Special Session of the Scientific Committee

Background:

SC22 recommended convening a two-day Special Session of the Scientific Committee, in hybrid format, adjacent to WCPFC23, to review and formally approve the revised bigeye tuna operating model (OM) reference set. BMW02 subsequently identified the remaining scientific work required to support the adoption of a bigeye management procedure (MP) at WCPFC23. SC22 also agreed to revisit the development of the Pacific bluefin tuna long-term harvest strategy at the Special SC Session, following discussions concerning the scientific evaluation and review of newly proposed harvest control rules (HCRs).

SSSC01 Action: 

The Special SC Session will be opened by the Chair, and participants will be invited to adopt the agenda and confirm the scope and expected outcomes of its deliberations. The Session will focus on completing the necessary scientific review of the bigeye MP framework and considering the outstanding PBF harvest strategy matters referred by SC22 (paragraph 471, SC22 Report), while distinguishing scientific recommendations from management decisions reserved for the Commission and its relevant subsidiary bodies.