6th Regional Observer Programme Intersessional Working Group: Full Annotated Agenda

1. Opening

The Chair of the ROP-IWG, Mr Lucas Tarapik, (Papua New Guinea) will open the meeting and invite the meeting to confirm the draft agenda.
2. CCFS Process Flow from Observer Provider to WCPFC

The WCPFC Regional Observer Programme (ROP) was established pursuant to Article 28 of the Convention “to collect verified catch data, other scientific data and additional information related to the fishery from the Convention Area and to monitor the implementation of the conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission.” The ROP has at its core, the collection of independent, verified catch and scientific data at-sea which can also be used for compliance purposes in monitoring CCMs’ implementation of CMMs.
The primary use of ROP data in the Compliance Monitoring Scheme (CMS) to date, has been as an independently collected data source. Since 2016, ROP data has been used in the online Compliance Case File System (CCFS). The stated purpose is that the CCFS is to be maintained “as a secure, searchable system to store, manage and make available information to assist CCMs with tracking alleged violations by their flagged vessels.” (CMM 2023-04).
Discussions during TCC20, led to the tasks from the Commission that the ROP-IWG prioritize in 2025 the review of the ROP Minimum Standard data fields, the review of the pre-notification process adopted during WCPFC12, and to develop a standardized process for the use of ROP data in the CCFS.
The Chair of the ROP-IWG will present Working Paper 01, which is a discussion paper that considers some of the ROP-IWG05 discussions, and aims to support ROP-IWG participants in reviewing and considering potential amendments to the pre-notification process adopted during WCPFC12. Participants in the virtual meeting will be invited to share views, proposals and comments.
3. Improving the WCPFC Minimum Standard Data Fields (MSDFs) for observer monitoring on purse seine, longline and pole and line vessels

Working Paper 2 presents the consolidated list of recommended refinements, additions, modifications and removals, from the WCPFC Minimum Standard Data Fields (MSDFs) for observer monitoring on purse seine, longline and pole and line vessels. This paper was updated considering the discussions at ROP-IWG05 and to take into account the feedback from two CCMs during the intersessional period. The Chairs intends that Working Paper 2 would serve as a reference document for ROP-IWG06 participants, and discussions during ROP-IWG06 meeting will focus on two supplementary papers that have been prepared to support further consideration of refinements to the WCPFC Minimum Standard Data Fields (MSDFs).
- 3.1 Consider scope of refinements to the ROP MSDFs, including Observer Trip Monitoring Summary, to support identification of potential alleged infringements of CMM obligations
  The Chair will lead a discussion on Working Paper 2_supplement 1 which presents a list of the obligations in CMMs where observers could collect data that can be used to monitor implementation of CMMs, including potential alleged infringements. The list of obligations in CMMs include:
  - Observer Obstruction
  - Driftnet Prohibition
  - Fishing on Data Buoys prohibition
  - Marine Pollution
  - FAD Closure – Tropical purse seine
  - Seabirds
  - Sea Turtles
  - Mobulid Rays
  - Sharks
  - Whale Sharks
  - Cetaceans
  ROP-IWG participants will be invited to share views, proposals and comments on the scope of potential infringements to be covered by ROP observer data collection for WCPFC CCFS Cases.
- 3.2 Review subset list of data fields that are recommended for removal from ROP MSDFs
  
  The Chair will lead a discussion on the list to review the list of ROP Minimum Standard data fields where feedback to date indicates some support, and no objections, to recommending their removal from the ROP MSDFs. The list is presented in on Working Paper 2_supplement 2. Participants in the virtual meeting will be invited to confirm the list of data fields that are recommended for removal.
- 3.3 Discuss the next steps for review and refinement of ROP MSDFs, including implementation considerations
  
  The Chair will lead a discussion on the next steps and planned 2025 programme of work for the review of the WCPFC Minimum Standard Data Fields (MSDFs) for observer monitoring on purse seine, longline and pole and line vessels.
4. Consider whether new ROP minimum data fields related to non-fish transfers could support monitoring of at-sea transshipment activities

The Secretariat will introduce Working Paper 3 ROP-IWG participants will be invited to share views, proposals and comments on the paper and this will be used to further consider proposals for changes to observer minimum data fields for monitoring transshipment and the formulation of other recommendations related to “other supplies”.
5. Update of ROP-IWG workplan and confirmation of priorities for 2025

The Chair will confirm the priority tasks to be progressed in 2025, and the plan for the intersessional period noting that updates on the ROP-IWG will be presented to SC21 and TCC21. Participants will discuss the possibility of holding a third virtual meeting in July to support further work on revisions to the MSDFs ahead of SC21.
6. Closing

A Chair’s Summary Report will be prepared as the record of the discussion and outcomes.