22nd Regular Session of the Scientific Committee

SC22 will consider the proposed three-year process for prioritising the work of the Scientific Committee, including a scheduling-based approach to managing the increasing workload of the SC and the associated risks of delaying work or reducing the frequency of updates. SC22 will also consider the proposal to establish a small group to examine options for revising the stock assessment schedules for tunas, billfish and sharks, discuss proposed adjustments to the Ecosystem and Bycatch (EB) theme review schedule, and consider the proposal for the Secretariat to prepare a paper for SC23 compiling CMM review obligations requiring SC advice to support future prioritisation of the SC work programme.

At WCPFC22, the Commission requested the SC Vice-Chair to lead intersessional work to develop options for prioritising the work of the Scientific Committee for consideration at SC22. In response, WCPFC-SC22-2026-GN-WP05 presents a proposed framework to support a more sustainable and efficient management of the Scientific Committee's increasing workload while maintaining its existing mandate and considering the potential risks associated with changes to the timing and frequency of its work.