CMM 2013-01 CMM for bigeye yellowfin & skipjac tuna

COMMISSION
TENTH REGULAR SESSION
Cairns, Australia
2-6 December 2013

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURE FOR BIGEYE, YELLOWFIN
AND SKIPJACK TUNA IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC OCEAN

Conservation and Management Measure 2013-011

WCPFC10-2013-32 as adopted by WCPFC10 on Friday 6th December 2013, with
corrected paragraph numbers.
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Content
Preamble .......................................................................................................................... 1
I.

Objectives and general rules ............................................................................... 2
Objectives...................................................................................................................... 2
General .................................................................................................................................. 2
Skipjack ................................................................................................................................. 3
Bigeye .................................................................................................................................... 3
Yellowfin ................................................................................................................................ 3

General Rules ................................................................................................................ 3
Attribution of Charter Arrangements ................................................................................. 3
Non-Parties ........................................................................................................................... 3
Small Island Developing States .......................................................................................... 4
Transfer of effort ................................................................................................................... 4
Area of Application ............................................................................................................... 4
Overlap Area ......................................................................................................................... 4

II.
Measures for 2014-2017 ....................................................................................... 5
Purse seine fishery in tropical area (20N – 20S) ........................................................... 5
FAD Set Management .......................................................................................................... 5
Purse Seine Effort Control ................................................................................................... 7
Monitoring and control ........................................................................................................ 9
FAD Management Plan ...................................................................................................... 10
Juvenile Tuna Catch Mitigation Research ....................................................................... 10

Longline fishery .......................................................................................................... 10
Bigeye Catch limits ............................................................................................................ 10
Yellowfin measures ............................................................................................................. 11
Monthly bigeye catch report .............................................................................................. 11

Spatial Management .....................................................................................................11
Other Commercial fisheries .........................................................................................11
Capacity Management................................................................................................. 12
Purse Seine vessels ............................................................................................................ 12
Longline vessels .................................................................................................................. 12
Capacity management work plan...................................................................................... 12

III. Review of measures ................................................................................................ 13
IV. Final Clause ............................................................................................................. 13
Attachment A: FAD set limits tables (2014 – 2016) ................................................... 14
Attachment B: WCPFC Convention Area ................................................................. 15
Attachment C: Measure for Philippines ..................................................................... 16
Attachment D.

High Seas Purse Seine Effort Limits (days) ................................ 18

Attachment E: Preparation of FAD Management Plans .......................................... 19
Attachment F: Bigeye Longline Catch Limits by Flag .............................................. 21

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Preamble
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC):
Recalling that since 1999, in the Multilateral High Level Conferences, the Preparatory
Conferences, and in the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly
Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (the Commission), a
number of resolutions and Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs) were
developed to mitigate the overfishing of bigeye and yellowfin tuna and to limit the
growth of fishing capacity in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and that these
measures have been unsuccessful in either restricting the apparent growth of fishing
capacity or in reducing the fishing mortality of bigeye or juvenile yellowfin tuna;
Recalling that the objective of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of
Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (the
Convention) is to ensure through effective management, the long-term conservation and
sustainable use of the highly migratory fish stocks of the Western and Central Pacific
Ocean in accordance with the 1982 Convention and the Agreement;
Recalling further the final statement of the Chairman of the Multilateral High Level
Conferences in 2000 that: “It is important to clarify, however, that the Convention
applies to the waters of the Pacific Ocean. In particular, the western side of the
Convention Area is not intended to include waters of South-East Asia which are not part
of the Pacific Ocean, nor is it intended to include waters of the South China Sea as this
would involve States which are not participants in the Conference” (Report of the
Seventh and Final Session, 30th August- 5 September 2000, p.29);
Recognizing that the Scientific Committee has determined that the bigeye stock is
subject to overfishing, and that yellowfin stocks are currently being fished at capacity,
reductions in fishing mortality are required in order to reduce the risks that these stocks
will become overfished;
Recognizing further the interactions that occur between the fisheries for bigeye,
yellowfin and skipjack tuna;
Noting that Article 30(1) of the Convention requires the Commission to give full
recognition to the special requirements of developing States that are Parties to the
Convention, in particular small island developing States and Territories and possessions,
in relation to the conservation and management of highly migratory fish stocks in the
Convention Area and development of fisheries on such stocks, including the provision
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of financial, scientific and technological assistance;
Noting further that Article 30(2) of the Convention requires the Commission to take
into account the special requirements of developing States, in particular small island
developing States and Territories. This includes ensuring that conservation and
management measures adopted by it do not result in transferring, directly or indirectly, a
disproportionate burden of conservation action onto developing States, Parties and
Territories;
Taking note of Article 8(1) of the Convention requiring compatibility of conservation
and management measures established for the high seas and those adopted for areas
under national jurisdiction;
Recalling Article 8(4) of the Convention which requires the Commission to pay special
attention to the high seas in the Convention Area that are surrounded by exclusive
economic zones (EEZs);
Noting the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) have adopted and implemented “A
Third Arrangement Implementing The Nauru Agreement Setting Forth Additional
Terms And Conditions Of Access To The Fisheries Zones Of The Parties”
Noting further that the Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency have
indicated their intention to adopt a system of zone-based longline limits to replace the
current system of flag-based bigeye catch limits within their EEZs, and a system of
zone-based FAD set limits to replace the FAD closure and flag-based FAD set limits in
their EEZs;
Adopts, in accordance with Article 10 of the Convention, the following Conservation
and Management Measure with respect to bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tuna.

I. Objectives and general rules
Objectives
The objectives of this Measure are to ensure that:
General

1. Compatible measures for the high seas and exclusive economic zones (EEZs) are
implemented so that bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tuna stocks are, at a minimum,
maintained at levels capable of producing their maximum sustainable yield as qualified
by relevant environmental and economic factors including the special requirements of
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developing States in the Convention Area as expressed by Article 5 of the Convention.
The Commission will amend, or replace the objectives with target reference points after
their adoption.
Skipjack

2. the Fishing Mortality Rate (F) for skipjack will be maintained at a level no greater
than Fmsy, i.e. F/Fmsy ≤ 1.
Bigeye

3. the fishing mortality rate for bigeye tuna will be reduced to a level no greater than
Fmsy, i.e. F/Fmsy ≤ 1. This objective shall be achieved through step by step approach
through 2017 in accordance with this Measure.
Yellowfin

4. the fishing mortality rate is not greater than Fmsy, i.e. F/Fmsy ≤ 1.

General Rules
Attribution of Charter Arrangements

5. For the purposes of paragraph 9, 10, 16-18, 25, 28, 40, 43, 49, 50, 51, and 52,
attribution of catch and effort shall be to the flag State, except that catches and effort of
vessels notified as chartered under CMM 2011-05 shall be attributed to the chartering
Member, or Participating Territory. Attribution for the purpose of this Measure is
without prejudice to attribution for the purposes of establishing rights and allocation.
Non-Parties

6. In giving effect to CMM 2009-11 or its replacement the Commission shall advise
non-Parties to the Convention wishing to acquire Co-operating Non Member (CNM)
status as follows: (a) that for bigeye tuna the current fishing mortality rate is above that
associated with MSY and the Scientific Committee recommends a reduction in F for
bigeye tuna; (b) yellowfin tuna is not being overfished but current F is close to Fmsy
and the Scientific Committee recommends no increase in F for yellowfin tuna; (c) that
skipjack tuna is not being overfished and that the Scientific Committee recommended
that the Commission consider adopting limits on fishing for skipjack tuna and noted that
additional purse seine effort on skipjack tuna will yield only modest long term gains in
catches. Therefore, where necessary, the limits that apply to CNMs, particularly on the
high seas, will be determined by the Commission in accordance with CMM 2009-11 or
its revision.

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Small Island Developing States

7. Unless otherwise stated, nothing in this Measure shall prejudice the rights and
obligations of those small island developing State Members and Participating
Territories in the Convention Area seeking to develop their domestic fisheries. This
paragraph shall not be applied to paragraphs 14 - 24, 30 and 32 – 37.
8. In giving effect to this CMM, the Commission shall pay attention to the
geographical situation of a small island developing State which is made up of
non-contiguous groups of islands having a distinct economic and cultural identity of
their own but which are separated by areas of high seas.
Transfer of effort

9. CCMs shall ensure that the effectiveness of these measures for the purse seine
fishery are not undermined by a transfer of effort in days fished into areas within the
Convention Area south of 20S. In order not to undermine the effectiveness of these
measures, CCMs shall not transfer fishing effort in days fished in the purse seine fishery
to areas within the Convention Area north of 20N.
10. CCMs shall ensure that the effectiveness of other measures of the Commission is
not undermined by a transfer of longline fishing effort or capacity to other areas within
the Convention Area.

Area of Application

11. This Measure applies to all areas of high seas and all EEZs in the Convention Area
except where otherwise stated in the Measure.
12. Coastal States are encouraged to take measures to reduce fishing mortality on
juvenile bigeye and yellowfin tuna in archipelagic waters and territorial seas and to
notify/inform the WCPFC Secretariat of the relevant measures that they will apply in
these waters including longline bigeye catch limits and expected number of FAD sets or
bigeye catches from purse seining.

Overlap Area

13. The catch and effort limits in paragraphs 16 - 18 (FAD sets), paragraph 25 (high
seas purse seine effort limits), paragraph 40 (bigeye longline catch), and paragraphs 28
and 43 (yellowfin purse seine effort and longline catch) shall be calculated from the
relevant historical levels within the Convention Area except for those Member flag
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States who, consistent with the WCPFC9 decision (paragraph 80 of WCPFC9 Summary
Report), notify of their choice to implement IATTC measures in the overlap area. For
those Member flag States who choose to implement IATTC measures in the overlap
area, the calculation of their limits for the Convention Area (excluding the overlap area)
shall exclude historical catch or effort within the overlap area. Notwithstanding
decisions on application of catch and/or effort limits, all other provisions of this
measure apply to all vessels fishing in the overlap area.

II. Measures for 2014-2017
Purse seine fishery in tropical area (20N – 20S)
FAD Set Management2
Common measures for 2014-2017

14. A three (3) months (July, August and September) prohibition of setting on FADs
shall be in place for all purse seine vessels fishing in EEZs and high seas (see
paragraphs 3 -7 of CMM 2009-02 for the rules for the FAD closure in the high seas).
15. The Commission shall at WCPFC11 adopt arrangements to ensure that this CMM,
consistent with the Convention Article 30 2(c), does not result in transferring, directly
or indirectly, a disproportionate burden of conservation action onto SIDS. The fifth
month FAD closure and alternative FAD set limit in paragraph 17 shall only take effect
when these arrangements are agreed.
Additional FAD Measures for 2014

16. Each CCM must select one of the following options listed below and notify the
Secretariat of that selection by April 1, 2014.3
a. The prohibition of setting on FADs shall be extended for an additional
month, for a total of 4 months (July, August, September, and October). OR
b. In addition to the 3-month prohibition of setting on FADs the CCM shall
2

For members of the PNA, this measure will be implemented through the Third Arrangement
Implementing the Nauru Agreement of May 2008.
3 Purse seine vessels flagged to a developing coastal state member smaller than 50 m LOA (13+36=49
vessels currently on the WCPFC Record of Fishing Vessels) are exempted from this reduction
requirement described in paragraphs 16 - 18. When a SIDS CCM chooses limitation of annual FAD sets
stipulated in paragraphs 16 - 18, purse seine vessels newly introduced after January 1 2010 are managed
outside of the FAD set limit for that CCM for 3 years following their introduction. After 3 years the
FAD sets/total sets by those vessels shall be incorporated into the calculation of the baseline figure for
that CCM. Those purse seine vessels exempted or managed outside the FAD set limit shall be notified
to the Secretariat by 31 March 2014 or within 15 days of vessels introduced after this date.

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limit the total number of FAD sets by its vessels to the number listed in column
A in Attachment A.4
Additional FAD Measures for 2015 and 2016

17. Each CCM must select one of the following options listed below and notify the
Secretariat of that selection by December 31 of the previous year.
a. The prohibition of setting on FADs shall be extended for an additional two
(2) months, for a total of 5 months (January, February, July, August,
September). If a non-SIDS CCM chooses this option, the CCM shall take
necessary measures to ensure that its total FAD sets in 2015 and 2016 shall not
increase from its average number of FAD sets in 2010-2012, as listed in
column D in Attachment A. OR
b. In addition to the 3-month prohibition of setting on FADs the CCM shall
limit the total number of FAD sets by its vessels to the number listed in column
B in Attachment A.
Additional FAD Measures for 2017

18. In addition to the FAD measures 2015 and 2016, except for those Kiribati flagged
vessels fishing in the adjacent high seas, it shall be prohibited to set on FADs in the
high seas, unless the Commission decides on other alternative measures at its 2014 or
2015 or 2016 annual meeting.5
Reporting for FAD set limit option

19. CCMs that select an option that limits the number of FAD sets in addition to the
3-month prohibition of FAD sets (paragraph 16b, 17b) shall implement the limit on
FAD sets in accordance with the following:
(a) The captain of a purse seine vessel shall weekly report (i) the number of
FAD sets, (ii) the number of total sets, and (iii) estimated bigeye catch in the
previous week to the flag CCM and the observer on board.
(b) The flag CCM shall provide information set forth in (19a) every month by
its vessels to the Secretariat.
4

Throughout this measure, in the case of small purse seine fleets, of five vessels or less, the baseline
level of effort used to determine a limit shall be the maximum effort in any period and not the average.
5 The high seas FAD closure in paragraph 18 does not apply in 2017 to a CCM that has achieved a
verifiable reduction in bigeye catches by its purse seine vessels to 55% from current levels (2010-2012),
to be reviewed on the basis of the advice of the Scientific Committee. The measures that the Philippines
will take are in Attachment C.

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(c) After the number of FAD set conducted reaches 80% of the set limit, the
CCM shall report the information (19a) above weekly to the Secretariat.
(d) After the number of FAD sets conducted reaches 90% of the set limit, the
captain shall report the information daily to the flag CCM authority.
(e) When the number of FAD set conducted reaches the limit, the CCM shall
promptly take necessary measures to ensure that no further sets on FADs shall
be made by its purse seine vessels during that calendar year and report the
measures taken to the Secretariat.

Purse Seine Effort Control
Exclusive Economic Zones6

20. Coastal States within the Convention Area that are Parties to the Nauru Agreement
(PNA) shall restrict the level of purse seine effort in their EEZs to 2010 levels through
the PNA Vessel Days Scheme.
21. CCMs shall support the ongoing development and strengthening of the PNA VDS
including implementation and compliance with the requirements of the VDS as
appropriate.
22. Other coastal States within the Convention Area with effort in their EEZs
exceeding 1,500 days annually over the period 2006-2010 shall limit effort in their
EEZs to 2001-2004 average or 2010 levels.
23. Other coastal States within the Convention Area other than those referred to in
paragraph 20 and paragraph 22 shall establish effort limits, or equivalent catch limits for
purse seine fisheries within their EEZs that reflect the geographical distributions of
skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tunas, and are consistent with the objectives for those
species. Those coastal States that have already notified limits to the Commission shall
restrict purse seine effort and/or catch within their EEZs in accordance with those limits.
Those coastal State CCMs that have yet to notify limits to the Commission shall do so
by 30 June 2014.
Reporting against EEZ Limits

24. PNA shall report to the Commission against its collective annual limit by 1 July
for the previous 12-month calendar period. CCMs subject to limits in paragraph 22
and 23 shall report their quantitative limits and their bases in their Annual Report Part 2
for 2013 and shall annually report fishing days in their Annual Report Part 2 for the
6

The requirement in this section to establish coastal State effort and/or catch limits shall apply to all
coastal States within the Convention Area, including those north of 20N and south of 20S.

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previous 12 month calendar period.

High Seas purse seine effort limits

25. For 2014, non-SIDS CCMs shall restrict the level of purse seine effort on high
seas to the limits indicated in Attachment D.7 The Commission shall review these
limits at its meeting in 2014 and agree on high seas purse seine effort limits to apply
after 2014.
26. Notwithstanding any agreement that may be reached at its annual meetings in
2014, 2015 and 2016 on high seas purse seine effort limits the total effort level for
non-SIDS CCMs shall not exceed the total level of effort in Attachment D.8
27. The limits in paragraph 25 and 26 do not confer the allocation of rights to any
CCM and are without prejudice to future decisions of the Commission.
Yellowfin tuna purse seine catch

28. CCMs agree to take measures not to increase catches by their vessels of yellowfin
tuna. At its 2014 regular session the Commission will formulate and adopt appropriate
limits for CCMs, based on recommendations from the Scientific Committee, and taking
into account other measures in this CMM. At its 2014 regular session the Commission
will also formulate and adopt any in-season reporting requirements needed to support
full implementation of these limits.
29. The Scientific Committee at its 2014 regular session will provide advice to the
Commission on the relative impact on fishing mortality for yellowfin, of FAD set
measures and any increases of yellowfin purse seine catch in unassociated schools.

Catch retention

30. To create a disincentive to the capture of small fish and to encourage the
development of technologies and fishing strategies designed to avoid the capture of
small tunas and other fish, CCMs shall require their purse seine vessels fishing in EEZs
and on the high seas within the area bounded by 20ºN and 20ºS to retain on board and
then land or transship at port all bigeye, skipjack, yellowfin tuna. (See CMM 2009-02
paragraphs 8-12 for the Commission’s rules for catch retention in the high seas.) The
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The measures that the Philippines will take are in Attachment C.
The limits in paragraph 25 are without prejudice to the positions of CCMs concerned about whether the
effort on which the limits are based was compliant with CMMs.
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only exceptions to this paragraph shall be:
a) when, in the final set of a trip, there is insufficient well space to accommodate all
fish caught in that set, noting that excess fish taken in the last set may be
transferred to and retained on board another purse seine vessel provided this is
not prohibited under applicable national law; or
b) when the fish are unfit for human consumption for reasons other than size; or
c) when serious malfunction of equipment occurs.
31. Nothing in paragraph 14-18 and 30 shall affect the sovereign rights of coastal
States to determine how these management measures will be applied in their waters, or
to apply additional or more stringent measures.
Monitoring and control

32. Notwithstanding the VMS SSP, a purse seine vessel shall not operate under
manual reporting during the FADs closure periods, but the vessel will not be directed to
return to port until the Secretariat has exhausted all reasonable steps to re-establish
normal automatic reception of VMS positions in accordance with the VMS SSPs. The
flag State shall be notified when VMS data is not received by the Secretariat at the
interval specified in CMM 2011-02 and paragraph 36.
33. CCMs shall ensure that purse seine vessels entitled to fly their flags and fishing
within the area bounded by 20° N and 20°S exclusively on the high seas, on the high
seas and in waters under the jurisdiction of one or more coastal States, or vessels fishing
in waters under the jurisdiction of two or more coastal States, shall carry an observer
from the Commission’s Regional Observer Program (ROP) (CMM 2007-01).
34. Each CCM shall ensure that all purse seine vessels fishing solely within its
national jurisdiction within the area bounded by 20° N and 20°S carry an observer.
These CCMs are encouraged to provide the data gathered by the observers for use in the
various analyses conducted by the Commission, including stock assessments, in such a
manner that protects the ownership and confidentiality of the data.
35. ROP reports for trips taken during FADs closure period shall be given priority for
data input and analysis by the Secretariat and the Commission’s Science Provider.
36. VMS polling frequency shall be increased to every 30 minutes during the FAD
closure period. The increased costs associated with the implementation of this paragraph
will be borne by the Commission.

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FAD Management Plan

37. By 1 July 2014, CCMs fishing on the high seas shall submit to the Commission
Management Plans for the use of FADs by their vessels on the high seas, if they have
not done so. These Plans shall include strategies to limit the capture of small bigeye and
yellowfin tuna associated with fishing on FADs, including implementation of the FAD
closure pursuant to paragraphs 14 – 18. The Plans shall at a minimum meet the
Suggested Guidelines for Preparation for FAD Management Plans for each CCM
(Attachment E).
38. The Commission Secretariat will prepare a report on additional FAD management
options for consideration by the Scientific Committee, the Technical & Compliance
Committee and the Commission in 2014, including:
a. Marking and identification of FADs;
b. Electronic monitoring of FADs;
c. Registration and reporting of position information from FAD-associated
buoys; and
d. Limits to the number of FADs deployed or number of FAD sets made.

Juvenile Tuna Catch Mitigation Research

39. CCMs and the Commission shall promote and encourage research to identify ways
for vessels to avoid the capture of juvenile bigeye and yellowfin tuna during FAD sets,
including, inter-alia, the possibility that the depth of the purse seine net is a factor in the
amount of juvenile bigeye and yellowfin tuna taken during such sets. Results shall be
presented annually, through the Scientific Committee and the Technical and
Compliance Committee, to the Commission.

Longline fishery
Bigeye Catch limits

40. The catch limits in 2014 and thereafter for bigeye tuna shall be as specified in
Attachment F. Any overage of the catch limit by a CCM shall be deducted from the
catch limit for the following year for that CCM.
41. Paragraph 40 does not apply to members that caught less than 2,000 tonnes in
2004. Each member that caught less than 2,000 tonnes of bigeye in 2004 shall ensure
that their catch does not exceed 2,000 tonnes in each of the next 4 years (2014, 2015,
2016 and 2017). Consistent with paragraph 6 opportunities for non-members will be
decided by the Commission on a case by case basis.

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42. The limits in paragraphs 40 and 41 do not confer the allocation of rights to any
CCM and are without prejudice to future decisions of the Commission.

Yellowfin measures

43. CCMs agree to take measures not to increase catches by their longline vessels of
yellowfin tuna. At its 2014 regular session the Commission will formulate and adopt
appropriate limits for CCMs, based on recommendations from the Scientific Committee,
and taking into account other measures in this CMM. At its 2014 regular session the
Commission will also formulate and adopt any in-season reporting requirements needed
to support full implementation of these limits.

Monthly bigeye catch report

44. CCMs listed in Attachment F shall report monthly the amount of bigeye catch by
their flagged vessels to the Secretariat by the end of the following month. When 90% of
the catch limit for a CCM is exceeded, the Secretariat shall notify that to all CCMs.

Spatial Management
45. CCMs will explore spatial approaches to managing the tropical tuna stocks,
particularly bigeye tuna, including zone-based longline management measures and FAD
set limits in the purse seine fishery.

Other Commercial fisheries
46. To assist the Commission in the further development of provisions to manage the
catch of bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tunas the Scientific and Technical and
Compliance Committees during their meetings in 2014 will provide advice to the
Commission on which fisheries should be included in this effort and what information is
needed to develop appropriate management measures for those fisheries.
47. CCMs shall take necessary measures to ensure that the total effort and capacity of
their respective other commercial tuna fisheries for bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tuna
but excluding those fisheries taking less than 2,000 tonnes of bigeye, yellowfin, and
skipjack, shall not exceed the average level for the period 2001-2004 or 2004.
48. CCMs shall provide the Commission with estimates of fishing effort for these
other fisheries or proposals for the provision of effort data for these fisheries for 2013
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and future years.

Capacity Management
Purse Seine vessels

49. Other than SIDS and Indonesia, CCMs shall not increase the number of purse
seine vessels flying their flag larger than 24m with freezing capacity between 20N and
20S (hereinafter “LSPSVs”) above the current level.9
50. The concerned CCMs shall ensure that any new LSPSV constructed or purchased
to replace a previous vessel or vessels, shall have a carrying capacity or well volume no
larger than the vessel(s) being replaced, or shall not increase the catch or effort in the
Convention Area from the level of the vessels being replaced.
In such case, the
authorization of the replaced vessel shall be immediately revoked. Notwithstanding
the first sentence in this paragraph, for those vessels for which building approval has
already been granted and notified to the Commission before 1 March 2014, the
construction of those vessels will be in accordance with existing regulations of the
concerned CCMs.

Longline vessels

51. Other than SIDS and Indonesia10, CCMs shall not increase the number of their
longline vessels with freezing capacity targeting bigeye tuna above the current level.
52. Other than SIDS and Indonesia, CCMs shall not increase the number of their
ice-chilled longline vessels targeting bigeye tuna and landing exclusively fresh fish,
above the current level or above the current number of licenses under established
limited entry programmes.11

Capacity management work plan

53. The Commission shall develop a scheme for:
a. Reduction of overcapacity in a way that does not constrain the access to,
development of, and benefit from sustainable tuna fisheries, including on the
9

China shall limit its number of flagged purse seine vessels to 20 vessels to accommodate vessels
moving back under its flag from the flags of other CCMs.
10 This paragraph shall not create a precedent to respect to application of exemptions non-SIDS CCMs.
11 The provisions of this paragraph do not apply to those CCMs who apply domestic individual
transferable quotas within a legislated/regulated management framework.

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high seas, by developing coastal states, in particular small island developing
States, territories, and States with small and vulnerable economies; and
b. Transfer of capacity from developed fishing members to developing
coastal fishing members within its area of competence where appropriate,
including market-based mechanisms for the voluntary transfer.
54. CCMs, other than SIDS, shall jointly develop a scheme to jointly reduce the
capacity of LSPSVs to the level of 31 December 2012 and submit it to WCPFC11.
55. Nothing in this measure shall restrict the ability of SIDS to construct or purchase
vessels from other CCMs for their domestic fleets.

III. Review of measures
56. The Commission shall review this CMM annually to ensure that the various
provisions are having the intended effect(s). It is anticipated that significant new
information will enable a further review in 2014.

IV. Final Clause
57. This measure replaces CMM 2012-01 and shall remain in effect until 31
December 2017.

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Attachment A: FAD set limits tables (2014 – 2016)
Column A
2014 FAD set 2014 Rule (baseline period is 2010 - 2012)
limit

CHINA
ECUADOR
EL SALVADOR
FSM
JAPAN
KIRIBATI
MARSHALL ISLANDS
NEW ZEALAND
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PHILIPPINES (distant-water)
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
SOLOMON ISLANDS
EUROPEAN UNION
CHINESE TAIPEI
TUVALU
USA
VANUATU
TOTAL

845
119
59
604
2,139
493
1,028
183
2,215
462
2,286
165
170
2,416
127
2,522
349
16,183

31.5% of average total sets
31.5% of average total sets
31.5% of maximum total sets (small fleet)
8/9 average FAD sets
31.5% of average total sets
36.5% of average total sets
8/9 average FAD sets
31.5% of maximum total sets (small fleet)
36.5% of average total sets
31.5% of average total sets
31.5% of average total sets
8/9 maximum FAD sets (small fleet)
31.5% of maximum total sets (small fleet)
31.5% of average total sets
36.5% of maximum total sets (small fleet)
31.5% of average total sets
8/9 maximum FAD sets (small fleet)

Column
Column B
Column
C D
Baseline
set limits
2015 and 2016 2015 and 2016 Rule (baseline period is 2010 - 2017
FAD set for
2017FAD
(baseline
period is 2010 - 2012)
(2010-12 average except
FAD set limit 2012)
limit
for fleets of five or fewer
vessel who have the
maximum for 2010-12)
738 27.5% of average total sets CHINA
644 24% of average 1,272
total sets
349sets
104 27.5% of average total setsECUADOR
91 24% of average total
EL
SALVADOR
52 27.5% of maximum total sets (small fleet)
45 29% of maximum 185
total sets (small fleet)
FSM
679
528 7/9 average FAD sets
453 6/9 average FAD sets
1,867 27.5% of average total sets JAPAN
1,630 24% of average 1,256
total sets
421sets
439 32.5% of average total setsKIRIBATI
392 29% of average total
MARSHALL
ISLANDS
1,157
900 7/9 average FAD sets
771 6/9 average FAD sets
160 27.5% of maximum totalNEW
sets ZEALAND
(small fleet)
139 24% of maximum 190
total sets (small fleet)
PAPUA
NEW
GUINEA
1,723
1,972 32.5% of average total sets
1,760 29% of average total sets
322sets
403 27.5% of averagePHILIPPINES
total sets (di s ta nt-wa ter)
352 24% of average total
REPUBLIC
OF
KOREA
1,479
1,996 27.5% of average total sets
1,742 24% of average total sets
SOLOMON
ISLANDS
145 7/9 maximum FAD sets
(small fleet)
124 6/9 maximum FAD186
sets (small fleet)
EUROPEAN
UNION
506
149 27.5% of maximum total sets (small fleet)
130 24% of maximum total sets (small fleet)
CHINESE TAIPEI
2,109 27.5% of average total sets
1,841 24% of average 2,612
total sets
TUVALU
73 sets (small fleet)
113 32.5% of maximum total sets (small fleet)
101 29% of maximum total
2,202 27.5% of average total sets USA
1,922 24% of average 3,061
total sets
VANUATU
306 7/9 maximum FAD sets (small fleet)
262 6/9 maximum FAD393
sets (small fleet)
TOTAL
15,864
14,181
12,397

14

Attachment B: WCPFC Convention Area Related to Attachment C
-

showing HSP-1 SMA where the arrangements in Attachment C apply

This map displays indicative maritime boundaries only. It is presented without prejudice to any past,
current or future claims by any State. It is not intended for use to support any past, current or future
claims by any State or territory in the western and central Pacific or east Asian region. Individual States
are responsible for maintaining the coordinates for their maritime claims. It is the responsibility of flag
States to ensure their vessels are informed of the coordinates of maritime limits within the Convention
Area. Coastal States are invited to register the coordinates for their negotiated and agreed maritime areas
with the Commission Secretariat.

15

Attachment C: Measure for Philippines
1. This Attachment of CMM 2013-01 shall apply to Philippine traditional fresh/ice
chilled fishing vessels operating as a group.
AREA OF APPLICATION
2. This measure shall apply only to High Seas Pocket no. 1 (HSP-1), which is the area
of high seas bounded by the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the Federated States
of Micronesia to the north and east, Republic of Palau to the west, Indonesia and Papua
New Guinea to the south. For the purposes of this measure, the exact coordinates for the
area shall be those used by the WCPFC vessel monitoring system (VMS). A map
showing the HSP-1 Special Management Area (in Attachment B).
REPORTING
3. Philippines shall require its concerned vessels to submit reports to the Commission at
least 24 hours prior to entry and no more than 6 hours prior to exiting the HSP-1 SMA.
This information may, in turn, be transmitted to the adjacent coastal States/Territories.
The report shall be in the following format:
VID/Entry or Exit: Date/Time; Lat/Long
4. Philippines shall ensure that its flagged vessels operating in the HSP-1 SMA report
sightings of any fishing vessel to the Commission Secretariat. Such information shall
include: vessel type, date, time, position, markings, heading and speed.
OBSERVER
5. The fishing vessels covered by this measure shall employ a WCPFC Regional
Observer on board during the whole duration while they operate in HSP-1 SMA in
accordance with the provisions of CMM 2007-01.
6. Regional Observers from other CCMs shall be given preference/priority. For this
purpose, the Philippines and the Commission Secretariat shall inform the CCMs and the
Adjacent Coastal State of the deployment needs and requirements at 60 days prior
expected departure. The Secretariat and the CCM that has available qualified regional
observer shall inform the Philippines of the readiness and availability of the Regional
Observer at least 30 days prior to the deployment date. If none is available, the
Philippines is authorized to deploy regional observers from the Philippines.

16

VESSEL LIST
7. The Commission shall maintain an updated list of all fishing vessels operating in
HSP1 SMA based on the foregoing vessel’s entry and exit reports submitted to the
Commission. The list will be made available to Commission Members through the
WCPFC website.
MONITORING OF PORT LANDINGS
8. The Philippines shall ensure that all port landings of its vessels covered by this
decision are monitored and accounted for to make certain that reliable catch data by
species are collected for processing and analysis.
COMPLIANCE
9. All vessels conducting their fishing activities pursuant to this Attachment to CMM
2013-01 shall comply with all other relevant CMMs. Vessels found to be non-complaint
with this decision shall be dealt with in accordance with CMM 2010-06, and any other
applicable measure adopted by the Commission.
EFFORT LIMIT
10. The total effort of these vessels shall not exceed 4,65914 days. The Philippines shall
limit its fleet to 36 fishing vessels (described by the Philippines as catcher fishing
vessels) in the HSP-1 SMA.

14

Reference Table 2(b), WCPFC9-2012-IP09_rev3

17

Attachment D.

High Seas Purse Seine Effort Limits (days)
CCM

EFFORT LIMIT
(DAYS)

CHINA
26
ECUADOR
**
EL SALVADOR
**
EUROPEAN UNION
403
INDONESIA
(0)
JAPAN
121
NEW ZEALAND
160
PHILIPPINES
#
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
207
CHINESE TAIPEI
95
USA
1270

** subject to CNM on participatory rights, in accordance with paragraph 6 of this CMM
# The measures that the Philippines will take are in Attachment C

18

Attachment E: Preparation of FAD Management Plans
To support obligations in respect of FADs15 in CMM-2013-01, the FAD Management
Plan (FADMP) for a CCM purse seine fleet to be submitted to the Commission shall
include:
• An objective
• Scope:


Description of its application with respect to:
o Vessel-types and support and tender vessels,
o FAD types [anchored (AFAD) AND drifting (DFAD)],
o maximum FAD numbers permitted to be deployed [per purse
seine or ring net vessel per FAD type],
o reporting procedures for AFAD and DFAD deployment,
o catch reporting from FAD sets (consistent with the
Commission’s Standards for the Provision of Operational Catch
and Effort Data),
o minimum distance between AFADs,
o incidental by-catch reduction and utilization policy,
o consideration of interaction with other gear types,
o statement or policy on “FAD ownership”.

• Institutional arrangements for management of the FAD Management Plans
 Institutional responsibilities,
 Application processes for FAD deployment approval,
 Obligations of vessel owners and masters in respect of FAD deployment
and use,
 FAD replacement policy,
 Reporting obligations,
 Observer acceptance obligations,
 Relationship to Catch Retention Plans,
 Conflict resolution policy in respect of FADs.
• FAD construction specifications and requirements
 FAD design characteristics (a description),
 FAD markings and identifiers,
 Lighting requirements,
 radar reflectors,
 visible distance,
 radio buoys [requirement for serial numbers],
 satellite transceivers [requirement for serial numbers].
• Applicable areas
 Details of any closed areas or periods e.g. territorial waters, shipping
lanes, proximity to artisanal fisheries, etc.
15

Fish aggregating devices (FAD) are drifting or anchored floating or submerged objects deployed by
vessels for the purpose of aggregating target tuna species for purse seine or ring-net fishing operations

19

• Applicable period for the FAD-MP
• Means for monitoring and reviewing implementation of the FAD-MP.
• Means for reporting to the Commission

20

Attachment F: Bigeye Longline Catch Limits by Flag
Catch Limits
CCMs
2014

2015

2016

2017

CHINA

9,398

8,224

8,224

7,049

INDONESIA

5,889

5,889*

5,889*

5,889*

JAPAN

19,670

18,265

18,265

16,860

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

15,014

13,942

13,942

12,869

CHINESE TAIPEI

11,288

10,481

10,481

9,675

3,763

3,554

3,554

3,345

USA

*Provisional and maybe subject to revision following data analysis and verification

21