NATIONAL LEVEL ANNUAL REPORT
TO THE
OCEANIC FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PROJECT
REGIONAL STEERING COMMITTEE (OFM RSC)

Reporting Period, 1 July 2007 ­ 30 June 2008

1. Country: COOK ISLANDS

2. Project Title: Oceanic Fisheries Management: Implementation of the Strategic
Action Programme of the Pacific SIDs (Pacific SAP II)

3. Period Covered: 1 July 2007 ­ 30 June 2008

4. Summary of Overall Project Progress

The Cook Islands continues to be pleased with the progress of the project to date. The
assistance and opportunities to participate in regional meetings, workshops and
trainings, has enabled the Cook Islands as well as other FFA Member countries to
participate effectively at the meetings of the WCPF Commission and its subsidiary
bodies ­ the Science Committee and Technical and Compliance Committee.

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

National level activities
·
TUFMAN Database development ­ System up and running smoothly,
regular upgrades made with assistance of SPC and now using Version
4.3.3.
·
Local consultancies to draft NPOAs for Sharks & Seabirds

Regional level activities
·
The Executive Officer of the CIPPB Te Kukupa attended the Regional
Evidence Training & Investigation Course, Kavieng, PNG Aug 2007
·
The MMR Legal Adviser attended the Regional MCS Strategy workshop,
Brisbane, Feb 2008
·
The MMR Legal Adviser participated at 11th MCS Working Group
Meeting March-April 2008
·
The MMR Legal Adviser attended the Regional Legal & Policy Trends in
the Implementation of International Fisheries Instruments Conference,
Nadi, Fiji, April 2008
·
The Acting Executive Officer of the CIPPB Te Kukupa attended WCPFC
High Seas Boarding & Inspection presentation, Nadi April 2008
·
MMR's Data Manager together with the Port Sampling Officer attended
the Stock Assessment Workshops, in Noumea, 02 ­ 07 July 2008


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6. Challenges/Issues Encountered

The Cook Islands is very grateful for the assistance provided enabling us to
develop and further enhance our capacity. The increased reporting requirements for
the WCPFC have at times been difficult to meet the deadlines. Having someone
available to attend all the meetings, workshops and training is sometimes difficult to
meet.

7. Solutions Applied (to address issues and challenges)

Plans by the Ministry of Marine Resources to further develop its' Succession
Plan, should help alleviate that minor problem of staff availability to participate and
regional workshops and meetings.

8. Recommendations for Future Action


The GEF OFP through the FFA and SPC will continue to provide expert and
technical assistance to the Cook Islands and other FFA members and it is our duty to
continue to be proactive in our approach at WCPFC Meetings so that we receive
maximum benefits from our fishery resource.

9. Report Prepared By: Peter W Graham, National (OFM Project) Focal Point.






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