Second Bigeye Management Workshop

Background:

Drawing on the MP design and HCR information presented under Agenda Items 3.2 and 5, BMW02 will consider how the BET MP would operate across successive three-year management periods and how its outputs would translate into Commission management decisions. A key issue is which elements of the HCR are predetermined and whether the balance between longline catch limits and FAD closure periods would be selected or reconsidered by the Commission in each management period. This distinction becomes important when estimated stock status moves off the Hillary Step plateau, as continued application of a predetermined HCR along its descending limb could result in substantial changes in fishing pressure and raise the need for constraints between management periods.

BMW02 action:

BMW02 should clarify the intended operational cycle of the MP, including when the longline/FAD balance is selected or reconsidered, which HCR elements remain predetermined, and whether constraints on changes in fishing pressure between management periods are required. BMW02 should also provide direction on how MP outputs would be implemented through the Tropical Tuna CMM, including treatment of fisheries outside direct MP control and the relationship between catch-based MP outputs and effort-based arrangements such as the VDS, and identify any operational arrangements requiring further SSP evaluation before the Special SC Session and WCPFC23.