21st Regular Session of the Scientific Committee

This project aims to assess the feasibility of investigating stock connectivity for yellowfin and skipjack tuna, with a focus on Region 2 (yellowfin) and Region 5 (skipjack) in the western Pacific and East Asia and their connectivity to the wider WCPFC Convention Area. SC20 highlighted the need to reduce uncertainty in stock assessments and produce better CMMs by understanding the unique characteristics and potential biological distinctness of these regions. Project 128 explores the sampling framework, techniques, regional capacity, and associated costs for future tissue-based genetic studies. 

SC21 will consider the proposed TOR and budget for the entire project, targeting results to inform stock assessments in the 2028/2029 cycle and ongoing harvest strategy development.