Northern Committee (NC7) concludes at Sapporo, Japan from 6-9 September 2011

The Seventh Regular Session of the Northern Committee (NC7) met at Sapporo, Japan from 6-9 September 2011, chaired by Mr Masanori Miyahara. The Committee reviewed reports from the International Scientific Committee and WCPFC Scientific Committee meetings, including the status of major Pacific tuna and billfish stocks north of 20 degrees N. The Committee reviewed a recently completed assessment for North Pacific albacore, upcoming assessments for North Pacific striped marlin, ways to strengthening and full implementation of the Pacific bluefin tuna measure, ways to setting reference points on NP swordfish, and the status of bigeye and yellowfin tuna. Though the NP albacore stock is considered to be in a healthy condition, the Committee adopted a process to develop a precautionary management framework for the species. Catches of juvenile bluefin tuna are of concern to the Committee, and there was considerable discussion on how to manage catches of juveniles, and how to improve further the reporting and monitoring of fishing in the North Pacific. Proposed measures from the Committee include a recommendation on the implementation of the Regional Observer Programme for vessels fishing for fresh fish north of 20 degrees N. There was also discussion on how best to implement the WCPFC Vessel Monitory System in the Northern Area but a decision has been deferred until the next meeting of the Committee. A summary report of the meeting is available on the Commission website at: http://www.wcpfc.int/meetings/2011/7th-regular-session-northern-committee