21st Regular Session of the Scientific Committee

Under the EU-funded, 3-year Project 100c (Preparing WCP tuna fisheries for application of CKMR methods to resolve key stock assessment uncertainties, 2023-2025), SC20 reviewed the CKMR feasibility and design study for South Pacific albacore and recognized the capability of regional sampling teams to collect up to 84,000 tissue samples over three years for CKMR analysis in South Pacific albacore stock assessments. SC20 recommended that the SSP consider follow-up studies on South Pacific albacore to improve CKMR analyses, including finer-scale sampling, potential multiple stocks, data integration, and factors influencing population structure.

SC21 will review progress made to date, including implementation of SOPs and the collection of 10,000–15,000 tissue samples in 2025, and provide guidance on the future application of CKMR in stock assessment frameworks.