22nd Regular Session of the Scientific Committee

This agenda item marks the first formal introduction of pollutant-related research within the Scientific Committee, positioned under the Pacific Marine Specimen Bank (PMSB) framework. It reflects the growing use of PMSB samples for food safety and ecosystem-related analyses, including studies on mercury, persistent organic pollutants, plastics, and stable isotopes, which are already emerging within ongoing and completed research projects linked to the PMSB. The inclusion of this item at SC22 follows SC21 endorsement to advance a dedicated Working Paper on isotope, mercury, and other pollutant studies, signaling a shift toward integrating contaminant monitoring into tuna research while remaining grounded in existing biological sampling infrastructure. This development expands the scientific scope of PMSB beyond traditional stock assessment inputs toward broader ecosystem and human health considerations, without yet being framed as a core Ecosystem and Bycatch (EB) theme activity. SC22 will provide comments and recommendations on the future placement and treatment of this agenda item.