Special Session of the Scientific Committee

Background:

WCPFC22 requested the SSP to evaluate candidate MPs controlling longline and purse seine fisheries through a continuum of HCR combinations designed to achieve specified target reference points (TRPs). Following BMW01 and SC22, BMW02 considered updated MSE evaluations and agreed to focus on three WCPO-wide areas and fisheries of application for further evaluation: (i) all longline fisheries included; (ii) excluding SIDS and Territories, consistent with the exemptions under the Tropical Tuna Measure (TTM); and (iii) excluding SIDS and Territories and the Hawaii longline fleet. BMW02 also retained two target-type TRPs, corresponding to 0.94 and 1.06 times the 2012–2015 average spawning biomass depletion, each with a 50% probability of being at or above the target. BMW02 considered alternative HCR formulations and defined the formulation to be used in future work, and examined the implications of stock status declining below the target. Further evaluations are intended to inform the scientific assessment of candidate MP performance, including stock status, LRP risk and fishery outcomes, before WCPFC23.

SSSC01 Action: 

SSSC01 will review the updated MSE results for the candidate MPs retained by BMW02, focusing on the scientific reliability of the evaluations, performance relative to the LRP, achievement of the respective TRPs, and differences in biological and fishery performance indicators. The review may assess how the revised OM reference set and HCR design influence MP performance and identify any significant scientific uncertainties or limitations that may affect the interpretation of the evaluation results. SSSC01 will consider the provision of comparative scientific advice on the performance of the candidate MPs to WCPFC23, which may highlight key trade-offs, scientific uncertainties, and any limitations relevant to the Commission's management decisions.