Second South Pacific Albacore Allocation Workshop

Background:
SPAA01 distinguished between high-level allocation, including any EEZ/high seas split, and subsequent apportionment of fishing opportunities among CCMs. Key unresolved issues included the magnitude of the split, application and weighting of Article 10(3) criteria, reference periods and treatment of catch history, and methods for apportioning each component. Different views also emerged on sequencing, with some CCMs favouring agreement on the high-level split before apportionment, while others preferred developing indicative CCM-level fishing opportunities first or in parallel to clarify the implications of proposed allocations.

SPAA02 action:
Building on Agenda Items 4.1 and 4.2, SPAA02 should seek to narrow options for the EEZ/high seas split and apportionment of each component, including reference periods, treatment and weighting of catch history, application of Article 10(3) criteria alongside relevant Articles 8 and 30 considerations, and treatment of Participating Territories. Discussions should also consider individual CCM-level, subregional/block or combined apportionment approaches, and whether high-level allocation and apportionment should proceed sequentially or in parallel. Where agreement on proportional shares is not achievable, SPAA02 should identify the remaining options and issues requiring resolution at WCPFC23.