Report on the existing observer programs of NPFC Members and those of other RFMOs

Article 7 (Paragraph 2, b) of the Convention states that the Commission shall “develop and implement a North Pacific Ocean Fisheries Observer Program”. Following the recommendations from SC and TCC and the Commission decisions, this working paper summarizes information regarding the existing scientific observer programs (OP) of Members and OPs of other RFMOs to establish a basis for further discussions on developing the Observer Program.

Currently, NPFC Members have relatively well-developed observer programs for bottom fisheries as required by CMMs 2017-05 and 2017-06. Each fishing vessel carries an observer onboard (North West Pacific) or is equipped with an electronic monitoring system (North East Pacific). Training, recruitment, deployment and supervision of observers as well as data collected are entirely managed by Members. However, data are neither reported to Secretariat nor shared among Members excepting summary information.

For pelagic fisheries, there is no coordination in the Members’ observer programs neither in terms of the type of OP nor in coverage and data requirements. Russia and Korea collect data on fishing vessels at sea by observers and electronic reporting system, respectively, while other Members carry out in-port scientific observations. Specifications for observer training, OP design, number of observers and required data differ among Members. To fill data gaps for current SC activities, Korea took a lead in development of standardized data reporting templates which try to harmonize different ways of data collection. However, most of this work is underway, and it likely requires more coordination.

All “general” RFMOs (CCAMLR, NAFO, NEAFC, SEAFO, SIOFA) have developed at least one observer program and one RFMO is in process of its development (SPRFMO). Most of general RFMO OPs have been set up primarily to collect scientific data, but in three of six cases, it includes compliance tasks with one general RFMO focusing on a compliance observer program. Almost all RFMOs for highly migratory species have observer programs with both science and compliance components, but with different balances. The expenses related to observer training, recruitment, deployment and supervision are usually born by Members, and basically all OPs are managed by Members, but several have a Secretariat oversight/data coordination role. Most of RFMOs provide all observer data to Secretariat which then handles those data in accordance with the established data management and security regulations. Regional scientific observers are an important and often a key source of fishery data used by RFMO scientists for stock assessment and VME management.

As described in FAO Guidelines for Developing an at-Sea Fishery Observer Programme certain activities can be achieved by at-sea observers only; other tasks are best and most completely achieved by observers; and some are achieved equally well by other monitoring systems or methods. Observer tasks and abilities unique to at-sea observers are summarized in this working paper to assist SC in considering actions to fill data gaps to access status of priority species stocks and VMEs.