Second South Pacific Albacore Allocation Workshop

Background:
SPAA01 established several elements for further allocation discussions, including a fixed data baseline through 2024, catch volume in metric tonnes as the primary metric, an allocation scope south of 10°S excluding the EEZs of Tokelau and Tuvalu, recognition of Participating Territories as coastal States, and broad support for a species-specific and non-precedential framework with transferability and flexibility. Key allocation questions remained unresolved, including the allocation framework, any EEZ/high seas split, application and weighting of Article 10(3) criteria, and apportionment of fishing opportunities among CCMs. Subsequently, SC22 confirmed the first SPA MP output of an annual catch limit of 56,096 mt for 2027–2029 and found no scientific impediment to implementation, providing a defined quantitative basis for SPAA02 allocation discussions.

SPAA02 action:
SPAA02 should take note of the SPAA01 areas of convergence, the MP-generated annual catch limit of 56,096 mt for 2027–2029, and any relevant TCC22 outcomes, without reopening matters already addressed through SPAA01 or SC22. Discussions should focus on the outstanding allocation questions, particularly the choice of allocation framework, any EEZ/high seas split, application of Article 10(3) criteria, and the approach to apportioning fishing opportunities among CCMs, with the aim of establishing a clear basis for further development of the allocation framework.