The Multilateral High-Level Conference (MHLC)
The foundation of the WCPFC was laid during a crucial series of meetings known as the Multilateral High-Level Conference on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific (MHLC). These high-level discussions brought together countries from the region and beyond to negotiate the terms of the WCPF Convention.
The MHLC played a vital role in shaping the framework for future fisheries management in the Western and Central Pacific. It was during these conferences that the details of the Convention were debated, refined, and ultimately agreed upon.
Key outcomes and documents from the MHLC include:
- Final Act of the Multilateral High-Level Conference on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific: This document formally marked the conclusion of the MHLC process, signifying the adoption of the WCPF Convention.
- Resolution I establishing a Preparatory Conference for the Establishment of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.: This critical resolution, adopted by the MHLC, laid the groundwork for setting up the WCPFC by establishing a "Preparatory Conference."
- Resolution II expressing gratitude to the Governments of the Solomon Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Japan and the United States of America: This resolution acknowledged the hospitality and contributions of the host countries for the MHLC meetings.
- Arrangement for the Participation of Fishing Entities: This arrangement outlined how certain fishing entities (not independent states) could participate in the new management framework.
The Preparatory Conference and Key Groups
After the MHLC, a Preparatory Conference (PrepCon) was held. This series of meetings, which began in 2000 and continued until the Convention came into force in 2004, was crucial for setting up the new Commission. Its job was to prepare:
- Rules and Procedures: Draft guidelines for how the Commission would operate.
- Financial Framework: Plan the budget and funding.
- Organizational Structure: Design how the Commission and its various committees would be set up.
To help with its work, the PrepCon established several working groups. Two important ones were:
- Working Group I: Focused on the Commission's organizational structure, budget, and financial contributions.
- Working Group II: Focused on the scientific structure and how to get scientific advice.
Scientific Coordinating Group and the Standing Committee on Tuna and Billfish
The Scientific Coordinating Group (SCG) was formed to specifically help Working Group II with scientific and technical matters during the Preparatory Conference phase. Three official reports were produced for each of the SCG's and can be accessed through these links: SCG1, SCG2, and SCG3.
The precursor to what is now the WCPFC Scientific Committee was the Standing Committee on Tuna and Billfish (SCTB), which provided an open forum for scientists and others with an interest in the tuna stocks of the western and central Pacific region to meet to discuss scientific issues related to data, research and stock assessment. Information on the 17 sessions of the SCTB can be accessed from the Digital Library of the SPC's Coastal and Oceanic Fisheries Programmes.
Accessing Conference Documents
The WCPFC and its Preparatory Conference generate many important documents, including reports, working papers, and decisions. These documents are categorized for easier access:
Master list of all official documents from the Preparatory Conference Documents.