22nd Regular Session of the Scientific Committee

SC22 will review progress on Project 125, including developments in sampling design, coverage across species, sizes, sexes, and regions, and readiness for biological data collection and analysis, taking into account linkages with Project 118 and broader sampling plan development, with annual updates through 2027 and a final report expected in 2028.

• This four-year project (2025–2028) aims to improve biological information for striped marlin, blue marlin, black marlin, shortbill spearfish, and sailfish in the WCPO through the collection and analysis of biological samples from longline fisheries. Samples, including fin spines, otoliths, maturity data, and length measurements, will be used to estimate age, growth, maturity, and reproductive parameters, improve length-weight and length-length conversion factors, and support estimates of stock productivity and future stock assessments. Sampling is intended to be spatially and temporally stratified across the WCPO and representative of sex and size classes for each species. Activity since project formalisation in March 2025 has focused on preparatory work, including the development of training materials, pending guidance from Project 118. SC21 agreed that the development of structured biological sampling plans for billfish and sharks is important to improving stock assessments and scientific advice and supported further work on proportional sampling approaches to improve the representativeness of biological data collection.