21st Regular Session of the Scientific Committee

In response to the Commission’s tasking (para 669, WCPFC21 Summary Report), SC21 will review background information provided by the SSP and develop scientific advice for WCPFC22 on appropriate requirements for effective reporting of cetacean interactions in tuna and associated species fisheries. This work may include consideration of data types, collection methods, reporting formats, and alignment with SciData provisions to ensure robust and consistent monitoring across gear types, particularly in support of implementing CMM 2024-07 (CMM for Protection of Cetaceans from Purse Seine and Longline Fishing Operations) and enhancing cetacean interaction data from both longline and purse seine operations.

SC21 will review the SSP’s information and advise the Commission on effective reporting of cetacean interactions.