Oceanic Fisheries Programme OFP Oceanic Fisheries Programme OFP

Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP)

Oceanic Fisheries Programme OFP Goal (FAME Strategic Plan 2010 -2013) “Fisheries exploiting the region’s resources of tuna, billfish and related species are managed for economic and ecological sustainability using the best available scientific information”

Objectives 1. To provide high-quality scientific information and advice for regional, sub-regional and national management authorities on the status of, and fishery impacts on, stocks targeted or otherwise impacted by regional oceanic fisheries 2. To provide high-quality fishery monitoring services and capacity development to support the management of oceanic fisheries by regional, sub-regional and national fisheries management authorities 3. To provide high-quality data management services and capacity development to support the management of oceanic fisheries by regional, sub-regional and national fisheries management authorities 4. To improve understanding of pelagic ecosystems in the western and central Pacific Ocean

Oceanic Fisheries Programme John Hampton Paul Judd Helene Ixeco Nathalie Lemesle Stock Assessment & Modelling Shelton Harley Oceanic Fisheries Data Management Peter Williams Oceanic Fisheries Monitoring Ecosystem Monitoring & Assessment Tim Lawson Simon Nicol Tuna Tagging & Biology WCPFC Services - Simon Hoyle - Nick Davies - Joel Rice - New position National Services - Tim Adams - New position (GEF) - New position (NZAID) WCPFC Services Data Acquisition/Quality Control WCPFC Services - Bruno Deprez - Data Control Technicians (10 -14) - Corey Cole - Colley Chow National Fishery Monitoring Support - Deirdre Brogan - Hugues Gossuin (NC) Observer Training - Taiana Raoux (FP) & Coordination - Peter Sharples FFA & Sub-regional - Graham Pilling - Aaron Berger - Carola Kirchner IT Support - Fabrice Bouye National Services & Capacity Building - Colin Millar - Emmanuel Schneiter - Bryan Scott - Siosifa Fukofuka - Manasseh Avics - Manoi Kutan - Glen English - Ferral Lasi - Bruno Leroy - Caroline Sanchez - Sylvain Caillot - Dale Kolody - Francois Roupsard Ecosystem Dynamics & Climate Change - Valerie Allain - Elodie Vourey - Jeff Dubosc Fisheries Oceanography & Ecosystem Modelling - Oceanographer (vacant) - SEAPODYM (vacant) Deepwater Snapper - Ashley Williams - Melanie Bunel - Hugues Gossuin By-Catch Mitigation & ERA - Larissa Fitzsimmons

Oceanic Fisheries Programme • Client-based scientific service delivery – SPC members – FFA and sub-regional groups – WCPFC • Capacity building a major cross-cutting theme • 2012 budget approximately 8. 2 million CFP units ~ AUD/USD 9 million

2012 Funding

Upcoming Funding Issues • 2013 is 3 rd and final year of PNG Tagging. No remaining project resources to sustain tagging fieldwork beyond possibly one central Pacific cruise (targeting bigeye) in 2013, 2014 and 2015. • Following Sci. COFish (EU) project and NZAID Pacific Economic Growth Observer project, no remaining funding to support SPC’s regional training and standards coordination role.

Stock Assessment & Modelling

Result areas • Result 1. 1: Regional oceanic fisheries management policy and decision-making by WCPFC are informed by the best sciencebased stock assessments and advice • Result 1. 2: FFA’s oceanic fisheries management initiatives are supported by the best science-based stock assessments and advice

Result areas • Result 1. 3: National tuna oceanic fisheries policy and decision-making are informed by the best science-based stock assessments and advice • Result 1. 4: Enhanced capacity of SPC members to interpret stock assessment information and advice

Result 1. 1 WCPFC Outputs 2012 • Stock assessments for: – – South Pacific albacore Silky shark Oceanic whitetip shark Southwest Pacific striped marlin • Specific management advice: – Development of reference points and harvest control rules – Projections for tropical tunas to assist CMM development – Support of the Management Objectives Workshop • Independent review of the bigeye tuna assessment

South Pacific albacore

Result 1. 1: WCPFC Activities in 2013 • Stock assessments for: – Silky shark (addressing some concerns) – Blue sharks (north and south Pacific) – Southwest Pacific swordfish • Specific management advice: – Development of reference points and harvest control rules – Projections for tropical tunas to assist CMM development – Support of the Management Objectives Workshop • Implementing recommendations from the review of the bigeye tuna assessment

Result 1. 1: WCPFC Challenges • Problems in longline catch statistics – particularly around charter fishing, and any statistics from China and Chinese Taipei – adding uncertainty to the stock assessments; • Access to Japanese data to implement bigeye tuna review recommendations

Result 1. 2: Sub-Regional Outputs in 2012 • FFA : – Analysis of management options • PNA : – Reference points and harvest control rules – Purse seine and Longline Vessel Days Scheme input (including several country visits) – Continued input on MSC certification • Te Vaka Moana and Sub-committee for South Pacific Tuna and Billfish (SC-SPTBF): – Albacore allocation data inputs (including modelling and several country visits) – Range contraction – Characterisation of southern fisheries for albacore, striped marlin, and swordfish

Range contraction

Range contraction

Result 1. 2: FFA Activities in 2013 • FFA level: – Greater joint work on bioeconomic analysis – particularly to support new management measures • PNA level: – Continued push on Harvest Control Rules and reference points – Input to MSC certification as required • TVM / SC-SPTBF: – Country visits to support allocation discussions – Bioeconomic analysis around the albacore fishery

Result 1. 3: National Outputs in 2012 • Final NTFSRs completed for: – Kiribati, Cook Islands, and Solomon Islands • Multiple country visits to support both Longline Vessel Days Scheme and South Pacific albacore tuna discussions • Country-specific reports for several countries: – impacts of FAD closures – interactions between industrial and small-scale fisheries • Phase 2 development of the secure country websites – Solomon Islands, Fiji, Cook Islands

Issue-Specific National Reports • A mechanism to provide more frequent country level analysis and advice on issues of general interest within the region • Economies of scale – undertake the same analysis for multiple countries at the same time • Better scientific insights – can examine patterns across multiple areas to gain a better understanding of overall processes

FAD closure impacts

FAD closures continued

Industrial fishing impacts. . .

Result 1. 3: National Activities for 2013 • Further country visits • Country specific reports on: – Nature and extent of ‘by-product’ taken in purse seine fisheries – Two more set’s to be determined by Ho. F • Shark interactions, more small-scale fisheries? ? • Country webpage work: – Tuvalu, Samoa, Vanuatu

Result 1. 4: Capacity Building Outputs in 2012 • Huge weakness in 2012: only ½ National Scientist was available and focus was placed on other national work

Result 1. 4: Capacity Building Activities in 2013 • Funding secured for 7 th Stock Assessment Workshop (SAW) in July 2013 • Aiming for at least three attachments in 2013, more if we are able to get a second national scientist in place – Focus on short pieces of work to support management advice – Work around webpage narratives

Fisheries Monitoring Tim Lawson, Principal Fisheries Scientist Deirdre Brogan, Fisheries Monitoring Supervisor Peter Sharples, Observer Support and Development Coordinator Sifa Fukofuka, Observer Training and Support Officer Manasseh Avicks, Observer Training and Support Officer (North Pacific) Glen English, Observer Training and Support Officer (South Pacific) Ferral Lasi, Data Collection Officer

Result Areas • Result 2. 1: WCPFC is provided with efficient and costeffective data management services to support regional oceanic fisheries management • Result 2. 3: Enhanced national oceanic fishery monitoring and data management by SPC members to meet national and international obligations • Result 2. 4: Enhanced capacity of SPC members in fisheries monitoring, data management and data use

STAFF Tim Lawson Section Manager Deirdre Brogan Fisheries Monitoring Supervisor Peter Sharples Observer Support and Development Coordinator Sifa Fukofuka Senior Observer Trainer and Support Officer Manoi Kutan Observer Debriefer Training and Support Officer Manasseh Avicks Observer Training and Support Officer (North Pacific) Glen English Observer Training and Support officer (South Pacific) MAIN FOCUS Section administration and data analysis National fisheries monitoring programmes Observer training and support Ferral Lasi Data Collection Officer Sampling protocols, including paired grab and spill samples

Result 2. 1: WCPFC Services Activities in 2012 • Paired spill and grab samples were collected on purse seiners, and the size selectivity bias of grab samplers was estimated from paired samples from 25 trips. The results were published in Working Paper SC 7–ST–WP– 3. Funded by WCPFC since 2009, funding also provided by NZ for the Data Collection Officer since 2011. This project will terminate in 2013. • MFCL catch data were adjusted with species compositions determined from grab samples corrected for selectivity bias using a “high resolution” model. The adjusted data were used in the 2012 stock assessments.

Purse-seine species composition “heat maps”

Result 2. 1: WCPFC Services Activities in 2013 • Corrections for bias in purse-seine species composition data using the current method and a new multinomial approach will be examined using simulations. • MFCL species composition and length data will be determined from grab samples corrected for selectivity bias and the results will be used in stock assessments. • Continued collection of paired spill and grab samples on purse seiners. The goal is 15 more trips, including trips from Noro, Solomon Islands, for which data from port sampling of landing categories will also be compared.

Result 2. 3: Enhanced Fishery Monitoring in SPC Members Activities in 2012 • Provided regional coordination of national fishery monitoring: – MOUs updated for funding and assistance for Cook Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. – Duty travel by OFP staff to French Polynesia, Nauru and Solomon Islands to review tuna fishery statistical systems. • Developed and enhanced national observer programmes – Report of PIRFO Competency Based Training and Certification Project was finalised, with assistance from consultant Grant Carnie. – A PIRFO Trainer Assessor’s Workshop and a PIRFO Training Resources Workshop were held in Noumea. – An Artisanal Fishery Monitoring Guide and a Species Identification Guide for Small-Scale Fisheries were developed.

Result 2. 3: Enhanced Fishery Monitoring in SPC Members Activities in 2013 • Will provide technical support for tuna and artisanal data systems through in-country visits for six members. • Ninth Meeting of the SPC/FFA Tuna Fishery Data Collection Committee. Part 1 was held in Rarotonga in February. Part 2 may be held mid-year to finalise updates to the observer forms. • Data collection forms (5000 units shipped in 2012), sampling manuals, species guides, training videos, newsletters and other information will continue to be provided.

Pocket Species Identification Guide for Small-Scale Fisheries

Result 2. 4: Enhanced Monitoring Capacity in SPC Members Activities in 2012 • National Tuna Data Workshops were held in Tuvalu and Vanuatu, and the Sixth regional Tuna Data Workshop was held in Noumea. • Fourteen national and sub-regional observer training courses were held with 198 participants, of which 173 passed and were certified: ― 7 national observer training workshops (Cook Is, FSM, Solomon Islands x 2, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Fiji) ― 3 sub-regional observer training workshops (held in Suva, Santo x 2) ― 3 national (PNG) observer training workshops assisted (Kavieng x 3) ― Several country visits for pre-selection training and testing • Seven trainee observer trainers from Federated States of Micronesia (1), Fiji (1), Marchall Islands (1), Papua New Guinea (3), Solomon Islands (1) worked towards certification. • Two regional (Noumea, Honiara) and four national (PNG x 3, Kiribati) observer debriefer training workshops were held.

Country Cook Islands Number Trained Number Accredited 9 6 FSM 16 15 Fiji 22 18 Kiribati 29 22 Marshall Islands 12 11 Nauru 3 3 Palau 1 1 PNG 45 41 2 1 32 30 Tokelau 4 3 Tonga 8 7 Tuvalu 7 7 Vanuatu 8 8 198 173 Samoa Solomon Islands TOTAL

Country Number Debriefers Trained Cook Islands 1 Fiji 2 Kiribati 7 Marshall Islands 1 Nauru 2 Palau 1 PNG 63 Solomon Islands 8 Tonga 1 Tuvalu 1 Vanuatu 2 TOTAL 88

Funding for observer training and support • SCICOFish funding for three positions – Observer Coordinator, Senior Observer Trainer, Observer Trainer – terminates in late 2013 and early 2014. • New Zealand Aid funding for two positions – Observer Debriefer Training Officer, Observer Trainer – terminates in late 2014. • The meeting may wish to consider funding options for the long-term support of observer programmes.

Result 2. 4: Enhanced Monitoring Capacity in SPC Members Activities in 2013 • National Tuna Data Workshops are planned for Solomon Is and one other PICT. The Seventh Regional Tuna Fisheries Data Workshop and a Regional Artisanal Tuna Data Workshop will be held. • At least ten basic observer training courses, sub-regional or national, including pre-selection of participants and training of trainee trainers. • Trainee observer trainers will continue to work towards certification. • Three debriefer training courses (sub-regional or national) will be conducted for observers satisfying the prerequisites. • The 13 th Regional Observer Coordinators Workshop was held in Rarotonga in February.

A Plea to Members Regarding • Training – More to do than ever • Generics before professional training • Pre-selection criteria must be adhered to • Longer time to train non-graduates • Debriefing training (four (4) phases - time required) – Eligibility • Experience – sea time - different vessels • Communicates well • Good role model – Satisfactorily attends “Introduction to Debriefing” workshop (2 weeks) – On–site training (from 1 -6 months depending on resources) – Final Certification assessment (1 week – when assessor available)

A Plea to Members Regarding • Trainer development – – – Certified PIRFO Debriefer Satisfactory performance as PIRFO Debriefer Six attachments to PIRFO basic trainings Pass Level IV Train the Trainer course Certified as PIRFO Trainer • (employable as Trainer but cannot supervise PIRFO basic training) – Experience as PIRFO Trainer – Pass PIRFO (certificate IV level) “Assessor” assessment – Certified as “PIRFO Trainer and Assessor” • (employable as Trainer and Assessor and qualified to run PIRFO Basic Training courses (with assistance from PIRFO Trainers) and to Certify newly trained observers once they have completed all PIRFO competency standards)

Data Management

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT SECTION RESULT AREAS • Result 3. 1: WCPFC is provided with efficient and cost -effective data management services to support regional oceanic fisheries management • Result 3. 2: The oceanic fisheries management initiatives of FFA and other sub-regional fisheries organisations are supported by efficient and costeffective data management services • Result 3. 3: Enhanced NATIONAL oceanic fishery data management by SPC members to meet national and international obligations • Result 3. 4: Enhanced capacity of SPC members in data management and data use

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT - STAFF MAIN FOCUS Peter Williams Result Areas 3. 1, 3. 2 and 3. 4 Colin Millar Result Areas 3. 3 and 3. 4 Emmanuel Schneiter Result Areas 3. 1, 3. 3 and 3. 4 Bruno Deprez Result Areas 3. 3 and 3. 4 Bryan Scott Result Areas 3. 2 and 3. 4 Corey Cole Result Areas 3. 1, 3. 3 and 3. 4 Colley Falasi Result Areas 3. 1 and 3. 4 Section Manager Database Developer/Analyst (National) Database Developer/Analyst (Regional) Data Audit Officer (SCICOFISH) Fisheries IUU Liaison Officer (DEVISH 2) Observer data manager (WCPFC ROP) Observer data audit officer (WCPFC ROP) DATA CONTROL TECHNICIANS Nathalie, Stephanie, Christine, Sonja, Sylvie Tarina, Elodie, Nabila, Flavie, Gabby, Francoise, Virginie, Feva, Laure, Murphy, Albert

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT RESULT 3. 1 – WCPFC Data Support 2012 Highlights • WCPFC 2011 data compiled WCPFC stock assessments – Continued improvements in timeliness and quality of data provided. . • WCPFC SC working papers… • WCPFC Tuna Fishery Yearbook (2011) published – November 2012 • WCPFC public domain data (to 2010/2011) generated – November 2012 • Provision of summary catch/effort tables for the evaluation of tropical tunas CMM • Support for ROP (Regional Observer Programme) • Technical advice to WPEA OFM (Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam) – – Overview of the WCPO tuna fishery, 2011 Scientific data available to the WCPFC (highlighting data gaps) Estimates of Annual Catches in the WCPFC Statistical area Status of Observer Data Management – continued improvements in data gaps …

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT RESULT 3. 1 – WCPFC Data Support 2013 Work Plan • Continuation of standing commitments, including … – – – – – WCPFC Data compilation/management Various SC/TCC papers WCPFC Yearbook 2012 WCPFC public domain data Dissemination of WCFPC data (increasing Coastal and Flag-state requests) Data gaps input into Compliance Monitoring Reports (CMRs) Enhancement and ongoing maintenance of WCPFC Scientific data Web pages Technical advice to WPEA OFM … ad hoc requests … • ROP data management – Observer Data Manager, Audit officer and data entry technicians – Support for ROP data entry • SPC Noumea • WCPFC Secretariat • SPC Member countries – More comprehensive outputs for stock assessments and other WCPFC work – Increasing # of requests for provision of ROP data under WCPFC data rules

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT RESULT 3. 2 – FFA, PNA and others - Data Support 2012 Highlights • Provision / Receipt of data according to FFA/SPC Data Exchange agreement • Collaboration on National/Regional IMS initiatives • Sharing of database systems – – TUBs (Observer Viewer) to FFA Observer Debriefing System to FFA CES system to FFA OPM (Observer Placement management system) - access provided to SPC • Contribution to Regional MCS work (through IUU Liaison Officer) • Two papers provided for Annual US Treaty Consultation (March 2012) • Provision of data summaries – ongoing and ad hoc … – e. g. preparation for WCPFC meetings, LL and PS VDS, MOW, TVM, SC-SPTBF

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT RESULT 3. 2 – FFA, PNA and others - Data Support 2013 Work Plan • Enhancement of FFA/SPC Data Exchange agreement –. . and thereby both organisations can provide improved service to the member countries • Closer collaboration on National/Regional IMS initiatives – 2 nd SPC/FFA IMS meeting (7 th March 2013) – Joint member country visits – Agreed and complimentary work plans • Continuation of standing commitments, including … – – • Various data summaries prepared for FFA, PNA and other organisations’ meetings Papers for Annual US MLT Treaty consultation Data-related support to LL and PS VDS, MOW, TVM, SC-SPTBF, etc. Provision of SPC-developed database tools (e. g. VMS-Logsheet reconciliation) Continued contribution to FFA in MCS/IUU through the DEVFISH 2 position

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT RESULT 3. 3 – National Data Management Data Support 2012 Highlights • Database development – – – TUFMAN updated to version v 6. 27 TUF-ART (TUFMAN Artisanal) TUBs (observer – now web based) TUBs VIEWER (web-based) Observer Debriefing System (web –based) General move to web-based systems… • Database Installations/Distributions – – TUFMAN -- 14 member countries; synchronised with backups at SPC TUF-ART – 8 member countries TUBs (web-based) - 2 member countries on a trial basis + FFA OFP apps (e. g. CES) now available “on-demand” via secure download from SPC web site • Tools to distribute data and provide remote support, e. g. – FTP and YOUSENDIT – TEAMVIEWER – facilitating the transfer of electronic data/scans over the internet – facilitating the remote support of in-country database systems

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT RESULT 3. 3 – National Data Management Data Support 2013 Work Plan • Database development – Strong involvement in National IMS initiatives (with FFA) – General move to “web-based” products and CLOUD philosophy (with FFA) – New features planned for TUFMAN, TUBs and TUF-ART • Database Installations/Distributions – National IMS Systems – INTEGRATION is the key - Joint country visits with FFA – In-country and remote updates of new TUFMAN and TUF-ART versions, as required – TUBS web-based (Observer DB system) • Ongoing support for 2 countries (PNG and Solomon Islands) • New Installation in FIJI • On-board observer trial – New “web-based” query systems becoming available (e. g. Annual catch estimates)

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT RESULT 3. 3 – National Data Management Data Support 2013 Work Plan (continued) • Investigating E-Reporting potential (new project) – Recruit an E-Reporting Project Manager/Coordinator on short-term contract – A study of existing products, initiatives, evaluation, recommendations, etc. – Conduct two trials • PDF Purse seine Logsheet Form • Continue on-board Observer data entry • Continued enhancements to the “SPC Member Countries Tuna Fisheries” web pages … – (Wed. presentation)

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT RESULT 3. 4 – National Capacity building 2012 Highlights • 6 th Tuna Data Workshop (April 2012) • • • Regional TUFMAN Training Workshop (Dec 2012) Four in-country Data Audits (e. g. Vanuatu, RMI, Cooks, Solomon Is. ) Assist with National Tuna Data Workshops (e. g. Vanuatu, Tuvalu) Five SPC/OFP Attachment training (Sol. Is. [2], FSM, TK, KI) Other instances of database training – During visits to 8 member countries (TUFMAN)

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT RESULT 3. 4 – National Capacity building 2013 Work Plan • • 7 th Tuna Data Workshop (April 2013) Four SPC attachments planned for 2013 Continued assistance for National Tuna Data Workshops Data Auditing – In-country data audits (6 country visits planned) – Improve coverage with VMS/Logsheet Reconciliation system (hands-on and remote assistance) • TUFMAN and TUF-ART Training (in-country during visits) • Regional TUBs (Observer) Viewer Workshop (late 2013 at SPC Noumea)

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT MAIN CHALLENGES 2013 Work Plan • Assisting countries obtain sufficient resources to manage their data – Human resources (data management staff) • Ensuring Capacity Development in Data Management is appropriately targeted • Balancing ever increasing workload from clients (member countries, WCPFC, FFA and PNA) • Efficient allocation of SPC resources to respond to member country needs for data management …

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT MAIN CHALLENGES 2013 Work Plan National Observer Data Collection and Management a big task ! - Need to consider E-Reporting options ASAP… - Higher distribution of the observer data entry, so AUDITING these data will be important in the future … - Increase in Longline coverage (to 5%) will put stress on the system … Amount of observer data collected from the tropical WCPFC purse seine fishery in one year (WCPFC obligation for 100% coverage)

Ecosystem Monitoring & Analysis

Result Areas • Result 4. 1: Enhanced data on the biological characteristics of oceanic species and their environment are available to support stock assessment and ecosystem-based fisheries management. • Result 4. 2: Appropriate ecosystem models and analyses are available to inform ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Result Areas • Result 4. 3: Improved knowledge of the impacts of climate change on oceanic ecosystems to inform adaptation. • Result 4. 4: Regional oceanic fisheries policy and decision-making by WCPFC is informed by sciencebased information and advice on ecosystem issues.

Result Areas • Result 4. 5: FFA’s ecosystem-based fisheries management initiatives are supported by the best scientific information and advice. • Result 4. 6: Ecosystem-based management of oceanic fisheries by SPC members is supported by the best scientific information and advice.

Section Summary Section Management Enhanced Data Ecosystem and Climate Capacity Supplementation Capacity Enhancement Tuna Tagging Tuna-Climate SPC Members Joint Projects Tuna Biology Ecosystem Indicators WCPFC DWS Attachments Trophic Ecology Bycatch risks & mitigation Sub-regional CC Attachments Deepwater Snapper Climate Change Tuna Attachments

STAFF MAIN FOCUS Simon Nicol Section Manager Section Administration and supervision Valerie Allain Ecosystem-Climate Trophic Ecology, Bycatch Risks, Ecosystem Jeff Dubosc Taxonomy Indicators and Climate Change Elodie Vourey Taxonomy Ashley Williams DWS Deepwater Snapper Biology and Assessment Bruno Leroy Tuna Biology Tuna tagging and Tuna Biology Melanie Bunel DWS biology Hugues Gossuin DWS Fisheries Officer Caroline Sanchez Tag recovery Francois Roupsard Biological Sampling Dale Kolody Tagging Analyst Sylvain Caillot Database Engineer Section databases Larissa Fitzsimmons Bycatch Mitigation Fisheries Oceanographer SEAPODYM Modeller Tuna and climate change Tuna-Climate Recent Departures Sarah Bunce, Sarah Delauney, Jesus Jurado-Molina, Karine Briand

Highlights • Tuna tagging across the central and western Pacific. • Bycatch Mitigation database and characterisations • Tuna-climate and climate change analyses for SPC members. • Climate Change Capacity Enhancement. • Deepwater Snapper research cruises in South Pacific • Post graduate opportunities in DWS fisheries

Result 3. 1: Tuna Tagging PNG tagging Central Pacific

Result 3. 1: Tagging Analyses Mixing Assumptions Vertical Habitats Tagger Effects Correcting for data errors

Result 3. 1: Life-History • Tuna – WCPFC bigeye project – South Pacific Albacore biology published • Deepwater Snapper – Two cruises – Port sampling in Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu,

Result 3. 2: Ecosystem Modelling • Undertaken in collaboration with colleagues from CLS, CSIRO & IRD • SEAPODYM to model tuna distribution, abundance and the influence of environmental variability • ECOPATH/SIM to model the impact of tuna harvest and catch of non-target species on ecosystem structure and function

Tuna -Climate

Result 3. 3: Climate Change 2012 Achievements • Skipjack assessment updated • Monitoring for climate change • South Pacific albacore

Result 3. 4 – 3. 6: Advice 2012 Achievements WCPFC – By-catch Mitigation Information System – Ecosystem Indicators SPC – – – Bycatch characterisations Tuna-climate reports Tagging web-portals Participation in international working groups

2013 Workplan • Continue Technical Activities – PNG tagging Cruise – Role out of WCPO wide biological sampling for tuna – Inclusion of uncertainty in climate change analyses and monitoring – Continue bycatch characterisations, climate change impacts and ecosystem indicators – Expand BMIS to include marine mammals and interactive reference system – DWS monitoring and assessment in TO, VU, WS

2013 Workplan • Advice, Outreach, Capacity Enhancement – Web accessible information

2013 Workplan • Capacity Enhancement and attachments – DWS – Ph. D assistance to TO – DWS – MSc assistance to VU and WS – Climate Change – 3 -5 attachments available • 6 -12 weeks • Specific project • Country specific