Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)

👀 Take a look at the Secretariat's final Newsletter for 2024: https://lnkd.in/gSsSCePT

👉 The 21st Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC21), held in Suva, Fiji, from November 28 to December 3, 2024, resulted in several important decisions and agreements aimed at improving sustainable fisheries management in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Below are the key outcomes: 1️⃣ Adoption of Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs): ✔️ New CMMs were adopted for Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Sharks, North Pacific Striped Marlin, and Cetaceans, aiming to enhance their protection and management. ✔️ Renewed and updated measures for vessel monitoring, charter notifications, and IUU vessel listings were also approved. 2️⃣ Climate Change Initiatives: ✔️ The Commission adopted the WCPFC Climate Change Workplan for 2024–2027, emphasizing climate vulnerability assessments and integrating climate considerations into fisheries management. 3️⃣ Harvest Strategies: ✔️ Approval of the Skipjack Monitoring Strategy and plans for South Pacific Albacore workshops to develop improved harvest strategies. ✔️ Progress was made in adopting a management procedure for bigeye tuna with agreed candidate target reference points. 4️⃣ Electronic Monitoring and Reporting: ✔️ Interim minimum standards for electronic monitoring systems were adopted, covering technical, data, and reporting requirements, alongside a workplan for advancing electronic monitoring across the region. 5️⃣ Crew Labour Standards: ✔️ A new measure was adopted to improve labor standards for fishing vessel crew, ensuring fair treatment and safety. 6️⃣ Compliance and Monitoring: ✔️ Adoption of updated VMS Standard Operating Procedures and new compliance monitoring requirements to enhance transparency and accountability. 7️⃣ Financial and Administrative Approvals: ✔️ The 2025 budget of USD 9.78 million was approved, along with amendments to financial and staff regulations. 8️⃣ Future Work Plans and Meetings: ✔️ Updated work plans for subsidiary bodies were endorsed, and future meeting dates for 2025 were agreed upon, including SC21 in Tonga and WCPFC22 in Vanuatu. These outcomes demonstrate WCPFC’s continued commitment to advancing sustainable fisheries management, protecting marine biodiversity, and addressing emerging challenges like climate change and labor rights. 📄 See https://lnkd.in/gC6aBRRG for the full set of outcomes adopted at WCPFC21.

🌟 The 21st Regular Session of the WCPFC Wraps up with Key Achievements in Sustainable Fisheries and Social Responsibility 🌟   The WCPFC continues to lead responsible and innovative fisheries management. This year’s accomplishments highlight not only the Commission’s commitment to conservation but also its dedication to ensuring fairness and equity across the industry. Let’s take a closer look at the progress made: 🐟   💼 Raising the Bar for Crew Labor Standards The adoption of crew labor standards at WCPFC21 is a significant step forward. These standards prioritize the safety, welfare, and rights of crew members across WCPFC-managed fisheries. By fostering fair treatment and equitable practices, the Commission is creating a more inclusive and sustainable industry. ⚓👏   📹 Harnessing Technology for Smarter Fisheries WCPFC joins other tuna RFMOs in embracing the future with minimum standards for electronic monitoring. Cameras on fishing vessels are transforming how data is collected and compliance is monitored, adding a critical layer of transparency and accountability. This innovation is a game-changer in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 🌊📊   🦈 Strengthening Shark Conservation By continuing key provisions to conserve and manage shark species, the WCPFC is ensuring their vital role in marine ecosystems is preserved. These measures reflect the Commission’s commitment to biodiversity and long-term sustainability. 💙🌎   🐠 Strengthening Pacific Bluefin Tuna Recovery The WCPFC’s dedication to the conservation of Pacific bluefin tuna is delivering real results. By enhancing compliance monitoring and adopting science-driven management strategies, the Commission is helping rebuild this critical stock while maintaining sustainable harvests. 🌟🐟   🕊️ Looking to the Future: Bigger Goals, Better Solutions The WCPFC still has important work ahead of it: 1️⃣ Enhanced Transshipment Monitoring: Elevating oversight of this vital activity to reduce IUU risks 🛳️. 2️⃣ Improved Observer Reporting: Strengthening fisheries data collection for sharper decision-making 📑. 3️⃣ Seabird Conservation: Expanding efforts to protect seabird populations, ensuring a thriving ecosystem 🕊️.   By integrating advanced technology, championing labor rights, and embracing bold conservation strategies, the Commission is paving the way for a healthier, more equitable marine environment.   As we wrap up another busy year, we’re reminded that collaboration and innovation are the keys to progress. Together, we can ensure the Pacific’s fisheries remain vibrant and sustainable for generations to come.   #️⃣🌊 #SustainableFisheries 🐟 #CrewWelfare ⚓ #Innovation 📹

🌟 Breaking New Ground: Crew Labour Standards Adopted! 🌟   The WCPFC has made history by adopting the first-ever Crew Labour Standards Conservation and Management Measure (CMM) for a tuna RFMO! 🛳️👏   👏 This milestone ensures the safety, welfare, and fair treatment of crew members working within WCPFC-managed fisheries. It’s a bold step towards creating a more equitable and responsible industry, setting a precedent for other RFMOs to follow. 🤝 Together, we’re shaping a future where sustainability extends beyond the oceans to the people who depend on them. 💙⚓ Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Pacific Community-SPC   #️⃣🌊 #CrewLabourStandards #TunaRFMO 🐟 #FairFishing #SustainabilityInAction 🌏 #InclusiveFisheries

🌏 Day 4 of WCPFC21: Hard Work Continues on Key Issues 🌊   Day 4 continued the negotiations among members to tackle the key conservation and management challenges at the heart of WCPFC21. Building on days of thorough reports from intersessional work, recommendations from the WCPFC subsidiary bodies, and new proposals from members, yesterday's efforts aimed to forge meaningful outcomes for the sustainable future of our Pacific resources. 🐟🌿   The hard work and collaboration across all delegations continue to drive us closer to achieving impactful results. Stay tuned for updates on progress. 💬 Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Pacific Community-SPC #WCPFC21 #SustainableFisheries #OceanConservation #PacificLeadership

🌏 WCPFC21 DAY 3: Driving Progress for Pacific Fisheries 🌊   Key discussions continue at WCPFC21 today, and include:   1️⃣ Advancing Labour Standards The Commission’s Small Working Group on Labour Standards is building on its mandate to ensure fair and safe working conditions for those in the fishing industry. The group is refining its recommendations for implementing practical and measurable labor standards across the fleet, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to responsible fisheries management.   2️⃣ Electronic Monitoring (EM) and Electronic Reporting (ER) The Small Working Group on EM/ER continues its groundbreaking work to modernize fisheries monitoring. With EM/ER technologies, members aim to strengthen data collection, compliance, and transparency while enhancing decision-making for sustainable management of the region’s fisheries resources.   3️⃣ Supporting the Special Requirements Fund (SRF) The Commission remains committed to strengthening the Special Requirements Fund (SRF) to assist developing states, territories, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Discussions focus on enhancing the SRF’s sustainability in the Commission. These efforts are pivotal in enabling SIDS and developing states to fully participate in and benefit from the sustainable management of the region's fisheries.   👉 For more information: https://lnkd.in/gqEyngpf 📢 Stay tuned for updates from #WCPFC21! #SustainableFisheries #LabourStandards #PacificFisheries #EMER #SIDS #Article30

🌏 Day 2 of WCPFC21: Laying the Groundwork for Decision-making 🌊   The Commission has now received comprehensive reports and recommendations from all of its intersessional activities that took place throughout 2024, including its key subsidiary bodies—Technical and Compliance Committee (TCC), Scientific Committee (SC), and Northern Committee (NC). Members have also had preliminary discussions on new proposals from several delegations, aimed at strengthening WCPFC's management framework.   With these insights in hand, we are setting the stage for Day 3, when detailed deliberations on conservation and management measures will take center stage. 🐟🌿   Stay tuned as we work together toward a sustainable future for our shared ocean resources. 💬 #WCPFC21 #SustainableFisheries #OceanConservation #PacificLeadership

🎤 Building Media Capacity for Fisheries Policy Coverage at #WCPFC21 🌊   This week, 20 media and communications professionals from the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu joined a dynamic Communications Training Workshop aimed at enhancing their ability to cover fisheries policies, promote media relations, and foster informed public dialogue on key fisheries issues. 📰✨ 📣 Highlights from the workshop included: ✅ Strategic communications sessions ✅ Practical video production training ✅ Insights from Rhea Moss-Christian, WCPFC Executive Director, who shared valuable perspectives on fisheries governance and stakeholder collaboration.   Many of these participants are sitting on national delegations, ensuring informed and impactful coverage of #WCPFC21. The presence of PINA Board Members further underscores the growing collaboration between media and stakeholders in the fisheries sector.   The training, supported by the FFA, is a testament to the region's commitment to empowering local voices in fisheries management and ensuring that stories from the Pacific are told by Pacific people. 🌏🌟   💡 As #WCPFC21 progresses, we look forward to seeing the skills gained in this workshop applied to spotlight the critical work in sustainable fisheries management.   #PacificFisheries #MediaTraining #SustainableOceans #FFA

➡️ Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Inaugurates 21st Annual Session in Suva, Fiji ⬅️ 👏 The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) proudly announces the commencement of its 21st Regular Session in Suva, Fiji, from November 28 to December 3, 2024. This esteemed assembly was ceremoniously inaugurated with a traditional Fijian welcome, led by the Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka.   ⭐ The WCPFC is grateful to the Government and people of Fiji for their generous hospitality, and the rich cultural reception that underscores the nation's commitment to sustainable marine stewardship. The vibrant traditions of Fiji provide an inspiring and dignified setting for our critical deliberations.   Throughout this pivotal week, distinguished delegates from member countries, participating territories, and observer organizations will engage in comprehensive discussions aimed at advancing the sustainable management of fisheries in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Key agenda items include the adoption of management procedures for South Pacific albacore, the establishment of target reference points for bigeye and yellowfin tunas, and the implementation of monitoring strategies for skipjack tuna. In addition, the Commission will deliberate on enhancing labor standards for crew members aboard fishing vessels, building upon the progress of the intersessional working group dedicated to this cause. The WCPFC will also address the pressing issue of climate change, reaffirming its commitment to integrating climate considerations into fisheries management.   The WCPFC remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering collaborative efforts that ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of our shared marine resources. We anticipate a week of fruitful and decisive engagements that will shape the future of fisheries management in our region.