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”

Objectives1. 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 ProgrammeJohn Hampton

Paul JuddHelene Ixeco

Nathalie LemesleStock Assessment &

ModellingShelton HarleyWCPFC Services

- Simon Hoyle- Nick Davies

- Joel Rice- New position

National Services- Tim Adams

- New position (GEF)- New position (NZAID)

FFA & Sub-regional- Graham Pilling- Aaron Berger

- Carola Kirchner

IT Support- Fabrice Bouye

Oceanic Fisheries Data Management

Peter WilliamsData

Acquisition/Quality Control

- Bruno Deprez - Data Control

Technicians (10-14)- Corey Cole

- Colley Chow

National Services & Capacity Building

- Colin Millar- Emmanuel Schneiter

- Bryan Scott

WCPFC Services

Oceanic Fisheries MonitoringTim Lawson

Observer Training & Coordination- Peter Sharples

- Siosifa Fukofuka- Manasseh Avics

- Manoi Kutan- Glen English- Ferral Lasi

National Fishery Monitoring Support

- Deirdre Brogan- Hugues Gossuin (NC)

- Taiana Raoux (FP)

WCPFC Services

Ecosystem Monitoring & Assessment

Simon NicolTuna Tagging & Biology

- 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

14%

15%

22%

2%3%2%2%2%

3%

8%

3%2%

17%

5%Core/programme

AusAID projects

European Union

French Pacific Fund

French Polynesia

GIZ

Japan

Korea

New Caledonia

New Zealand

PNG

University of Hawaii

WCPFC

Other

Upcoming Funding Issues

• 2013 is 3rd 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 SciCOFish (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 science-based 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

Quantity Median 5%ile MSY 99,085 46,560 Catch 2007-2010 78,664 76,231 Catch 2010 89,790 87,019 YFcurr 66,255 46,330 YF2007-2010 / MSY 0.70 0.37 BF2007-2010 /BMSY 1.49 0.96 B2007-2010 /BMSY 1.62 1.37 SBF2007-2010 / SBMSY 2.39 0.94 SB2007-2010 /SBMSY 2.56 1.46 F2007-2010 /FMSY 0.21 0.04 SB2007-2010/SB2007-2010F=0 0.63 0.35

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 .....

CATCH AREA

SPC PICT waters Other countries waters High Seas

Increase in total catches 94% 57% 1%

Change in proportion of overall catch 18% -2% -57%

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 HoF• 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 7th 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 MonitoringTim Lawson, Principal Fisheries Scientist

Deirdre Brogan, Fisheries Monitoring SupervisorPeter Sharples, Observer Support and Development Coordinator

Sifa Fukofuka, Observer Training and Support OfficerManasseh 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 cost-effective 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 MAIN FOCUSTim Lawson Section Manager Section administration and data analysisDeirdre Brogan Fisheries Monitoring Supervisor

National fisheries monitoring programmes

Peter Sharples Observer Support and Development CoordinatorSifa Fukofuka Senior Observer Trainer and Support OfficerManoi Kutan Observer Debriefer Training and Support OfficerManasseh Avicks Observer Training and Support Officer (North Pacific)Glen English Observer Training and Support officer (South Pacific)

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 SC7–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”

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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 Number Trained

Number Accredited

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

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 13th 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 (2weeks)– 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 cost-effective 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

STAFF MAIN FOCUSPeter WilliamsSection Manager

Result Areas 3.1, 3.2 and 3.4

Colin MillarDatabase Developer/Analyst (National)

Result Areas 3.3 and 3.4

Emmanuel SchneiterDatabase Developer/Analyst (Regional)

Result Areas 3.1, 3.3 and 3.4

Bruno DeprezData Audit Officer (SCICOFISH)

Result Areas 3.3 and 3.4

Bryan ScottFisheries IUU Liaison Officer (DEVISH2)

Result Areas 3.2 and 3.4

Corey ColeObserver data manager (WCPFC ROP)

Result Areas 3.1, 3.3 and 3.4

Colley FalasiObserver data audit officer (WCPFC ROP)

Result Areas 3.1 and 3.4

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…– 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

• 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)

– 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– 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– 2nd SPC/FFA IMS meeting (7th 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 DEVFISH2 position

OFP DATA MANAGEMENT

RESULT 3.3 – National Data Management Data Support 2012 Highlights

• Database development– TUFMAN updated to version v6.27– 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 – facilitating the transfer of electronic data/scans over the

internet– TEAMVIEWER – 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

• 6th 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

• 7th 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 science-based 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 SummarySection

Management

Ecosystem and Climate Enhanced Data Capacity

SupplementationCapacity

Enhancement

Tuna Tagging

Tuna Biology

Trophic Ecology

Deepwater Snapper

Tuna-Climate

Ecosystem Indicators

Bycatch risks & mitigation

Climate Change

SPC Members

WCPFC

Sub-regional

Joint Projects

DWS Attachments

CC Attachments

Tuna Attachments

STAFF MAIN FOCUSSimon Nicol Section Manager Section Administration and supervisionValerie Allain Ecosystem-ClimateJeff Dubosc TaxonomyElodie Vourey Taxonomy

Trophic Ecology, Bycatch Risks, Ecosystem Indicators and Climate Change

Ashley Williams DWSMelanie Bunel DWS biologyHugues Gossuin DWS Fisheries Officer

Deepwater Snapper Biology and Assessment

Bruno Leroy Tuna BiologyCaroline Sanchez Tag recoveryFrancois Roupsard Biological SamplingDale Kolody Tagging Analyst

Tuna tagging and Tuna Biology

Sylvain Caillot Database Engineer Section databasesLarissa Fitzsimmons Bycatch Bycatch MitigationFisheries Oceanographer Tuna and climate changeSEAPODYM Modeller Tuna-Climate

Recent DeparturesSarah 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

Vertical Habitats

Tagger Effects

Mixing Assumptions

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: Advice2012 AchievementsWCPFC

– By-catch Mitigation Information System

– Ecosystem Indicators

SPC– Bycatch characterisations– Tuna-climate reports– Tagging 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 – PhD assistance to TO– DWS – MSc assistance to VU and WS– Climate Change – 3-5 attachments available • 6-12 weeks• Specific project• Country specific