5th Regional Observer Programme Intersessional Working Group

The 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) A paper that provides further background information on the Use of ROP data in the CMS can be found here.

There are two topics proposed for discussion under Agenda Item 4.

• 4.1 Review of Observer Trip Monitoring Summary data fields and current pre-notification process and challenges
• 4.2 Considerations for defining scientific interactions for SSI and potential violations of SSI related obligations