Second South Pacific Albacore Allocation Workshop

Background:
SPAA01 considered zone-based, flag/CCM-based and hybrid allocation frameworks, including possible arrangements for coastal State CCMs to receive high seas fishing opportunities. All coastal State and Participating Territory CCMs supported a zone-based framework comprising EEZ and high seas allocations, while several non-coastal State CCMs expressed willingness to consider this approach, subject to further clarification. One CCM preferred retaining a CCM-based option. Despite some convergence, the choice of allocation framework remained unresolved and requires further consideration at SPAA02.

SPAA02 action:
Building on the consolidated scenarios under Agenda Item 4.1 and areas of convergence identified at SPAA01, SPAA02 should seek to narrow the allocation frameworks for consideration at WCPFC23. Discussions should focus on practical differences in how each framework would allocate the MP-generated catch limit, address EEZ and high seas fishing opportunities, apply relevant allocation criteria, and determine indicative CCM-level proportional shares or fishing opportunities, rather than revisit general positions on allocation approaches.