6th Regional Observer Programme Intersessional Working Group

The WCPFC Regional Observer Programme (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).

Discussions during TCC20, led to the tasks from the Commission that the ROP-IWG prioritize in 2025 the review of the ROP Minimum Standard data fields, the review of the pre-notification process adopted during WCPFC12, and to develop a standardized process for the use of ROP data in the CCFS. 

The Chair of the ROP-IWG will present Working Paper 01, which is a discussion paper that considers some of the ROP-IWG05 discussions, and aims to support ROP-IWG participants in reviewing and considering potential amendments to the pre-notification process adopted during WCPFC12.  Participants in the virtual meeting will be invited to share views, proposals and comments.