5th Regional Observer Programme Intersessional Working Group

The WCPFC21 update paper on intersessional activities of the ROP-IWG (WCPFC21-2024-16) included two attachments that each contains suggested changes to the MSDF:

•            Annex 1 - paper (SC20-ST-WP-04) had proposed changes to the WCPFC Minimum Standard Data Fields (MSDFs) for observer monitoring on purse seine, longline and pole and line vessels provided by the Secretariat and ROP-IWG participants prior to July 2024. 

•            Annex 1A – a supplementary paper presenting some additional and supplementary draft suggested amendments to the MSDF, prepared by the ROP-IWG Chair and Secretariat between TCC20 and WCPFC21. 

The Secretariat has prepared a consolidated version of suggested changes to the MSDF, which were contained in Annex 1 and Annex 1A to the WCPFC21 paper 16 (Working Paper 02 for this meeting)

• Working Paper 02 Annex A includes the additional suggestions and comments of ROP-IWG participants that were received in 2024.  There are also notes and placeholders to recognize further work is required by the ROP-IWG, for example additional discussions and additional amendments are expected to the data fields for Observer Trip Monitoring Summary, and Species of Special Interest (these data fields will be further discussed under Agenda Item 4).  
• Working Paper 02 Annex B provides a concise version highlighting the suggested changes to the MSDF only.

Participants in the virtual meeting will be invited to provide feedback and comments.  The Chair will also 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.