Regional Observer Programme - IWG - old

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Page updated: 13 Nov 2025

Regional Observer Programme Intersessional Working Group (ROP-IWG)

The Intersessional Working Group on the Regional Observer Programme (ROP-IWG) was established in 2006 in accordance with the terms of reference in CMM 2006-07, with the task of developing the Regional Observer Programme (ROP).    The ROP-IWG was reactivated by the Commission in 2023.

Reactivation of the ROP-IWG from 2023 onwards

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 identified areas that need review. In December 2022 at WCPFC19, the Commission supported TCC’s recommendation that there was a need to reactivate the ROP-IWG 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.

2025

On Friday, April 11, 2025 the first meeting of the reactivated ROP-IWG took place (ROP-IWG05).  The papers and presentations from that meeting can be found here, under the All Documents Tab.  In addition, a copy of the Chairs Summary Report is provided below.

Documents relevant to the work of this working group are provided below.

 

SymbolTitleDate of Issue
WCPFC-ROPIWG5-2025ROP-IWG5 Chairs Summary Report23 Apr 2025
WCPFC-ROPIWG6-2025ROP-IWG6 Chairs Summary Report26 Jun 2025

2023 - 2024

During 2023 - 2024, the ROP-IWG undertook discussions via email communications, and through updates to the Scientific Committee, Technical and Compliance Committee and to the Commission.  

Copies of relevant documentation related to the ROP-IWG intersesssional activities in 2023 and 2024 are provided below:

 

SymbolTitleDate 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

Secretariat
2 Sep 2022
Circ 2023/23Expressions of interest to participate in the IWG-ROP23 Mar 2023
Circ 2023/41Commencing the IWG-ROP intersessional activities for 2023 and Request for Comments on a Draft Workplan for the IWG-ROP 2023-2025, Commencing the IWG-ROP intersessional activities for 2023 and Request for Comments on a Draft Workplan for the IWG-ROP 2023-202518 May 2023
Circ 2023-53Work Priorities and Method of Communication for the IWG-ROP28 Jun 2023
SC19-ST-IP-09

Work Priorities and Method of Communication for the IWG-ROP

IWG-ROP
12 Aug 2023
WCPFC20-2023-IWGROP

Update from the Intersessional Working Group for the Regional Observer Programme

IWG-ROP Chair, Secretariat and SPC-OFP
2 Nov 2023
WCPFC-SC20-2024-ST-WG-04

IWGROP Update to SC20 on work to review of ROP MDSFs

IWG-ROP Chair and Secretariat
29 Jul 2024
WCPFC-TCC20-2024-19

ROP-IWG Update for TCC20

ROP-IWG Chair
25 Sep 2024
WCPFC21-2024-16

Update from the ROP-IWG

ROP-IWG Chair
18 Nov 2024
Circular 2025-08

ROP-IWG Proposed 2025 Work Plan

ROP-IWG Chair
18 Feb 2025

Previous Meetings of the ROP-IWG (2007 - 2015):

  1. 24 to 25 September 2007 in Pohnpei, FSM 1st Intersessional Working Group - Regional Observer Programme
  2. 7 to 10 July 2008 in Nadi, Fiji 2nd Intersessional Working Group - Regional Observer Progamme (ROP-IWG2)
  3. 17 to 20 March 2009 in Guam, USA 3rd Intersessional Working Group - Regional Observer Progamme (ROP-IWG3)
  4. 6 to 8 July 2015 in Nadi, Fiji  IWG-ROP4