Report on the Implementation of the derogation to ... - Trade Websites

Final <strong>Report</strong>
RoO Derogation under the PACP-IEPA
is that this low number of listed vessels does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the
presence of IUU-listed vessels in the WCPO, and that WCPFC and its members should adopt the FAO
Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) 198 to more effectively combat IUU fishing. 199 This is under
consideration by WCPFC.
IUU issues for WCPO purse seine vessels now involve regulating and reporting associated with
management measures (e.g. FAD closures, high seas closures, misreporting of position, incomplete
200
catch reporting, under-reporting of landings and possibly selling catch though IUU channels).
These issues are believed to occur mostly within EEZs, with the exception of high seas closures, and
are likely to have reduced with the introduction of 100% observer coverage.
In the case of PNG, there are felt to be only minor incidences of IUU tuna fishing – NFA has strong
MCS systems in place, there is high compliance in most cases, and NFA is confident it effectively
polices its fisheries. The PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) operates a fleet of four patrol vessels, and
under an MoU with NFA, undertakes 600 sea patrol days each year. NFA also has plans to contract
aerial elements of the PNGDF to patrol the extremities of the EEZ for around 140 days per year.
The major IUU risks to PNG are similar to those at regional scale and include FAD fishing during
closed seasons, misreporting of vessel position relative to archipelagic waters/12 nm territorial seas
limit, EEZ and high seas, under-reporting of catch if landing outside PNG, and selling catch through
201
IUU channels by foreign vessels without a CA (see Section 5.6). There have been some instances
of fishing inside 12 nm (territorial seas) and use of prohibited fishing methods (shark fishing for fins).
There may be with minor issues with incursions of foreign pump boat (tuna handline) vessels on the
north-western border, and issues in the so-called ‘Dogleg’ (PNG EEZ extension into the Arafura Sea)
where foreign squid, gillnet and trawl fisheries may be operating illegally.
PNG currently has no National Plan of Action (NPOA) for IUU fishing, and it is not seen as priority for
development at present, since NFA deems “the MCS measures and tools introduced to combat,
202
deter and eliminate IUU fishing .. form the basis of an NPOA by default”. Similarly, there is no
regional plan (RPOA IUU) for the WCPO.
In summary, the incidence of IUU fishing in the WCPO purse seine fishery is believed, on the basis of
available evidence, to be low, and has likely decreased post-derogation (March 2008) as a result of
more active management controls, a range of MCS strengthening activities and more effective
harmonization at regional and national level.
5.5.2 Evaluation of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) capabilities for combating IUU
fishing
Increasing MCS capacity at the regional, sub-regional and national levels has been developing over
many years. The current MCS capability is well developed, and briefly evaluated here at regional,
sub-regional and national level, in the case of PNG.
198 FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated
fishing (PSMA). Adopted November 2009 by FAO.
199 MRAG 2010.
200 Banks 2011.
201 Banks 2011.
202 NFA Managing Director, S. Pokajam, pers. comm., September 2011.
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