This Measure of the Commission of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) establishes the standards, rules and procedures to establish the SPRFMO Observer Programme (SPRFMO OP) and to ensure it achieves the objectives specified in Article 28 of the Convention. The purpose of the OP is to facilitate the collection of verified scientific data and additional information related to fishing activities in the Convention Area and its impacts on the ecosystem, and also to support the functions of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies, including the CTC. The OP shall apply to all fishing vessels flying the flag of a Member or Cooperating non-Contracting Party (CNCP) fishing for fisheries resources in the Convention Area for which a minimum level of observer coverage applies in the relevant CMMs in force. Members and CNCPs shall only deploy observers sourced from a national observer programme or service provider accredited according to the provisions of this CMM. The Measure sets out general rules fo the deployment of observers and provides for, among other things, levels of coverage, accreditation of national observer programmes, data collection, and reporting. (completed by 3 Annexes).
2021-05-06