The Information and Knowledge Objective
to improve understanding of oceanic fish resources of the WCP warm pool
addressed by
Component 1: Scientific Assessment and Monitoring Enhancement
which aims at providing improved scientific information and knowledge on the oceanic
fish stocks and related ecosystem, and at strengthening the national capacities of
Pacific SIDS in these areas
Subcomponent 1.1 Fishery Monitoring, Coordination and Enhancement
Deirdre BROGAN
Fishery Monitoring Supervisor
Subcomponent 1.2 Stock Assessment
Donald BROMHEAD
Fishery Scientist
(Stock Assessment)
Subcomponent 1.3 Ecosystem Analysis
Valerie ALLAIN
Bruno LEROY
Fishery Scientist
Fishery Scientist
(Ecosystem Analysis)
(Ecosystem Monitoring)
Subcomponent 1.1 Fishery Monitoring, Coordination and Enhancement
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
New Four new updates. Improved/ additional reporting (EEZ breakdown, best estimates for catch, more telex).
In Progress: Continual updates of the TUFMAN database and reporting system.
Comprehensive review underway: for robustness, data validation, formatting, reports and data entry.
New observer data module
Video training manual for TUFMAN
Future work
Data registry and vessel modules
Graphing module in reporting
Output 1.1.2 National monitoring systems based on the regional template for integrated
monitoring, customised to meet national needs
Position
Attach-
Position
Attach-
Country
TUFMAN CES
support Equip.
Visits
ments Country
TUFMAN
CES
support Equip.
Visits
ments
Cook Is.
PNG
FSM
Samoa
+
Fiji
Solomon Is.
Kiribati
+
Tokelau
+
Marshall Is.
Tonga
+
Nauru
Tuvalu
Niue
Vanuatu
+
+
Palau
= done
+ = planned
Future Work
-
Complete National Tuna Data Procedures Documents
-
In-country data audits
Subcomponent 1.1 Fishery Monitoring, Coordination and Enhancement
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
Completed
· Second Tuna Data Workshop (April 08)
http://www.spc.int/oceanfish/Html/Meetings/TDW2/index.htm
· Monitoring Newsletter "Fork Length # 8"
http://www.spc.int/oceanfish/Docs/Statistics/fork.htm'
·7th Data Collection Committee Report with revised and translated data forms available on-line
http://www.spc.int/oceanfish/Html/Statistics/Forms/index.htm
In Progress
Next edition of ForkLength
Future Plans
Third Tuna Data Workshop, Noumea April 09
Data Collection Committee (DCC) Dec 09
Subcomponent 1.1 Fishery Monitoring, Coordination and Enhancement
Output 1.1.4 Training of national monitoring staff, particularly monitoring coordinators,
observers and port samplers
Completed
-
Basic observer training: Palau (Sub-regional), PNG, Solomons, French Polynesia
-
Refresher training: Fiji
-
NTDC Attachments to SPC: FSM, RMI, Solomons
-
Observer Coordinator Attachments to SPC: Fiji and Solomons
-
8th Observer Coordinators Workshop, Palau, July 2008.
In Progress
-
Pacific Island Regional Fisheries Observer (PIRFO) competency-based-training (CBT) standards
(incorporating CBT standards for port samplers) to be published online by end of 2008
Future work
-
National Tuna Data Coordinator attachments to SPC (Samoa, Cooks, Tonga)
-
Observer Coordinator attachments to SPC (PNG)
-
Basic Observer training courses as required
-
CBT standards for observer debriefers and observer trainers
*Note: Many of the observer training activities achieved with PROCFISH co-funding
Subcomponent 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 National Oceanic Fisheries Status Reports annually
* National Tuna Fisheries Status Reports (NTFSRs) provide comprehensive, regular assessments
of status and prospects of oceanic fisheries for PICT fishery departments
* They include summaries of historical and recent trends in fisheries, interpretation of stock
assessments in the context of national fisheries, and other analyses tailored to the specific needs
identified by each PICT.
* NTFSRs are now being restructured to feed required advice directly into the FFA EAFM process
and will only be undertaken for countries implementing or updating their EAFM
Completed Under Review In Progress
Palau
FSM
Kiribati
Niue
Samoa
Tonga
Nauru
Activity 1.2.1.2 Hold In-country Stakeholders Workshops for delivery of National Status
Reports
In country stakeholder workshops have been attended in FSM (two), Nauru, Palau, Niue, Samoa,
Kiribati (two), to facilitate the development and delivery of the NTFSRs and support the
implementation of an EAFM.
Subcomponent 1.2 Stock Assessment
Output 1.2.2 Advice to Pacific SIDS on scientific issues in the work of the Commission
Activity 1.2.2.1 Provide 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 scientific briefs to preparatory meetings of Pacific SIDS for the
Commission
September 2007 - present:
1. Scientific presentations and advice were provided to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries
Commission (December, 2007) along with significant contributions to the associated brief from
the Scientific Committee.
2. OFP staff participated in a workshop held at FFA Headquarters to review and plan
management options analyses to support FFA members in WCPFC meetings during 2007.
3. Scientific presentations and advice provision to the USMLT meeting (March 2008) and FFA
SWG (August 2008).
4. Scientific presentations and advice provision to the Scientific Committee of the WCPFC
(August 2008)
5. Scientific presentations and advice provision to the Management Options Workshop (October
2007) and contributions to the associated brief.
6. Scientific advice provided at in-country EAFM consultations (FSM, Nauru, Kiribati, Samoa,
Niue, Palau)
7. Development of a timetable for the provision of information to Pacific SIDS (developed in
conjunction with FFA), in particular through the EAFM process
Activities over next 6 months:
1. SPC scientific contributions/presentations to the Management Options Workshop (October
2008) and the Commission (December 2008)
Subcomponent 1.2 Stock Assessment
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 regional workshops on stock assessment methods and analysis of
oceanographic impacts on fisheries
Completed (to October 2008)
Stock assessment scientist recruited
Extensive work on the development
of workshop materials and other
preparatory activities took place
Stock Assessment Workshop 1 held
at SPC Noumea, 3rd 14th July 2006.
Stock Assessment Workshops (Level
1 and 2) held at SPC Noumea, 25th
June 7th July 2007.
Stock Assessment Workshops (Level
1 and 2) held at SPC Noumea, 19th
June 4th July 2008.
Next workshop scheduled for June
2009 (*funding dependant - Support
letters needed)
Subcomponent 1.2 Stock Assessment
2008 Stock assessment workshops, Noumea, 19th June 4th July.
Brief overview
Objectives Increase national capacities to use and interpret regional stock
assessments, fisheries data and oceanographic information at the national
level, to participate in Commission scientific work, and to understand the
implications of Commission stock assessments
Design and Content 2 workshops of 1 week each, for new and returning
participants. Key themes included Background theory, Parameter Estimation,
and Interpretation.
Theory sessions followed by computer lab sessions or group
discussion/exercise sessions to reinforce concepts.
Outcomes Tests, surveys and observation of participants indicated
significantly increased understanding of stock assessment after both
workshops. It represented further progress towards meeting the overall stock
assessment related objectives of the OFMP.
Its longterm benefits will be lost without regular follow-up workshops, and other
training/attachments of fisheries staff, and online revision.
***Report of the 2008 OFMP Stock Assessment Workshops now available:
http://www.wcpfc.int/sc4/
As paper: WCPFC-SC4-2008/GN WP-6
Subcomponent 1.2 Stock Assessment
2008/09 Stock Assessment Workshops
Online training greater participation needed!
After the 2007 workshop review identified an urgent need for the development
of an online training/revision tool that would enable workshop participants
to maintain and build their knowledge and understanding of stock
assessment in between annual workshops, OFP-SPC sought and gained
the following endorsement from FFA member countries
1. Endorsement by countries/territories for the development of the online
training/revision facility.
2. A commitment by department heads to allow the workshop participants to
devote at least ½ a day per month to online training.
3. A commitment by participants themselves to undertake the training
Subsequently, OFP-SPC developed a preliminary online training website on
which revision exercises and materials could be posted for workshop
participants to access.
Two revision training exercises were undertaken in the period between the
2007 and 2008 workshops. Participation in the first exercise was
reasonable (50%), but very poor in the second exercise (20%), and the
exercises were ceased due to a lack of participation.
Given the resources devoted to the online training, OFP is seeking some
reassurance that this endeavour will have better participation in future.
It was noteworthy that at the 2008 workshops, the three best performing
participants had all taken part in both online revision exercises
Subcomponent 1.2 Stock Assessment
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 1.2.3.2 Attach 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 scientific counterparts in-country
September 2007 to present
Kiribati (x2), Palau and Niue provided staff for attachments associated with NTFSR development,
with a further attachment from Samoa planned for November.
Occasionally some countries are unable to provide staff for NTFSR associated attachments.
Next 6 months
Attachments of national technical staff to OFP from Samoa and Marshall Islands (and potentially
one other country) with timing being in accord with the development of NTFSRs for each of
these.
It is also intended that training of scientific counterparts in country should occur in conjunction with
visits by OFP staff for NTFSR stakeholder workshops, in instances where countries have
identified a specific need (and staff member).
Subcomponent 1.3 Ecosystem Analysis
Output 1.3.1 Observer sampling and analysis of commercial fishery catches to determine trophic
relationships of pelagic species in the WTP Large Marine Ecosystem
Activity 1.3.1.1 Collect observer-based sampling data (stomach content and tissue samples)
Col ection of samples: In progress
3851 samples have been collected since
the beginning of the project (3102 during
tagging trips and 749 from the national
observer programmes)
Reports:
Completed
4 quarterly "Biological Sampling
Newsletter" for the observers and port
samplers presenting progress in
sampling
Activity 1.3.1.2 Lab-based analysis of samples
Stomach content examination:
708 stomach have been examined between Sept 2007 and Sept 2008. The stomach database now contain
information from 4032 stomach content of 71 different species
Isotope analysis:
In progress
Isotope data of the tropical tuna species have been compiled to create isomaps for the equatorial Pacific. They
outline differences in isotope values between eastern and western Pacific, however they do not show
differences in trophic levels. A scientific paper is in preparation.
Subcomponent 1.3 Ecosystem Analysis
Output 1.3.2 Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP warm pool
Activity 1.3.2.1 Hold seamount activity planning and review workshop
Seamount Planning workshop: 20-21 March 2006, SPC, Noumea
Completed
Report: Allain, Kirby & Kerandel, 2006. Seamount research planning workshop report. WCPFC-SC2-06/EB-IP-5.
Activity 1.3.2.2 Describe seamounts and analyse historical fishing patterns around seamounts
Seamount location:
Completed
Scientific peer-review publication: Allain, Kerandel & al. 2008. Enhanced seamount location database for the
western and central Pacific Ocean: screening and cross-checking of 20 existing datasets. Deep-Sea Research
155: 1035-1047. - Data are available to the countries
Examination of fisheries data:
In progress
Telmo Morato is a specialist in seamount studies and accepted a 1-year spatial analyst position to investigate
fishing patterns around seamounts examining CPUE, diversity, size & composition of the catch... in relation to
seamounts. Telmo Morato started in October 2008.
Subcomponent 1.3 Ecosystem Analysis
Output 1.3.2 Collection and analysis of information on seamounts in the WTP warm pool
Activity 1.3.2.3 Collect data at sea at selected seamounts, including tagging, trophic
sampling and analysis
Tagging project:
To continue
Phase 1 of the PTTP have been completed with 61,783
and 41,323 tuna tagged in PNG and Solomon waters
with a respective percentage of recoveries of 13.43 and
11.28 %. Phase 2 of the PTTP started in June 08 and
will cover in 5 month of time the waters of FSM, Palau,
Philippines, Indonesia and also some additional parts of
PNG. To date the total number of fish tagged is 125,948
for 10.73% of recoveries.
Reports:
To continue
Summary reports for all cruises
Monthly tag return
Results presented at SC4,
First AT/ST analysis presented at the 2nd Int. Symp. on electronic
tagging (Oct 07) and published as a sc. publication.
Activity 1.3.2.4 Support national scientist participation in a benthic biodiversity survey
Scientific cruise project:
After cancellation of IUCN cruise, IRD budget restrictions have resulted in the cancellation of the planned co-
funded scientific cruise in 2008 in the Bismarck Sea (PNG) to study the influence of seamounts on benthic and
pelagic ecosystems. No cruise on benthic biodiversity can be undertaken; this activity cannot be completed.
Subcomponent 1.3 Ecosystem Analysis
Output 1.3.3 Model-based analysis of ecosystem-based management options
Activity 1.3.3.1 Incorporate ecosystem data and information into existing ecosystem models and refinement of
those models as necessary
Activity 1.3.3.2 Use enhanced models and data to assess ecosystem-based management options
Activity 1.3.3.3 Use enhanced models and data to assess management options targeted specifically at seamounts
Analysis of stomach examination data In progress
Progress on trophic structure qualitative models of pelagic ecosystems of different regions in the Pacific were
presented by co-PIs at two meetings: PFRP-PI in Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 2007 and CLIOTOP in La Paz,
Mexico, Dec. 2007. This work has been detailed into a publication that has been submitted in March 2008 to
a peer-review paper for the special issue of the CLIOTOP meeting.
To continue
Output 1.3.4 Estimates of levels of by-catch in WCPO oceanic fisheries
Activity 1.3.4.1 Review historical observer data and methodological development
Activity 1.3.4.2 Estimate of levels of by-catch
Reports:
Completed
Lawson. 2006. Scientific aspects of observer programmes for tuna fisheries in the WCPO. WCPFC-SC2-2006/ST
WP-1
Lawson. 2006. Observer coverage rates and reliability of CPUE estimates for purse seiners in the WCPO.
WCPFC-SC2-2006/ ST IP-3
Oceanic Fisheries Programme - SPC. 2007. Estimates of annual catches in the WCPFC statistical area. WCPFC-
SC3-2007/ST IP-2.
Oceanic Fisheries Programme - SPC. 2008. Estimates of annual catches in the WCPFC statistical area. WCPFC-
SC4-2008/ST IP-1.
Further work on estimation methodology to continue during 2009.
Subcomponent 1.3 Ecosystem Analysis
Blue Shark
Silky Shark
Oceanic Whitetip Shark
160,000
30,000
14,000
140,000
12,000
25,000
120,000
10,000
20,000
100,000
8,000
80,000
15,000
onnes
onnes
onnes
T
T
T
6,000
60,000
10,000
4,000
40,000
5,000
20,000
2,000
0
0
0
1
994
1
995
1
996
1
997
1
998
1
999
2
000
2
001
2
002
2
003
2
004
2
005
1
994
1
995
1
996
1
997
1
998
1
999
2
000
2
001
2
002
2
003
2
004
2
005
1
994
1
995
1
996
1
997
1
998
1
999
2
000
2
001
2
002
2
003
2
004
2
005
Mako Sharks
Common Dolphinfish
Escolars
14,000
20,000
12,000
18,000
12,000
10,000
16,000
10,000
14,000
8,000
s
8,000
12,000
es 10,000
6,000
o
nne
o
nn
o
n
nes
T
6,000
T
T
8,000
4,000
4,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
0
0
0
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
2
3
4
5
94
95
96
97
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
199
199
199
199
199
199
200
200
200
200
200
200
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
1
994
1
995
1
996
1
997
1
998
1
999
2
000
2
001
2
002
2
003
2
004
2
005
Oilfish
Opah
Wahoo
2,500
14,000
6,000
12,000
5,000
2,000
10,000
4,000
1,500
8,000
es
n
n
e
s
3,000
onnes
o
nn
T
To
6,000
T
1,000
2,000
4,000
500
2,000
1,000
0
0
0
94
95
96
97
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
94
95
96
97
98
99
00
01
02
03
04
05
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
Subcomponent 1.3 Ecosystem Analysis
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
Activity 1.3.5.1 Present results of ecosystem analysis to the Commission
Activity 1.3.5.2 Present information on national and regional implications of results of ecosystem
analysis to Pacific SIDS
Activity 1.3.5.3 Attach national technical staff to SPC/OFP and other institutions to participate in
ecosystem analysis
Report: Kirby. 2006. Ecological Risk Assessment. WCPFC-SC2-2006/EB WP-1.
Ecological Risk Assessment Workshop: August 2007, Honolulu
Completed / In progress
Methods in Ecological Risk Assessment were presented to national staff during SAW2, Stock Assessment
Workshop in June-July 2007.
Completed/ In progress