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

Final <strong>Report</strong>
RoO Derogation under the PACP-IEPA
The role of the WCPC Regional Observer Programme (ROP), 208 under the hybrid model adopted for
observer coverage, is mainly coordination of the national level implementation, with observers
recruited at national level, trained through the joint efforts of FFA, SPC and WCPFC using regionallybased
trainers and facilities and deployed at national level. As of the beginning of 2010, 100%
observer coverage of purse seine fishing and 5% of longline fishing was required, following a twomonth
rehearsal during the first FAD closure (August-September 2009). This level of coverage was
largely achieved to give a level of coverage unique in RFMOs, with an estimated 1,751 observer trips
carried out in 2010. For the area of RFMO overlap (IATTC/WCPFC) in the east, cross-endorsement of
observers was achieved.
Implementation of a programme on this scale – over 400 observers were involved – has not been
without some issues. Apart from relatively isolated issues of coercion and bribery, the main issues
have arisen post-deployment, namely debriefing of the observers (as an integral part of data quality
control) and entering the very large amount of data collected by the observer cadre for subsequent
compilation and analysis. There are currently only 4-5 debriefers, whereas possibly 90 of these might
ideally be required. Approximately 2.5 data entry technician days are required for each observer
trip, and initially, there was neither manpower resources or associated funding to support the level
of activity needed. This has improved, with additional data entry staff recruited at SPC and funding
provided, but large backlogs still exist for some countries (e.g. PNG). An audit of the authorized
observer programmes in the region has commenced (14/23 programmes audited)
209 and ROP data
management reviewed. 210 Just over 32% of the 2010 observer data had been processed as at 4 July
2011, but this level will have increased considerably since that time.
High seas boarding and inspection
As part of a process to deter fishing violations on the high seas, registered CCM patrol vessels can
board and inspect flag state vessels of other CCMs. In 2010, 34 inspections of vessels were
undertaken on the high seas of the CA by vessels of USA, French Polynesia and Chinese Taipei, with
twelve alleged infractions. By August 2011, 103 inspections of vessels had been undertaken in 2011,
211
with eight alleged infractions.
A low level of aerial surveillance is also undertaken in the region but no details are available of this
activity and numbers of infractions detected.
Compliance monitoring scheme
Adopted in 2010 as CMM 2010-03, the Compliance Monitoring Scheme (CMS) allows a detailed
analysis of individual CCM’s compliance with Commission CMMs, largely based in information
provided in the Part 2 Annual <strong>Report</strong>s provided to TCC. The process will be further refined, but
provides information on compliance with 23 CMMs during 2010.
ii)
Sub-regional MCS capabilities
PNA is committed to starting a PNA VMS system, which will be based on the PNG national VMS and
with the control office in Madang. It is expected to be operational in early 2012, and may commence
initially with monitoring of the FSMA vessels. This system, as noted, will cover all waters of PNA
members, including archipelagic waters.
208 WCPFC 2011c.
209 WCPFC 2011c; Attachment 1.
210 Williams 2011.
211 WCPFC 2011d.
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