21st Regular Session of the Scientific Committee

SC21 notes that the Commission agreed in principle to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) for South Pacific albacore and endorsed the framework in WCPFC21-2024-DP14b as a guide. According to the guide, the US will draft the JWG terms of reference for review by both IATTC and WCPFC. At the same time, the WCPFC Secretariat, in collaboration with the WCPFC Chair, will develop a workplan and timeline and ensure stakeholders are kept informed. (paras 735-738, WCPFC21 Summary Report). 

SC21 will review the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) and provide advice and suggestions as needed to the Commission, noting the SC’s role in contributing scientific input to help refine the scope of the JWG, identify key scientific issues, and ensure that the TOR aligns with scientific priorities for the management of South Pacific albacore. 

In response to a request from the Commission on the Secretariat’s support to SSP’s genetic sampling of SP albacore in the southern IATTC area (para 466, WCPFC21 Summary Report), SSP noted that they are in a position to renew a recently expired MOU between SPC and IATTC that would allow the two agencies to collaborate on projects of mutual interest.