Oceanic Fisheries Programme

OFP Goal (FAME Strategic Plan ) “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”

Oceanic Fisheries Programme Stock Assessment & Modelling WCPFC Services Sub-Regional &National Services IT Support Data Management Data Acquisition & Quality Control National Services & Capacity Building WCPFC Services Fisheries Monitoring Observer Training & Support National Fishery Monitoring Support WCPFC Services Ecosystem Monitoring & Assessment Tuna Tagging & Biology Ecosystem Dynamics & Climate Change Ecosystem Modelling Deep Water Snapper By-Catch Monitoring

Oceanic Fisheries Programme Client-based scientific service delivery – SPC members – FFA and sub-regional groups – WCPFC Capacity building a major cross-cutting theme 2015 projected budget approximately 8.6 million CFP units

Funding and Projects Source of fundsApproximate 2015 Income (CFP Units) SPC core1,200,000 Programme funding (AUS)900,000 Programme funding (NZ)300,000 WCPFC services and projects (WCPFC)2,400,000 SciCOFish (EU)790,000 Food security projects (AUS)960,000 Science & information project (NZ)690,000 PIOFMPII (GEF)390,000 Other miscellaneous project sources1,200,000

Stock Assessment & Modelling Regional stock assessments for tuna and tuna-like species undertaken Subregional fisheries management initiatives supported National fisheries management initiatives supported Capacity built and communication improved

Recent highlights

key areas

Other emerging issues Capacity building Independent reviews Scientific review Increased bioeconomic analysis Harvest Control Rules Improve communication WCPFC decisions More short-term attachments Data analysis training National needs

Some guidance from you … Is this still a priority area? How does it compare to other priorities? If we can’t do it all – which parts are important?

Fisheries Monitoring Tim Lawson, Principal Fisheries Scientist Deirdre Brogan, Fisheries Monitoring Supervisor Peter Sharples, Observer Support and Development Coordinator Siosifa Fukofuka, Observer Training and Support Officer Manoi Kutan, Observer Debriefer Training and Support Officer 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 cost-effective fishery monitoring and analytical services to support regional oceanic fisheries Result 2.2: Enhanced national oceanic fishery monitoring by SPC members to meet national and international obligations Result 2.3: Enhanced capacity of SPC members in fisheries monitoring, data management and data use

STAFF – 2013 to March 2015MAIN FOCUS Section Manager Administration and data analysis Fisheries Monitoring Supervisor National fisheries monitoring programmes Observer Support and Development Coordinator Senior Observer Trainer and Support Officer Observer Debriefer Training and Support Officer (to March 2015) Observer Training and Support Officer (to Dec 2014) Observer support and training Data Collection Officer (to Aug 2013) Sampling protocols, including paired grab and spill samples

STAFF – from April 2015MAIN FOCUS Section Manager Section administration and data analysis Fisheries Monitoring Supervisor National fisheries monitoring programmes Observer Programme Adviser Observer Programme Training Coordinator Observer support and training EU/SCICOFISH and NZ Aid project funding ends in March FMS, OPA & OPTC positions will be on programme funding (AusAid) from April 2015 onwards. What level of regional support for observer programmes is required in the future? To be discussed tomorrow (WP6).

Result 2.1: WCPFC Services Activities in WCPFC Project 60: “Collection and Evaluation of Purse-Seine Species Composition Data” to compare spill samples and grab samples collected on purse seiners was completed. The final report was submitted to SC10 as Information Paper ST–IP–02. Purse-seine catches and length frequencies are now estimated from grab samples corrected for selectivity bias, using GLMs or pooling, on a regular basis. See Information Paper 4: FAME Programme Report, 2013–2014

Result 2.1: WCPFC Services Key Issue From the final report of WCPFC Project 60: “Spill sampling has been shown, on both a theoretical and empirical basis, to be a more accurate and reliable protocol for the collection of species and size composition data than grab sampling.” So, where to from here? SC10 has requested that a “Plan” for implementation be developed. But for SPC members, implementation is really up to the national observer programmes. All that is required is a bin on the vessel, an observer trained in spill sampling, and a cooperative crew. Some programmes, particularly PNG and Solomon Islands, have experienced observers that can train others. Otherwise, SPC can provide assistance.

Dimensions of the Standard Spill Sampling Bin See Information Paper SC10-ST–IP–02 for the spill sampling protocol.

Result 2.2: Enhanced Fisheries monitoring Activities in Data collection forms, sampling manuals, species ID guides and training videos were developed and distributed. MOUs were updated for provision of technical assiantance and funding for sampling programmes: Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. In-country technical assistance was provided: FSM, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu. Attachment training at SPC was provided: Kiribati, Marshall islands. Pacific Island Regional Fisheries Observer (PIRFO) standards were developed. See Information Paper 4: FAME Programme Report, 2013–2014

PIRFO Tuna Purse-Seine Training Videos PIRFO Purse-Seine Fish ID Cards

Result 2.2: Enhanced Fisheries Monitoring Key Issues A large number of requests to implement and support national artisanal tuna monitoring programmes have been received; however, SPC manpower is limited. Resource materials for implementing artisanal fishery monitoring are now available, so some members may only require remote SPC assistance. In 2015, activities will re-focus on reviewing the status of national tuna monitoring systems, with feedback to members. AusAID funds for supporting tuna monitoring programmes – such as personnel and equipment – are available in 2015.

AusAid Artisanal Fishery Monitoring Logo Artisanal Fishery Monitoring in Kiribati Tuvalu Workshop, April 2014

Result 2.3: Enhanced Capacity Activities in Tuna fishery observer training courses: 12 in 2013 and 6 in 2014 Observer debriefer training courses: 5 in 2013 and 5 in 2014 Training of observer trainers: 9 national trainers now certified, 4 trainees Regional Observer Coordinator’s Workshop PIRFO Trainers Workshop Annual Regional Tuna Data Workshop National Tuna Data Workshops: Samoa and Tuvalu in 2013, Tuvalu and Vanuatu in 2014 Regional Artisanal Tuna Data Workshop for 12 members in 2013 See Information Paper 4: FAME Programme Report, 2013–2014

Regional Observer Coordinators Workshop February 2015, Noumea

Result 2.3: Enhanced capacity Key Issues The Observer Programme Training Coordinator will transition from training to coordinating. This will allow the OPTC to also coordinate debriefer training courses and on-the-job debriefer training. Observer and debriefer training will incorporate e-reporting and e- monitoring, alongside the development of PIRFO standards. Observer training may transition from national courses to sub-regional courses, in training centres such as the Vanuatu Maritime College in Santo, and possibly others (while PNG continues its training at NFC). Training in Frontline Management, with mentors, will also be conducted.

From “Careers Paths For Tuna Fishery Observers” in the SPC Fisheries Newsletter #143 (Jan-Apr 2014) Observer  Debriefer  Observer Trainer  Frontline Manager The number of active observers has recently been about 450 per annum.

Data Management Services WCPFC Subregional fisheries agencies Member country - TOOLS / ADVICE Member country - TOOLS / ADVICE Member country - CAPACITY Data Management

Also supports Data Entry and national E-Reporting officers in PICTS Relatively large section covering diverse work…

 Data compilation/audit  WCPFC stock assessments  WCPFC SC working papers  WCPFC Tuna Fishery Yearbook  WCPFC public domain data  Summary Tables to evaluate CMM on Tropical tunas  Data gaps input into CMRs  ROP (Regional Observer Programme) Data Management  Technical advice to WPEA OFM (Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam) Data Management Services WCPFC

Data Management Services  Collaboration on IMS initiatives  Better integration/sharing of regional database systems  Consistent observer database - SPC/FFA/PNAO/WCPFC  New web reporting tools for FFA and PNAO work  Collaboration with E-Reporting/E-Monitoring initiatives (e.g. PNA iFIMS observer tablet initiative)  Data summaries to support regional meetings / processes  Support to FFA/PNAO in preparation for WCPFC meetings  PS and LL VDS (PNAO)  US Treaty consultations and MOC (FFA) Subregional fisheries agencies (FFA, PNAO, TVM, etc.) Subregional fisheries agencies (FFA, PNAO, TVM, etc.)

Data Management Services  Data Processing Services at SPC  National Database tools  TUFMAN, TUF-ART, CES  Expansion of Observer data entry in-country (TUBs)  New TUFMAN 2 development  New web reporting tools  E-Reporting and E-Monitoring products and support (see HOF9 WP-7)  Improving data quality and coverage (audits) Member country - TOOLS / ADVICE Member country - TOOLS / ADVICE

Data Management Services  Annual Tuna Data Workshops (April 2015)  SPC Attachments (four per year)  In-country National DM Workshops  In-country Database system training  Improve capacity for satisfying WCFPC reporting obligations (training in web tools)  Establishment of OFP DATA HELPDESK  PIRFO Observer web site update Member country - CAPACITY

Data Management – Emerging priorities DATA  Better quality  More timely  More accessible  More efficient  More cost effective DATA  Better quality  More timely  More accessible  More efficient  More cost effective E-Reporting and E-Monitoring (trials leading to implementation) Enhanced DATA SHARING (National IMS and TUFMAN-2) Enhanced REPORTING TOOLS for INTEGRATING different data types (National IMS and web reporting tools) Enhanced DATA QUALITY and COVERAGE through reports and targeted auditing Enhanced training techniques and tools to BUILD CAPACITY

Ecosystem Monitoring & Assessment Tom Peatman Tagging Elodie Vourey Lab Valerie Allain Ecosystems Sylvain Caillot Databases Bruno Leroy Tagging Ashley Williams Snapper Caroline Sanchez Tagging Francois Roupsard Tuna Tissue Bank Francisco Abascal Marie-Currie ++ Team CLSTeam IRD + + Team LewisTeam PNG

Oceanic Fisheries Programme Ecosystem Monitoring & Assessment Tuna Tagging & Biology Ecosystem Dynamics & Climate Change Ecosystem Modelling Deep Water Snapper By-Catch Monitoring 1.~35000 tuna tagged 2.WCPO Tissue Bank 1.~35000 tuna tagged 2.WCPO Tissue Bank 1.2 scientific cruises 2.CC Monitoring 3.Improved CC forecasting 1.2 scientific cruises 2.CC Monitoring 3.Improved CC forecasting 1.Ecosystem effects of fishing 2.Seapodym for 5 species 1.Ecosystem effects of fishing 2.Seapodym for 5 species 1.Cost effective monitoring 2.Harvest Control Rules 1.Cost effective monitoring 2.Harvest Control Rules 1.Baseline analyses 2.Food security species 1.Baseline analyses 2.Food security species 1.Equatorial tuna biology 2.Stock provenance & mixing 1.Equatorial tuna biology 2.Stock provenance & mixing 1.eDNA and meta barcoding 2.Ocean acidification 3.Adaptation 1.eDNA and meta barcoding 2.Ocean acidification 3.Adaptation 1.Microplastic contamination 2.Wildlife forensic information 1.Microplastic contamination 2.Wildlife forensic information 1.Application to Data poor fisheries 1.National by-catch policies 2.Standards for effective mitigation 1.National by-catch policies 2.Standards for effective mitigation Emerging Priorities

Tuna Tagging & Biology Highlights Tuna Tagging & Biology Highlights 20 YFT tags ≥ 24hrs Surface Behaviour Data coverage  red =  surface  white =  data Compile spatial information on tuna vertical behaviours

Tuna Tissue Bank Highlights Tuna Tissue Bank Highlights BioDaSys Provide a world class bank of biological samples for WCPO Remove the long time-lags associated with sample collection Provide for complete spatial & temporal coverage Underlying relationships for stock assessment (e.g. growth) Trophic & CC monitoring Certification and IUU

Ecosystems, Bycatch, CC Monitoring Highlights Ecosystems, Bycatch, CC Monitoring Highlights Resilient Ecosystem to perturbations Sensitive to changes in tuna forage Sharks, swordfish and marlin most impacted by tuna fisheries (direct and indirect effects)

SEAPODYM & CC Modelling Yellowfin Model CC Forcings with ENSO Web accessibility Skipjack, albacore, bigeye, yellowfin and swordfish models available Explore EEZ scale influences of climate and fishing Edited 27 papers for Special Issue of Deep-Sea Research Part II on climate change and fisheries – Improved international recognition of OFP as a centre for Pacific CC research.

Deepwater Snapper Species ID Cost effective monitoring methods Biological parameters for assessment Indicators for applying harvest control rules

Capacity Short course and in- country training – Specifically focussed on using and understanding SEAPODYM 4 Pacific Island Post Graduate students 3 long term Pacific Island attachments International attachments

key activities Central Pacific tagging with industry collaboration to assess Drifting FAD influences Incorporation of tagging in tuna models Bigeye and Yellowfin assessment parameters PS Bycatch assessments Mitigation analyses Continued biodiversity & CC monitoring Wildlife forensics (DNA, eDNA, fatty acid, chemical isotopes) Ocean acidification vulnerability analyses New CC simulations with ENSO and adaptation Apply first data poor fishery approach to a DWS assessment

Summary Established EMA section as a leading knowledge centre for pelagic ecology in the Pacific. Established a worldwide network of collaboration. Work plan developed to support the other sections of OFP and to deliver practical ecosystem and bycatch advice to SPC members and other (sub) regional bodies. Work plan provides opportunity for long term attachments to build and supplement capacity