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252. Chinese Taipei stated that it is willing to assist developing countries, particularly SIDS, to
develop their fisheries so that they can make use of the marine resources in their waters for the
development of their economies. In this connection, Resolution 2008-01 was adopted last year
urging developed CCMs to render assistance to SIDS in this respect. After the adoption of this
resolution, Chinese Taipei was approached by many officials and entrepreneurs requesting the
building of purse-seine vessels in its shipyards. As previously mentioned in different fora,
Chinese Taipei has domestic legislation to regulate the building of fishing vessels for export and
the export of second hand vessels with the objective of avoiding an increase in fishing capacity in
the region. Chinese Taipei is somewhat puzzled as to whether or not such building of purse-seine
vessels is consistent with Resolution 2008-01, and will not be taken as increase in fishing
capacity by Chinese Taipei. Chinese Taipei asked for guidance from the Commission on which it
will consider an adjustment to its policy.
253. FFA members noted that they cooperate with CCMs as a means of participating in the
management of shared stocks but that they have their own tools (e.g. the Third Implementing
Arrangement of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement and the Vessel Day Scheme) to manage
fishing effort. FFA members stated that they approach issues related to managing capacity with
caution, and reject any suggestion of further controls on vessel acquisition from distant-water
fishing States.
254. Some FFA members also reminded WCPFC6 that the aspirations of SIDS need not
necessarily result in catching more fish; rather, the goal would be to add value to and maximize
the benefits from fish that are already being caught. The ongoing assistance of some distant-water
fishing States in this regard (e.g. onshore processing) was noted. It was also emphasized that
maximizing value in this way could generate additional financial resources to sustain the
Commission‘s work.
255. The Chair noted that in order to support the legitimate aspirations of SIDS to develop and
benefit from their resources, while at the same time conserve and manage fish stocks in an
effective manner, the transfer of fishing capacity to developing countries should be accompanied
by a reduction in the fishing capacity of distant-water fishing States.
256. The EU requested that the record state that their understanding with regard to observers
and the cross-endorsement procedures as articulated under Agenda Item 9.4c below also applies
to CMM 2008-01.
High seas alternative to FAD closure
257. The Executive Director introduced WCPFC6-2009/IP12, which reports on the alternative
measures taken by Japan, New Zealand and the Philippines under paras. 15 and 16 of CMM
2008-01. In July, New Zealand decided it would not pursue the alternative measures and would
participate in the FAD closures. Data submitted by these three CCMs are profiled in the paper.
258. New Zealand explained that it withdrew from its intention to apply the alternative measures
due to higher bigeye catches than anticipated and because of difficulties in reconciling the
outcomes of port sampling with the historical estimates of bigeye catch used to set their bigeye
catch limit. New Zealand reported that it is continuing with sampling work and trials of methods
to reduce catches of juvenile bigeye by purse-seine vessels, and hopes to report the results to
future meetings of the SC.
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