Intersessional Working Group on the Regional Observer Programme (IWG-ROP)
The Intersessional Working Group on the Regional Observer Programme (IWG-ROP) was established in 2006 in accordance with the terms of reference in CMM 2006-07.
Background
Function of the Regional Observer Programme: The Regional Observer Programme (ROP) was established in 2007 (CMM 2007-01) pursuant to Article 28 of the Convention and has the stated function “to collect verified catch data, other scientific data and additional information related to the fishery from the Convention Area and to monitor the implementation of the conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission.” The TCC and the Scientific Committee (SC) have a joint responsibility to recommend to the Commission the priorities and objectives of the ROP, and to assess the results of the programme (Convention Articles 12 (2f) and 14(2c)).
Key Reference Documents for the Regional Observer Programme:
- Conservation and Management Measure for the Regional Observer Programme (CMM 2018-05)
- Conservation and Management Measure for the protection of WCPFC Regional Observer Programme Observers (CMM 2017-03)
- WCPFC Regional Observer Programme Standards & ROP Guidelines (suppl_CMM 2018-05-1)
- Guideline WCPFC ROP Vessel Safety Check Form
- Minimum ROP data fields
- For Longline and Purse Seine: Table of ROP minimum standard data fields 2016 and E-reporting standards Standards, Specifications and Procedures for Electronic Reporting in the WCPFC - operational catch and effort data + observer data
- For Transhipment Observers: Minimum Data Fields for Observer Transhipment Monitoring - 2023
Previous Meetings of the IWG-ROP:
- 24 to 25 September 2007 in Pohnpei, FSM 1st Intersessional Working Group - Regional Observer Programme
- 7 to 10 July 2008 in Nadi, Fiji 2nd Intersessional Working Group - Regional Observer Progamme (ROP-IWG2)
- 17 to 20 March 2009 in Guam, USA 3rd Intersessional Working Group - Regional Observer Progamme (ROP-IWG3)
- 6 to 8 July 2015 in Nadi, Fiji IWG-ROP4
Reactivation of the IWG-ROP in 2023
The Commission and TCCs current work program include reviews of key CMMs and the development of new CMMs that have and will impact the ROP. Also, experience with existing ROP data collection and the processes this independent monitoring supports has also identified areas that need review. In December 2021 at WCPFC19, the Commission supported TCC’s recommendation that there was a need to reactivate the IWG-ROP to provide advice to assist in Commission discussions, ensuring the ROP can continue to optimize its contribution to the Commission’s independent monitoring and verification programme and achieve the Commission’s objectives as set out in the Convention.
Copies of relevant documentation related to the IWG-ROP intersesssional activities in 2023 are provided below:
| Symbol | Title | Files | Date of Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCPFC-TCC18-2022-17 | Supporting paper for TCC18 consideration of potential improvements to the ROP Minimum Standard Data Fields for impacts of fishing on whale sharks and cetaceans |
 (505.81 KB) |
2 Sep 2022 |
| Circ 2023/23 | Expressions of interest to participate in the IWG-ROP |
(468.38 KB) |
23 Mar 2023 |
| Circ 2023/41 | Commencing the IWG-ROP intersessional activities for 2023 and Request for Comments on a Draft Workplan for the IWG-ROP 2023-2025 |
(634.4 KB) (50.54 KB) |
18 May 2023 |
| Circ 2023-53 | Work Priorities and Method of Communication for the IWG-ROP |
(551.68 KB) |
28 Jun 2023 |
| WCPFC20-2023-IWGROP | Update from the Intersessional Working Group for the Regional Observer Programme |
(385 KB) |
2 Nov 2023 |