tagging project was
data at sea at selected
completed on 12 November 2006. A total of 22,314 fish have been tagged
seamounts, including
included 13,935 skipjack, 7,804 yellowfin and 562 bigeye tuna. From these fish
tagging, trophic sampling
73 have also been tagged with an archival tag and 46 with a sonic tag. 1,679
and analysis
tagged fish have been released around seamounts. To date, about 9.5 % of the
tagged fish have been recaptured including 11 archival tags. Trophic sampling
during the cruise resulted in the collection of 860 stomach samples (475
skipjack, 319 yellowfin and 28 bigeye tuna) and included 93 fish sampled
around seamounts. A debriefing meeting was held at SPC at the end of
November, producing a cruise 1 summary report and a cruise 2 plan
(http://www.spc.int/oceanfish/html/tag/RTTP2/pdf/Cruise1_summary_report.pdf).
Cruise 2 is planned to start on 19 February 2007.
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter. However as a follow-up
national scientist
of Activity 1.3.2.1. a project proposal has been prepared in collaboration with
participation in benthic
IRD (French Institute for the Research and Development) to conduct a co-
biodiversity survey
funded scientific cruise in 2008 in the Bismarck Sea (PNG) to study the
influence of seamounts on benthic and pelagic ecosystems; if accepted it will
allow the completion of this activity.
IUCN
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
seamount activity planning
and review workshops
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
Seamounts and analyse
historical fishing patterns
around seamounts
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect
data at sea at selected
seamounts, including
tagging, trophic sampling
and analysis
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
national scientist
participation in benthic
biodiversity survey
Output 1.3.3: Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
Activity 1.3.3.1:
Contacts have been established with 5 specialists who have agreed to
Incorporate ecosystem
participate to an ecosystem modelling workshop in March 2007 to balance
data and information into
Ecopath models of the western and central Pacific and to compare it to other
existing ecosystem
existing models.
models and refinement of
those models as
necessary
Activity 1.3.3.2: Use
The Ecological Risk Assessment presented to SC 2 proposed several indicators
enhanced models and
of species susceptibility and productivity that may be used to evaluate
5
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
data to assess ecosystem-
ecosystem-based management options (see Activity 1.3.5.1).
based management
options
Activity 1.3.3.3: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and
data to assess
management options
targeted specifically at
seamounts
Output 1.3.4: Estimates of levels of by-catch in WCPO oceanic fisheries
Activity 1.3.4.1: Review
No further work was conducted in Q4. SC 2 working papers were prepared and
historical observer data
presented:
and methodological
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_IP3.pdf
development
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_WP1.pdf
1.3.4.2: Estimate levels of
No further work was conducted in Q4. SC 2 working paper was prepared and
by-catch
presented:
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_IP1.pdf
Output 1.3.5: 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
Activity 1.3.5.1: Present
A preliminary Ecological Risk Assessment was carried out and presented to
results of ecosystem
SC2: http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_EB_WP1.pdf. A proposal to further
analysis to the
develop the approach was presented to the WCPFC Annual Session in
Commission through the
December 2006 and funding was allocated to this work for 2007.
Ecosystem & Bycatch
Working Group
Activity 1.3.5.2: Present
No presentation or training was provided during this quarter.
info on national & regional
implications of results of
ecosystem analysis to
Pacific SIDS
Activity 1.3.5.3: Attach
There were no attachments at SPC-OFP during this quarter.
national technical staff to
SPC/OFP and other
institutions to participate in
ecosystem analysis
6
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Two
Sub-component 2.1: Legal Reform
Output 2.1.1: A strategy and workplan for activities on regional and national legal issues
Activity 2.1.1.1: Carry out legal
See Activity 2.1.1.2 and 2.1.2.2.
and technical reviews of legal
issues and national legal
structures
Activity 2.1.1.2: Hold a Regional
As a Project Strategy for Legal work, a legal consultant was engaged to
Legal Consultation on Legal
draft guidelines for fisheries legislation, which are to be used for any
Issues, National Legal Structures
legislative review. This consultant's draft report has been received, and
and the Project strategy for legal
will be sent to member countries for comment by a particular date.
work.
Thereafter, legislative reviews will re-commence; priority work for
Samoa, Fiji and Vanuatu
Output 2.1.2
New draft laws, regulations, agreements and license conditions in line with WCPF
Convention prepared and shared with Pacific SIDS.
Activity 2.1.2.1. Prepare templates
One of the outputs of the WCPF Convention workshops, if the country
of legal provisions to implement
requires, is to draft legislation to address any gaps in the current laws.
the Convention.
To date, no such requests have been made. However, it is expected
that as we undertake more of these workshops that we will start getting
such requests.
Activity 2.1.2.2. Undertake national See Activity 2.1.1.2. All legislative reviews are on hold until the
legal reviews.
finalisation of the consultant's report so that such guidelines are
incorporate into any legislative review.
Activity 2.1.2.3. Provide draft Bills,
See Activity 2.1.2.2.
regulations, license conditions and
access agreements to Pacific
SIDS.
Output 2.1.3. Proposals for the Commission from Pacific SIDS for legal arrangements to implement
the Convention.
Activity 2.1.3.1. Undertake legal
See 2.1.1.2. A small working group met in July to discuss the draft
studies on Commission and
guidelines for fisheries legislation. The discussions of this small working
Convention issues including non-
group have been fed into the guidelines by the consultant.
Contracting Parties and new
members.
Activity 2.1.3.2. Prepare legal
Contributions were made to the brief for the WCPFC3. Other
briefs for Pacific SIDS for
contributions have been made to the brief for the meting of the joint
Commission and subsidiary body
tuna RFMOs in Kobe in January 2007.
meetings.
Activity 2.1.3.3. Hold Regional
Legal advice and contributions to the sub-regional consultations with
Legal Consultations.
tuna industries have been made.
Output 2.1.4. Training of policy makers and legal personnel in oceanic fisheries management legal
issues.
Activity 2.1.4.1. Hold Regional
FFA and FAO co-sponsored a regional workshop in Fiji on Port States
Legal Workshops.
Enforcement in August.
Activity 2.1.4.2. Hold National
Three workshops relating to the obligations under the WCPF
Legal Workshops.
Convention and the Commission's decisions were held in August and
September. Such workshops were in the Cook Islands, PNG and
Vanuatu. The Cook Is. and PNG workshops were co-financed
respectively with Cook Islands Ministry of Marine resources, and to a
large extent, by PNG National Fisheries Authority.
7
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Sub-component 2.2: Policy Reform
Output 2.2.1. National oceanic fisheries management Plans, policies and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.1. Prepare Plans,
Second stage consultation to progress Ecosystem Approach to
policy and strategy documents.
Fisheries Management on the Tuna Fisheries of Palau was undertaken
in Palau in October. (Note this activity was not OFM Project funded
but was fully funded by NZAid.)
Activity 2.2.1.2. Support the
No activity this quarter
implementation of Plans, policies
and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.3. Undertake Plan,
See Activity 2.2.1.1
policy and strategy reviews.
Output 2.2.2. Strategies and specific proposals for the overall development of the Commission,
including its Secretariat and technical programs, and for Commission conservation and management
measures.
Activity 2.2.2.1. Undertake studies
Consultancy studies on by-catch mitigation options for seabirds and
on Commission and Convention
issues associated with shark finning and harvest have been completed
conservation and management
and distributed to interested parties. A consultancy study on by-catch
issues.
mitigation options for turtles are nearing completion.
Studies were also undertaken on:
a) charter vessel control and purse seine closures
b) management options for albacore tuna and swordfish and
c) implementation of a catch documentation scheme.
Information from each consultancy study was incorporated into FFC
policy and strategies which were utilised by FFA members at the
annual WCPFC meeting.
Activity 2.2.2.2. Prepare and
An extensive brief incorporating analyses on all matters and proposals
present reports on regional
to be considered by the annual WCPFC Meeting in Samoa in
oceanic fisheries management
December was prepared, distributed and presented to Pacific Small
issues to Pacific SIDS, including
Island Developing States (SIDS) via the FFC.
analysis of proposals for the
Commission and its subsidiary
bodies.
Activity 2.2.2.3. Hold Regional
A Management Options Workshop was held to develop positions for
Fisheries Management Workshops
the WCPFC meeting on a full range of issues relating to target species,
and Consultations.
bycatch and monitoring, enforcement and surveillance for that meeting
based on the studies reported under Activity 2.2.2.1 above. The
Workshop resulted in a set of draft measures that became the basis for
the decisions of the WCPFC when it met. FFA members presented 7
of the 10 draft measures that were put before the Commission in 2006.
MOW was rescheduled from Honiara because of possible security
concerns in Honiara. The MOW is fully funded by NZAid under a co-
financing agreement in GEF OFP project.
A pre-WCPFC meeting of FFA Members was held at which FFA
positions were agreed for the WCPFC meeting, and training was
provided to Pacific SIDS on the key issues and on presenting them in
the WCPFC meeting.
Papers on longline management, purse seine fishery closures and
overcapacity were prepared and presented to a meeting of the Parties
to the Nauru agreement.
Output 2.2.3. Identification of possible management options for seamounts, including compliance
options. (IUCN)
8
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 2.2.3.1. Undertake
Work has not begun on these activities.
technical studies on management
of oceanic fisheries around
seamounts.
Activity 2.2.3.2. Hold Workshops
on seamount-related management
options.
Activity 2.2.3.3. Prepare proposals
on seamount-related conservation
and management measures.
Output 2.2.4. Training of policy makers, technical personnel and other Pacific SIDS stakeholders to
increase understanding of sustainable and responsible fisheries.
Activity 2.2.4.1. Hold Regional
See 2.2.2.3
Policy Consultations / Workshops.
Rescheduled Management Options Workshop (MOW) and pre-WCPFC
meeting.
Activity 2.2.4.2. Offer a TSC/USP
No activity this quarter
Policy Training Course.
Activity 2.2.4.3. Present National
A consultancy to enhance the understanding of Tuvalu Government
Fisheries Management Seminars
Officials of the obligations and responsibilities under the WCPFC
and Workshops.
regime and assist Tuvalu's participation at the work of the WCPFC was
undertaken in November and December 2006. The work included a
seminar on the WCPFC Regime including regional fisheries
management arrangements, and its implications on Tuvalu. As a result
of this consultancy, the performance of Tuvalu, in representing its
interests and working towards the delivery of an ecological approach to
fisheries management, in the deliberations of the WCPFC, was
enhanced.
Activity 2.2.4.4. Attach Fisheries
No activity this quarter
Management personnel to FFA
and arrange study tours for Pacific
SIDS personnel to other Fisheries
Commissions.
Activity 2.2.4.5. Support relevant
See 2.2.2.2
Ministerial meetings.
Pre-Commission FFC held in Samoa in December.
Sub-component 2.3: Institutional Reform
Output 2.3.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for the reform, realignment and strengthening of
national oceanic fisheries management administrations.
Activity 2.3.1.1. Prepare a review
No activity this quarter
of experience and best practices in
institutional reform.
Activity 2.3.1.2. Undertake and
An Institutional Strengthening Review Scoping team undertook a two
support implementation of reviews
week exercise to Nauru in November conducting a scoping review of
of national oceanic fisheries
the Nauru Fisheries and Marine Resource Authority (NFMRA).
management institutions.
Extensive consultation was undertaken throughout the NFMRA and
meetings were also undertaken with several other Government
Departments and NGOs. An exit report was presented to the NFMRA
on completion of in-country work. A preliminary draft report
incorporating an activity feasibility study and design document to
progress recommended institutional reform has been completed. It will
be assessed before distribution to, and on-ground follow-up with the
NFMRA.
Also see related 2.2.4.3 which provided Institutional Strengthening and
9
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
human capacity building in Tuvalu.
Activity 2.3.1.3. Present National
See 2.3.1.2
Institutional Reform Workshops.
Intensive workshops on frameworks and Institutional Reform models
options and the existing situation at the NFMRA were undertaken
during the in-country visit to Nauru.
Output 2.3.2. Processes for national consultation between stakeholders in oceanic fisheries
management.
Activity 2.3.2.1. Advise on and
See 2.3.1.2
support national consultative
Some discussion during Nauru Institutional Scoping Work.
processes.
Activity 2.3.2.2.Support
No activity this quarter
strengthening of national
environmental non-governmental
organisations (ENGOs) and
industry non- governmental
organisations (INGOs) to empower
them to participate in oceanic
fisheries management.
Activity 2.3.2.3.Support national
No activity this quarter
workshops for non-state
stakeholders.
Activity 2.3.2.4. Arrange
No activity this quarter
attachments and study tours for
non-state stakeholders to learn
from experience elsewhere.
Sub-component 2.4: Compliance Strengthening
Output 2.4.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for realigning and strengthening national oceanic
fisheries compliance programs.
Activity 2.4.1.1.Prepare a review of
MCS Country workshops (Vanuatu) include a module by the Legal
Convention implications for
officer on WCPFC implications on national compliance (no cost to
national compliance.
project)
Activity 2.4.1.2. Undertake and
MCS Managers participated in Pre-TCC Workshop to review the status
support implementation of reviews
of existing laws governing compliance (no cost to project)
of needs to strengthen and realign
Consultancy completed by local consultant for the Cook Islands to
national compliance programs.
develop an International Plan of Action for IUU
Output 2.4.2. Arrangements for regional coordination of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS)
activities.
Activity 2.4.2.1.Support regional
MCS staff participated in regional operations, undertaking planning and
consultations on coordination of air
coordination of investigations of FSM Safety at Sea (non project funds
and sea patrols.
used).
Activity 2.4.2.2.Provide advice on
Ongoing support in terms of Niue treaty implementation and
MCS coordination between Pacific
development, active advise on boarding and Inspections during multi-
SIDS and other states involved.
national and national operations (no project funds)
Activity 2.4.2.3.Prepare Niue
Development of Niue treaty subsidiary agreements after receiving
Treaty subsidiary agreements.
inputs from the MCS working group meeting, 06, Brisbane.
Output 2.4.3. Strategies and proposals for regional compliance measures and programs.
Activity 2.4.3.1. Undertake
No activity this quarter.
technical studies on compliance
issues under the Convention.
Activity 2.4.3.2. Hold meetings of a Dock side boarding and inspection workshop and IUU Prosecutions
10
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Working Group of Pacific SIDS on
Workshop December 06, Vanuatu. Reviewing cases, legislation and
MCS issues related to oceanic
experience in prosecuting IUU cases.
fisheries.
Activity 2.4.3.3. Prepare and
Due to number of crosscutting issues, the 9th MCS working group ,
present reports on regional
Brisbane '06, 22- 27 October develop position papers for TCC for
compliance issues to Pacific SIDS,
Pacific SIDS
including analysis of proposals for
the Commission and its Technical
and Compliance Committee.
Output 2.4.4. Training of national compliance staff, especially in inspection and VMS.
Activity 2.4.4.1. Present courses
Training Workshops in PNG and Vanuatu were conducted, including
on National Inspection, VMS and
legal aspects, dockside monitoring, boarding and inspection.
other national MCS training
programs.
Activity 2.4.4.2. Attach national
No activity this quarter.
compliance staff to FFA and other
Pacific SIDS.
11
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Three
Sub-component 3.1: Information Strategy
Output 3.1.1. Project Information System for capture, storage and dissemination of project data,
lessons and best practices and provision of information products using experience and guidelines
from IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.1.1. Design logos and
Progress with website/page development and maintenance has
other Project identifiers, Project
progressed at a slower pace than anticipated and will become a
Website/page and Project
focussed priority in the first quarter of 2007.
Document Cataloguing System.
Activity 3.1.1.2. Operate the
See above
Website/page.
Activity 3.1.1.3. Project information
A second publication of the Convention for the Conservation and
materials including CDs, papers,
Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and
videos, pamphlets, newsletters,
Central Pacific Ocean booklets has been ordered. The demand for the
interviews, press releases etc.
booklets has been high and extremely useful.
Output 3.1.2. Knowledge management process identifying innovative, best practice and replicable
ideas within the Project and relevant to the Project and active involvement with IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.2.1. Prepare
No activity this quarter. To be progressed in the first quarter of 2007.
Knowledge Management Strategy.
Activity 3.1.2.2. Generate
No activity this quarter. To be progressed in the first quarter of 2007.
Knowledge Management
Components for Website/page,
newsletters, and progress reports.
Sub-component 3.2: Monitoring and Evaluation
Output 3.2.1. Measures of, and reports on, overall project performance and delivery, including
independent evaluations of the Project.
Activity 3.2.1.1. Mid-term
No activity this quarter
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.2. Terminal
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.3. Post evaluation
(Year 8).
Activity 3.2.1.4. Annual reviews.
The preparation of the first annual report of the project was undertaken
using the required GEF/UNDP formats for project implementation
review and an annual performance review. The report has been largely
prepared by the PC, although sections that require access to the
UNDP ATLAS database are to be completed by the Implementing
Agency. The report only covers a 9 month period from 1 October 2005
to 30 June 2006 and was placed before the 2nd meeting of the
Regional Steering Committee on 10 October.
Activity 3.2.1.5. Annual audit.
Communication with FFA auditors has commenced to contract
services for the 2006 Audit. SPC are also required to audit project
funds expended in 2006 and have made arrangements for this to be
done in the first quarter of 2007.
Output 3.2.2. Analysis of process, stress-reduction and environmental status indicators as per the
GEF International Waters Operational Strategy.
Activity 3.2.2.1. Carry out baseline
Priority first quarter 2007,
studies to measure IW indicators.
12
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 3.2.2.2. Include indicator
As above
measures in progress reports.
Sub-component 3.3: Stakeholder Participation and Awareness Raising
Output 3.3.1. ENGO participation and awareness raising in Convention-related processes.
Activity 3.3.1.1. Conclude co-
A RSC2 approved co-financing agreement was concluded with WWF
financing arrangement with a
Pacific in this quarter.
Pacific ENGO.
Activity 3.3.1.2. Support Pacific
See above
ENGO participation in the
Commission.
Activity 3.3.1.3. Provide information Two Regional ENGOs (WWF and Greenpeace Pacific) participated at
on the Convention and oceanic
the 3rd session of the WCPFC.
fisheries management issues to
Pacific ENGOs.
Activity 3.3.1.4. Hold national and
The workshops will be progressed by WWF SPO. Due to the delay in
regional Workshops for ENGOs.
concluding the co-financing agreement and in the absence of a formal
agreement workshops are expected to be conducted in 2007.
Activity 3.3.1.5. Produce
See above. To be co-ordinated by WWF SPO.
information materials to raise public
awareness on oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Activity 3.3.1.6. Organise regional
See above. To be co-ordinated by WWF SPO.
and national fora on the
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues for civil society
participation.
Output 3.3.2. Support industry participation and awareness raising in Convention-related
processes.
Activity 3.3.2.1. Conclude co-
The Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association has yet to hold a first
financing arrangement with Pacific
annual meeting to elect office bearers. It is expected that PITIA
INGO.
inaugural meeting will take place in Nadi in February 2007.
Activity 3.3.2.2. Support Pacific
Support will be provided for attendance at the Management Options
INGO participation in the
Workshop and the 3rd session of the Commission to be held at Apia,
Commission.
Samoa in December 2006.
Activity 3.3.2.3. Provide information PITIA has observer status at Commission meetings. Communication
flow on the Convention and
links with the interim executive for the PITIA is established and
oceanic fisheries management
maintained on matters relating to the Commission.
issues to Pacific INGOs and
businesses.
Activity 3.3.2.4. Support Pacific
Support will be provided for PITIA consultations on the Convention and
INGO consultations on the
oceanic fisheries management issues in February 2007.
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Sub-component 3.4: Project Management and Coordination
Output 3.4.1. Project Coordination Unit staffing and office.
Activity 3.4.1.1. Appoint the Project
Completed
Coordinator.
Activity 3.4.1.2. Appoint other PCU
Completed
staff.
13
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 3.4.1.3. Procure equipment
Completed
and other requirements to establish
the PCU.
Output 3.4.2. Arrangements for coordination between Implementing and Executing Agencies.
Activity 3.4.2.1. Preliminary
Completed
UNDP/FFA/SPC/IUCN
Consultations.
Activity 3.4.2.2. Conclude
Completed
FFA/SPC and FFA/IUCN Letters of
Agreement (LOAs).
Activity 3.4.2.3. UNDP/FFA
Completed
Consultations.
Output 3.4.3. Regional Steering Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.3.1. Hold Inception
Completed
Workshop.
Activity 3.4.3.2. Hold Regional
The second meeting of the Regional Steering Committee was held at
Steering Committee meetings.
Nadi, Fiji on Saturday 21 October.
Output 3.4.4. National Consultative Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.4.1. Secure National
Completed.
Focal Point nominations.
Activity 3.4.4.2. Support National
National Project reports were received from FSM, the Cook Islands
Consultative Committee meetings.
Tonga, Solomon Islands and RMI.
Output 3.4.5. Reports on Project implementation, workplan and finances.
Activity 3.4.5.1. Prepare periodic
The 2006 Financial Report was considered by the second meeting of
financial and narrative reports.
the Regional Steering Committee in October 2006. It contains the 2005
Financial Report (Acquittal), an interim 2006 financial report, a revised
2006 financial report and a draft AWP and Budget for 2007. The draft
2007 AWP & budget was not approved by RSC2. The Committee
instructed that the PCU was to work with UNDP Suva to make
adjustments to the 2007 AWP & Budget to take into account delays in
the IUCN project activities. A revised draft 2007 AWP & Budget was
circulated and approved by the RSC.
Activity 3.4.5.2. Prepare Annual
See above.
Work plans
Activity 3.4.5.3: Prepare Annual
The PIR/APR was completed in consultation with UNDP Suva.
Project Reports
A GEF IW Results Framework document was completed and
submitted to UNDP GEF (Bangkok)
14
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
8. Challenges/Issues Encountered
General comment Targets for research work of benthic communities on seamounts in the
Pacific are not being met due to reasons beyond the control of IUCN. SPC provides comment
and suggestion below on a further option for the application of unspent research allocations.
This problem is also applicable to the related policy work that IUCN expected to complete
under component two in conjunction with the FFA. IUCN are expected to advise the status of
the work on 28 February 2007.
SPC - One issue encountered concerns Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe Seamounts and analyse
historical fishing patterns around seamounts. This work, particularly the description of
seamounts, has proved more technically challenging than had been envisaged during the
project planning. While much progress has been made, it is clear that additional resources
could usefully be reallocated to this activity to allow a full analysis of fishing patterns in
relation to identified seamounts, and to analyse the impact of seamounts on various
oceanographic and biological productivity parameters.
FFA Collaboration on policy advice for management options on high seas areas and
seamounts at national and regional levels and the establishment of MPAs is being explored to
address IUCN work programme difficulties.
9. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
SPC - A suggested solution to the above problem is the application of unused funds initially
allocated to IUCN to support various activities associated with the oceanographic cruise,
which now looks likely to be cancelled.
FFA Commenced discussions with IUCN on policy work.
10. Recommendations for Future Action
Consideration be given to reallocation of IUCN research related funds and possibly those in
Component Two.
11. Report Prepared By:
PCU Barbara Hanchard with assistance from Darren Cameron, Manu Tupou Roosen, Jean
Gordon and Marcel Kroese.
SPC - John Hampton, with assistance from Valerie Allain, Don Bromhead, Deirdre Brogan
and Bruno Leroy.
15
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
(Consolidated)
1. Country: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
2. Project Number/Code: PIMS No. 2992
3. Project Title: Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
4. Executing Agency: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
5. Period Covered: 1 January 2007 to 31 March 2007
6. Summary of Overall Project Progress:
This project report covers the first quarter of 2007, the end of which represents 18 months of
project operations. Project implementation continues to maintain a level of uniformity and the
roll-out of activities is largely consistent with the approved annual work plan and budget. The
exception to this remains the activities relating to benthic biodiversity survey, the analysis of
data on seamounts collected through tagging and trophic sampling and the policy work that
would involve from the science. The delay in this area of the project was considered by the
second regional Steering Committee meeting which met at Nadi, Fiji in October. IUCN was
expected to determine which of the options by 28 February 2007 but have further requested a
deferment with which to report. Both the SPC and FFA have provided suggestions for the use
of additional funds for activities consistent with the original intent by IUCN.
Project coordination and management continues to operate with both achievements and
challenges. Negotiations for a comprehensive international standard audit for 2006 project
expenditure commenced in late 2006 in preparation for an early as possible commencement
in 2007.
7. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (As per quarter work-plan):
Specific outputs and results achieved under the project against quarterly work plans are
reported in the following spreadsheets.
1
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component One
Sub-component 1.1: Fishery Monitoring
Output 1.1.1: A template for national integrated monitoring programmes including logsheet, observer,
port sampling and landing data collection and management; and provision of national data to the
Commission
Activity 1.1.1.1: Develop
Considerable work was made on the TUFMAN system during this period to
database and associated
bring it up to version 3.0. The main enhancements to TUFMAN during this
software
quarter included: the complete redesign of the reporting module to provide more
reports and a more user-friendly interface, the enhancement of the Vessel
Activity module, and the addition of a new module covering Vessel Trip
Coverage.
Work also began on the new TUFMAN training manual, which will be a series of
computer training videos taking the users through the system step-by-step via a
web-page type interface This material will also include background explaining
the connection of data management (through the database system) to the data
collection systems. During this quarter, training videos for all TUFMAN reports
and the Vessel Activity module were produced.
Activity 1.1.1.2: Develop
The design of the WCPFC reporting module was progressed during this quarter
reporting module for
with the main addition of a new module for Vessel Trip Coverage. The
Commission data
information generated from this module will be used to determine the coverage
of the different data types (i.e. logsheets, unloadings, port sampling and
observer data) which will be presented in the TUFMAN reporting module.
Output 1.1.2: National monitoring systems based on the regional template for integrated monitoring,
customised to meet national needs
Activity 1.1.2.1: Support
The TUFMAN databases for the Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Tonga and
establishment and
Tuvalu were updated to version 3.0 during this period.
enhancement of national
The CES database system, with the most up-to-date tuna fishery data, were
databases and software
provided to all member countries during March 2007.
The Observer Trip View System with the most up-to-date observer data was
provided to PNG during March 2007.
Activity 1.1.2.2: Support
Staff travel to FSM and Palau at the end of this quarter included a review of
establishment and
these observer programmes.
enhancement of national
port sampling and
observer programmes
Activity 1.1.2.3: Support
Travel to Marshall Islands and FSM included time spent reviewing their national
the coordination of
monitoring capacity and establishing their funding requirements under GEF. The
national monitoring
`National Tuna Data Procedures Documents' (NTDPD) were progressed in both
programmes
countries.
In conjunction with the countries involved MOUs were put together to formalise
their GEF funding requests. These MOUs covered monies for the support of an
observer position in the Cook Islands and I.T. support for Nauru and Samoa.
Output 1.1.3: A regional monitoring coordination capacity, to develop regional standards such as data
formats, and to provide a clearing house for information on fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.1: Develop
The trial longline logbooks were retrieved back from Tonga. The completed
and make available
logbooks were reviewed for their efficiency and `user-friendliness'.
common data formats
A lower number of forms were requested from the countries during this quarter.
Eighty debriefing forms and 35 logsheet books were distributed to monitoring
programmes around the region.
Activity 1.1.3.2: Hold
The next regional workshop is currently scheduled for early 2008.
2
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Regional Workshops on
regional and national
fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.3: Distribute
No activity this quarter.
newsletters, webpage and
other forms of information
exchange
Output 1.1.4: Training of national monitoring staff, particularly monitoring coordinators, observers
and port samplers
Activity 1.1.4.1: Organise
A basic observer training course was run in the Marshall Islands. SPC staff also
and hold in-country
undertook the pre-selection test for this course and completed the requested
observer & port sampling
refresher port sampling training in the Marshalls. Observers from a number of
courses and other training
ports around PNG were also given training in seed tagging, work they may be
activities
asked to carry out in the future.
Activity 1.1.4.2: Regional
See activity 1.1.3.2.
training courses in
integrated fishery
monitoring
Activity 1.1.4.3: Attach
The newly appointed Fisheries Statistician from PNG attended an attachment to
national monitoring
the statistics and monitoring section of the OFP during this reporting period.
personnel to SPC/OFP
Attachment training included (i) General overview of regional data collection, (ii)
Advanced training using the MS EXCEL, (iii) Training and exercises in the CES
Database System, and (iv) Training in MapInfo
Sub-component 1.2: Stock Assessment
Output 1.2.1: National oceanic fisheries status reports prepared collaboratively with national scientific
staff
Activity 1.2.1.1: Prepare 6
This is an activity that benefits from significant co-funding. During the quarter,
National Oceanic
work on the NTFSRs for FSM, Nauru, Tonga, Vanuatu and Palau were
Fisheries Status Reports
progressed. Agreement for the provision of an NTFSR (starting 3rd quarter) for
annually
Kiribati was successfully negotiated.
Activity 1.2.1.2: Hold In-
Outputs from the Tonga NTFSR (in progress) were presented at an in-country
country Stakeholder
stakeholder workshop, while OFP scientists met again with New Caledonian
Workshops for delivery of
fisheries officers to go over the draft NTFSR for New Caledonia prior to
National Status Reports
finalisation (a co-funded activity). Presentations derived from NTFSR drafts
were prepared for upcoming in-country EAFM scoping workshops being held in
Nauru and FSM (in April).
Output 1.2.2: Advice to Pacific SIDS on scientific issues in the work of the Commission
Activity 1.2.2.1: Provide
OFP staff participated in a workshop held at FFA Headquarters to review and
contributions to briefs on
plan management options analyses to support FFA members in WCPFC
scientific issues for Pacific
meetings during 2007.
SIDS for meetings of the
Commission, the Scientific
Committee and Science
Working Groups
Activity 1.2.2.2: Present
No activity during this quarter.
scientific briefs to
preparatory meetings of
Pacific SIDS for the
Commission
Output 1.2.3: Training of national technical and scientific staff to understand regional stock
assessment methods, and interpret and apply the results; and to use oceanographic data
3
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 1.2.3.1: Hold
Calls for nominations and receipt of nominations for two stock assessment
Regional Workshops on
workshops for fisheries officers from SIDS (to be held in June/July) occurred in
stock assessment
this quarter. Currently 16 nominations received. A one week long workshop
methods and analysis of
examining the methods used to standardise fishery catch rates (which are key
oceanographic impacts on
inputs to stock assessments) was held in February, with 3 fisheries officers from
fisheries
SIDS (Cook Islands, Fiji and New Caledonia (co-funding)) invited to attend as
part of a training exercise to improve their understanding of stock assessment.
Activity 1.2.3.2: Attach
There were no attachments of technical fisheries officers from SIDS to the OFP
national technical staff to
in this quarter, although planning for upcoming attachments for Nauru and
SPC/OFP and other
Palau was progressed.
institutions to participate in
Commission stock
assessment work and
preparation of national
status reports
Activity 1.2.3.3: Train
No activity during this quarter (FSM training delayed to April).
scientific counterparts in-
country
Sub-component 1.3: Ecosystem Monitoring and Analysis
Output 1.3.1: Observer sampling and analysis of commercial fishery catches to determine trophic
relationships of pelagic species in the WTP LME
Activity 1.3.1.1: Collect
Biological sampling of stomach contents and tissue samples continued in
observer-based sampling
several countries; new samples have been collected in FSM (40) and Samoa
data, especially stomach
(13). Organisation of sampling is still under discussion with Fiji and Solomon
contents, tissue samples
Islands. Observers were still to be contracted in Solomon Islands. A new trained
observer should start sampling in Cook Islands. French Polynesia and Marshall
Islands have been contacted. The second biological sampling SPC Newsletter
is in preparation and will be sent to countries at the start of April 2007.
Activity 1.3.1.2: Lab-based
Lab-based analysis of samples is continuing. During the quarter, 140 stomach
analysis of samples
contents samples were examined and the resulting data/information entered
into the database. The total number of stomachs examined and with data
entered is now 3139 samples from 68 different species.
Output 1.3.2: Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP LME
SPC
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
This activity was completed during Q1-2006 and Q3-2006.
seamount activity planning
and review workshops
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
Following the recommendations formulated in the report provided in December
Seamounts and analyse
2006, the seamount database has been reviewed. The structure of the
historical fishing patterns
database has been modified and the access to a major dataset on shallow
around seamounts
underwater features used to properly classify all the shallow features. Deep
seamounts have also been screened in all EEZs. Screening and validation of
seamounts located in international waters areas enclosed between EEZs has
begun. At the moment the database provides a list of 3095 unique features of
which 331 are in fact islands, atoll or partially emerged banks and 2764 are
underwater features (drowned atoll, drowned bank, seamount, guyot, pinnacle,
ridge, plateau, knoll, hill, deep bank, unknown). For each feature position, depth
and sometimes other characteristics have been validated by several sources of
information.
An abstract describing this work has been submitted to the GeoHab 2007
meeting on marine benthic habitats of the Pacific and Other Oceans, hosted by
the Government of New Caledonia, in conjunction with the Circum Pacific
Council and the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission. The abstract
has been accepted for presentation during the conference in May 2007 in
4
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Noumea, New Caledonia.
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect
The second and final tagging campaign in PNG began on 19 February 2007
data at sea at selected
and will continue until around 20 May. As at 31 March, approximately 17,500
seamounts, including
tuna had been tagged bringing the total project total to 40,000, well in excess of
tagging, trophic sampling
our nomial initial target of 30,000. Releases of archival and sonic tags were a
and analysis
focus of the work this quarter, with project totals for these tag types now
reaching 173 and 211, respectively. An anchored FAD was deployed on the
Djaul Seamount in the Bismarck Sea facilitating tagging and related biological
sampling. Trophic sampling resulted in the collection of 475 stomach samples
(250 skipjack, 188 yellowfin and 1 bigeye tuna). Tag recaptures continue to be
received in large numbers, with total recaptures now exceeding 3,600.
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter. A project proposal has
national scientist
been submitted in collaboration with IRD (French Institute for the Research and
participation in benthic
Development) to conduct a co-funded scientific cruise in 2008 in the Bismarck
biodiversity survey
Sea (PNG) to study the influence of seamounts on benthic and pelagic
ecosystems; if accepted it will allow the completion of this activity.
IUCN
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
seamount activity planning
and review workshops
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
Seamounts and analyse
historical fishing patterns
around seamounts
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect
data at sea at selected
seamounts, including
tagging, trophic sampling
and analysis
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
national scientist
participation in benthic
biodiversity survey
Output 1.3.3: Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
Activity 1.3.3.1:
An ecosystem modelling workshop was held in March 2007 at SPC, Noumea. 4
Incorporate ecosystem
specialists attended to help balance an Ecopath model of the western and
data and information into
central Pacific. This modelling exercise highlighted discrepancies between the
existing ecosystem
output of the SEAPODYM model, an ecosystem model providing information on
models and refinement of
the forage species of the tunas, and the outputs of the MULTIFAN-CL model
those models as
that provides stock assessment information for the tuna stocks. More
necessary
information is required on the mid-trophic level species. The model also showed
the important role of skipjack in the ecosystem because of its high biomass, its
high consumption rate, its highly cannibalistic behaviour, and the fact that it is
consumed by many other components of the system.
Activity 1.3.3.2: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and
data to assess ecosystem-
based management
options
Activity 1.3.3.3: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and
data to assess
management options
targeted specifically at
5
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
seamounts
Output 1.3.4: Estimates of levels of by-catch in WCPO oceanic fisheries
Activity 1.3.4.1: Review
SC 2 working papers were prepared and presented in 2006:
historical observer data
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_IP3.pdf
and methodological
development
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_WP1.pdf
1.3.4.2: Estimate levels of
SC 2 working paper was prepared and presented in 2006:
by-catch
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_IP1.pdf
Output 1.3.5: 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
Activity 1.3.5.1: Present
A workshop on Ecological Risk Assessment is currently in preparation to be
results of ecosystem
held before SC3 and with the outcomes to be presented during SC3.
analysis to the
Commission through the
Ecosystem & Bycatch
Working Group
Activity 1.3.5.2: Present
No presentation or training was provided during this quarter.
info on national & regional
implications of results of
ecosystem analysis to
Pacific SIDS
Activity 1.3.5.3: Attach
There were no attachments at SPC-OFP during this quarter.
national technical staff to
SPC/OFP and other
institutions to participate in
ecosystem analysis
6
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Two
Sub-component 2.1: Legal Reform
Output 2.1.1: A strategy and workplan for activities on regional and national legal issues
Activity 2.1.1.1: Carry out legal
and technical reviews of legal
issues and national legal
structures
Activity 2.1.1.2: Hold a Regional
Legal Consultation on Legal
Issues, National Legal Structures
and the Project strategy for legal
work.
Output 2.1.2
New draft laws, regulations, agreements and license conditions in line with WCPF
Convention prepared and shared with Pacific SIDS.
Activity 2.1.2.1. Prepare templates
of legal provisions to implement
the Convention.
Activity 2.1.2.2. Undertake national
legal reviews.
Activity 2.1.2.3. Provide draft Bills,
regulations, license conditions and
access agreements to Pacific
SIDS.
Output 2.1.3. Proposals for the Commission from Pacific SIDS for legal arrangements to implement
the Convention.
Activity 2.1.3.1. Undertake legal
studies on Commission and
Convention issues including non-
Contracting Parties and new
members.
Activity 2.1.3.2. Prepare legal
briefs for Pacific SIDS for
Commission and subsidiary body
meetings.
Activity 2.1.3.3. Hold Regional
Legal Consultations.
Output 2.1.4. Training of policy makers and legal personnel in oceanic fisheries management legal
issues.
Activity 2.1.4.1. Hold Regional
Legal Workshops.
Activity 2.1.4.2. Hold National
Legal Workshops.
Sub-component 2.2: Policy Reform
Output 2.2.1. National oceanic fisheries management Plans, policies and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.1. Prepare Plans,
First stage consultation to progress Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries
policy and strategy documents.
Management on the Tuna Fisheries of Tonga was undertaken in
February 2007. Outcome documents related to EAFM process in
Palau and Vanuatu near finalisation. (Activities funded by OFM Project
7
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
to varying degrees).
Activity 2.2.1.2. Support the
No activity this quarter
implementation of Plans, policies
and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.3. Undertake Plan,
See Activity 2.2.1.1
policy and strategy reviews.
Output 2.2.2. Strategies and specific proposals for the overall development of the Commission,
including its Secretariat and technical programs, and for Commission conservation and management
measures.
Activity 2.2.2.1. Undertake studies
Draft Consultancy report on FADs, obligations under the Commission
on Commission and Convention
to deliver FAD management plans and other advice to Pacific Island
conservation and management
Developing States regarding consideration of FAD management
issues.
options delivered.
Activity 2.2.2.2. Prepare and
A brief was prepared for Pac SIDS participants for a joint Matting of
present reports on regional
Tuna RFMOs from around the world, and support was provided to ac
oceanic fisheries management
SIDS participants during the meeting. The major outcome of the
issues to Pacific SIDS, including
meeting was a plan to coordinate activities of tuna RFMOs in the
analysis of proposals for the
different oceans, particularly to address IUU fishing.
Commission and its subsidiary
bodies.
Activity 2.2.2.3. Hold Regional
A consultation on Management Strategies was held to coordinate work
Fisheries Management Workshops
of FFA and SPC and train FFA staff in methodologies related to the
and Consultations.
evaluation of management options and strategies
Output 2.2.3. Identification of possible management options for seamounts, including compliance
options. (IUCN)
Activity 2.2.3.1. Undertake
Work has not begun on these activities.
technical studies on management
of oceanic fisheries around
seamounts.
Activity 2.2.3.2. Hold Workshops
on seamount-related management
options.
Activity 2.2.3.3. Prepare proposals
on seamount-related conservation
and management measures.
Output 2.2.4. Training of policy makers, technical personnel and other Pacific SIDS stakeholders to
increase understanding of sustainable and responsible fisheries.
Activity 2.2.4.1. Hold Regional
See above on Management Strategy Evaluation
Policy Consultations / Workshops.
A series of sub-regional workshops on Management Options was
planned.
Activity 2.2.4.2. Offer a TSC/USP
Plan to review modules of course has been established and review of
Policy Training Course.
various components of the modules has been allocated to relevant FFA
officers. FFA in contact with USP to organise execution of course.
Activity 2.2.4.3. Present National
No activity this quarter
Fisheries Management Seminars
and Workshops.
Activity 2.2.4.4. Attach Fisheries
Delegates from Tuvalu and Federated States of Micronesia
Management personnel to FFA
accompanied FFA officers to special meeting of the Inter American
and arrange study tours for Pacific
Tropical Tuna Commission in February.
SIDS personnel to other Fisheries
Commissions.
8
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 2.2.4.5. Support relevant
No activity this quarter
Ministerial meetings.
Sub-component 2.3: Institutional Reform
Output 2.3.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for the reform, realignment and strengthening of
national oceanic fisheries management administrations.
Activity 2.3.1.1. Prepare a review
Strategic plan and contract to under this review has been prepared and
of experience and best practices in
work will be undertaken in 2nd Quarter 2007.
institutional reform.
Activity 2.3.1.2. Undertake and
Draft report incorporating an activity feasibility study and design
support implementation of reviews
document on Institutional Strengthening scoping review of the Nauru
of national oceanic fisheries
Fisheries and Marine Resource Authority (NFMRA) has been delivered
management institutions.
to Nauru for their consideration.
Activity 2.3.1.3. Present National
No activity this quarter
Institutional Reform Workshops.
Output 2.3.2. Processes for national consultation between stakeholders in oceanic fisheries
management.
Activity 2.3.2.1. Advise on and
No activity this quarter
support national consultative
processes.
Activity 2.3.2.2.Support
No activity this quarter
strengthening of national
environmental non-governmental
organisations (ENGOs) and
industry non- governmental
organisations (INGOs) to empower
them to participate in oceanic
fisheries management.
Activity 2.3.2.3.Support national
No activity this quarter
workshops for non-state
stakeholders.
Activity 2.3.2.4. Arrange
No activity this quarter
attachments and study tours for
non-state stakeholders to learn
from experience elsewhere.
Sub-component 2.4: Compliance Strengthening
Output 2.4.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for realigning and strengthening national oceanic
fisheries compliance programs.
Activity 2.4.1.1.Prepare a review of
Consultations for Tonga was deferred due to the riot.
Convention implications for
national compliance.
Activity 2.4.1.2. Undertake and
No travels to member countries were undertaken in the first quarter
support implementation of reviews
however, advice provided to members as well as planned MCS
of needs to strengthen and realign
workshops fro Tuvalu (April) Samoa (May), Kiribati and Tonga later in
national compliance programs.
the year.
Output 2.4.2. Arrangements for regional coordination of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS)
activities.
Activity 2.4.2.1.Support regional
Provided support and advice to Kiribati, Palau and Cooks under the
consultations on coordination of air
fisheries multilateral operations and aerial surveillance plans for
and sea patrols.
2007/2008.
Activity 2.4.2.2.Provide advice on
Provided advice and support to Kiribati, Palau and Cooks for operations
9
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
MCS coordination between Pacific
and mount a E-Operations for a day during the 10 MCS working
SIDS and other states involved.
meeting in March.
Activity 2.4.2.3.Prepare Niue
Assisted with the draft Subsidiary Agreements between the FSM and
Treaty subsidiary agreements.
Nauru; and Kiribati and Nauru. Note, new developments under NT as
Nauru does not have a patrol boat. Another milestone, the 10 MCSWG
meeting in March 2007 endorsed the concept of the multilateral
subsidiary agreement as opposed to bilateral Agreement and including
the status of non-Parties, and endorsed the concept of invoking Article
XII(5) of the Niue Treaty to allow US and France to accede to this
Treaty.
Output 2.4.3. Strategies and proposals for regional compliance measures and programs.
Activity 2.4.3.1. Undertake
As part of the Tenth MCS Working Group meeting held at the FFA
technical studies on compliance
Secretariat from 26 to 30 March, 2007, workshop TCC2 and WCPFC3
issues under the Convention.
outcomes.
Activity 2.4.3.2. Hold meetings of a The Regional Annual Tenth MCS Working Group meeting held at the
Working Group of Pacific SIDS on
FFA Secretariat from 26 to 30 March, 2007. All MCS practitioners and
MCS issues related to oceanic
providers of regional fisheries surveillance met and discussed regional
fisheries.
surveillances issues.
Activity 2.4.3.3. Prepare and
As part of the Tenth MCS Working Group meeting held at the FFA
present reports on regional
Secretariat from 26 to 30 March, 2007, workshop TCC2 and WCPFC3
compliance issues to Pacific SIDS,
outcomes included measures that provide:
including analysis of proposals for
(i) Authorisation to Fish;
the Commission and its Technical
(ii) WCPFC IUU List;
and Compliance Committee.
(iii) Commission VMS;
(iv) Regional Observer Program;
(v) Annual Report to the Commission Part II;
(vi) High Seas Boarding and Inspection;
(vii) Port State standards and FAO Model Scheme;
(viii) Catch Documentation Scheme;
(ix) Transshipment; and
(x) FFA Priorities for MCS issues in 2007 and Beyond.
Output 2.4.4. Training of national compliance staff, especially in inspection and VMS.
Activity 2.4.4.1. Present courses
Tuvalu Prosecution and Dockside Workshop planned for February was
on National Inspection, VMS and
deferred to April 2007, to be followed by Samoa, Kiribati and Tonga
other national MCS training
later in the year.
programs.
Activity 2.4.4.2. Attach national
One MCS two weeks attachment for Ms Kalo Manuopangai from Tonga
compliance staff to FFA and other
Department of Fisheries initially planned for 19-30 March now set for 2-
Pacific SIDS.
13 April, 2007.
10
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Three
Sub-component 3.1: Information Strategy
Output 3.1.1. Project Information System for capture, storage and dissemination of project data,
lessons and best practices and provision of information products using experience and guidelines
from IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.1.1. Design logos and
Completed.
other Project identifiers, Project
Website/page and Project
Document Cataloguing System.
Activity 3.1.1.2. Operate the
On-going efforts to maintain and update website.
Website/page.
Activity 3.1.1.3. Project information
Project overview pamphlet designed. Reprint of the WCPF Convention
materials including CDs, papers,
booklet.
videos, pamphlets, newsletters,
interviews, press releases etc.
Output 3.1.2. Knowledge management process identifying innovative, best practice and replicable
ideas within the Project and relevant to the Project and active involvement with IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.2.1. Prepare
No activity.
Knowledge Management Strategy.
Activity 3.1.2.2. Generate
Preparation and submission of an IW/LEARN Experience Note for the
Knowledge Management
PI OFM Project. IWLEARN website management training placement
Components for Website/page,
negotiated fro 2007.
newsletters, and progress reports.
Sub-component 3.2: Monitoring and Evaluation
Output 3.2.1. Measures of, and reports on, overall project performance and delivery, including
independent evaluations of the Project.
Activity 3.2.1.1. Mid-term
No activity
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.2. Terminal
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.3. Post evaluation
(Year 8).
Activity 3.2.1.4. Annual reviews.
Review of annual reporting formats has highlighted an inconsistency
between the logistical framework analysis in the approved project
document and the annual reporting requirements for GEF & UNDP.
Using UNDP GEF guidelines for documenting indicators sourced from
the internet, work has commenced on the preparation of an annual
report using a Project Planning Matrix. This integrates the indicator
reporting requirements in the UNDP Project Implementation Report
(PIR) & the GEF IW Project Performance Report (PPR), the project
logframe and Annex L of the Project Document that sets out indicators.
Activity 3.2.1.5. Annual audit.
Auditors contracted both at FFA and SPC and commenced work this
quarter. FFA auditors to provide consolidated report, the first draft of
which is due early second quarter.
Output 3.2.2. Analysis of process, stress-reduction and environmental status indicators as per the
GEF International Waters Operational Strategy.
Activity 3.2.2.1. Carry out baseline
Gaps in baseline information are being addressed, specifically with
studies to measure IW indicators.
regards to national institutions & supportive laws and policies reforms
and the existence of inter-ministry coordination mechanisms.
11
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 3.2.2.2. Include indicator
To be completed in third quarter.
measures in progress reports.
Sub-component 3.3: Stakeholder Participation and Awareness Raising
Output 3.3.1. ENGO participation and awareness raising in Convention-related processes.
Activity 3.3.1.1. Conclude co-
Completed
financing arrangement with a
Pacific ENGO.
Activity 3.3.1.2. Support Pacific
Provisions within the FFA/WWF LOA.
ENGO participation in the
Commission.
Activity 3.3.1.3. Provide information See Activity 3.3.1.4
on the Convention and oceanic
fisheries management issues to
Pacific ENGOs.
Activity 3.3.1.4. Hold national and
The first of a series of workshops for Pacific ENGOs is scheduled for
regional Workshops for ENGOs.
the 2nd quarter. Preparations for this have commenced by developing a
programme and securing resource experts.
Activity 3.3.1.5. Produce
No activity
information materials to raise public
awareness on oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Activity 3.3.1.6. Organise regional
See Activity 3.3.1.4
and national fora on the
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues for civil society
participation.
Output 3.3.2. Support industry participation and awareness raising in Convention-related
processes.
Activity 3.3.2.1. Conclude co-
PITIA expects to hold its first AGM in May this year. Until formal office
financing arrangement with Pacific
bearers are elected it is not possible to conclude a co-financing
INGO.
arrangement.
Activity 3.3.2.2. Support Pacific
Industry representative participation at WCPFC3, Apia Samoa, in
INGO participation in the
December 2006 was supported with project funds.
Commission.
Activity 3.3.2.3. Provide information No activity
flow on the Convention and
oceanic fisheries management
issues to Pacific INGOs and
businesses.
Activity 3.3.2.4. Support Pacific
No activity
INGO consultations on the
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Sub-component 3.4: Project Management and Coordination
Output 3.4.1. Project Coordination Unit staffing and office.
Activity 3.4.1.1. Appoint the Project
Completed
Coordinator.
Activity 3.4.1.2. Appoint other PCU
Completed
staff.
Activity 3.4.1.3. Procure equipment
Completed
12
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
and other requirements to establish
the PCU.
Output 3.4.2. Arrangements for coordination between Implementing and Executing Agencies.
Activity 3.4.2.1. Preliminary
Completed
UNDP/FFA/SPC/IUCN
Consultations.
Activity 3.4.2.2. Conclude
Completed
FFA/SPC and FFA/IUCN Letters of
Agreement (LOAs).
Activity 3.4.2.3. UNDP/FFA
On-going
Consultations.
Output 3.4.3. Regional Steering Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.3.1. Hold Inception
Completed
Workshop.
Activity 3.4.3.2. Hold Regional
Scheduled for October 2007
Steering Committee meetings.
Output 3.4.4. National Consultative Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.4.1. Secure National
Completed
Focal Point nominations.
Activity 3.4.4.2. Support National
Project visits to beneficiary countries continuing. 2006 visits were
Consultative Committee meetings.
made to the Cook Islands, Fiji, Solomon Islands Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
A country visit to Samoa was completed in this quarter.
Output 3.4.5. Reports on Project implementation, workplan and finances.
Activity 3.4.5.1. Prepare periodic
On-going. 2006 Audit arrangements commenced early January, see
financial and narrative reports.
Activity 3.2.1.5
Activity 3.4.5.2. Prepare Annual
Completed for 2007, including quarterly work plans as requested by
Work plans
UNDP
Activity 3.4.5.3: Prepare Annual
Commenced for 2007. See Activity 3.2.1.4
Project Reports
13
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
8. Challenges/Issues Encountered
i)
IUCN have further deferred (due 28 February) reporting on the way in which they
intend to progress project outputs for collection and analysis of information on
seamounts in the WTP LME and identification of possible management options for
seamounts, including compliance options.
ii)
One issue encountered concerns Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe Seamounts and analyse
historical fishing patterns around seamounts. This work, particularly the description of
seamounts, has proved more technically challenging than had been envisaged during
the project planning. While much progress has been made, it is clear that additional
resources could usefully be reallocated to this activity to allow a full analysis of fishing
patterns in relation to identified seamounts, and to analyse the impact of seamounts
on various oceanographic and biological productivity parameters.
iii)
Activity 1.2.3.2: Attach national technical staff to SPC/OFP this is becoming
increasingly difficult to organise due to the increasing and competing domestic
commitments and travel commitments of suitably qualified fisheries staff from national
fisheries departments and authorities.
iv)
A series of Policy and Legal Reform work scheduled to take place in Tonga has been
disrupted by the outbreak of civil unrest in the Kingdom. This work has been deferred.
v)
A major Compliance strengthening sub-component consultancy to develop a draft
Regional MCS Strategy has stalled with the departure of the Manager of the MCS
Division at FFA.
vi)
National country visits continue to highlight the low level of understanding of the PI
OFM Project at national fisheries administration and the progress of national needs
identified during the development of the project document. General project overview
presentations continue to be made. National Focal Points also continue to be unable
to distinguish project funded activities within the work programmes of the FFA & SPC.
9. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
i)
IUCN have advise they will provide an update in due course;
ii)
A suggested solution to the above problem is the application of unused funds initially
allocated to IUCN to support various activities associated with the oceanographic
cruise, which now looks likely to be cancelled.
iii)
Attachments are still being planned and undertaken by SPC whenever possible to
complement stock assessment training and NTFSR work.
iv)
Work has been rescheduled to the third quarter of 2007 (early July)
v)
Interim MCS Manager to advise progress.
vi)
Project country visits provide overview, work with fisheries administrations to update
needs and assessments and develop national annual work plans. Particular attention
is focused on national level activities. A basic project pamphlet has been produced
and will be distributed widely. A series of fliers are planned on various project
activities and Commission issues are to be produced. Website continues to be
updated.
10. Report Prepared By:
PCU Barbara Hanchard with assistance from Darren Cameron, and Lamiller Pawut
SPC - John Hampton, with assistance from Valerie Allain, Don Bromhead, Deirdre Brogan,
Bruno Leroy and Peter Williams.
14
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
(Consolidated)
1. Country: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
2. Project Number/Code: PIMS No. 2992
3. Project Title: Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
4. Executing Agency: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
5. Period Covered: 1 April 2007 to 31 June 2007
6. Summary of Overall Project Progress:
This project report covers the second quarter of 2007. Project implementation continues to
maintain a level of uniformity and the roll-out of activities is largely consistent with the
approved annual work plan and budget. Q1 project narrative reported activities relating to
benthic biodiversity survey, the analysis of data on seamounts collected through tagging and
trophic sampling and the policy work that would involve from the science as being delayed.
Communication with IUCN who are responsible for these activities has been maintained.
They report the intention to continue to negotiate the commencement and implementation of
the scientific cruise in 2008.
Project coordination and management continues to operate with both achievements and
challenges.
7. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (As per quarter work-plan):
Specific outputs and results achieved under the project against quarterly work plans are
reported in the following spreadsheets.
1
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component One
Sub-component 1.1: Fishery Monitoring
Output 1.1.1: A template for national integrated monitoring programmes including logsheet, observer,
port sampling and landing data collection and management; and provision of national data to the
Commission
Activity 1.1.1.1: Develop
Considerable work was undertaken on the TUFMAN system during this period
database and associated
to bring it up to version 4.0. The main enhancements to TUFMAN during this
software
quarter included the enhancement of the licensing system to include payments
of fees, support for "registrations" and the support of a "Agreement Reporting
Period". A new "Data Registry" Component was also added to TUFMAN which
will support the general organisation of, and reference to, the storage of hard-
copy data via TUFMAN.
The new TUFMAN training manual, which is a series of computer training
videos taking the users through the system step-by-step via a web-page type
interface, was enhanced to include training on the Logsheet module of
TUFMAN.
Activity 1.1.1.2: Develop
Several TUFMAN reports were reviewed and refined to ensure they are suitable
reporting module for
for generating information for the WCPFC Scientific Committee National reports
Commission data
(SC3). Work on the TUFMAN Commission reporting module is planned for the
4th Quarter 2007.
Output 1.1.2: National monitoring systems based on the regional template for integrated monitoring,
customised to meet national needs
Activity 1.1.2.1: Support
The TUFMAN Database System was installed in FSM for the first time with a
establishment and
visit to NORMA offices during May-June 2007. SPC also hosted attachment
enhancement of national
training in TUFMAN and procedures for the NTDCs from the Solomon Islands
databases and software
and Nauru in June 2007.
The TUFMAN databases for the Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tonga and FSM were
updated to version 4.0 during this period.
The CES database system, with the most up-to-date tuna fishery data, was
provided to all member countries during June 2007.
The Observer Trip View System with the most up-to-date observer data was
provided to PNG during May 2007.
Activity 1.1.2.2: Support
Staff travel to FSM and Palau at the end of this quarter included a review of
establishment and
national observer programmes.
enhancement of national
Assistance was provided to the Cook Islands to identify an overseas observer to
port sampling and
fulfil Cook Islands observer needs in absence of trained Cook Islands
observer programmes
observers.
Ongoing technical advice was provided to Marshall Islands port sampling and
observer programmes.
Support was provided to Fiji to improve observers and port samplers' biological
sampling capabilities.
Advice was provided to the new Solomon Islands Observer Coordinator as he
grapples with his new position in a Solomon Islands restructuring exercise.
Activity 1.1.2.3: Support
The National Tuna Data Procedures Documents were reviewed and updated in
the coordination of
Palau, FSM and the Marshalls Islands. The funding support MOUs for Tonga,
national monitoring
Samoa and the Cook Islands were revised and clarified, while a new funding
programmes
initiative was discussed with the Solomon Islands.
Output 1.1.3: A regional monitoring coordination capacity, to develop regional standards such as data
formats, and to provide a clearing house for information on fishery monitoring
2
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 1.1.3.1: Develop
152 Observer Workbooks, 133 pads of waterproof forms and 144 Debriefing
and make available
and Evaluation forms were shipped to national monitoring programmes during
common data formats
the quarter.
Activity 1.1.3.2: Hold
The next regional workshop is currently scheduled for early 2008.
Regional Workshops on
regional and national
fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.3: Distribute
The project provided expert advice to an informal working group brought to the
newsletters, webpage and
WCPFC offices to assist in drafting a Regional Observer Programme Document
other forms of information
and Strategic Plan.
exchange
In the absence of their own Observer Manager (under recruitment), the project
provided ongoing advice to assist FFA develop its regional observer objectives
such that they are coordinated with the objectives of the national observer
programmes of their member countries. The project also advised and assisted
FFA to procure measuring instruments (callipers and deck tapes) that conform
to those that national programmes use.
Output 1.1.4: Training of national monitoring staff, particularly monitoring coordinators, observers
and port samplers
Activity 1.1.4.1: Organise
Observers from a number of ports around PNG were also given training in tag
and hold in-country
seeding, which is being carried out to support the tagging project conducted in
observer & port sampling
PNG waters.
courses and other training
Observer debriefing and debriefer training was provided to the re-vamped Palau
activities
Observer Program during an in-country visit.
Activity 1.1.4.2: Regional
See activity 1.1.3.2.
training courses in
integrated fishery
monitoring
Activity 1.1.4.3: Attach
The newly appointed National Tuna Data Coordinator from the Solomon Islands
national monitoring
and the Catch Logsheet Officer from Nauru visited SPC for attachment training
personnel to SPC/OFP
with the statistics and monitoring section of the OFP during this reporting period.
Attachment training included (i) General overview of regional tuna fisheries
data collection, (ii) An overview and training in the TUFMAN system and the
concept of the national procedures document (iii) Training and exercises in the
CES Database System, and (iv) Training in MapInfo.
Sub-component 1.2: Stock Assessment
Output 1.2.1: National oceanic fisheries status reports prepared collaboratively with national scientific
staff
Activity 1.2.1.1: Prepare 6
This is an activity that benefits from significant co-funding. During the quarter,
National Oceanic
work on the NTFSRs for FSM, Nauru, Vanuatu, Tonga, Palau and New
Fisheries Status Reports
Caledonia* were progressed.
annually
*Other funding used.
Activity 1.2.1.2: Hold In-
Outputs from both the Nauru and FSM NTFSRs (in progress) were presented at
country Stakeholder
in-country stakeholder workshops.
Workshops for delivery of
A meeting was held to present the draft NTFSR to the head of the Department
National Status Reports
of Fisheries, Vanuatu for final sign off.
Output 1.2.2: Advice to Pacific SIDS on scientific issues in the work of the Commission
Activity 1.2.2.1: Provide
No activity during this quarter.
contributions to briefs on
scientific issues for Pacific
SIDS for meetings of the
3
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Commission, the Scientific
Committee and Science
Working Groups
Activity 1.2.2.2: Present
No activity during this quarter.
scientific briefs to
preparatory meetings of
Pacific SIDS for the
Commission
Output 1.2.3: Training of national technical and scientific staff to understand regional stock
assessment methods, and interpret and apply the results; and to use oceanographic data
Activity 1.2.3.1: Hold
Nominations were sought and participant lists finalised for 2 separate one week
Regional Workshops on
stock assessment workshops to be held between the 25th 30th June and 2nd -
stock assessment
7th July. 24 participants from around the Western and Central Pacific are
methods and analysis of
confirmed to attend. All logistics for the workshops were finalised and workshop
oceanographic impacts on
materials developed and edited. The first of the two workshops was successfully
fisheries
completed before the end of the quarter.
SPC also attended a regional eNGO meeting to provide an overview of SPC
stock assessment methods and outcomes to participants.
Activity 1.2.3.2: Attach
SPC hosted an attachment from Nauru (Mr Karlick Agir Data Coordinator) for
national technical staff to
a period of two weeks, during which he worked on:
SPC/OFP and other
1. Draft "Data Status" chapters of the national status report for Nauru that is
institutions to participate in
currently in progress.
Commission stock
assessment work and
2. Draft "Fishery Characterisation" chapter
preparation of national
Meetings during the attachment also served to identify issues of concern for
status reports
Nauru that would require additional analyses within the NTFSR.
Activity 1.2.3.3: Train
Informal training in interpretation of fisheries and stock assessment data was
scientific counterparts in-
conducted for FSM fishery staff after the April EAFM consultation (in Pohnpei)
country
had concluded.
Sub-component 1.3: Ecosystem Monitoring and Analysis
Output 1.3.1: Observer sampling and analysis of commercial fishery catches to determine trophic
relationships of pelagic species in the WTP LME
Activity 1.3.1.1: Collect
Biological sampling of stomach contents and tissue samples is undertaken in
observer-based sampling
several countries. New sample collection has been organised and should soon
data, especially stomach
start in Fiji and Marshall Islands. A newly trained observer will start sampling in
contents, tissue samples
the second half of the year in Cook Islands.
The third biological sampling SPC Newsletter was distributed during the quarter
and the third issue is in preparation and will be sent to countries early in the
third quarter of 2007.
Activity 1.3.1.2: Lab-based
Lab-based analysis of samples is continuing. During the quarter, 364 stomach
analysis of samples
samples were examined and the resulting data/information entered into the
database. The total number of stomachs examined and with data entered is
now 3,503 samples from 68 different species. Isotope values of samples
analysed at the University of Hawaii have been received for 112 predator and
prey species.
Output 1.3.2: Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP LME
SPC
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
This activity was completed during Q1-2006 and Q3-2006.
seamount activity planning
and review workshops
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
The seamount database has been finalised and this work presented in May
4
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Seamounts and analyse
2007 in Noumea, New Caledonia during the GeoHab 2007 meeting on marine
historical fishing patterns
benthic habitats of the Pacific and Other Oceans. Major results are:
around seamounts
- from 4,754 potential seamounts in the western and central Pacific area, 3,568
unique underwater features have been validated, 25% of potential seamounts
that were duplicates or misidentified atolls and islands were removed
- 66% of the validated seamounts are not defined (we are not sure they are
seamounts) and were not studied or formally identified
- in the area 3,392 seamounts were identified in the EEZs with 2,121
seamounts in the PICT EEZs, 176 seamounts are validated in the high seas
but there are still 2,011 seamounts in the high seas that have not been
validated.
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect
The second and final tagging campaign in PNG began on 19 February 2007
data at sea at selected
and finished on 20 May. 39,323 tuna were tagged bringing the project total to
seamounts, including
61,637, well in excess of our nominal initial target of 30,000. Releases of
tagging, trophic sampling
archival and sonic tags were a focus of the work this quarter, with project totals
and analysis
for these tag types reaching 222 and 283 respectively. An anchored FAD was
deployed on the Djaul Seamount in the Bismarck Sea facilitating tagging and
related biological sampling. Trophic sampling resulted in the total collection of
1,404 stomach samples (680 skipjack, 592 yellowfin, 3 bigeye tuna and 129
other species). Tag recaptures continue to be received in large numbers, with
total recaptures now exceeding 4,150 including 24 archival tags.
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
No work was conducted under this activity this quarter. The project proposal
national scientist
submitted during the first quarter of 2007 in collaboration with IRD to conduct a
participation in benthic
co-funded scientific cruise in 2008 in the Bismarck Sea (PNG) to study the
biodiversity survey
influence of seamounts on benthic and pelagic ecosystems has been classified
by the ad-hoc commission as priority B. A final decision will be taken by IRD
later this year according to budget availability; if accepted it will allow the
completion of this activity.
IUCN
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
Efforts continued to secure a ship-time to conduct research on seamounts as
seamount activity planning
per the original plans. Staff visited the owners and operators of MV Alucia
and review workshops
(DeepOcean Quest) in Seattle at the end of June (at no cost to the project) to
assess progress and hold detailed discussions as to the work in the Western
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
and Central Pacific. The vessel is in dry dock at present and will begin sea
Seamounts and analyse
trials in August in Puget Sound. She will then travel to the Sea of Cortez in
historical fishing patterns
early September, followed by some work in the Eastern Tropical Pacific,
around seamounts
heading across the Pacific in Q1 or Q2 of next year. The owners are committed
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect
to working with IUCN and the OFM project and have slotted in a month of ship-
data at sea at selected
time in and around Fiji and Tonga. As the operation is now required to cover its
seamounts, including
costs, IUCN will need to raise additional funds for the expedition. IUCN has
tagging, trophic sampling
held discussions with three potential donors for this work and will be submitting
and analysis
proposals in the coming months to cover the operating costs of the vessel and
to serve as co-financing under the OFM project.
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
national scientist
As expressed via email communication with FFA and project partners, IUCN will
participation in benthic
pursue this vessel option until the end of the calendar year if no contract is
biodiversity survey
signed by then, IUCN will revert to a non-ship option.
Output 1.3.3: Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
Activity 1.3.3.1:
A draft document reporting the work undertaken during the Ecosystem
Incorporate ecosystem
modelling workshop held in March 2007 at SPC, Noumea was finalised. The
data and information into
draft will be circulated among participants to the workshop and will be finalised
existing ecosystem
and presented at the Third Scientific Committee in August 2007 in Hawaii.
models and refinement of
those models as
necessary
Activity 1.3.3.2: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and
5
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
data to assess ecosystem-
based management
options
Activity 1.3.3.3: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and
data to assess
management options
targeted specifically at
seamounts
Output 1.3.4: Estimates of levels of by-catch in WCPO oceanic fisheries
Activity 1.3.4.1: Review
SC 2 working papers were prepared and presented in 2006:
historical observer data
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_IP3.pdf
and methodological
development
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_WP1.pdf
1.3.4.2: Estimate levels of
The SC 2 working paper prepared and presented in 2006
by-catch
(http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_IP1.pdf) is currently being updated
under a consultancy contract. The updated analysis will be presented to SC3 in
August as a working paper to the Statistics Specialist Working Group.
Output 1.3.5: 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
Activity 1.3.5.1: Present
A workshop on Ecological Risk Assessment is currently in preparation to be
results of ecosystem
held before SC3 and with the outcomes to be presented during SC3. An
analysis to the
updated productivity-susceptibility analysis is in preparation to be presented to
Commission through the
SC3.
Ecosystem & Bycatch
Working Group
Activity 1.3.5.2: Present
Methods in Ecological Risk Assessment were presented to attendees of the
info on national & regional
second Stock Assessment Workshop held from June 25-30, at SPC, Noumea,
implications of results of
for Pacific SIDS. This included a comprehensive summary of ecosystem
ecosystem analysis to
analysis results.
Pacific SIDS
Activity 1.3.5.3: Attach
There were no attachments at SPC-OFP during this quarter.
national technical staff to
SPC/OFP and other
institutions to participate in
ecosystem analysis
6
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Two
Sub-component 2.1: Legal Reform
Output 2.1.1: A strategy and workplan for activities on regional and national legal issues
Activity 2.1.1.1: Carry out legal
Analyses accompanied by national reports of gaps in legislation and Port
and technical reviews of legal
State measures prepared by consultant Martin Tsamenyi discussion of
issues and national legal
such templates and presentations in-country (co-financed with
structures
AusAID/NZAID)
Activity 2.1.1.2: Hold a Regional
Regional judicial seminar held in Palau for judges, magistrates, judicial
Legal Consultation on Legal
officers (co-financed with AusAID/NZAID)
Issues, National Legal Structures
WCPFC sub-regional workshop in Tonga in July Costs of consultant
and the Project strategy for legal
Martin Tsamenyi (co-financed with AusAID/NZAID)
work.
Output 2.1.2
New draft laws, regulations, agreements and license conditions in line with WCPF
Convention prepared and shared with Pacific SIDS.
Activity 2.1.2.1. Prepare templates
See Activity 2.1.1.1
of legal provisions to implement
the Convention.
Activity 2.1.2.2. Undertake national Project to review Samoa's fisheries legislation Costs of consultant
legal reviews.
Martin Tsamenyi to commence this work (co-financed with
AusAID/NZAID)
Activity 2.1.2.3. Provide draft Bills,
No activity - awaiting the finalisation of the legislative guidelines
regulations, license conditions and
prepared by Bill Edeson. When the quidelines are finalised legislative
access agreements to Pacific
reviews will be undertake based on the guidelines see Activity 2.1.2.2
SIDS.
Output 2.1.3. Proposals for the Commission from Pacific SIDS for legal arrangements to implement
the Convention.
Activity 2.1.3.1. Undertake legal
See Activity 2.1.1.1
studies on Commission and
Convention issues including non-
Contracting Parties and new
members.
Activity 2.1.3.2. Prepare legal
See Activity 2.1.1.1
briefs for Pacific SIDS for
Commission and subsidiary body
meetings.
Activity 2.1.3.3. Hold Regional
As series of combined (legal, policy & compliance) WCPFC sub-
Legal Consultations.
regional workshops commenced this quarter. This activity is co-
financed See Activity 2.1.1.2
Output 2.1.4. Training of policy makers and legal personnel in oceanic fisheries management legal
issues.
Activity 2.1.4.1. Hold Regional
See Activity 2.1.1.2
Legal Workshops.
Activity 2.1.4.2. Hold National
Tuvalu Prosecution and Dockside Boarding workshop (co-financed with
Legal Workshops.
AusAID/NZAID)
Sub-component 2.2: Policy Reform
Output 2.2.1. National oceanic fisheries management Plans, policies and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.1. Prepare Plans,
Scoping workshop to progress Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries
7
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
policy and strategy documents.
Management (EAFM) on the Tuna Fisheries of Nauru, was undertaken
in Nauru with various Government Departments in April 2007.
Workshop conducted in Vanuatu in late April / early May to determine
framework and process to deliver Tuna and Oceanic Fisheries
Management Plans based on EAFM framework. (Activities funded by
OFM Project to varying degrees).
Activity 2.2.1.2. Support the
No activity this quarter
implementation of Plans, policies
and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.3. Undertake Plan,
See Activity 2.2.1.1
policy and strategy reviews.
Output 2.2.2. Strategies and specific proposals for the overall development of the Commission,
including its Secretariat and technical programs, and for Commission conservation and management
measures.
Activity 2.2.2.1. Undertake studies
No activity this quarter.
on Commission and Convention
conservation and management
issues.
Activity 2.2.2.2. Prepare and
Papers on catch retention, FAD management and capacity
present reports on regional
management options for the WCPFC were prepared for presentation at
oceanic fisheries management
the annual meeting of the FFC. Contributions were also made to a
issues to Pacific SIDS, including
paper on the establishment of a new RFMO for the management of
analysis of proposals for the
straddling stocks for the South pacific for the FFC. Papers on
Commission and its subsidiary
management options were prepared for, and presented to meetings of
bodies.
the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (co-financed).
Activity 2.2.2.3. Hold Regional
No activity this quarter.
Fisheries Management Workshops
and Consultations.
Output 2.2.3. Identification of possible management options for seamounts, including compliance
options. (IUCN)
Activity 2.2.3.1. Undertake
IUCN provided support to the Republic of Palau to participate in the
technical studies on management
third consultation on the South Pacific RFMO in Chile in April (attempts
of oceanic fisheries around
were made to support Tokelau as well, but timing did not work out).
seamounts.
IUCN now has a legal expert based in its Suva office who is being
brought up to speed on project activities. He will be serving as a liaison
Activity 2.2.3.2. Hold Workshops
with FFA on policy work under the project. Plans for a joint FFA/IUCN
on seamount-related management
workshop to develop model national legislation for controlling bottom-
options.
trawling were discussed with details to follow in Q3.
Activity 2.2.3.3. Prepare proposals
on seamount-related conservation
and management measures.
Output 2.2.4. Training of policy makers, technical personnel and other Pacific SIDS stakeholders to
increase understanding of sustainable and responsible fisheries.
Activity 2.2.4.1. Hold Regional
5 day Northern FFA member sub-regional workshop with delegations
Policy Consultations / Workshops.
from Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru,
and Palau held in late June 2007 in the Marshall Islands. The
workshop reviewed national legislation with respect to WCPFC
obligations, enhanced capacity of participants with respect to WCPFC
matters and discussed fisheries management options to be considered
at the forthcoming Management Options Workshop and the 2007
WCPFC meeting.
Activity 2.2.4.2. Offer a TSC/USP
Course modules were updated and reviewed. FFA (GEF funded) FMA
Policy Training Course.
visited Suva to organise administration of Course in May 2007 and
contracts between FFA and USP to conduct the course were signed.
8
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Course has subsequently been organised and advertised by USP.
External FAO experts have been contracted to assist in delivery of the
course. Up to 30 participants from around the Pacific are expected at
the 2 week course which will run from 9-20 July 2007.
Activity 2.2.4.3. Present National
No activity this quarter
Fisheries Management Seminars
and Workshops.
Activity 2.2.4.4. Attach Fisheries
Arrangements completed for the current chair of the RSC to attend the
Management personnel to FFA
4th GEF International Waters biennial conference to be held at Cape
and arrange study tours for Pacific
Town South Africa in late July/August 2007.
SIDS personnel to other Fisheries
Commissions.
Activity 2.2.4.5. Support relevant
No activity this quarter
Ministerial meetings.
Sub-component 2.3: Institutional Reform
Output 2.3.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for the reform, realignment and strengthening of
national oceanic fisheries management administrations.
Activity 2.3.1.1. Prepare a review
Review has been undertaken and draft report of the review has been
of experience and best practices in
received by FFA at the end of June 2007.
institutional reform.
Activity 2.3.1.2. Undertake and
OFM Project supported a small workshop attended by regional experts
support implementation of reviews
in May 2007 to discuss lessons learnt / best practices in Institutional
of national oceanic fisheries
reform / strengthening of fisheries management agencies in the Pacific.
management institutions.
This workshop fed valuable information into the review as per Activity
2.3.1.1.
AN FFA Consultant undertook a one week in country follow-up visit to
Nauru to finalise the Activity feasibility study and design document
report on review of the Nauru Fisheries and Marine Resource Authority
(NFMRA). The final report was delivered to Nauru in late May and has
been presented to other donors, with there currently being serious
consideration that they will fund the US $2.0 million dollar
implementation of the work over 4 years. In the meantime, other
priority areas identified in the Nauru Institutional Strengthening work
are also likely to receive additional funding from other donors with work
to be undertaken in August or September 2007.
Activity 2.3.1.3. Present National
No activity this quarter
Institutional Reform Workshops.
Output 2.3.2. Processes for national consultation between stakeholders in oceanic fisheries
management.
Activity 2.3.2.1. Advise on and
No activity this quarter
support national consultative
processes.
Activity 2.3.2.2.Support
No activity this quarter
strengthening of national
environmental non-governmental
organisations (ENGOs) and
industry non- governmental
organisations (INGOs) to empower
them to participate in oceanic
fisheries management.
Activity 2.3.2.3.Support national
No activity this quarter
workshops for non-state
9
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
stakeholders.
Activity 2.3.2.4. Arrange
No activity this quarter
attachments and study tours for
non-state stakeholders to learn
from experience elsewhere.
Sub-component 2.4: Compliance Strengthening
Output 2.4.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for realigning and strengthening national oceanic
fisheries compliance programs.
Activity 2.4.1.1.Prepare a review of
Workshops during the Tenth MCS Working group meeting on the TCC
Convention implications for
2 and 3rd WCPFC Outcomes for members. Emphasis on Part 2 of the
national compliance.
WCPFC Annual Reports.
Activity 2.4.1.2. Undertake and
Two workshops conducted in Tuvalu and Canberra, as well as
support implementation of reviews
developing a Pacific Islands Evidence and Investigation Course
of needs to strengthen and realign
meeting with Australian Fisheries Academy representatives planned for
national compliance programs.
August in Papua New Guinea.
Output 2.4.2. Arrangements for regional coordination of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS)
activities.
Activity 2.4.2.1.Support regional
Provided support and advice to Palau and FSM under the fisheries
consultations on coordination of air
multilateral operations and aerial surveillance plans for 2007/2008.
and sea patrols.
Consultations and supports to France and US patrols for Kiribati and
Vanuatu.
Activity 2.4.2.2.Provide advice on
Provided advice and support to Tonga for the Kukuru 07 Operations
MCS coordination between Pacific
Planning meeting in April.
SIDS and other states involved.
Activity 2.4.2.3.Prepare Niue
Provide advice on draft Subsidiary Agreements Tokelau as well as
Treaty subsidiary agreements.
preparation for FFC 64 for a comprehensive review of the Niue Treaty
The 10 MCSWG meeting in March 2007 endorsed the concept of the
multilateral subsidiary agreement as opposed to bilateral Agreement
and including the status of non-Parties, and endorsed the concept of
invoking Article XII(5) of the Niue Treaty to allow US and France to
accede to this Treaty was approved by the FFC64 meeting in
Wellington, New Zealand and recommend a comprehensive review of
the Niue Treaty to accommodate this new development.
Output 2.4.3. Strategies and proposals for regional compliance measures and programs.
Activity 2.4.3.1. Undertake
As part of the Tenth MCS Working Group meeting held at the FFA
technical studies on compliance
Secretariat from 26 to 30 March, 2007, FFC 64 endorsed the MCS
issues under the Convention.
Strategy, endorse IUU Risks Assessment, compliance audit, 71. The
Committee, whilst noting the urgent need for the FFA Secretariat to
develop a regional MCS strategy, agreed as follows:
(i) to endorse the following projects for the development of the
strategy:
·
IUU risk assessments resource robustness, loss of earnings,
ecological and sustainability;
·
Compliance audits ability to undertake MCS and support
available for these actions;
·
Harmonisation & Dissemination of data to enable data to be
shared regionally;
·
Coordination of Surveillance to enable a regional response to
IUU;
·
National & Regional MCS Plans to enable national and
response to IUU;
10
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
·
Surveillance Providers' Plans to enable integration into regional
operations; and
·
MCS Response Capability to deter and eliminate IUU fishing.
(ii) to establish a regional MCS Coordination Centre (RMCC) to
facilitate the operational support to FFA members, and to establish a
Regional MCS Coordination Centre Fund (RMCCF) to provide funding
support to the RMCC; and
(iii) to investigate the establishment of a dedicated Regional
Patrol Vessel (RPV) fleet as the next phase of the PPBs, in
consultation with the Members and service providers and the Australian
Government, as the primary supporter of the PPB program.
11
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Three
Sub-component 3.1: Information Strategy
Output 3.1.1. Project Information System for capture, storage and dissemination of project data,
lessons and best practices and provision of information products using experience and guidelines
from IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.1.1. Design logos and
Completed.
other Project identifiers, Project
Website/page and Project
Document Cataloguing System.
Activity 3.1.1.2. Operate the
On-going. Website will be subject to systems update as part of the FFA
Website/page.
website. Some disruption is anticipated in the next quarter due to the
upgrades at FFA.
Activity 3.1.1.3. Project information
Project publication completed and distributed. Suite of publications is
materials including CDs, papers,
scheduled to be design in Q3. ENGO work shop press release posted
videos, pamphlets, newsletters,
on the website and circulated to the media by WWF.
interviews, press releases etc.
Output 3.1.2. Knowledge management process identifying innovative, best practice and replicable
ideas within the Project and relevant to the Project and active involvement with IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.2.1. Prepare
Consultant contracted to develop a draft KM Strategy. Work is due to
Knowledge Management Strategy.
commence at the end of the quarter.
Activity 3.1.2.2. Generate
IWLEARN website management training placement negotiated for
Knowledge Management
2007 awaiting advice from IWLEARN.
Components for Website/page,
newsletters, and progress reports.
Sub-component 3.2: Monitoring and Evaluation
Output 3.2.1. Measures of, and reports on, overall project performance and delivery, including
independent evaluations of the Project.
Activity 3.2.1.1. Mid-term
Commenced development of terms of reference.
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.2. Terminal
No activity
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.3. Post evaluation
(Year 8).
Activity 3.2.1.4. Annual reviews.
Review of annual reporting formats has highlighted an inconsistency
between the logistical framework analysis in the approved project
document and the annual reporting requirements for GEF & UNDP.
Using UNDP GEF guidelines for documenting indicators sourced from
the internet, work has commenced on the preparation of an annual
report using a Project Planning Matrix. This integrates the indicator
reporting requirements in the UNDP Project Implementation Report
(PIR) & the GEF IW Project Performance Report (PPR), the project
logframe and Annex L of the Project Document that sets out indicators.
Activity 3.2.1.5. Annual audit.
Audit completed and submitted to UNDP.
Output 3.2.2. Analysis of process, stress-reduction and environmental status indicators as per the
GEF International Waters Operational Strategy.
Activity 3.2.2.1. Carry out baseline
Gaps in baseline information are being addressed, specifically with
studies to measure IW indicators.
regards to national institutions & supportive laws and policies reforms
and the existence of inter-ministry coordination mechanisms.
12
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 3.2.2.2. Include indicator
To be completed in third quarter.
measures in progress reports.
Sub-component 3.3: Stakeholder Participation and Awareness Raising
Output 3.3.1. ENGO participation and awareness raising in Convention-related processes.
Activity 3.3.1.1. Conclude co-
Completed
financing arrangement with a
Pacific ENGO.
Activity 3.3.1.2. Support Pacific
Provisions within the FFA/WWF LOA. WWF will be supported at SC3
ENGO participation in the
(Honolulu in August), TCC3 (September, venue TBA) and 4th session
Commission.
of the WCPF Commission at Pohnpei in December.
Activity 3.3.1.3. Provide information See Activity 3.3.1.4
on the Convention and oceanic
fisheries management issues to
Pacific ENGOs.
Activity 3.3.1.4. Hold national and
The successful conduct of an ENGO workshop held at Tanoa Hotel,
regional Workshops for ENGOs.
Suva Fiji on 24 25 April 2007. Regional Organisations also
participated and the workshop was facilitated by a regional expert in
fisheries management. A report of the workshop is being finalised and
will be placed on the project website.
Activity 3.3.1.5. Produce
No activity current discussions with WWF-Pacific to produce material
information materials to raise public in non-technical language to raise awareness.
awareness on oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Activity 3.3.1.6. Organise regional
See Activity 3.3.1.4
and national fora on the
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues for civil society
participation.
Output 3.3.2. Support industry participation and awareness raising in Convention-related
processes.
Activity 3.3.2.1. Conclude co-
The first AGM of PITIA was held at Wellington New Zealand on 26
financing arrangement with Pacific
27 May 2007. Industry representatives elected office bearers. The
INGO.
meeting was supported by the project and the EU. Presentations on
the overall project and WCPFC were made. A draft LOA has been
prepared and is currently with the Chairperson of PITIA.
Activity 3.3.2.2. Support Pacific
LOA provides for support to regional policy meetings (MOW, October
INGO participation in the
Rarotonga) and WCPFC4 (Pohnpei, December)
Commission.
Activity 3.3.2.3. Provide information Project publication disbursed.
flow on the Convention and
oceanic fisheries management
issues to Pacific INGOs and
businesses.
Activity 3.3.2.4. Support Pacific
Support to the meetings of the FFA Ministerial meeting in Wellington
INGO consultations on the
and prior officials meetings. Also see Activity 3.3.2.3
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Sub-component 3.4: Project Management and Coordination
Output 3.4.1. Project Coordination Unit staffing and office.
Activity 3.4.1.1. Appoint the Project
Completed
13
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Coordinator.
Activity 3.4.1.2. Appoint other PCU
Completed
staff.
Activity 3.4.1.3. Procure equipment
Software and fan purchased.
and other requirements to establish
the PCU.
Output 3.4.2. Arrangements for coordination between Implementing and Executing Agencies.
Activity 3.4.2.1. Preliminary
Completed
UNDP/FFA/SPC/IUCN
Consultations.
Activity 3.4.2.2. Conclude
Completed
FFA/SPC and FFA/IUCN Letters of
Agreement (LOAs).
Activity 3.4.2.3. UNDP/FFA
On-going
Consultations.
Output 3.4.3. Regional Steering Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.3.1. Hold Inception
Completed
Workshop.
Activity 3.4.3.2. Hold Regional
Tentative scheduled for Saturday 20 October at Rarotonga Cook
Steering Committee meetings.
Islands after the Management Options Workshop. To be formalised by
the FFA with the Cook Islands.
Output 3.4.4. National Consultative Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.4.1. Secure National
Completed
Focal Point nominations.
Activity 3.4.4.2. Support National
Project visits to beneficiary countries continuing. 2006 visits were
Consultative Committee meetings.
made to the Cook Islands, Fiji, Solomon Islands Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
A country visit to Samoa was completed in this quarter. Visits to
Micronesian (Palau, FSM & RMI) countries commence late June.
Output 3.4.5. Reports on Project implementation, workplan and finances.
Activity 3.4.5.1. Prepare periodic
On-going. 2006 Audit arrangements commenced early January, see
financial and narrative reports.
Activity 3.2.1.5
Activity 3.4.5.2. Prepare Annual
Completed for 2007, including quarterly work plans as requested by
Work plans
UNDP
Activity 3.4.5.3: Prepare Annual
Commenced for 2007. See Activity 3.2.1.4
Project Reports
14
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
8. Challenges/Issues Encountered
Activity 2.3.1.2 and 2.3.1.3: It has been difficult to plan reviews and conduct National
Institutional Reform Workshops with identified and likely candidate national fisheries
departments and authorities. This is due to their identification and subsequent focus on
other national priorities (much of them related to obligations under the WCPFC) and the
increasing and competing domestic commitments and travel commitments of their
experienced staff. There also has become a need to closely align work in this area with
the Australian funded Pacific Governance and Strengthening Project and prioritised work
in this area by AusAID. As a result the work identified for Quarters 3 and 4 will likely be
initiated though not with full expenditure of funds and completed as anticipated.
9. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
The FFA will continue to consult with identified and likely candidate recipient national
fisheries departments and authorities in this regard and will liaise and coordinate such
work closely with other interested donor agencies.
10. Report Prepared By:
PCU Barbara Hanchard
FFA - Darren Cameron, and Manu Tupou-Roosen
SPC - John Hampton, with assistance from Valerie Allain, Don Bromhead, Deirdre Brogan,
Bruno Leroy and Peter Williams.
IUCN Andrew Hurd, Ang Sherpa
15
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
(Consolidated)
1. Country: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
2. Project Number/Code: PIMS No. 2992
3. Project Title: Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
4. Executing Agency: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
5. Period Covered: 1 July 2007 to 30 September 2007
6. Summary of Overall Project Progress:
This project report covers the third quarter of 2007, the end of which represents 2 years of
project operations. Project implementation continues to maintain a level of uniformity and the
roll-out of activities is largely consistent with the approved annual work plan and budget. The
exception to this remains the activities relating to benthic biodiversity survey, the analysis of
data on seamounts collected through tagging and trophic sampling and the policy work that
would evolve from the science. IUCN are committed to conducting the research on
seamounts and are seeking to raise additional funds for the expedition to ensure the original
cruise plans are able to occur. IUCN will pursue this vessel option until the end of the
calendar year if no contract is signed by then, IUCN will revert to a non-ship option.
Project coordination and management continues to operate with both achievements and
challenges.
7. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (As per quarter work-plan):
Specific outputs and results achieved under the project against quarterly work plans are
reported in the following spreadsheets.
1
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component One
Sub-component 1.1: Fishery Monitoring
Output 1.1.1: A template for national integrated monitoring programmes including logsheet, observer,
port sampling and landing data collection and management; and provision of national data to the
Commission
Activity 1.1.1.1: Develop
Version 4.2 of TUFMAN was developed in line with the needs of Part 1 of the
database and associated
National Fishery Annual Report to the Commission. A new national fleet sub-
software
menu allows countries to define their national fleet and to report and enter data
on these countries accordingly. This includes detailed logsheet entry for national
fleets while offering countries the choice about whether to choose to enter
detailed or summary logsheets information on foreign fleets fishing in their
EEZs.
Additional Species of Special Interest reports were added to the observer
viewer system. Other house-keeping and necessary up-dates were also made.
Activity 1.1.1.2: Develop
Work on the TUFMAN Commission reporting module was advanced and is
reporting module for
currently being tested. The observer reporting component was also reviewed
Commission data
and the requested changes documented.
Output 1.1.2: National monitoring systems based on the regional template for integrated monitoring,
customised to meet national needs
Activity 1.1.2.1: Support
The up-dated version 4.2 of TUFMAN was thoroughly tested during this period.
establishment and
This version will be installed in the Solomon Islands under the supervision of the
enhancement of national
Database Manager. Once trialled the new version will be rolled out to a number
databases and software
of countries.
The CES database system, with the most up-to-date tuna fishery data, was
provided to FSM and RMI.
The Observer Trip View System with the most up-to-date observer data was
provided to FSM and RMI.
Activity 1.1.2.2: Support
Staff travel to PNG during this quarter included a review of the national observer
establishment and
programme.
enhancement of national
Ongoing technical advice was provided to Marshall Islands port sampling and
port sampling and
observer programmes.
observer programmes
Support for biological sampling and tackling the persistent difficulties with
receiving the samples was tackled constructively with a number of new
initiatives to improve the flow of samples from Fiji and FSM.
On-going advice was provided to the new Solomon Islands Observer
Coordinator.
A paper on the Minimum data standards for the Regional Observer
Programmes was compiled and presented to the Intercessional Working Group,
at the WCPFC meeting in Pohnpei.
Activity 1.1.2.3: Support
The National Tuna Data Procedures Documents were reviewed and updated
the coordination of
with Nauru, Tuvalu and RMI.
national monitoring
The funding support MOUs for the Solomon Islands and Samoa were revised
programmes
and clarified, with new MOUs for equipment and data entry support put in place.
Revision of the MOUs which have funded NTDC positions for a full calendar
year in RMI, Palau and Vanuatu were reviewed and annual work reports
clarified.
2
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Output 1.1.3: A regional monitoring coordination capacity, to develop regional standards such as data
formats, and to provide a clearing house for information on fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.1: Develop
110 observer workbooks, 115 pads of waterproof forms and 105 debriefing and
and make available
evaluation forms were shipped to national monitoring programmes during the
common data formats
quarter.
Activity 1.1.3.2: Hold
The next Tuna Data Workshop is currently scheduled for early 2008.
Regional Workshops on
A Regional Observer Coordinator's Workshop and a meeting of the SPC/FFA
regional and national
Data Collection Committee are scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2007.
fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.3: Distribute
The Fork length newsletter was completed and sent to the editor for review.
newsletters, webpage and
It will be distributed to the national programmes in the last quarter of 2007.
other forms of information
exchange
Output 1.1.4: Training of national monitoring staff, particularly monitoring coordinators, observers
and port samplers
Activity 1.1.4.1: Organise
Basic observer training was carried out in PNG, RMI and Tonga. Port sampling
and hold in-country
training was also delivered in the Marshall Islands.
observer & port sampling
Debriefing and Data Quality workshops were carried out in three ports in PNG
courses and other training
with all of their senior observers.
activities
Activity 1.1.4.2: Regional
See activity 1.1.3.2.
training courses in
integrated fishery
monitoring
Activity 1.1.4.3: Attach
Attachments from FSM and RMI visited the Statistics and Monitoring section of
national monitoring
the OFP. Attachment training included (i) General overview of regional tuna
personnel to SPC/OFP
fisheries data collection, (ii) A review and update of their national TUFMAN
system and the concept of the national procedures document (iii) Training and
exercises in the CES Database System, Observer Viewer and Slops
Sub-component 1.2: Stock Assessment
Output 1.2.1: National oceanic fisheries status reports prepared collaboratively with national scientific
staff
Activity 1.2.1.1: Prepare 6
This is an activity that benefits from significant co-funding. During the quarter,
National Oceanic
work on the NTFSRs for FSM, Nauru and Palau were progressed. The Kiribati
Fisheries Status Reports
NTFSR was initiated. The Palau draft NTFSR has been completed and is under
annually
review. The New Caledonia* and Vanuatu NTFSRs were finalised.
*Other funding used.
Activity 1.2.1.2: Hold In-
Outputs from the Nauru, Tonga, New Caledonian and FSM NTFSRs were
country Stakeholder
presented at in-country stakeholder workshops.
Workshops for delivery of
National Status Reports
Output 1.2.2: Advice to Pacific SIDS on scientific issues in the work of the Commission
Activity 1.2.2.1: Provide
1. Scientific presentations and advice provision to the FFA SWG (August
contributions to briefs on
2007).
scientific issues for Pacific
2. Scientific presentations and advice provision to the Scientific Committee
SIDS for meetings of the
of the WCPFC (August 2007).
Commission, the Scientific
Committee and Science
3. Scientific advice provided at in-country EAFM consultations (FSM,
Working Groups
Nauru, Tonga, Vanuatu, Palau)
3
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 1.2.2.2: Present
Preparation of scientific presentations and advice to the Management Options
scientific briefs to
Workshop (to be held October 2007) and contributions to the associated brief.
preparatory meetings of
Pacific SIDS for the
Commission
Output 1.2.3: Training of national technical and scientific staff to understand regional stock
assessment methods, and interpret and apply the results; and to use oceanographic data
Activity 1.2.3.1: Hold
2 separate one week stock assessment workshops were held between the 25th
Regional Workshops on
30th June and 2nd -7th July. 22 participants from around the Western and
stock assessment
Central Pacific attended, including two fisheries management officers from FFA.
methods and analysis of
The summary report of the workshop can be found at:
oceanographic impacts on
fisheries
http://www.wcpfc.int/sc3/pdf/WCPFC-SC3-
GN%20WP14%20SPC%20SA%20Workshop.pdf
Funding applications for 2008 workshops have been submitted and are under
consideration.
Activity 1.2.3.2: Attach
No activity this quarter due to stock assessment workshops and SC
national technical staff to
commitments. Attachments currently being planned for Kiribati in Q1 2008,
SPC/OFP and other
depending on availability. Other countries undertaking NTFSRs will also be
institutions to participate in
offered this opportunity.
Commission stock
assessment work and
preparation of national
status reports
Activity 1.2.3.3: Train
No activity this quarter. Training intended to occur in FSM in Q4 2007 during
scientific counterparts in-
NTFSR visit by OFP scientist.
country
Sub-component 1.3: Ecosystem Monitoring and Analysis
Output 1.3.1: Observer sampling and analysis of commercial fishery catches to determine trophic
relationships of pelagic species in the WTP LME
Activity 1.3.1.1: Collect
Biological sampling of stomach contents and tissue samples is undertaken in
observer-based sampling
several countries. 100 Samples have been collected in Fiji and 30 samples
data, especially stomach
have been collected in FSM Some samples have been collected as well in
contents, tissue samples
French Polynesia. The coordinator from New Caledonia is onboard and will
come back soon with some samples.
Issue # 3 of the biological sampling SPC Newsletter was distributed early July
and the fourth issue is in preparation in conjunction with issue # 7 of "Fork
Length, the observer and port sampler newsletter" and will be sent to countries
during the fourth quarter of 2007.
Activity 1.3.1.2: Lab-based
Lab-based analysis of samples is continuing. During the quarter, 128 stomach
analysis of samples
samples were examined and the resulting data/information entered into the
database. The total number of stomachs examined and with data entered is
now 3,333 samples from 68 different species.
Output 1.3.2: Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP LME
SPC
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
This activity was completed during Q1-2006 and Q3-2006.
seamount activity planning
and review workshops
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
The seamount database has been refined and finalised and this work has been
Seamounts and analyse
described in a publication prepared during the third quarter 2007. An early draft
historical fishing patterns
of this publication was provided to the Third Scientific Committee of the WCPFC
around seamounts
as an Information Paper in Hawaii, August 2007. The final draft will be
4
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
submitted to a peer-review journal during the fourth quarter 2007 to publish the
list of underwater features detected in the region and make this work publicly
available. Lists have already been provided to several countries on request:
Niue, Tonga and Australia in the frame of the 4th International Meeting on the
Establishment of the South Pacific RFMO.
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect
The second and final tagging campaign in PNG began on 19 February 2007
data at sea at selected
and finished on 20 May. 39,323 tuna were tagged bringing the project total to
seamounts, including
61,637, well in excess of our nominal initial target of 30,000. Tag recaptures
tagging, trophic sampling
continue to be received in large numbers, with total recaptures now exceeding
and analysis
6,280 including 32 archival tags. Tag lotteries to encourage additional tag
returns are planned to occur before 31st December 2007, while an additional
one month tagging cruise is scheduled for October/November in the Solomon
Islands EEZ.
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
The project proposal submitted during the first quarter of 2007 in collaboration
national scientist
with IRD to conduct a co-funded scientific cruise in 2008 in the Bismarck Sea
participation in benthic
(PNG) to study the influence of seamounts on benthic and pelagic ecosystems
biodiversity survey
has been classified by the ad-hoc commission as priority B. A final decision will
be taken by IRD during the fourth quarter according to budget availability; if
accepted it will allow the completion of this activity. Contacts have been taken
during this quarter with the different partners to start organising the cruises.
IUCN
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
Efforts continued to secure a ship-time to conduct research on seamounts as
seamount activity planning
per the original plans. The owners are committed to working with IUCN and the
and review workshops
OFM project and have slotted in a month of ship-time in and around Fiji and
Tonga. As the operation is now required to cover its costs, IUCN will need to
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
raise additional funds for the expedition. IUCN has held discussions with three
Seamounts and analyse
potential donors for this work and will be submitting proposals in the coming
historical fishing patterns
months to cover the operating costs of the vessel and to serve as co-financing
around seamounts
under the OFM project.
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect
As expressed via email communication with FFA and project partners, IUCN will
data at sea at selected
pursue this vessel option until the end of the calendar year if no contract is
seamounts, including
signed by then, IUCN will revert to a non-ship option.
tagging, trophic sampling
and analysis
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
national scientist
participation in benthic
biodiversity survey
Output 1.3.3: Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
Activity 1.3.3.1:
A document reporting the work undertaken during the Ecosystem modelling
Incorporate ecosystem
workshop held in March 2007 at SPC, Noumea was finalised including the
data and information into
comments of the workshop participants and was distributed at the Third
existing ecosystem
Scientific Committee in August 2007 in Hawaii.
models and refinement of
those models as
necessary
Activity 1.3.3.2: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and
data to assess ecosystem-
based management
options
Activity 1.3.3.3: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and
data to assess
management options
5
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
targeted specifically at
seamounts
Output 1.3.4: Estimates of levels of by-catch in WCPO oceanic fisheries
Activity 1.3.4.1: Review
SC 2 working papers were prepared and presented in 2006:
historical observer data
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc3/pdf/SC3_ST_WP3.pdf
and methodological
development
http://www.wcpfc.org/sc3/pdf/SC3_ST_IP2.pdf
1.3.4.2: Estimate levels of
The SC 2 working paper prepared and presented in 2006
by-catch
(http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_IP1.pdf) was updated under a
consultancy contract and presented to SC3 in August as a working paper to the
Statistics Specialist Working Group
(http://www.wcpfc.org/sc2/pdf/SC2_ST_IP1.pdf).
Output 1.3.5: 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
Activity 1.3.5.1: Present
A workshop on Ecological Risk Assessment was held in Honolulu from August
results of ecosystem
06-09 with a wide range of experts with practical experience of implementing
analysis to the
ERA. The outcomes were presented at SC3 (Ecosystems & Bycatch Working
Commission through the
Group) and with workshop report available at http://www.wcpfc.int/sc3/pdf/SC3-
Ecosystem & Bycatch
EB-WP-3.pdf
Working Group
An updated productivity-susceptibility analysis has been drafted and was also
presented at SC3 (Ecosystems & Bycatch Working Group). A copy of the report
is available at http://www.wcpfc.int/sc3/pdf/SC3_EB_WP1_kirby_hobday.pdf
Activity 1.3.5.2: Present
Methods in Ecological Risk Assessment were presented to attendees of the
info on national & regional
second Stock Assessment Workshop held from July 01-06, at SPC, Noumea,
implications of results of
for Pacific SIDS. This included a summary and discussion of ecosystem
ecosystem analysis to
analysis results.
Pacific SIDS
Activity 1.3.5.3: Attach
No activity this quarter
national technical staff to
SPC/OFP and other
institutions to participate in
ecosystem analysis
6
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Two
Sub-component 2.1: Legal Reform
Output 2.1.1: A strategy and workplan for activities on regional and national legal issues
Activity 2.1.1.1: Carry out legal
Analyses accompanied by national reports of gaps in legislation and port
and technical reviews of legal
State measures prepared by consultant Martin Tsamenyi for East
issues and national legal
WCPFC subregional workshop in July and West WCPFC subregional
structures
workshop in September discussion of such templates and
presentations in workshops (co-financed with AusAID/NZAID).
Prepared discussion paper for meeting of Parties to the Niue Treaty to
be held in Cook Islands in October, prior to the MOW.
Activity 2.1.1.2: Hold a Regional
WCPFC subregional workshop in Tonga in July and WCPFC
Legal Consultation on Legal
subregional workshop in Solomon Islands in September Costs of
Issues, National Legal Structures
consultant Martin Tsamenyi (co-financed with AusAID/NZAID).
and the Project strategy for legal
Presentations and legal advice provided at these workshop by Legal
work.
Services and consultant.
Output 2.1.2
New draft laws, regulations, agreements and license conditions in line with WCPF
Convention prepared and shared with Pacific SIDS.
Activity 2.1.2.1. Prepare templates
See Activity 2.1.1.1.
of legal provisions to implement
the Convention.
Activity 2.1.2.2. Undertake national Project to review Samoa's fisheries legislation is ongoing. Consultant
legal reviews.
visited Samoa in July to undertake consultations to produce draft Act
awaiting this draft Act from consultant for in-house consultations.
Activity 2.1.2.3. Provide draft Bills,
See Activity 2.1.2.2.
regulations, license conditions and
Reviewed draft licensing regulations for Cook Islands.
access agreements to Pacific
SIDS.
Legal advice provided to ensure that Solomon Islands' access
agreements reflect the VDS adopted by the Commission.
Output 2.1.3. Proposals for the Commission from Pacific SIDS for legal arrangements to implement
the Convention.
Activity 2.1.3.1. Undertake legal
See Activity 2.1.1.1.
studies on Commission and
Legal advice incorporated into brief for Pacific SIDs that participated in
Convention issues including non-
the third consultations with Japan in September; a key agenda item
Contracting Parties and new
discussed were issues relating to WCPFC.
members.
Activity 2.1.3.2. Prepare legal
See Activity 2.1.1.1.
briefs for Pacific SIDS for
Legal papers, and advice, provided for the FFA TCC Working Group to
Commission and subsidiary body
prepare countries for the TCC meeting in September.
meetings.
Activity 2.1.3.3. Hold Regional
See Activity 2.1.1.2.
Legal Consultations.
Output 2.1.4. Training of policy makers and legal personnel in oceanic fisheries management legal
issues.
Activity 2.1.4.1. Hold Regional
See Activity 2.1.1.2.
Legal Workshops.
Activity 2.1.4.2. Hold National
No activity this quarter.
Legal Workshops.
7
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Sub-component 2.2: Policy Reform
Output 2.2.1. National oceanic fisheries management Plans, policies and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.1. Prepare Plans,
Tonga and Nauru EAFM Stakeholder consultations for the development
policy and strategy documents.
of the national EAFM reports
Activity 2.2.1.2. Support the
See Activity 2.2.1.1
implementation of Plans, policies
and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.3. Undertake Plan,
Completed Vanuatu Tuna Management Plan review. Wider
policy and strategy reviews.
stakeholder consultation to finalise the Plan will take place in the fourth
Quarter
Output 2.2.2. Strategies and specific proposals for the overall development of the Commission,
including its Secretariat and technical programs, and for Commission conservation and management
measures.
Activity 2.2.2.1. Undertake studies
Completion of the Transhipment study
on Commission and Convention
conservation and management
issues.
Activity 2.2.2.2. Prepare and
Preparation briefs for the 3rd WCPFC Scientific Committee meeting in
present reports on regional
Honolulu, the WCPFC Northern Committee meeting and the 3rd
oceanic fisheries management
WCPFC Technical Compliance Committee meeting.
issues to Pacific SIDS, including
analysis of proposals for the
Commission and its subsidiary
bodies.
Activity 2.2.2.3. Hold Regional
Eastern, Northern and Western WCPFC Sub regional workshops and
Fisheries Management Workshops
the VDS sub regional workshops.
and Consultations.
Output 2.2.3. Identification of possible management options for seamounts, including compliance
options. (IUCN)
Activity 2.2.3.1. Undertake
IUCN continues to dialog with FFA on joint policy work in the region,
technical studies on management
inviting FFA legal staff to participate in two relevant events a high-
of oceanic fisheries around
level symposium on high seas governance to be held in October 2007
seamounts.
in New York City, and a expert consultation on corruption and fisheries
tentatively scheduled for late January in Washington DC. IUCN is
Activity 2.2.3.2. Hold Workshops
looking to increase capacity in the region on fisheries and oceans
on seamount-related management
policy and will be discussing how best to do this with FFA and other
options.
project partners in Q4.
Activity 2.2.3.3. Prepare proposals
on seamount-related conservation
and management measures.
Output 2.2.4. Training of policy makers, technical personnel and other Pacific SIDS stakeholders to
increase understanding of sustainable and responsible fisheries.
Activity 2.2.4.1. Hold Regional
See Activity 2.2.2.3
Policy Consultations / Workshops.
Activity 2.2.4.2. Offer a TSC/USP
Completion of the TSC/USP Policy training course
Policy Training Course.
Activity 2.2.4.3. Present National
Tonga and Nauru EAFM consultation workshops
Fisheries Management Seminars
and Workshops.
Activity 2.2.4.4. Attach Fisheries
Participation in the IWG/Joint Tuna RFMO meeting in US and the
Management personnel to FFA
IATTC meeting in Mexico
8
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
and arrange study tours for Pacific
SIDS personnel to other Fisheries
Commissions.
Activity 2.2.4.5. Support relevant
No Activity this quarter
Ministerial meetings.
Sub-component 2.3: Institutional Reform
Output 2.3.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for the reform, realignment and strengthening of
national oceanic fisheries management administrations.
Activity 2.3.1.1. Prepare a review
Initial draft report has been reviewed by FFA and revised draft
of experience and best practices in
received. Draft report to be distributed to GEF focal points and FFA
institutional reform.
contacts.
Activity 2.3.1.2. Undertake and
Consultation with Kiribati Fisheries and FFA Institutional Consultants in
support implementation of reviews
anticipation of Institutional Strengthening request from Kiribati
of national oceanic fisheries
Fisheries. In-country planning exercise likely in November 2007.
management institutions.
Activity 2.3.1.3. Present National
No activity this quarter
Institutional Reform Workshops.
Output 2.3.2. Processes for national consultation between stakeholders in oceanic fisheries
management.
Activity 2.3.2.1. Advise on and
support national consultative
processes.
Activity 2.3.2.2.Support
strengthening of national
environmental non-governmental
organisations (ENGOs) and
industry non- governmental
organisations (INGOs) to empower
them to participate in oceanic
fisheries management.
Activity 2.3.2.3.Support national
workshops for non-state
stakeholders.
Activity 2.3.2.4. Arrange
attachments and study tours for
non-state stakeholders to learn
from experience elsewhere.
Sub-component 2.4: Compliance Strengthening
Output 2.4.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for realigning and strengthening national oceanic
fisheries compliance programs.
Activity 2.4.1.1.Prepare a review of
·
Presentation of the WCPFC High Seas Boarding and Inspection
Convention implications for
adopted in December 2006 at the Regional Evidence Training and
national compliance.
Investigation Course held at the PNG National Fisheries College.
·
Regional WCPFC consultation held at the FFA Secretariat, Honiara
in August.
Activity 2.4.1.2. Undertake and
Preparation to implement MCS strategy as approved by FFC64.
support implementation of reviews
of needs to strengthen and realign
national compliance programs.
Output 2.4.2. Arrangements for regional coordination of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS)
9
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
activities.
Activity 2.4.2.1.Support regional
·
Provide assistance and support to the Operation Kurukuru 2007
consultations on coordination of air
held in Tonga. Participating Countries were Cook Islands, Kiribati,
and sea patrols.
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Logistical supports
came from Australia, New Zealand, France and US.
·
Provide assistance and support to operations Bigeye 2007. RMI
(Majuro) is the Operational Head Quarters. Countries involved in
the Operation are; Marshalls, FSM, Palau, Kiribati, PNG and
Nauru. Countries providing logistical support are Australia, New
Zealand, France and US.
Activity 2.4.2.2.Provide advice on
Provide advice and support to FSM, Palau and RMI for operations and
MCS coordination between Pacific
in September during the WCPFC TCC3 meeting in Pohnpei.
SIDS and other states involved.
Activity 2.4.2.3.Prepare Niue
Preparation of a comprehensive review of the Niue Treaty as approved
Treaty subsidiary agreements.
by the FFC64 in New Zealand in May. The Review will take place in
October in Cook Islands during the Management Options Workshop.
Output 2.4.3. Strategies and proposals for regional compliance measures and programs.
Activity 2.4.3.1. Undertake
Preliminary work on the FFA MCS Strategy done as recently approved
technical studies on compliance
by the FFC64 in New Zealand.
issues under the Convention.
Activity 2.4.3.2. Hold meetings of a FFC64 approved of the formation of FFA TCC Working Group Working
Working Group of Pacific SIDS on
Group to meet prior to WCPFC TCC to deliberate on Compliance
MCS issues related to oceanic
affecting the WCPFC. FFA members including the FFA Secretariat met
fisheries.
in Pohnpei mid September 2007 prior to TCC3 to discussed and
prepare members for TCC3. A number of major MCS issues were
discussed; the High Seas Boarding Inspection Procedures, the
Commission's Observer Programme and Commission's VMS
Programme. Other issues discussed are; transhipment, Authorisation
to Fish; WCPFC IUU List;
Annual Report to the Commission Part II; Port State standards and
FAO Model Scheme; Catch Documentation Scheme.
Activity 2.4.3.3. Prepare and
FFA TCC Working Group met in Pohnpei mid September 2007 prior to
present reports on regional
TCC3 to prepare FFA members on the issues listed below.
compliance issues to Pacific SIDS,
(i)
Authorisation to Fish;
including analysis of proposals for
(ii)
WCPFC IUU List;
the Commission and its Technical
(iii)
Commission VMS;
and Compliance Committee.
(iv)
Regional Observer Program;
(v)
Annual Report to the Commission Part II;
(vi)
High Seas Boarding and Inspection;
(vii)
Port State standards and FAO Model Scheme;
(viii) Catch Documentation Scheme;
(ix) Transshipment; and
(x) FFA Priorities for MCS issues in 2007 and Beyond.
Output 2.4.4. Training of national compliance staff, especially in inspection and VMS.
Activity 2.4.4.1. Present courses
·
A pilot Regional Evidence Training and Investigation Course
on National Inspection, VMS and
delivered by Australian Fisheries Academy was held at the PNG
other national MCS training
National Fisheries College, Kavieng in August 2007. Fifteen (15)
programs.
participants from thirteen (13) FFA member countries received
Australian accredited Certificate III in the Seafood Industry
(Fisheries Compliance), which is the minimum qualification
requirement for all Fisheries Compliance Officers in Australia.
Countries that participated at the course were; Cook Islands, Fiji,
FSM, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, RMI, Samoa, Solomon, Tokelau,
Tonga, Vanuatu and PNG. Tuvalu was unable to attend while Niue
withdrew after one week into the course.
·
The syllabus covering fisheries compliance operations in the
following areas:
10
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
o
Fisheries management principles and legislation
o
Monitoring fish catches
o
Undertaking patrol operations including methods and
resources
o
Investigation techniques
Gathering evidence/note taking
Chain of evidence
Interviewing and statement taking
Brief preparation
Court procedures
·
The units of competency were covered with a lot of practical
exercises such as those on investigation, evidence gathering, and
visiting of the court concentrating on court procedures. Some
practical exercises on monitoring fish at the fish processing plant.
Activity 2.4.4.2. Attach national
No fellowship attachment was held at the FFA secretariat but plans are
compliance staff to FFA and other
underway to send two of the best students from the recently concluded
Pacific SIDS.
PNG Course to do an attachment with the Ministry of Fisheries (MCS),
New Zealand.
11
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Three
Sub-component 3.1: Information Strategy
Output 3.1.1. Project Information System for capture, storage and dissemination of project data,
lessons and best practices and provision of information products using experience and guidelines
from IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.1.1. Design logos and
Completed.
other Project identifiers, Project
Website/page and Project
Document Cataloguing System.
Activity 3.1.1.2. Operate the
On-going. Website will be subject to systems update as part of the FFA
Website/page.
website completed. KM Strategy recommendations to update website
to be implemented.
Activity 3.1.1.3. Project information
Suite of publications is scheduled to be design in Q3 as per
materials including CDs, papers,
recommendations of the KM Strategy to be progressed. Discussions
videos, pamphlets, newsletters,
with WWF regarding publications in `lay terms' for NGO and other
interviews, press releases etc.
audiences.
Output 3.1.2. Knowledge management process identifying innovative, best practice and replicable
ideas within the Project and relevant to the Project and active involvement with IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.2.1. Prepare
Draft KM Strategy and to be circulated for comment.
Knowledge Management Strategy.
Recommendations to be considered and implemented where
appropriate.
Activity 3.1.2.2. Generate
See draft KM Strategy recommendations.
Knowledge Management
Components for Website/page,
newsletters, and progress reports.
Pacific representation (PCU, Cook Islands and FSM) at the fourth
International Waters GEF conference held at Cape Town South Africa
in August/September 2007. Project presentations were delivered to
sustainable resources side meetings at the conference. Attendance at
a workshop on the Economic evaluation of Large Marine Ecosystems
before the GEF IW4 conference. Interaction and communication with
IWLEARN staff.
Sub-component 3.2: Monitoring and Evaluation
Output 3.2.1. Measures of, and reports on, overall project performance and delivery, including
independent evaluations of the Project.
Activity 3.2.1.1. Mid-term
To be coordinated by UNDP Suva. Draft TORs for MTE comments
evaluation.
provided to UNDP Suva.
Activity 3.2.1.2. Terminal
No activity
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.3. Post evaluation
(Year 8).
Activity 3.2.1.4. Annual reviews.
TORs for annual review drafted.
Activity 3.2.1.5. Annual audit.
2006 Audit completed and submitted to UNDP.
Output 3.2.2. Analysis of process, stress-reduction and environmental status indicators as per the
GEF International Waters Operational Strategy.
Activity 3.2.2.1. Carry out baseline
Gaps in baseline information are being addressed, specifically with
studies to measure IW indicators.
regards to national institutions & supportive laws and policies reforms
and the existence of inter-ministry coordination mechanisms.
12
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 3.2.2.2. Include indicator
To be completed.
measures in progress reports.
Sub-component 3.3: Stakeholder Participation and Awareness Raising
Output 3.3.1. ENGO participation and awareness raising in Convention-related processes.
Activity 3.3.1.1. Conclude co-
Completed
financing arrangement with a
Pacific ENGO.
Activity 3.3.1.2. Support Pacific
Provisions within the FFA/WWF LOA. WWF will be supported at SC3
ENGO participation in the
(Honolulu in August), TCC3 (September, venue TBA) and 4th session
Commission.
of the WCPF Commission at Pohnpei in December.
Activity 3.3.1.3. Provide information See Activity 3.3.1.4
on the Convention and oceanic
fisheries management issues to
Pacific ENGOs.
Activity 3.3.1.4. Hold national and
A further follow-up ENGO workshop is scheduled for Q4 2007.
regional Workshops for ENGOs.
Activity 3.3.1.5. Produce
No activity current discussions with WWF-Pacific to produce material
information materials to raise public in non-technical language to raise awareness.
awareness on oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Activity 3.3.1.6. Organise regional
See Activity 3.3.1.4
and national fora on the
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues for civil society
participation.
Output 3.3.2. Support industry participation and awareness raising in Convention-related
processes.
Activity 3.3.2.1. Conclude co-
LOA completed.
financing arrangement with Pacific
INGO.
Activity 3.3.2.2. Support Pacific
LOA provides for support to regional policy meetings (MOW, October
INGO participation in the
Rarotonga) and WCPFC4 (Pohnpei, December)
Commission.
Activity 3.3.2.3. Provide information Project publication disbursed.
flow on the Convention and
oceanic fisheries management
issues to Pacific INGOs and
businesses.
Activity 3.3.2.4. Support Pacific
See Activity 3.3.2.2.
INGO consultations on the
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Sub-component 3.4: Project Management and Coordination
Output 3.4.1. Project Coordination Unit staffing and office.
Activity 3.4.1.1. Appoint the Project
Completed
Coordinator.
Activity 3.4.1.2. Appoint other PCU
Completed
staff.
Activity 3.4.1.3. Procure equipment
Software and fan purchased.
and other requirements to establish
13
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
the PCU.
Output 3.4.2. Arrangements for coordination between Implementing and Executing Agencies.
Activity 3.4.2.1. Preliminary
Completed
UNDP/FFA/SPC/IUCN
Consultations.
Activity 3.4.2.2. Conclude
Completed
FFA/SPC and FFA/IUCN Letters of
Agreement (LOAs).
Activity 3.4.2.3. UNDP/FFA
On-going
Consultations.
Output 3.4.3. Regional Steering Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.3.1. Hold Inception
Completed
Workshop.
Activity 3.4.3.2. Hold Regional
RC3 scheduled for 6 Oct at Rarotonga Cook Islands preceding the
Steering Committee meetings.
MOW.
Output 3.4.4. National Consultative Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.4.1. Secure National
Completed
Focal Point nominations.
Activity 3.4.4.2. Support National
No requests to date have been received for assistance in this regard.
Consultative Committee meetings.
Awareness of this provision is to be raised during country visits.
Output 3.4.5. Reports on Project implementation, workplan and finances.
Activity 3.4.5.1. Prepare periodic
On-going. Q1 & Q2 financial and narrative reports completed and
financial and narrative reports.
submitted on time to UNDP.
Activity 3.4.5.2. Prepare Annual
Draft for 2008 annual work plan prepared with work quarterly budget
Work plans
and work descriptions completed. To be submitted to RSC3 6 Oct.
Activity 3.4.5.3: Prepare Annual
July 2006 June 2007 period of reporting UNDP/GEF PIR/APR and
Project Reports
GEF Framework Results reports completed and submitted to
UNDP/GEF. Will also be tabled at RSC3.
14
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
8. Challenges/Issues Encountered
i)
Ongoing IUCN deferment of activities:
· Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe Seamounts and analyse historical fishing patterns around
seamounts
· Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect data at sea at selected seamounts, including tagging, trophic
sampling and analysis
· Activity 1.3.2.4: Support national scientist participation in benthic biodiversity survey
ii)
Attach national technical staff to SPC/OFP & FFA this continues to be very difficult
to organise due to the increasing and competing domestic commitments and travel
commitments of suitably qualified fisheries staff from national fisheries departments and
authorities.
iii)
Similar issues for scheduling attachments for country visits encountered, increasing
and competing domestic and travel commitments by project focal points.
9. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
i)
IUCN are expected to make a final decision concerning the research cruise at the end of
2007.
ii)
Attachments are still being planned and undertaken by SPC (to complement stock
assessment training and NTFSR work) and at FFA whenever possible.
iii)
continuing to liaise with project focal points to schedule in-country assistance and
visits by the PCU.
10. Report Prepared By:
PCU Barbara Hanchard
FFA Michael Ferris with assistance from Lamiller Pawut, Moses
Amos with assistance from Manu Tupou-Roosen and Darren Cameron
SPC - John Hampton, with assistance from Valerie Allain, Don
Bromhead, Deirdre Brogan, Bruno Leroy and Peter Williams.
IUCN Andrew Hurd, Ang Sherpa
15
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
(Consolidated)
1. Country: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu
and Vanuatu
2. Project Number/Code: PIMS No. 2992
3. Project Title: Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
4. Executing Agency: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency
5. Period Covered: 1 October 2007 to 31 December 2007
6. Summary of Overall Project Progress:
The fourth quarter of 2007 saw the project complete twenty seven months of activities under
the guidance of the Oceanic Fisheries Programme at SPC and the FFA. During this period
the third meeting of the Regional Steering Committee for the project successfully convened in
Rarotonga in October at which project progress and challenges were reported. Project
awareness and project activities expected to be progressed by the IUCN remain challenges,
although assurances have been made that matters will be decided by the close of 2007 by
IUCN. Impacting greatly on the work of the project is the number of fisheries events and
meetings in the region and the burden of keeping abreast with the weight of obligations by
small and poorly resources Pacific islands fisheries administrations and other government
departments involved in regional fisheries issues.
Considerable progress has been achieved with the roll out and improvement of the TUFMANs
database by SPC and the support towards helping build the capacity of Pacific fisheries
administrations in stock assessment and their scientific reporting obligations to the
Commission. Equally, those project activities that are guided by the FFA in the Policy
Component of the project continue to be invaluable for the preparations required by Pacific
islands countries to allow them to participate effectively in the work of the Commission. The
outcomes of the most recent Commission meeting in December at Guam failed to adopted
some much needed conservation measures to address widely held concerns for the bigeye
and yellowfin stocks in the region. This remains a disappointment but Pacific islands
members of the Commission are resolute in their efforts to be responsible fisheries managers
and anticipate that in 2008 they will need to be instrumental in finding solutions for impasse at
the Commission.
7. Specific Outputs/Results Achieved (As per quarter work-plan):
Specific outputs and results achieved under the project against quarterly work plans are
reported in the following spreadsheets.
1
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component One
Sub-component 1.1: Fishery Monitoring
Output 1.1.1: A template for national integrated monitoring programmes including logsheet, observer,
port sampling and landing data collection and management; and provision of national data to the
Commission
Activity 1.1.1.1: Develop
TUFMAN versions 4.3 and 4.3.1 were released during this reporting period.
database and associated
Features of the new TUFMAN include a complete suite of reports to support the
software
reporting of pole-and-line catch and effort data, short-cuts for the data entry of
certain fields (dates and positional information), the addition of a VESSEL
HISTORY table and a new purse seine unloadings data entry component.
CES was enhanced to provide reporting down to the vessel set level and the
interface for the CES Mapping was redesigned. The latest version of CES is
now 8.6.
Activity 1.1.1.2: Develop
There was no specific work undertaken on the TUFMAN Commission reporting
reporting module for
module during this reporting period, although the Data Quality Reports (which
Commission data
are fundamental to the information that will be reported in the TUFMAN
Commission reporting module) were reviewed and fine-tuned.
Output 1.1.2: National monitoring systems based on the regional template for integrated monitoring,
customised to meet national needs
Activity 1.1.2.1: Support
Version 4.3 of TUFMAN was thoroughly tested during this period and installed
establishment and
in the Solomon Islands during October 2007 under the supervision of the
enhancement of national
Database Manager. Once trialled the new version will be rolled out to a number
databases and software
of countries. Further developments on TUFMAN during late November/early
December advanced the version to 4.3.1, which was installed in the Marshall
Islands in mid December 2007.
The CES database system, with the most up-to-date tuna fishery data, was
provided to all member countries in December 2007.
The Observer Trip View System with the most up-to-date observer data was
provided to RMI, Solomon Islands and Fiji.
Activity 1.1.2.2: Support
The 7th Regional Observer Coordinators' Workshop was conducted in the third
establishment and
week of November. The theme of the workshop was "Observer
enhancement of national
Professionalism" with focus on Competency-Based Training (CBT) standards for
port sampling and
observers and observer debriefers. The opportunity was also taken to review
observer programmes
technical innovations that are coming of age as observer tools in particular
temperature-depth-recorders and electronic data-collection devices. Time was
also allocated to looking at different biological sample collection projects
currently being carried out in the region.
The workshop was immediately followed by the first meeting of the Pacific
Island Regional Fisheries Observers (PIRFO) CBT standards development
steering committee, which is helping direct the work of a consultant in
developing these CBT standards for the region. The workshop and meeting,
facilitated by SPC, were jointly funded by SPC and FFA and the project.
Attachment training at the OFP for the Solomon Islands and Fiji Observer
Coordinators were provided in December the training focused mainly on use
of TUFMAN and the Observer Viewer system developed at SPC.
Ongoing technical advice was provided to Solomon Islands Fisheries, as their
new observer coordinator finds his feet and the new Solomon Island Fisheries
restructuring project gets under way.
Support was provided for the Solomon islands and Papua New Guinea observer
coordinators to attend the 7th Data Collection Committee (DCC7) held in the 2nd
week of November. At DCC7 the latest version of regional observer data
2
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
collection forms was decided upon so that redesigns, printing and distribution
can take place in early 2008.
Activity 1.1.2.3: Support
In-country support was given to Fiji during two one week trips in Oct-Nov. The
the coordination of
Fiji National Tuna Data Procedures Document was updated and discussions
national monitoring
had on possible funding support.
programmes
The MOU to fund the NTDC position for a further year in Vanuatu was
negotiated and the previous year's annual work report clarified. New requests
for funding to support monitoring work in the Solomon Islands and FSM were
received.
Output 1.1.3: A regional monitoring coordination capacity, to develop regional standards such as data
formats, and to provide a clearing house for information on fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.1: Develop
With the up-coming changes to regional forms, in line with the December DCC7
and make available
outcomes, fewer standard forms were shipped this quarter. Thirty-nine
common data formats
workbooks, nine waterproof pads and 15 pads of logsheets were sent out to
national monitoring programmes this quarter.
Activity 1.1.3.2: Hold
The next Tuna Data Workshop is currently scheduled for April 7-11 2008.
Regional Workshops on
A Regional Observer Coordinator's Workshop and a meeting of the SPC/FFA
regional and national
Data Collection Committee were conducted in November 2007.
fishery monitoring
Activity 1.1.3.3: Distribute
The Fork length newsletter was published and made available on the SPC
newsletters, webpage and
website http://www.spc.int/oceanfish/Docs/Statistics/Fork_Length_7.pdf. Over
other forms of information
500 hard copies were also posted out to national monitoring programmes.
exchange
Output 1.1.4: Training of national monitoring staff, particularly monitoring coordinators, observers
and port samplers
Activity 1.1.4.1: Organise
No specific training courses were carried out during this quarter when resources
and hold in-country
were tied up with regional tagging issues. However some informal training
observer & port sampling
activity was carried out with respect to observer involvement in tagging issues.
courses and other training
This was a busy quarter on observer and port sampler CBT standards
activities
development.
Activity 1.1.4.2: Regional
See activity 1.1.3.2.
training courses in
integrated fishery
monitoring
Activity 1.1.4.3: Attach
Attachments from Fiji and the Solomon Islands visited the Statistics and
national monitoring
Monitoring section of the OFP. Attachment training included (i) General
personnel to SPC/OFP
overview of regional tuna fisheries data collection, (ii) A review and update of
their national TUFMAN system and the concept of the national procedures
document (iii) Training and exercises in the Observer Viewer System
Sub-component 1.2: Stock Assessment
Output 1.2.1: National oceanic fisheries status reports prepared collaboratively with national scientific
staff
Activity 1.2.1.1: Prepare 6
During the quarter, work on the NTFSRs for FSM, Nauru, and Kiribati were
National Oceanic
progressed. The Palau draft NTFSR has been completed and is under review.
Fisheries Status Reports
The Tonga NTFSR has been finalised. The NTFSR schedule for 2008 is
(NTFSRs) annually
currently being finalised.
Activity 1.2.1.2: Hold In-
Outputs from the FSM NTFSR were presented at an in-country EAFM
country Stakeholder
stakeholder workshop in Pohnpei.
Workshops for delivery of
National Status Reports
Output 1.2.2: Advice to Pacific SIDS on scientific issues in the work of the Commission
3
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 1.2.2.1: Provide
1. Scientific presentations and advice provision to the FFA preparatory
contributions to briefs on
meeting for the Commission (December 2007).
scientific issues for Pacific
2. Scientific presentations and advice provision to the WCPFC (December
SIDS for meetings of the
2007).
Commission, the Scientific
Committee and Science
3. Scientific advice provided at in-country EAFM consultation (FSM
Working Groups
November 2007)
Activity 1.2.2.2: Present
Scientific presentations and advice were given to the pre-Commission
scientific briefs to
preparatory meeting of the FFA (December 2007)
preparatory meetings of
Pacific SIDS for the
Commission
Output 1.2.3: Training of national technical and scientific staff to understand regional stock
assessment methods, and interpret and apply the results; and to use oceanographic data
Activity 1.2.3.1: Hold
A preliminary online portal for Stock Assessment Workshop revision exercises
Regional Workshops on
was developed by OFP, to enable the 2007 workshop participants to revise and
stock assessment
maintain their understanding of stock assessment during the period between
methods and analysis of
annual workshops. The first online revision exercise was provided to
oceanographic impacts on
participants in November 2007 with a response deadline of December. Nine of
fisheries
the 22 participants had responded by the deadline (with generally excellent
results), with several more expected. Further exercises have been drafted for
January and February 2008. The ongoing development of this online endeavour
will depend upon participation rates for the first 3 exercises.
Two days of stock assessment training is planned for a Kiribati fisheries officer
during his attachment to OFP in January 2008.
Activity 1.2.3.2: Attach
No activity this quarter due to WCPFC and other commitments, both by SPC
national technical staff to
and FFA members. Attachment of a Kiribati fisheries officer to OFP in early
SPC/OFP and other
January 2008 has been confirmed.
institutions to participate in
Commission stock
assessment work and
preparation of national
status reports
Activity 1.2.3.3: Train
Limited activity this quarter. Intended training in FSM in Q4 2007 was impeded
scientific counterparts in-
by FSM fisheries officers absence (due to ill health) during the visit. In country
country
training is planned during EAFM visits to Nauru and Kiribati in January 2008.
Sub-component 1.3: Ecosystem Monitoring and Analysis
Output 1.3.1: Observer sampling and analysis of commercial fishery catches to determine trophic
relationships of pelagic species in the WTP LME
Activity 1.3.1.1: Collect
Biological sampling of stomach contents and tissue samples is undertaken in
observer-based sampling
several countries and coordinators from Palau and Tonga have indicated a
data, especially stomach
willingness to start sampling in their region. The 100 Samples that have been
contents, tissue samples
collected in Fiji and the 30 samples that have been collected in FSM are now in
the Laboratory in Nouméa. 30 samples were collected in Marshall Islands and
135 samples collected during the tagging project in Solomon Islands.
Issue # 4 of the biological sampling SPC Newsletter was distributed in
November in conjunction with issue # 7 of "Fork Length, the observer and port
sampler newsletter".
An overview of the stomach sampling has been presented during the 7th
Regional Observer Coordinator's Workshop and stomach sampling strategies
have been established for each region.
Activity 1.3.1.2: Lab-based
Lab-based analysis of samples is continuing. During the quarter, 117 stomach
analysis of samples
samples were examined and the resulting data/information entered into the
4
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
database. The total number of stomachs examined and with data entered is
now 3,450 samples from 68 different species.
Output 1.3.2: Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP LME
SPC
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
This activity was completed during Q1-2006 and Q3-2006.
seamount activity planning
and review workshops
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
A scientific paper entitled "Enhanced seamount location database for the
Seamounts and analyse
western and central Pacific Ocean: screening and cross-checking of 20 existing
historical fishing patterns
datasets" has been submitted to the peer-reviewed journal Deep-Sea Research.
around seamounts
The seamount screening and database has been extended to the area that will
be potentially managed by the South Pacific RFMO. The database now contains
6,825 cross-checked underwater features including seamounts.
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect
Tag recaptures from the PNG releases continue to be processed, with total
data at sea at selected
recaptures now numbering 7,743, including 37 archival tag recoveries. In Oct-
seamounts, including
Nov, a one-month tagging cruise in Solomon Islands was carried out, with an
tagging, trophic sampling
additional 11,180 tunas tagged and released. To date, 1,250 of these tagged
and analysis
fish had been recaptured and the tags returned to SPC.
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
IRD budget restrictions have resulted in the cancellation of the planned co-
national scientist
funded scientific cruise in 2008 in the Bismarck Sea (PNG) to study the
participation in benthic
influence of seamounts on benthic and pelagic ecosystems.
biodiversity survey
IUCN
Activity 1.3.2.1: Hold
See comments on challenges at the end of the report.
seamount activity planning
and review workshops
Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe
Seamounts and analyse
historical fishing patterns
around seamounts
Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect
data at sea at selected
seamounts, including
tagging, trophic sampling
and analysis
Activity 1.3.2.4: Support
national scientist
participation in benthic
biodiversity survey
Output 1.3.3: Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
Activity 1.3.3.1:
Progress on trophic structure qualitative models of pelagic ecosystems of
Incorporate ecosystem
different regions in the Pacific were presented by co-PIs at two meetings:
data and information into
PFRP-PI in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 2007 and CLIOTOP in La Paz, Mexico, Dec.
existing ecosystem
2007.
models and refinement of
those models as
necessary
Activity 1.3.3.2: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and
data to assess ecosystem-
based management
options
5
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 1.3.3.3: Use
No work was conducted on this activity this quarter.
enhanced models and
data to assess
management options
targeted specifically at
seamounts
Output 1.3.4: Estimates of levels of by-catch in WCPO oceanic fisheries
Activity 1.3.4.1: Review
No activity this quarter.
historical observer data
and methodological
development
1.3.4.2: Estimate levels of
No activity this quarter.
by-catch
Output 1.3.5: 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
Activity 1.3.5.1: Present
No activity this quarter
results of ecosystem
analysis to the
Commission through the
Ecosystem & Bycatch
Working Group
Activity 1.3.5.2: Present
Ecological Risk Assessments (ERAs) were prepared for Nauru and for the
info on national & regional
Federated States of Micronesia and presented at the FFA Ecosystem Approach
implications of results of
to Fisheries Management (EAFM) workshops in those countries.
ecosystem analysis to
Pacific SIDS
Activity 1.3.5.3: Attach
No activity this quarter
national technical staff to
SPC/OFP and other
institutions to participate in
ecosystem analysis
6
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Two
Sub-component 2.1: Legal Reform
Output 2.1.1: A strategy and workplan for activities on regional and national legal issues
Activity 2.1.1.1: Carry out legal
See Activity 2.1.1.2 and 2.1.2.2.
and technical reviews of legal
issues and national legal
structures
Activity 2.1.1.2: Hold a Regional
As a Project Strategy for Legal work, a legal consultant was engaged to
Legal Consultation on Legal
draft guidelines for fisheries legislation, which are to be used for any
Issues, National Legal Structures
legislative review. This consultant's draft report has been received, and
and the Project strategy for legal
will be sent to member countries for comment by a particular date.
work.
Thereafter, legislative reviews will re-commence; priority work for
Samoa, Fiji and Vanuatu.
Samoa's initial consultation of the legislative review process took place
in July 2007. Second stage of the review process to commence in early
2008.
Output 2.1.2
New draft laws, regulations, agreements and license conditions in line with WCPF
Convention prepared and shared with Pacific SIDS.
Activity 2.1.2.1. Prepare templates
One of the outputs of the WCPF Convention workshops, if the country
of legal provisions to implement
requires, is to draft legislation to address any gaps in the current laws.
the Convention.
In December 2007, Kiribati has requested assistance with their
legislation and this is planned for June 2008.
Activity 2.1.2.2. Undertake national See Activity 2.1.1.2. All legislative reviews are on hold until the
legal reviews.
finalisation of the consultant's report so that such guidelines are
incorporate into any legislative review.
Activity 2.1.2.3. Provide draft Bills,
See Activity 2.1.2.2.
regulations, license conditions and
access agreements to Pacific
SIDS.
Output 2.1.3. Proposals for the Commission from Pacific SIDS for legal arrangements to implement
the Convention.
Activity 2.1.3.1. Undertake legal
See 2.1.1.2.
studies on Commission and
Convention issues including non-
Contracting Parties and new
members.
Activity 2.1.3.2. Prepare legal
Contributions were made to the brief for the WCPFC4. Other
briefs for Pacific SIDS for
contributions have been made to the brief for the TCC meeting.
Commission and subsidiary body
meetings.
Activity 2.1.3.3. Hold Regional
Legal advise and contributions to the sub-regional consultations with
Legal Consultations.
tuna industries have been made.
Output 2.1.4. Training of policy makers and legal personnel in oceanic fisheries management legal
issues.
Activity 2.1.4.1. Hold Regional
FFA Regional Legal workshop for November 2007 now to be held in
Legal Workshops.
April 7-9 2008 in Nadi, Fiji Islands..
Activity 2.1.4.2. Hold National
National workshops consolidated into the three sub-regional
Legal Workshops.
workshops. Three workshops relating to the obligations under the
WCPF Convention and the Commission's decisions were held in June,
7
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
July and September. These workshops were in the Marshall Islands,,
Tonga and Solomon Islands. Extensive legislative matrice outlining all
WCPFC obligations for each country were done and presented at each
workshop. This was provided with assistance from the Legal
Consultant.
A Solomon Islands legal fellow did his one week fellowship
attachment with the Legal Services in December 2007 and completed
the second week in January 2008.
Sub-component 2.2: Policy Reform
Output 2.2.1. National oceanic fisheries management Plans, policies and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.1. Prepare Plans,
First draft of the FSM, Tonga and Nauru EAFM reports completed in
policy and strategy documents.
December 2007
Activity 2.2.1.2. Support the
See Activity 2.2.1.1
implementation of Plans, policies
and strategies.
Activity 2.2.1.3. Undertake Plan,
No activity in this quarter
policy and strategy reviews.
Output 2.2.2. Strategies and specific proposals for the overall development of the Commission,
including its Secretariat and technical programs, and for Commission conservation and management
measures.
Activity 2.2.2.1. Undertake studies
A cost-benefit study of management options for bigeye and yellowfin
on Commission and Convention
was undertaken and provided to Pacific SIDS as a basis for prepaing
conservation and management
proposals for WCPFC4
issues.
Activity 2.2.2.2. Prepare and
Reports on bigeye and yellowfin management options, transhipment,
present reports on regional
regional observer programme, cooperating non-Members and sea turtle
oceanic fisheries management
conservation were prepared for the regional Management Options
issues to Pacific SIDS, including
Workshop.
analysis of proposals for the
A briefing on all significant issues for WCPFC4 was prepared and
Commission and its subsidiary
presented to Pacific SIDS
bodies.
Activity 2.2.2.3. Hold Regional
Building on information shared and positions developed at the sub-
Fisheries Management Workshops
regional workshops held in prior quarters, the Annual Management
and Consultations.
Options Workshop (MOW) was held in October to finalise positions and
identify priority areas for the annual WCPFC meeting in Guam in
December 2007. Draft measures developed at the MOW were
forwarded to the Commission to form the basis of discussion on
proposed measures on various issues.
A pre-WCPFC meeting of FFA Members was held discussing the brief
as referred to in 2.2.2.2 above and positions, strategies and key
proponents / presenters were agreed for the WCPFC meeting. GEF
Fisheries Management Adviser attended and presented briefing papers
at the pre-WCPFC meeting of FFA Members and provided advice to
members at the annual WCPFC meeting in Guam.
Output 2.2.3. Identification of possible management options for seamounts, including compliance
options. (IUCN)
Activity 2.2.3.1. Undertake
See comments at the end of the report.
technical studies on management
of oceanic fisheries around
seamounts.
Activity 2.2.3.2. Hold Workshops
8
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
on seamount-related management
options.
Activity 2.2.3.3. Prepare proposals
on seamount-related conservation
and management measures.
Output 2.2.4. Training of policy makers, technical personnel and other Pacific SIDS stakeholders to
increase understanding of sustainable and responsible fisheries.
Activity 2.2.4.1. Hold Regional
See Activity 2.2.2.3
Policy Consultations / Workshops.
Activity 2.2.4.2. Offer a TSC/USP
Completion of the TSC/USP Policy training course. No activity during
Policy Training Course.
this quarter
Activity 2.2.4.3. Present National
FSM EAFM stakeholder consultation workshop completed
Fisheries Management Seminars
and Workshops.
Activity 2.2.4.4. Attach Fisheries
Participation in the IOTC meeting. No attachments of Fisheries
Management personnel to FFA
management personnel to FFA during this quarter.
and arrange study tours for Pacific
SIDS personnel to other Fisheries
Commissions.
Activity 2.2.4.5. Support relevant
No Activity this quarter
Ministerial meetings.
Sub-component 2.3: Institutional Reform
Output 2.3.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for the reform, realignment and strengthening of
national oceanic fisheries management administrations.
Activity 2.3.1.1. Prepare a review
Draft Report was distributed to GEF focal points and FFA contacts this
of experience and best practices in
quarter. No comments received and report will be finalised 1st quarter
institutional reform.
2008.
Activity 2.3.1.2. Undertake and
A request to FFA to undertake Institutional Reform/ Strengthening
support implementation of reviews
Scoping Study was received from Kiribati in October 2007. A one week
of national oceanic fisheries
planning exercise to Kiribati involving Institutional Reform /
management institutions.
Strengthening consultants was undertaken in November 2007. A draft
Planning report and TOR for Scoping Study have been received and
are being assessed before forwarding to Kiribati and others for
comment. Full scoping study expected to be undertaken in April 2008.
Activity 2.3.1.3. Present National
No Activity this quarter
Institutional Reform Workshops.
Output 2.3.2. Processes for national consultation between stakeholders in oceanic fisheries
management.
Activity 2.3.2.1. Advise on and
support national consultative
processes.
Activity 2.3.2.2.Support
strengthening of national
environmental non-governmental
organisations (ENGOs) and
industry non- governmental
organisations (INGOs) to empower
them to participate in oceanic
fisheries management.
Activity 2.3.2.3.Support national
workshops for non-state
9
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
stakeholders.
Activity 2.3.2.4. Arrange
attachments and study tours for
non-state stakeholders to learn
from experience elsewhere.
Sub-component 2.4: Compliance Strengthening
Output 2.4.1. Strategies, plans and proposals for realigning and strengthening national oceanic
fisheries compliance programs.
Activity 2.4.1.1.Prepare a review of
Convention implications for
national compliance.
Activity 2.4.1.2. Undertake and
support implementation of reviews
of needs to strengthen and realign
national compliance programs.
Output 2.4.2. Arrangements for regional coordination of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS)
activities.
Activity 2.4.2.1.Support regional
consultations on coordination of air
and sea patrols.
Activity 2.4.2.2.Provide advice on
MCS coordination between Pacific
SIDS and other states involved.
Activity 2.4.2.3.Prepare Niue
Treaty subsidiary agreements.
Output 2.4.3. Strategies and proposals for regional compliance measures and programs.
Activity 2.4.3.1. Undertake
technical studies on compliance
issues under the Convention.
Activity 2.4.3.2. Hold meetings of a
Working Group of Pacific SIDS on
MCS issues related to oceanic
fisheries.
Activity 2.4.3.3. Prepare and
present reports on regional
compliance issues to Pacific SIDS,
including analysis of proposals for
the Commission and its Technical
and Compliance Committee.
Output 2.4.4. Training of national compliance staff, especially in inspection and VMS.
Activity 2.4.4.1. Present courses
on National Inspection, VMS and
other national MCS training
programs.
Activity 2.4.4.2. Attach national
compliance staff to FFA and other
Pacific SIDS.
10
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Component Three
Sub-component 3.1: Information Strategy
Output 3.1.1. Project Information System for capture, storage and dissemination of project data,
lessons and best practices and provision of information products using experience and guidelines
from IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.1.1. Design logos and
Completed.
other Project identifiers, Project
Website/page and Project
Document Cataloguing System.
Activity 3.1.1.2. Operate the
On-going. Short term contract developed to undertake Website related
Website/page.
work which will involve some changes to the layout of the site and
clear the back log of updating contents, principally project related
reports and documentation.
Activity 3.1.1.3. Project information
Short Term website consultancy will produce a dynamic newsletter
materials including CDs, papers,
template linked to the webpage. It is expected also that the
videos, pamphlets, newsletters,
consultancy will identify and recommend material suitable for audio,
interviews, press releases etc.
print and CD/DVD production.
Discussions with WWF regarding publications in `lay terms' for NGO
and other audiences to be progressed.
Output 3.1.2. Knowledge management process identifying innovative, best practice and replicable
ideas within the Project and relevant to the Project and active involvement with IW:LEARN.
Activity 3.1.2.1. Prepare
KM Strategy circulated for comment. No comments were received from
Knowledge Management Strategy.
stakeholders and the PCU takes the prerogative to implement those
recommendations that are considered appropriate and for which funds
are available.
Activity 3.1.2.2. Generate
See Activities 3.1.1.2, 3.1.1.3 and 3.1.2.1
Knowledge Management
Components for Website/page,
newsletters, and progress reports.
Sub-component 3.2: Monitoring and Evaluation
Output 3.2.1. Measures of, and reports on, overall project performance and delivery, including
independent evaluations of the Project.
Activity 3.2.1.1. Mid-term
To be coordinated by UNDP Suva.
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.2. Terminal
No activity
evaluation.
Activity 3.2.1.3. Post evaluation
(Year 8).
Activity 3.2.1.4. Annual reviews.
Consultant contracted to perform an annual review of the project.
Interviews and questionnaires were undertaken in the margins of the
Commission meetings held at Guam in November and early
December. A draft of the report is expected to be available in early
2008.
Activity 3.2.1.5. Annual audit.
Arrangements for the 2007 audit have been made. Audit instructions
have been made available in good time by UNDP Fiji.
Output 3.2.2. Analysis of process, stress-reduction and environmental status indicators as per the
GEF International Waters Operational Strategy.
Activity 3.2.2.1. Carry out baseline
Gaps in baseline information are being addressed, specifically with
regards to national institutions & supportive laws and policies reforms
11
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
studies to measure IW indicators.
and the existence of inter-ministry coordination mechanisms.
Activity 3.2.2.2. Include indicator
To be completed.
measures in progress reports.
Sub-component 3.3: Stakeholder Participation and Awareness Raising
Output 3.3.1. ENGO participation and awareness raising in Convention-related processes.
Activity 3.3.1.1. Conclude co-
Completed.
financing arrangement with a
Pacific ENGO.
Activity 3.3.1.2. Support Pacific
Provisions within the FFA/WWF LOA. WWF will be supported at SC3
ENGO participation in the
(Honolulu in August), TCC3 (September, venue TBA) and 4th session
Commission.
of the WCPF Commission at Pohnpei in December.
Activity 3.3.1.3. Provide information See Activity 3.3.1.4
on the Convention and oceanic
fisheries management issues to
Pacific ENGOs.
Activity 3.3.1.4. Hold national and
A follow-up ENGO workshop took place from at Suva Fiji coordinated
regional Workshops for ENGOs.
by WWF Pacific from 1 2 November 2007
Activity 3.3.1.5. Produce
No activity current discussions with WWF-Pacific to produce material
information materials to raise public in non-technical language to raise awareness.
awareness on oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Activity 3.3.1.6. Organise regional
See Activity 3.3.1.4
and national fora on the
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues for civil society
participation.
Output 3.3.2. Support industry participation and awareness raising in Convention-related
processes.
Activity 3.3.2.1. Conclude co-
LOA completed.
financing arrangement with Pacific
INGO.
Activity 3.3.2.2. Support Pacific
LOA provides for support to regional policy meetings (MOW, October
INGO participation in the
Rarotonga) and WCPFC4 (Pohnpei, December)
Commission.
Activity 3.3.2.3. Provide information Project publication disbursed.
flow on the Convention and
oceanic fisheries management
issues to Pacific INGOs and
businesses.
Activity 3.3.2.4. Support Pacific
See Activity 3.3.2.2.
INGO consultations on the
Convention and oceanic fisheries
management issues.
Sub-component 3.4: Project Management and Coordination
Output 3.4.1. Project Coordination Unit staffing and office.
Activity 3.4.1.1. Appoint the Project
Completed
Coordinator.
Activity 3.4.1.2. Appoint other PCU
Completed
staff.
12
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
Activity 3.4.1.3. Procure equipment
Software and fan purchased.
and other requirements to establish
the PCU.
Output 3.4.2. Arrangements for coordination between Implementing and Executing Agencies.
Activity 3.4.2.1. Preliminary
Completed
UNDP/FFA/SPC/IUCN
Consultations.
Activity 3.4.2.2. Conclude
Completed
FFA/SPC and FFA/IUCN Letters of
Agreement (LOAs).
Activity 3.4.2.3. UNDP/FFA
On-going
Consultations.
Output 3.4.3. Regional Steering Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.3.1. Hold Inception
Completed
Workshop.
Activity 3.4.3.2. Hold Regional
RC3 was held on 6 October at Rarotonga Cook Islands preceding the
Steering Committee meetings.
MOW. Meeting papers were provided in advance and 10 countries
provided national reports to the RSC. An adopted record of
proceedings was endorsed electronically.
Output 3.4.4. National Consultative Committee meetings and reports.
Activity 3.4.4.1. Secure National
Completed
Focal Point nominations.
Activity 3.4.4.2. Support National
Funds have been provided to the Nauru Fisheries Authority to support
Consultative Committee meetings.
the convening of a National Consultative Committee meeting, the first
of two meetings which took place at Nauru on 13 December 2007.
Project country visit is scheduled to Palau in Jan 2008. It is anticipated
that Palau will seek similar support for NCC.
Output 3.4.5. Reports on Project implementation, workplan and finances.
Activity 3.4.5.1. Prepare periodic
On-going. Q3 financial and narrative reports completed and submitted
financial and narrative reports.
on time to UNDP.
Activity 3.4.5.2. Prepare Annual
2008 annual work plan prepared with work quarterly budget and work
Work plans
descriptions completed and submitted to RSC3 6 Oct.
Activity 3.4.5.3: Prepare Annual
July 2006 June 2007 period of reporting UNDP/GEF PIR/APR and
Project Reports
GEF Framework Results reports completed and submitted to
UNDP/GEF and tabled at RSC3.
13
Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project
8. Challenges/Issues Encountered
i)
Ongoing IUCN deferment of activities:
· Activity 1.3.2.2: Describe Seamounts and analyse historical fishing patterns around
seamounts
· Activity 1.3.2.3: Collect data at sea at selected seamounts, including tagging, trophic
sampling and analysis
· Activity 1.3.2.4: Support national scientist participation in benthic biodiversity survey
ii)
Attach national technical staff to SPC/OFP & FFA this continues to be very difficult
to organise due to the increasing and competing domestic commitments and travel
commitments of suitably qualified fisheries staff from national fisheries departments and
authorities.
iii)
Similar issues for scheduling attachments for country visits encountered, increasing
and competing domestic and travel commitments by project focal points.
9. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)
i)
IUCN are expected to make a final decision concerning the research cruise at the end
of 2007.
ii)
Attachments are still being planned and undertaken by SPC (to complement stock
assessment training and NTFSR work) and at FFA whenever possible.
iii)
continuing to liaise with project focal points to schedule in-country assistance and
visits by the PCU.
10. Report Prepared By:
FFA Moses Amos with assistance from Jean Gordon, Darren
Cameron and Les Clark.
PCU Barbara Hanchard
SPC - John Hampton, with assistance from Valerie Allain, Don
Bromhead, Deirdre Brogan, Bruno Leroy and Peter Williams.
IUCN
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