22nd Regular Session of the Commission

The Commission’s Scientific Services Provider, (SPC), will make a presentation on “Ecosystem and Climate Indicators” to share the best available scientific data on potential impacts from climate change on WCPFC fisheries and related ecosystems.  

At WCPFC21, the Commission adopted a Terms of Reference to guide a consultancy on a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment in 2025 (see Attachment 14 of the WCPFC21 Summary Report). The consultants will present the outcomes of their work for consideration by the Commission.

The Commission will also consider the activities of its subsidiary bodies in 2025 to incorporate climate change into its mandate and review its 2026 workplan to ensure climate change considerations are adequately reflected in the Commission’s work and determine whether any adjustments are required.

At WCPFC20, the Commission tasked the Secretariat with continuing to provide a brief that summarises updates on international and regional fishery bodies (RFB) developments (see para 22 of WCPFC20 Summary Report). This brief will be provided under Agenda Item 16 on Cooperation with Other Organizations and International Ocean Governance Issues.

Note: WCPFC19 took a decision to “…include Climate Change as a standing agenda item and to prioritize discussion of how best to incorporate climate change information and analyses in its work, as well as the work of TCC and the NC.” (para 343 of WCPFC19 Summary Report).