22nd Regular Session of the Scientific Committee

SC22 will consider updates from the first meeting of the Joint WCPFC–IATTC Working Group on South Pacific albacore (SPAJWG01) and provide guidance on priority areas and identify any additional issues requiring further development in advance of the next SPAJWG meeting.

• SPAJWG01 established a foundation for strengthened cooperation between the two Commissions on the management of this shared stock, including agreement on pragmatic working arrangements, the need to avoid duplication of existing processes, and the importance of clear reporting pathways and Secretariat coordination. The SPAJWG reviewed stock status and noted that South Pacific albacore is not overfished, while recognising key uncertainties related to spatial structure, movement, and data limitations, particularly in the EPO. It also highlighted that WCPFC and IATTC are at different stages of management development, with WCPFC having adopted a CMM for the SPA MP and IATTC progressing toward reference points and emphasised the need for compatible management approaches rather than identical measures. Priority issues identified included improving transparency and consistency in the overlap area, strengthening data exchange and harmonisation, enhancing scientific coordination for the 2027 pan-South Pacific stock assessment, and advancing work on compatible measures. For intersessional work, the Working Group agreed to develop a reference document on stock status and fisheries, progress shared data standards and analytical approaches, prepare a joint scientific research plan with indicative resource requirements, and further develop a framework for compatible measures, while continuing collaboration between SPC and IATTC scientists. The second meeting is expected to be held in early 2027.