FFA Members Make Gains at WCPFC Committee

BIG EYE TUNA AND YELLOWFIN TUNA: This was again flagged as a key goal for this year's WCPFC in December with the record stating: "TCC4 noted that agreement on a BET and YFT CMM would be a principal
goal of WCPFC 5."
• ILLEGAL FISHING: Tonga's bid to seek WCPFC support for
  listing a Taiwanese vessel on the WCPFC Illegal, Unreported and
  Unregulated Vessel list, was supported by a recommendation from TCC4, which stated in the record: "TCC4 noted with concern the issue raised by Tonga regarding when a flag state has made sufficient satisfaction
  with respect to an IUU incident. Tonga's position statement on this
  matter, received strong support from CMMs."
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• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL ISLANDS: The needs of small
  island developing states were noted by the TCC4. Marshall Islands
  raised the issue of vessels purchased from Taiwan but withheld for use
  in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Members were encouraged to address these issues at the December meeting.
• TRANSHIPMENT: A working group will advance transhipment
  measures based on a proposal by a group of FFA members in response to concerns. Unregulated transhipment on the high seas supports illegal
  fishing because catches are not monitored and reported.
• VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM: TCC4 recommended approval of
  standards for a vessel monitoring system (to track and monitor fishing
  vessels) for all vessels in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and
  for the system to be in place by 1 April 2009. FFA is to enter into a
  service agreement with WCPFC for the creation of the WCPFC vessel
  monitoring system.

ENDS

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