proposal for a regional small-scale purse seine test

SPC/Fisheries 21/WP.3 7 August, 1989

ORIGINAL: ENGLISH

SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION

TWENTY FIRST REGIONAL TECHNICAL MEETING ON FISHERIES (Noumea, New Caledonia, 7-11 July 1989)

PROPOSAL FOR A REGIONAL SMALL-SCALE PURSE SEINE TEST FISHING PROJECT

H. REPORT OF STAGE TWO STUDY MISSION

by

Richard Farman Purse Seine Project Officer South Pacific Commission

and

Julian Dashwood Secretary for Marine Resources Ministry of Marine Resources

Cook Islands

SPC/Fisheries 21/WP.3

L Introduction

1.1 Background

A. Objectives of the project

1. The initial proposal for a regional purse seine test fishing project was presented to the Ninth Meeting of the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations in May 1988. The objective of this project is to investigate the potential for commercial tuna purse seine operations in areas/countries not currently fished by this method but adjacent to established fishing grounds, or considered to have fishing potential.

2. Given the size of the South Pacific region, it is necessary to proceed by stages and to consider a succession of sub-regions. The project is based on the concept of "proximate fisheries" where a zone of optimal economic operation is defined for a small to medium sized purse seine vessel operating from a selected home port with the necessary vessel support and offloading/transshipment facilities.

3. The initial operational area identified for this project is centered on Fiji which has a tuna cannery and adequate vessel support facilities. The other countries in this first sub-region are Wallis and Futuna, Tuvalu, Western Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

B. Project development and implementation

4. The proposal calls for a four phase approach to the development and implementation of the project. Phase 1, the preliminary consultations to determine countries needs and review technical and biological constraints, was reviewed at the 20th RTMF which recommended to the 1988 South Pacific Conference that the project proceed with phase 2, the detailed project definition. A full record of the RTMF deliberations on this proposal (RTMF 20 Report pages 11 to 14) is given in appendix A.

5. Following Conference approval to continue the development and implementation of this project, the Secretariat initiated phase 2, generously funded by the French Government, with the recruitment of two officers at SPC and by retaining the services of a consulting firm, COFREPECHE, for technical expertise. This firm assigned three consultants to the project: a senior fisheries expert with sound experience in tropical tuna industry and previous responsibility for the design of comparable regional projects, a fishery economist and a development strategy adviser, specialized in the tuna industry. The five member team is responsible for the feasibility study. Concurrently, the officer in charge of the project together with a senior fisheries officer from the region evaluated the feasibility of extending the project to other interested countries in accordance with the operational guidelines thus established.

6. As directed by the 1988 Conference, the result of the feasibility study and the evaluation of possible extensions of the project will be presented for technical review at the 21st RTMF in August 1989. The final draft of the proposal, amended to reflect the consensus of the technical experts from the region will then be prepared in a format suitable for a presentation to prospective funding agencies, and forwarded to the 1989 Conference for ultimate approval.

7. Subject to this approval, the Secretariat will endeavor to secure funding for timely implementation of the project. This will constitute phase 3, during which tenders for the project vessel will also be issued, the vessel selected and the field operations conducted.


8. Phase 4 of the project will be the analysis of the results documented in a final report of activities assessing the commercial and economic viability of purse seine operations in the sub-region, the preparation of country specific reports and the initiation of follow-up action as identified.

1.2 Terms of Reference of the stage 2 study mission

9. The 20th RTMF has requested that during phase n of the Regional Small-scale Purse Seine Test Fishing Project, the secretariat undertake preliminary consultations with countries not included in the first study area who expressed interest in an extension of the project to their waters.

10. This is therefore the report of this study mission undertaken with the following terms of reference:

a) Consult with the states and territories that would be concerned by the extension of the project to a second sub-region, to ensure that their development needs are adequately addressed.

b) Review and present the status of current biological knowledge and fisheries development in this second sub-region to assess if the existing project could be integrated in this context.

c) Prepare a comprehensive report of these investigations, proposing options for an extension which would take into account the needs of the countries and the constraints of the operational project, for review at the 21st RTMF.

1.3 Methodology

11. In following the Terms of Reference to ascertain whether the development needs of specific countries could be met by the project as defined, the consultants visited the following countries: Cook Islands, French Polynesia, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands. In additions they also held discussions with officials from Tokelau and Niue. The officials met during these visits are listed in appendix B.

12. At the request of the I Kiribati government to investigate the possibility of being included in the first sub-region, this country was visited during the feasibility study mission (stage 1, phase 2). Because the prevailing conditions and requirements are more specific to the rest of Micronesia than to the stage 1 countries, the needs of Kiribati could be best addressed during stage 2, and as such have been included in this report.

13. In compliance with the third term of reference, this is a comprehensive report of these investigations, also proposing possible options for the extension of the regional small-scale purse seine test fishing project to other countries of the SPC.

n . Country Profiles

2.1 Cook Islands

Current Status

14. The Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) established under the Fisheries Act of 1984 assumed the responsibilities and functions of the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) established under the MAF Act of 1978.


15. Fisheries development in the Cook Islands has been classified in three main types:

1) Subsistence, including the collection of shellfish, seaweed reef and pelagic fishes,

2) Lagoon, comprised mainly of trochus, pearl and pearl shell fisheries and,

3) Commercial, divided into artisanal fishing within the 12 miles territorial limits, centering around the capture of tuna and other pelagic fishes mainly around FADs, and industrial fishing limited to large scale operations of DWFN vessels in the EEZ.

16. Since 1983, a total of 499 foreign fishing vessels have been licensed to fish in CI, 262 Taiwanese and 237 Korean. Declared total catch by 5 Korean vessesls in 1988 amounted to 77 tonnes . There is no data on the Taiwanese catch. The national catch has not been closely monitored but recent efforts to ascertain local production in Rarotonga have estimated the landing of pelagic fishes to be around 47.6 tonnes (Sims 1988). By far the greatest foreign exchange earner has been the export of pearl shell, generating close to 60% of marine resources benefits.

17. Currently about 30 small boats are engaged commercial fishing activities with only 5 on a full time basis. The FAD programme started in 1981 has had a positive impact on CPUE, increasing the delivery of fish to the local market.

Development needs

18. The passing of the Fisheries Act of 1984 reemphasized the CIG intentions of increasing and intensifying fisheries development in the CI. The limitations to a greater development have been identified as the limited habitat and hence abundance of valuable species, the seasonality of pelagic species and the lack of logistical and infrastructural bases for larger commercial operations. This later being construed as a major handicap to industrial development which will depend on financial support from government and international financial institutions to be overcome.

19. Industrial fisheries development will thus continue to focus on licensing foreign fishing vessels while trying to build up sufficient internal support facilities to accommodate these operations.

20. The artisanal/commercial sector will continue to be supported by the FAD programme while encouraging and providing infrastructures for the establishment of artisanal fisheries aiming primarily at pelagic species. Pearls and pearl shell development will continue with emphasis on culture rather than continuing harvest of natural stocks together with investigations of the culture of other molluscs to expand and diversify the shellfish industry.

21. The objectives of marine resource development as they relate to the project are:

- to increase fish and protein production at subsistence and commercial levels within the logistical and infrastructural capacity available,

- to improve and intensify logistical and infrastructural base for commercial fishing,

- to encourage pelagic commercial fishing as opposed to reef and lagoon fishing to relieve pressure on the depleted shallow water reef stocks,

- to maintain a reasonable level of self-sufficiency in fish,

- to maximize the utilization offish and other aquatic resources.


Specific Needs

22. The proposed strategies to implement these objectives as they relate to the project are:

- increase income and yield through more efficient fishing equipment and methods and the provision of extension support

- encourage fishing activities in less exploited offshore areas

- reduce waste and improve the quality of the final product

- develop new fisheries products from plentiful and low value species

- develop processed products from subsistence fisheries which have been traditionally exported in raw or semi processed form

- improve marketing and distribution system

- encourage the establishment of fisheries based cottage industries and other auxiliary industries

- conduct a comprehensive assessment of the potential and distribution of fisheries resources

- initiate and/or coordinate with financial institutions the preparation of financial schemes and feasibility studies on fisheries projects

- promote the appropriate technology for the use and/or conservation of the resources.

Issues raised

- Investigating the possibilities of handling bycatch to generate the "critical mass" necessary for the creation of export channels for the artisanal catch.

- Conservation issues as they relate to purse seining and the desirability of introducing this method to CI.

- The relevance of SPC activities at the National level and the involvement of FFA in this project.

- The exclusion of CI from EEC funded projects and the commitment of Cool Islands to the project.

- The FAD component of the project and the by-catch issue as far as developing alternative products and export markets, specifically for sharks.

Position

23. The project is thus fully supported by Cook Island government as a mean to determine whether purse seining can be effectively carried out in the EEZ; assist with FAD deployment and the study of fish aggregation; and generate a dynamic for the artisanal sector and develop marketing outlets.


Ecology

24. Data from the Totokoitu research station show that the majority of winds blow from the NE, N the E and SE. Within this concentrated zone, the greatest occurence is at 90°. Between July and October, when the least amount of rainfall occurs, the winds are predominantly from the SE shifting occasionally to the N and NE. From November to June, the winds blow mostly between 70° and 120° coinciding with the high incidence of rainfall during the summer months. During the rainy season, storms will blow from the N andNW.

25. Results from the Skipjack Survey and Assessment Program (SSAP) showed encouraging tuna resources (Lawson and Kearney 1982). During the four visits, the research vessel sighted 1 school per hour on average, which is higher than for the region as a whole. Scarcity of bait however severely limited fishing activities. When bait was available, catches averaged 3.1 tonnes per fishing day, or somewhat similar to the average catch rate for the project in the rest of the region. In general, fishing was best in the northern Cooks, while in the southern group, both sightings and fishing success were poor.

2.2 French Polynesia

Current situation

26. The fisheries sector in French Polynesia is essentially divided in two sectors: the artisanal and industrial sectors.The industrial sector comprises the activities of foreign fleets operating within the EEZ, essentially asian longliners, transhipping part of their catch through a local company, the POMAFREX. In 1988, 1 436 tonnes thus transited through Papeete for a total catch of 4 952 tonnes (Chenesson, Cheung and Laughlin 1989). Catches from Korean vessels are were comprised principally of bigeye tuna and albacore (74%), while Japanese longliners target mainly on bigeye tuna (64%). Since 1983, the access agreements also include broader economic cooperation such as technical support, technological transfer and greater utilization of the shore facilities.

27. A new industrial activity has also stemmed from the development of the southern albacore fishery around 40° South latitude. Troll boats from the Western Fishboat Owners Association have begun to operate from Papeete, at least part of the season. In 1988, 45 vessels have been engaged in the fishery, unloading 1 650 tonnes or over half of their catch of albacore at the POMAFREX. As a result, local investors have purchased three of these vessels and the government has devised a development plan to capitalize on this fishery.

28. The artisanal sector is divided in three activities: pelagic, inshore and lagoon fisheries. The pelagic fishery concerns essentially a fleet of 128 bonitiers, based for the most part in the windward islands (94). These boats fish exclusively with pearl shell lures and pole-and-line. In 1988, they caught 750 tonnes of tuna (skipjack and yellowfin) mahi-mahi and other pelagics, which is somewhat lower than the estimated 1 500 tonnes annual production. The main limiting factors are identified as the autonomy of the vessels, their carrying capacity, fish handling, the cost of larger units and the lack of development of ancillary techniques.

29. The costal fishery is carried out by a fleet of poti-marara or small out-board powered skiffs targeting on flying fish and more recently, with the deployment of FADs, deep swimming tunas. The fleet currently numbers 272 boats, again for the majority in the windward islands. Their production is estimated at 500 tonnes per year, about 50% marara by number but principally pelagics by weight. These fishermen use a variety of techniques, including scoop nets, spear guns, trolling and handlining. They have benefited most from the FAD programme.


30. The lagoon fishery is essentially carried out in the Tuamotus, using fish traps, whereas in the Society islands, nets, spear guns and handlining are also used. From marketing statistics, it is estimated that they produce almost 2 000 tonnes annually. The greatest limitation is obviously the reliance on aerial connections and inter-island ferries, a ciguaterra problem and the lack of cold storage facilities.

31. In addition to the fisheries sector, there is an important aquaculture activity being carried out. Both paneid shrimp and macrobrachium are raised but production, although increasing, remains low (40.6 and 20 tonnes respectively). There is also a small production of muscles which reached 16.4 tonnes in 1987, but problems limited the harvest to 6 tonnes in 1988. By far the greatest activity in this sector, both in terms of employment and revenue is the culture of pearl shell and perls. In 1988, exports of perls alone have totaled 2 billion CFP, becoming the principal export of French Polynesia. It is estimated that there are currently 1 360 leases for spat collecting stations, farming and operation. The pearl shell production has also increased 3% since 1987, while prices have risen by 54%.

Research activities

32. The main activity in this sector is on FADs. There are two main aspects of the programme: development, under the responsibility of EVAAM and research under ORSTOM. With currently about 12 FADs in the water, principally within 100 miles of Tahiti for the exclusive use of the bonitiers and the poti-marara the developing phase is proceeding well. It has made a huge difference in the poti-marara fishery which, although still deriving 50% of their catch from flying fish, can now access deep swimming tunas with regularity thus supplementing their income significantly. It is less beneficial for the bonitiers with only about 20% (generally the same boats) fishing regularly on FADs and the total catch has not increased nor has the fuel consumption been reduced overall. When the fish are bitting, CPUE are better on logs or feeding schools.

33. As far as research goes,the programme is gearing back up. There are two main projects: the installation of a instrumented raft (a sounder with 7 transducers activated sequentially to cover the immediate vicinity of the FAD - autonomy of about 4 weeks) to obtain continuous information on movements just below the raft. Once tested, a small network will be "instrumented" and fish will be tagged with intermittent sonic tags to investigate movements between FADs. Concurrently, echo integration will be carried out to investigate the diurnal and seasonal movement of fish under a certain number of rafts. From these information an index of occurence based on time of sampling will be derived. They would like to quantify that index with real time data - fishing - and would be very interested in trial purse seining around their FADs. The method, if validated could then be exported and FAD potential estimated from echo integration only.

34. The Pacific Warwind a drum seiner from British Columbia currently engaged in the albacore fishery during the last two seasons remained in French Polynesia to assess the possibilities of operating locally without having to go back north every year. However, it never did get a chance to set its net. The operation was excluded from the 12 miles zone where most fish seemed to be and when there was an opportunity to set there was too much potential conflict with the bonitiers.

35. Otherwise the owner believes that he could make pre-dawn sets on lights or schools held by chumming. The vessel is equipped with a combination of RSW/brine/blast freezer that can be run in any combination. The boat is well insulated but the compressors are borderline to hold frozen fish in tropical temperatures. The vessel is also equipped with both bow and stern thrusters and is used to operate in very tight areas. The owner will not stay behind this year but would be interested in possible research ventures.


Development plans

36. Most of the efforts will be aimed at the industrial fishery with a plan for the delivery of 18 boats (14 X 24 m) primarily for the albacore fishery and 4 smaller 18m boats for the marquesas) over five years, with a transfer (training) to local crew of each boat within 10 months of delivery. The first two boats are to be built in France, training local (tahitian) builders to the specific techniques so construction of the remaining 16 vessels will be conducted in Papeete.

37. Concurrently, it is planned to upgrade the port facilities in the Marquesas to establish a small fishing port for late 1990 (ice plant, blast freezer and holding facilities), and develop marketing channels (inaugural flight direct to Tokyo starting in May 1989, several direct flights each week to Hawaii and the US).

38. As far as the bonitier fleet is concerned, the accent will be on the deployment of bigger multi-purpose vessels, training fishermen to new fishing techniques and introduce these techniques, principally pole-and-line, trolling and palu-ahi. For the artisanal lagoon fishermen, the emphasis will be on the provision of cold storage infrastructures.

Development needs

- The principal need is for the handling/processing and marketing of the catch .

- Because the 24 m boats will only be used at most 4 months of the year, there is also a need to investigate small-scale longlining as a complemetary activity.

- The development of alternative tuna products, small-scale processing activities and the valorization of by-catch is also perceived as a the logical avenue to maximizing revenues.

Issues raised

- The quality of fish caught by purse seining and the need to investigate alternate handling and processing methods.

- The possibility of integrating the activities of the drum seiner to the project, particularly to study the dynamics of aggregation under FADs.

- Cooperation in FAD research.

- Regional and sub-regional cooperation.

- The desirability of running the project in the Tuamotus or outside of a 100 mi radius from Tahiti to avoid any conflict with the bonitiers and be in depths more appropriate for extensive moorings of FADs.

Position

39. The project is welcome as an opportunity to develop the national fishing and marketing potential while participating in regional activities, particularly if this involves a joint project with the Cook Islands. The project is therefore fully supported.

Ecology

40. On the environmental side, there has been some evidence of occasional expansion of tuna schools to the east of the marquesas (130-125°W) but not every year. The tuna season starts around November and lasts until April but the occurence of surface schools (foamers) is greatest towards the end (Mai-June).


41. The results from the SSAP show that during the two visits of the project vessel, an average of 0.76 and 0.85 schools were sighted per hour compared to the weighted average of 0.76 for the entire survey (Gillett and Kearney 1983). Of these schools 53 and 60% responded positively to chumming respectively during the two visits. Catch rates extrapolated to commercial exploitation were lowest in the Society islands (1.6 and 0.5 tonnes per day) and greatest in the Marquesas (3.0 and 5.7 tonnes per day) and the N.W. Tuamotus (3.3 and 5.1 tonnes per day). Comparing these results to other pole-and-line operations, the SSAP concluded that the availability of bait not the amount of tuna was the major limiting factor for pole-and-line fishing in French Polynesia.

42. Some FADs have been in the water for up to four years now and the older ones tended to become less productive after the initial 18-24 month. To the point where the oldest FAD failed to attract schools that were abundant in the vicinity and fishermen reportedly quit visiting that particular raft because it had become "obsolete". It would tend to concur with observations from commercial operators that the best rafts one year would not necessarily have good yields the next, and that the best locations probably vary between years.

2.3 TOKELAU

Current situation

43. The pelagic fishery in Tokelau is mostly subsistence and the only significant project is the deployment of two FADs for each of the three islands.

44. Starting in 1982, 7 FADs have been deployed over time and two are currently in place. These FADs have all been very productive but so far the cost has been the limiting factor (all material have to be imported) and there are plans to use treaty funds for economic support.

45. There are no sea mounts and depth are generally too great for deploying more than a few FADs around each atoll. The existing ones are within 3-3.5 miles of shore.

46. There have been two Tokelauans working on purse seiners plus one observer and one fisherman employed on an albacore troll boat.

Licensing:

47. Apart from being a party to the Multilateral Fisheries Treaty with the United States, Tokelau does not license other distant water fishing nations.

Development plans

48. Future plans include the provision of ice plants, the development of small-scale processing (drying, salting and poultry or live stock feed)and the purchase of a fishing vessel of size ant type still undecided.

Development needs

- Assistance with the FAD programme, construction, deployment and maintenance of rafts for the benefit of the subsistence sector.

- Generate a dynamic for the handling, processing and marketing of the catch.

- Provide employment for trained nationals.


Position

49. The project is fully supported by the director of Agriculture and Fisheries. There will be no problem operating in Tokelau waters but there is an exclusion zone for purse seiners within 12 miles of land and between atolls. However a regional vessel would not likely be restricted.

Ecology

50. Logs seem to be abundant as evidenced by the occurence of drift wood on the beaches and should be investigated as alternative to moored FADs. There does not appear to be a season. Between October and February, the northerlies are blowing while the rest of the year it switches to the east (15 knts average).

51. Historical catch rates from Japanese pole-and-line boats have been high, 9.8 tonnes per day, exclusively skipjack. The results of the SSAP show that fishing success was strongly affected by baitfish abundance (Tuna Programme 1984). The project vessel experienced very high sighting rates however, with 2.03 schools per hour compared to the 0.75 during the entire programme. This result however should be interpreted cautiously as abundance has be shown, from other sources to vary greatly from year to year.

2.4 Federated States of Micronesia.

Current situation

52. Marine resources, including inshore and pelagic living resources constitute the largest natural resources in FSM. The inshore marine resources of the reefs and lagoons are harvested mainly by small-scale fishermen to meet subsistence needs. Export of fresh deep bottom fish and high value pelagic species to Hawaii is however becoming increasingly important, particularly out of Pohnpei, Truk and Yap states. Although some of these resources such as deep bottom snappers, shrimp, beche de mer are still virtually untouched, with the development of small cash markets in population centers and some export, concern has been expressed that in many areas some of the inshore resources are being overexploited.

53. The greatest living resource in FSM is by far the large pelagic stocks currently harvested by foreign fleets. Average annual catch in the EEZ is over 100 000 tonnes and estimated to be still below the maximum sustainable yield. Combined harvest from neighboring states however have to be considered and optimum catch may have to be redefined in light of additional information.

54. Fisheries activities are the responsibility of several departments in FSM both at the State and Federal levels. The first agency, the Micronesian Maritime Authority,MMA, is to oversee the exploitation of all living marine resources (harvest, regulation, conservation and management) and to participate in planning and executing any projects related to fisheries, where the national government has an interest. Its focus has been mostly the administration of foreign fishing agreements but a new law requires them now to also look at national fisheries (licensing and data gathering).

55. A newly established National Fisheries Corporation (NFC), which is a commercial entity, has for goal to promote the commercial fisheries by micronesian people (fishing, processing and marketing). They for instance develop integrated plans for each state's fisheries activities, handle the sale of confiscated gear and catch and are looking into a potential joint venture with Philippino interest. They have also been conducting some transhipping out of Pohnpei, Truk and Yap essentially working as ships agents, getting international price for the tuna. It is now funded by public monies but aims to be self supporting within 3-5 years.


56. The third federal agency concerned with fisheries is the Marine Resources Division. Their role is more of coordinating the states development programmes and most of their current work is in extension and training, FADs, aquaculture and inshore statistiques. They also have planned a bathymetric survey to help develop bottom fishing.

57. In addition, each state is responsible for control of fisheries within its 12-mile territorial waters. Both Yap and Kosrae are pursuing small scale longlining activities, the former for sashimi grade export and the later for packaged tuna. In general demand exceeds supply and their efforts are now geared toward the harvest side.

Development plans

58. It is anticipated that foreign fees revenues will soon be levelling off (now approaching 7 million U$, without the US treaty) and that the creation of a local fishery is the only avenue for greater development. In order to pursue this policy, the following objectives have been identified.

1. Increase employment and income opportunities in commercial fisheries, marine products processing, aquaculture and related activities.

2. Expand fish and shellfish production for local consumption to improve local diets and reduce imports.

3. Increase exports of fish and other marine products to generate foreign exchange.

4. Identify and better understand potential unexploited marine resources and aquaculture opportunities.

5. Introduce appropriate technology and provide training in both technical and managerial skills.

59. Hence the following strategy to reach these objectives:

- Recognize that the marine resources offer the greatest potential for long term economic development and formulate development priorities accordingly.

- Implement organizational planning to improve Government involvement.

- Obtain expertise to carry out Government responsibilities and develop private fisheries through contracts, consultancies and training.

- Encourage small-scale private fisheries by providing necessary infrastructure, capable personnel, improved marketing systems and financial assistance.

- Concentrate fisheries expansion on pelagic resources, since reef resources are subject to overharvest.

- Promote the export of tuna by using Government funds and powers to have an FSM-based fishery become in the long-term the major tuna harvester in FSM waters, with maximum participation from the private sector.

- Have large-scale fisheries complement and support small-scale fisheries by funding or mutually-used facilities and opening large-scale marketing opportunities.

- Carry out the following strategy at the state and national levels using Compact and other funding sources in conjunction with advisory, training and other assistance in marine resources:

SPC/Fisheries21/WP.3

1.Provide skilled manpower, 2. Better understand the national resources, 3. Meet infrastructure needs.

Development needs

60. To implement this strategy, the following needs have been identified:

- Financing the development of medium to large scale fisheries and related industrial projects.

- Trained fisheries technicians, biologists and managers.

- Exhaustive evaluation of marine resoures potential and hence a coordinated system of data collection to assess the resources status as background for management and planning development programmes.

- Provide or upgrade the infrastructures to support a fishing industry, particularly reliable power and water supplies.

- The development of marketing systems to provide adequate distribution and outlets for the catch.

Issues raised

- The promotion of shore based development such as a cannery in Yap, and transhipping operations in Truk and Yap.

- The selection of the more appropriate size of purse seine vessels for FSM purpose.

- The bycatch issue was discussed and they require that any bycatch unloaded locally be channeled through the state authorities in order to control the marketing.

- The prohibition of purse seining w/i 12 miles of Pohnpei.

- The fuel requirements for purse seiners and the harbors which may generally be too narrow for extensive landing activities.

Position

61. The government officials were in general support of the project as it is in line with their current objectives to develop national fisheries, particularly those targeting the pelagic stocks, by introducing appropriate technology while providing training. They fear however that their needs may not be met within the allocated time frame of the project.

Ecology

62. The results of the SSAP during its three visits to FSM varied greatly, the first two visits in July and August 1978 and November 1979 were hampered by bad weather, yielding both sighting and catch rates well below the overall average (Tuna Programme 1984a). During the third visit in July and August 1980, school sightings were very high (0.85-1.5 schools per hour) and catch rates also, reaching 8.96 tonnes per day in Pohnpei, which compared favorably to Japanese data ranging between 2 and 8 tonnes per day. These results led to the conclusion that there was a significant tuna resource in what was then called the Trust Territories and this without any obvious seasonality.


2.5 Niue

Current Status

63. Niue does not have an all-weather and protected harbor where fishermen can have easy access to and from fishing. This factor has played a major role in the type of boats that have gained acceptance in Niue and in the number of days that fishermen are able to actively engage in fishing. Recently, three new small boat landings have been completed on the West side of the island which as greatly improved access and consequently fishing effort.

64. In 1982 the first FAD's were deployed which proved highly successful in aggregating both tuna and baitfish. Apart from four full tuna fishermen, all fishing in Niue is carried out on subsistence level.

Subsistence Fisheries:

65. Subsistence fishing is the most important fishery on Niue. Besides the traditional Polynesian one man paddling canoe, there are approximately 70 aluminium dinghys powered by small outboard motors that make up this subsistence fleet. Fishing methods include trolling and handlining for tunas and other pelagics as well as handlining for those species that inhabit near-reef areas.

66. The Fisheries Division is assisting fishermen by deploying FADs and developing better small-boat landing facilities. In addition, the Fisheries Division hires its two Alia catamarans to fishermen at a nominal rental.

67. Through its economic development fund under the fishing treaty with the United States, the Fisheries Division is targeting on deploying 12 FADs around Niue to assist fishermen and to spread fishing effort.

Licensing:

68. Apart from being a party to the Multilateral Fisheries Treaty with the United States, Niue does not license other distant water fishing nations. However, attempts are being pursued to license Taiwanese and Korean fishing vessels that are based out of Pago Pago.

Development Needs

- Specific catch information for Niuean waters;

- Assistance in FAD deployment

Specific Needs

- By-catch from project be processed in appropriate from suitable for local and overseas markets;

- Training programmes in fishing and fish processing.

Issues Raised

- The project should be operated as a fully commercial venture;

- Besides providing information the project should be revenue generating;

- FAD's for project to be utilized by subsistence fishermen;


- Possible adverse local reaction to purse-seining activities in territorial waters.

Position

69. The purse-seine test fishing project is fully supported by Niue. They see the project as the means to providing information on the feasibility of purse-seining in Niuean waters.

Ecology

70. During the four-day survey of the SSAP research vessel, an average of 0.7 schools were sighted per hour of fishing compared to 0.75 during the project as a whole (Tuna Programme 1984b). Associated fishing was very poor with only 0.4 tonnes per day compared to the historical catch rates or Japanese pole-and-line boats which reached 4.0 tonnes per day. This was attributed mostly to the poor quahty of bait. In light of this scant evidence it could only be said that the occurence of skipjack in Niue is probably comparable to that in the rest of the region and that there are ample resources for artisanal or subsistence fishing. The seasonality of the resource and rough sea conditions during part of the year combined with the absence of bait however preclude year around exploitation by pole-and-line

2.6 Marshall Islands

Current Status

71. Prior to 1986 the management and development of marine resources was divided among several government agencies. In an effort to streamline activities in the area of marine resources development, the Government, in 1986, reestablished the Marshall Islands Maritime Authority (MIMA).

72. The MIMA under its present charter is responsible for all aspects of marine resources development including the responsibility for surveillance and enforcement.

73. The Government looks upon the area of marine resources development as a key area for economic activity. While commercial fishing activities of the Republic at present are quite limited, however foreign fishing activities by Distant Water Fishing Nations under licence have been in existence for some years.

Artisanal Fisheries Development:

74. About 100 small artisanal vessels supply the capital Majuro with fresh fish. A small but highly mobile fleet of sport fishing vessels also contribute quite significantly to the supply of fresh fish. Smoked and salted fish also find their way from a number of outer islands to Majuro.

75. Efforts to develop and upgrade the existing artisanal fishery on Arno Atoll is in progress. This development is focussing on the training of fishermen through the introduction of appropriate fishing technology and an improved marketing system on Majuro that is expected to meet the increased volume of catch from this fishery.

76. The project will receive 15 small modernized fishing boats that will operate from the four fishing complexes that is to be constructed in Arno Atoll. Each fishing complex will be a community center for the education and training of fishermen. Each will be equipped with infrastructure facilities such as a landing jetty, slipway, fuel depot, fishing gear, ice, weighing facilities, transport, communications and boat and engine repair facilities.

77. A 50 foot fish transport vessel equipped with ice and refrigerated holds will transport fish to the main market in Majuro. In conjunction with the Arno project a new fish marketing center is to be developed close to the new dock in Majuro.


Aquaculture:

78. Preliminary surveys of the black-lipped pearl oyster have already begun on Arno Atoll. The Government is looking towards the development of this resource for the eventual production of black pearls. It is intended that a mariculture laboratory or hatchery will be established for the purpose of rearing juvenile clam and trochus for reseeding reefs and lagoons.

Industrial Fisheries:

79. The Government, in a joint venture, is operating a 1200 ton tuna purse-seiner. Besides having an equity interest in the vessel the joint venture will benefit the Marshall Islands in that it will facilitate development of shore-support activities. In addition, the joint venture vessel will employ Marshallese wherever possible and train then to operate a purse-seiner. Funds have earmarked for the acquisition of a further two purse-seiners to be operated under a joint venture which will likely follow closely that of the existing one.

80. A small scale tuna processing plant exporting dried tuna (Katsuobushi) to Japan was set up in Majuro in 1985. A small tuna canning factory producing approximately 500 cans of tuna a day was commenced in Majuro in 1987. In support of these activities, a freezer and chilling plant with capacities respectively of 200 and 50 tonnes have been constructed on Majuro with Japanese government assistance.

Licensing:

81. Since 1981 the Marshall Islands have entered into fishing licensing agreements with Japan. Recently it has become a party to the Multilateral Fisheries Treaty with the United States.

National Development Plan (1985 - 89)

82. The long term national development objectives during the plan period that have direct bearing on fisheries development are:

- to ensure that sustained efforts are made towards the realization of the long term goal of self reliance;

- to lay a firm foundation for the building of a sound economy.

Development Strategies

83. The national development strategies that impact strongly on fisheries are:

- economic development: the fisheries sector which has been identified as an area with significant potential for increased production will receive a high level of investment. Encouragement will be given to secondary and tertiary stage activities related to the exploitation of fisheries resources such as processing, canning and packaging of fish and mariculture projects.

Development Needs

- Acquire as much information on purse-seining in Marshalls' EEZ in terms of cost/benefit analysis of small scale versus large scale purse-seining operations and infrastructural development to support purse-seining activities;

- To assist with downstream activities related to the project such as the training of fishermen and the development of appropriate methods of fish processing;


Issues Raised

- Marshall Islands commitments and obligation under the project;

- Need for project to operate outside of territorial waters;

- possible technical assistance with FAD programme

- harvesting of juvenile tuna associated with purse-seining around FADs.

Position

84. The MIMA strongly supports the project in view of the project being in line with its own efforts to develop national capacity in operating purse-seine vessels and in developing Majuro into a transhipping base.

Ecology

85. During the three visits of the SSAP research vessel, between 0.29 and 1.40 schools were sighted per hour of fishing (Tuna Programme 1984). These schools contained a greater proportion of yellowfin than skipjack. There are no data on catch rates during these visits. Information on a purse seine joint venture between May and October 1982 however recorded an average of 17.9 tonnes per successful set. Catch rates were greatest in October (30 tonnes/successful set) and lowest in August (7.5 tonnes per successful set). The proportions of yellowfin in the catch varied between 23 and 44%, the greatest occurence being from August to October. Average size for skipjack ranged between 1.8 and 6 kilos while yellowfin ranged between 1.8 and 40 kilos but with a large proportion of small fish, particularly during the first two months. This operation, a joint venture with a Philippino boat, was fishing exclusively on FADs moored at great depths between Majuro and Mili atolls.

2.7 Kiribati

Current situation

86. Fishing is the most important sector of the Kiribati economy. It incorporates both commercial and subsistence fishing. The commercial sector is important as an export industry and a source of cash employment while non-monetary fishing is an essential mean of obtaining food for most of the population of Kiribati.

Subsistence:

87. Household censuses are carried out regularly by the Fiheries Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources. From these censuses, it was estimated that the total subsistence catch in 1987 (all types of fishing included) reached 24 000 tonnes, almost half of which is derived from the lagoons. Oceanic species make up 31 % of this catch. In addition, local farmers produced 33 tonnes of seaweed (Anon 1989).

Commercial:

88. A governemental commercial fishing company, the Te Mautari Ltd., has been operating since 1981. The company now operates 6 small-scale pole-and-line boats, a 450 GRT carrier boat and a shore cold storage plant which is currently being upgraded to hold 600 tonnes. The fishing boats are operating both in Kiribati and Fiji EEZs, catching 384 tonnes in 1987, down from the 2053 tonnes reached in 1984. The company, however is not self sufficient and relies heavily on foreign aid.


Licensing:

89. The Government of Kiribati currently has agreeements with the fishing industries of South Korea, Japan and the USA.

Development plans

90. Fisheries development has been ranked number one priority in the National Development plan. As the most important export industry and source of employment, the development of the commercial sector will continue to receive the greatest attention. EEC funded longliners have been ordered for construction in order for Te Mautari to diversify its activities. Similarly, the company is investigating the potential for purse seine joint ventures to capitalize on the abundant surface tuna resource in Kiribati without being restricted by the availability of bait.

91.As far as the artisanal fishery is concerned, the major activity relevant to the project is the deployment of more FADs. There are currently 7 FADs in the water - usually within 3 miles of shore to remain accessible to small skiffs - and seven more should be deployed in the near future, 5 of which will be further out to accomodate the pole-and-line boats.

Development needs

92. The needs of Kiribati in terms of developing their pelagic fisheries therefore consist mainly on more information on FAD technology (construction, deployment and exploitation) and the constraints of operating any size purse seiner in the vast and separated EEZ of Kiribati.

Issuess raised

- Not only consider the feasibility of fishing but also the outlet for the catch, i.e. integrate all aspects of the fishing operation.

- Optimum carrying capacity for operating in Kiribati 3 zones, and the desirability of a mothership operation like with the Moa Moa.

- The impossibility of integrating Kiribati to the first sub-region because of the different environmental conditions and sheer size of its EEZ which would almost double the study area.

- The possibility of operating a purse seiner in the EEZ of Kiribati exclusively

- The use of Triplex rigging and RSW to allow for year around fishing and maximize the value of the catch.

- The desirability of experienced management for any kind of operation - this makes the difference between success and failure, not the actual mecanics of catching fish.

- The difficulties for technology transfer associated with customary practises, particularly when considering management positions.

Position

93. The project received strong support from the Planning Division, the Ministry of Finance, the Fisheries Division and most of all from the Te Mautari. This project is very much in line with their own plans albeit will provide information for Kiribati somewhat after the fact.


Ecology

94. The information on the year around occurence of surface tuna in the whole of Kiribati waters is by far complete. Commercial catches tend to reflect either the areas of greatest catch rates (during August, the fleets go further north) or transit routes to more productive grounds. Local fishermen report that there are no real difference in tuna abundance over the year, only a change in bitting response. Schools tend to be foaming around December, the usual period for westerly winds, and are very difficult to catch with pole-and-line.

95. During the visit of the SSAP research vessel, an average of 1.5 schools per hour were sighted in both the Gilbert and the Phoenix group, which is much higher than the overall average for the programme. Corresponding catch rates in the Gilberts, 3.2 tonnes per day, was comparable to the programme's average and well within the catch rates of established fisheries in the region. In the Phoenix group however, only 0.9 tonnes were caught per day, reflecting more a poor bitting response than the occurence of schools. Catch rates were much greater during the August than the November-December visit.

HI. Constraints specific to the operational project

96. During the phase 2, feasibility study, an analysis of the factors and techniques that have led to the development of long range industrial fisheries in the equatorial Pacific, has shown that under the prevailing environmental and economic conditions in the first sub-region, this model would not be applicable. It was therefore essential to design an original development model that will take into account these constraints.

3.1 Constraints of the first sub-region

97. There are three main constraints specific to the first sub-region that have to be taken into account in the design of an original development model. The first constraint is climatic, with strong prevailing south easterly winds, incompatible with the conventional Marco rigging. The second constraint is the lack of a well defined thermocline which dictates the use of a large net, and hence imposes a minimum hull size. Finally, the lack of floatsam and surface debris reduces the possibility of offsetting large catches on free schools, more scarce in this area, by more steady catch rates on floatsam.

3.2 Definition of the project vessel

98. The technical option proposed after the feasibility study thus advocates the use of a purse seine vessel equipped with a Triplex gear, which is much better suited to working in rough weather conditions, and basing the operations on a series of FAD networks moored near the vessel's home port to palliate the lack of floatsam.

99. The project, of regional scope, will be using a somewhat oversized vessel compared to what the optimum economic size would dictate, to accommodate its objectives of surveying a large area and carrying out training and scientific observations.

3.3 Operational strategy

100. The suitable vessel, chartered by the SPC, will carry out test fishing operations as similar as possible to commercial fishing conditions as to provide results directly applicable to regional strategies for the development of purse seining. To that effect, operations from selected home ports will concentrate on the exploitation of a network of FADs in close proximity and investigate the minimum requirements for viable commercial exploitation.

101. Subsequently, the limits of the concept of proximate fisheries will be investigated by surveying larger areas, to determine the most suitable locations within the sub-region. During those cruises, the vessel will survey the entire zone and rely on networks of more oceanic FADs to assess seasonal occurence.


102. Both activities will be implemented in function of the availability of suitable sites for the deployment of FADs, proximate and oceanic.

IV. Constraints specific to the second sub-region

4.1 Development needs

103. From chapter two where the development needs of the countries considered for a potential extension of the project are reviewed, we can clearly see that generally the needs of Polynesian countries are different from those of their Micronesian neighbors. Because they derive far fewer benefits form access agreement and because their pelagic resources are generally less abundant and more seasonal, Polynesian countries have put the priority on the development of their artisanal fisheries. They are therefore interested in activities that will support this sector such as increasing the local supply to generate export potentials, small-scale processing, product development and marketing.

104. Moreover, these countries place a lot of emphasis on FAD technology and research as a mean to increase productivity for local fishermen. By enlarge, they would benefit from the deployment of FADs accessible to artisanal fishermen, although they all realize the potential for interaction.

105. On the other side, the Micronesian countries located right within the major equatorial purse seining grounds, have a greater potential for commercial or industrial development and are therefore more enclined to develop this sector. Currently, Marshall Islands are engaged in purse seining and both FSM and Kiribati are in the advanced stages of negotiating purse seine joint ventures. Their priorities therefore are more with the comparative economics of small-scale v.s industrial purse seining and the development of shore based facilities.

4.2 Environment

106. The physical environment is also different between the Polynesian and the Micronesian group. The former lies further east from the fishing grounds than most of the countries involved in the project. The resource although substantial, such as in the Marquesas, is very seasonal. Moreover, aside from Papeete, there are no center to support the operation of the project vessel.

107. The greater ocean floor depths, lesser land masses and lack of sea mounts further compounds the problem by reducing the number of sites for the deployment of FAD networks.

108. The Micronesian group on the other hand is situated right in the richest fishing grounds of the western Pacific and although the large oceanic seiners move around to follow the resource, there is a proven year around fishery. Although depth and the scarcity of sea mounts might preclude mooring extensive FADs networks, the abundance of logs, floatsam and free schools would allow for a conventional operation.

109. In addition, weather conditions prevailing in these areas are compatible with the use of a Marco rigging and existing conventional vessels are available to enter the fishery.

V. Proposed options for the extension of the project

110. In light of the above observations the consultants feel that possible extensions of the project or project activities have to be considered separately for the Polynesian and Micronesian countries. The following options are thus proposed.


5.1 For the Polynesian countries

111. Although more in line with the development needs of the countries of the first sub-region, and standing to gain the most from the demonstration of the economic viability of small-scale purse seining in marginal areas, it will be difficult to port the project to Polynesian countries (Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Tokelau and Niue) for two main reasons: the distance from existing support centers is beyond the scope of proximate fisheries and the lack of suitable FAD locations (except maybe in the Tuamotus) would make it difficult to operate year around.

112. Furthermore, the results from the experimental cruises in the first sub-region will have quantified the performance of an operation based on free schools or oceanic FADs. The Polynesian countries would therefore benefit more from in-country activities based on developing new products or marketing outlets and knowledge on the dynamics of fish aggregation under FADs. The implementation of such activities could integrate these countries to the project independently of stage one and meet their development needs regardless of the results.

113. It is therefore proposed that during the implementation of stage one, Polynesian countries be included in the development of in-country activities concerned with fish processing and marketing whenever possible and that the SPC investigate the possibility of conducting trial drum seining around FADs in collaboration with French Polynesian authorities.

114. Although this activity is beyond the objectives of the project per say, by arranging trial drum seining the project could: 1) evaluate whether or not that type of gear is adaptable to tropical tuna, 2) integrate countries of the second sub-region to the project immediately, 3) conduct an activity that could be funded independently of the project while maintaining the interest of stage two countries and 4) possibly devise a method of FAD assessment that could be useful for the exploratory part of the project.

115. This activity could be implemented stepwise, first to ascertain the suitability of the gear to the tropical conditions, and if successful to sample fish aggregation under instrumented FADs.

5.2 For Micronesian countries

116. The implementation of the proximate fishery model in Micronesia is not fully warranted. The prevailing conditions allow the application of the conventional model that led to the development of long range industrial purse seining. The conventional model however is based on high yields and requires investment that can be beyond the capacity of small island states. In that respect, the project by advocating an optimum return on the investment not based on greater yield but by reducing operating costs and optimizing the value of the catch, can offer a valuable alternative for the development of pelagic fisheries.

117. Because Micronesian countries are proceeding with their own respective ventures, the economic analysis that will result from stage one would not provide timely information for planning purposes. It is thus proposed that SPC facilitate the communication of economic data on vessel performance and operating costs to reassess earlier models based only on distance to fishing grounds. Keeping in mind that this new model would be integrated in a development strategy comprising small-scale in-country processing to maximize the economic rent of the resource. It is also suggested that the operation of a support mother ship be investigated to palliate the lack of shore based facilities.

118. A short consultation between Micronesian countries may be arranged to make an inventory of existing data and devise a protocol for their exchange.


VI. Conclusions

119. The needs of countries visited during the study mission, in terms of development of pelagic resources, vary greatly between Polynesian and Micronesian groups. It is therefore impractical to consider them jointly for possible extensions of the regional small-scale purse seine test fishing project, and hence to constitute a single second sub-region.

120. Moreover, the objectives of the project for stage one are to test the economic viability of an original development model and the specific requirements of its implementation. The possible follow-up activities of the project would thus be dependent on the results of stage one and when these would be available.

121. For Micronesian countries which are currently engaged or planning to enter the purse seine fishery, this information will not be accessible in time. For Polynesian countries, whose priorities are more with the development of artisanal activities, ancillary informations on processing and marketing and on the dynamics of fish aggregation constitute a more urgent need that may not be fully addressed by the current experimental project.

122. In an effort to maximize the involvement of all countries concerned and to ensure a timely flow of information, it is therefore proposed that the SPC facilitate the circulation and analysis of economic information pretaining to small-scale v.s. conventional purse seining and also investigate the possibility of conducting a joint FAD research project with French Polynesia.

123. The continuation of exploratory fishing with the project vessel in these countries would have to be considered at a later date in function of the needs of the countries after completion of stage one, the results of the first experiment and the evolution of purse seining as a whole in the region.

VIL Action required

124. The meeting is thus invited to:

1. Review the factual contents presented in this report

2. Consider the proposed options for an extension of the Regional Small-scale Purse Seine Test Fishing Project

3. Approve the recommended course of action.

Literature Cited

Anon. 1989. Kiribati 1979 - 1987, a compendum of statistics. Statistics office, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Bairiki, Tarawa, Kiribati.

Chenesson, R., E. Cheung, and P. Laughlin. 1989. Bulletin statistique du secteur de la Mer. Service de la Mer et de l'Aquaculture, Ministere de la Mer, Papeete, Tahiti.

Gillet, R.D. and Kearney, R.E. 1983. An assessment of the skipjack and baitfish resources of French Polynesia. Skipjack Survey and Assessment Programme Final Country Report No. 7. South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia.

Kleiber, P. and Kearney R.E. 1983. An assessment of the skipjack and baitfish resources of Kiribati. Skipjack Survey and Assessment Programme Final Country Report No. 5. South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia.


Lawson, T.A. and Kearney R.E. 1982. An assessment of the skipjack and baitfish resources of the Cook Islands. Skipjack Survey and Assessment Programme Final Country Report No. 2. South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia.

Sims, N. 1988. A cost-benefit analysis of FADs in the artisanal tuna fishery in Rarotonga. Workshop on inshore fishery resources. BP.36: l ip .

Tuna Programme 1983. An assessment of the skipjack and baitfish resources of Tokelau. Skipjack Survey and Assessment Programme Final Country Report No. 10. South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia.

Tuna Programme 1984b. An assessment of the skipjack and baitfish resources of Niue. Skipjack Survey and Assessment Programme Final Country Report No. 15. South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia.

Tuna Programme 1984a. An assessment of the skipjack and baitfish resources of Northern Marianas, Guam, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia and Marshall Islands. Skipjack Survey and Assessment Programme Final Country Report No. 18. South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia.

SPC/Fisheries 21/WR3

Appendix A. Report of the 20th Regional Technical Meeting on Fisheries, pages 11 to 14.

72. The representative of American Samoa supported the concept of the workshop but stressed that the workshop should not be run at the same time as the computer courses due to staffing constraints within fisheries offices.

Recommendation No. 9

Recognising that some countries have an urgent need for assistance in further developing their fisheries databases, the meeting recommended that arrangements to run a computer systems workshop proceed as soon as possible.

IX. SOUTH PACIFIC REGIONAL TUNA FISHING PROJECT -A PROPOSAL FOR A REGIONAL TRIAL PURSE SEINING PROGRAMME

73. The project proposal was formulated with the needs of the smaller island countries in mind and was developed in consultation with member countries and the technical assistance of COFREPECHE. The proposal for a four-stage project coordinated through SPC (detailed on page 5 of CRGA 9/WP.32 - - Working Paper 36 to this meeting) was approved in principle by CRGA 9 subject to the technical scrutiny of the 20th RTMF. The CRGA empowered the Secretariat to proceed with the phase 1 preparatory study mission, drawing on funds generously provided by the French Government, which had also agreed to fund phase 2 if the project was approved by the Meeting and Conference. Phase 2 would prepare a full project document which would accompany a formal approach to EEC for funding phase 3 of the project, i.e. project implementation. As CRGA was limited to one meeting only in 1988, CRGA 9 further agreed that the comments and recommendations of RTMF could be passed directly to the South Pacific Conference in October to assist their deliberations on this project proposal.

74. On behalf of the team of three consultants commissioned to undertake the Study Mission on the trial purse seine fishing project, Mr Richard Farman introduced the paper (WP.28) outlining the general operation of the mission and its terms of reference as follows:

Terms of Reference

a) Consult with the states and territories that would be concerned by the project to ensure that their development needs are adequately addressed;

b) Review and present the status of current biological and technical knowledge relevant to the project;

c) Prepare a comprehensive report of the study, reviewing the various alternatives and proposing an outline for the implementation of the project, for technical review at the 20th RTMF.


75. Following this introduction, Section III of Working Paper 28, covering country input, was addressed in detail by Mr Elisala Pita, who concluded by indicating the high level of support voiced by officials of those countries visited, although more discussion would be necessary to ensure the particular interests of each country were addressed.

76. Mr David Itano then covered all technical aspects of the project as outlined in Section IV of the paper.

77. Mr Richard Farman concluded the presentation of the report by addressing the ecological and biological aspects associated with the project operation as contained in Sections V and VI of the report.

78. The meeting was then asked to address the paper with the purpose of making recommendations on whether the project should go ahead and also providing advice to the Secretariat and Conference on how it should proceed; the following points were raised and discussed.

79. The representative of Western Samoa pointed out that this was not a new issue and paralleled initiatives already taken by Western Samoa. He indicated his country's support that the programme proceed.

80. There was general concern expressed that the topic was taken to CRGA before being put before the RTMF. Satisfaction was expressed with this procedure following the Secretariat's explanation that this resulted from limitations imposed by having a single CRGA meeting in 1988.

81. The representatives of Kiribati and Tokelau expressed concern that their countries were not included in the proposed area of operation.

82. A specific issue was raised by the representative of American Samoa concerning the coverage of the project as well as the source of funding. He also sought a specific commitment from the Secretariat that this concern be addressed.

83. The Deputy Director of Programmes, Mme Courte, explained that the targeted source of funding was EEC and because of this the project applied primarily to certain territories and ACP countries only. An assurance was given by the Secretariat that if the project was approved by Conference and proceeded successfully beyond the feasibility study, steps would be taken to identify funds to extend the Project to American Samoa and other countries.

84. The representative of Fiji asked for clarification on sources of funding for this project and sought assurances that this would not affect the EEC funding of other regional projects.

85. The Fisheries Co-ordinator replied that Phases 1 and 2 were being funded by the Government of France and if the meeting and Conference approved the project, Phase 2 would proceed. At all times the close co-operation of EEC would be necessary. He also stated that the Phase 3 funds would come from EEC global funds that would be new to the area and as such, would not affect other funding commitments of EEC in the region.


86. The representative of New Zealand asked that the experience of New Zealand and Solomon Islands in running similar proj'ects should be taken into account in developing the project. He also believed that with proper management, a research component could be included in the proj'ect.

87. The representative of Tuvalu pointed out that it was not always possible to satisfy all country needs, but there would be time during Phase 2 to give all countries the opportunity to express their concerns on all aspects of the proj'ect.

88. After all country representatives had individually expressed support for the implementation of Phase 2, the meeting commended the consultants and the Secretariat for the excellence of the report and presentation, and made the following recommendation:

Recommendation No. 10

Having received the project proposal as approved In principle by CRGA 9, and after careful consideration of the detailed report prepared by the Phase 1 Study Team, the meeting unanimously endorsed CRGA approval of this project as proposed, and recommended early implementation of the Phase 2 activity.

89. A discussion of the research role of the project ensued. The meeting noted the need for coincident research to obtain information for stock assessment; however it was felt that the economic evaluation of the fishing should not be compromised. Co-ordination with FFA and other organisations should be included as part of Phases 2 and 3 to ensure subsequent economic evaluation of development potential.

90. The representative of the Federated States of Micronesia requested that the senior vessel crew be experienced in the commercial operations of purse seine vessels in the South Pacific region. The Secretariat responded that this would be done.

91. The representative of Tuvalu suggested that Phase 2 should include visits to the regional canneries and work closely with commercial operations in the region.

92. The representative of Kiribati asked if there would be a training component to the fishing. The Secretariat responded that there would be training aspects; however, the main objective of the project should not be compromised.

93. The representative of Kiribati asked if the cannery at PAFCO had plans to handle increased production. The Secretariat reported that PAFCO will be starting a new canning line. They currently import nearly two-thirds of their product and have stated that they will not have trouble handling more fish.

94. The representative of Fiji stressed the importance of a good refrigeration system for the boat, as the marketing of PAFCO demands a high quality product.

95. The representative of the Federated States of Micronesia cited other past pilot projects like this in the region and suggested that agencies such as LMR and JAMARC be consulted during Phase 2.


96. The representative of New Zealand suggested that the Phase 2 programme make a prioritised list of objectives, monitor current local purse seine operations in the region as well as re-evaluate past experiences and re-visit parties participating in Phase 3 to ensure that country-specific information needs are addressed.

97. The representative of American Samoa expressed concern that other vessel support sites outside of Fiji had not been given enough consideration during Phase 1.

98. The representative of Tonga suggested that Phase 2 take into account the canneries and support facilities available in American Samoa to ensure that regional alternatives are adequately

» investigated.

99. The representative of New Zealand suggested that the Phase 2 report to the next RTMF include a cost analysis of the different vessel possibilities.

100. In summary, following considerations of the Phase 1 report and detailed discussion at the meeting, the following issues and concerns were noted for consideration during Phase 2:

- resource assessment to be included; - the use of experienced crew from the western Pacific to be considered; - training of nationals, to the extent possible, to be incorporated; - plan for having appropriate freezing capabilities on the project vessel; - fully investigate options for support facilities; - consult with other similar operations, past and present; - reassess in-country needs as a follow-up from phase 1; - prepare detailed cost-benefit analysis pertaining to vessel selection.

Phase 3 will proceed at the completion of Phase 2 subject to funding.

101. The representative of the United Kingdom requested that the Phase 2 report be distributed well in advance of this meeting for consideration.

102. The representative of Western Samoa suggested that the Phase 2 investigation should seriously examine the feasibility of using part of the project money to purchase a suitable purse seine vessel for operation in Pacific island countries.

X. WORKSHOP: FISH POISONING AND SEAFOOD TOXICITY

103. The workshop was opened by SPC Fish Handling and Processing Officer, Mr Steve Roberts, who described the background to its development. Mr Roberts referred to the recommendation from the 19th RTMF which encouraged organisations to portray the ciguatera problem in a more objective and realistic manner. The aim of the workshop would be to address this issue.

104. The first speaker, Mr Mike Gawel of the Federated States of Micronesia, then made a presentation which outlined the causes and characteristics of ciguatera.


Appendix B: List of officials met during the study mission.

Cook Islands

Tai Manuella,

Aukino Tairea, Julian Dashwood, Collin Brown, Ned Howard, Kelvin Passfield, David Zoutendyck

French Polynesia

Simone Grand

Ronald Chenesson Bruno Ugolini, Stephen Yen, Louise Wroebel Jacques Chabanne Doug Larden, Paul Vernaudon, Boris Leontief

Pierre Blanchard

Tokelau

Foua Toloa,

Federated States of Micronesia

Mike Molina

Chris Frieberg Peter Sitan James Movik John Diplock Moses Nelson Mas sad Nakayama, Timothy Semuda, Bill Morrison Tim Buehrer, James Moruad

Niue

Bradley Punu

Marshall Islands

Director of Programmes in the Planning and Economic Development Division Secretary for foreign affairs Secretary for Marine Resources Director of Marine Resources Senior Fisheries Research Officer Fisheries Research Officer Fisheries Adviser

Chef du Service de la Mer et de l'Aquaculture (SMA) Economist (SMA) EVAAM EVAAM EVAAM ORSTOM Skipper/owner Pacific Warwind P.d.g POMAFREX (Tahiti Tuna) Ministre de la Mer, de lEquipement de lEnergie et des Telecommunications Conseille" aupres du Ministre de la Mer

Director of Tokelau Agriculture and Fisheries

Acting Chief of Fisheries for Kosrae

Executive Director, MMA Executive Director, NFC Tuna Scientist, MMA Natural Marine Resources Chief Internal Affairs Acting National Planner, UN technical adviser in FSM, Economic Planner Planning division

Dir. Central Administration

Steve Muller Hon. Andrew Hisaiah

Dir. MIMA Deputy Speaker House of Representatives

SPC/Fisher ies 21/WP.3

Kiribati

Muraiilrata Tikabu Tikai Marc Day Bob Hastings T.Teroroki Peter Poulsen Baraniko Beraro Murdo Maclnnes M.Stewart S. Bland

A/Secretary to primary industry Chief Fisheries Officer Master Fisherman Licensing Officer

Project Planning Advisor A/ Sec. Ministry Finance Te Mautari Ltd, Mgr. Te Mautari Ltd Te Mautari Ltd

proposal for a regional small-scale purse seine test

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