WCPFC joins officials from Pacific Island Observer Programs at the International Fisheries Observer Monitoring Conference (IFOMC) in Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart, Tasmania - March 27, 2023.  The International Fisheries Observer Monitoring Conference (IFOMC) took place in Hobart, Tasmania from March 6-10, 2023. The well-attended event brought together 220 participants representing 32 countries, fostering global collaboration and discussions on innovative methods and technologies employed in monitoring various fisheries, often under diverse and challenging conditions.                                                   

The conference program covered a wide range of topics, addressing crucial areas of interest for WCPFC members. Engaging workshops were conducted on E-monitoring, Observer Safety, Funding Observer Programs, and Fisheries Certification, which attracted keen attention from industry experts and stakeholders alike.

The IFOMC provided an excellent opportunity for networking and fostering connections among managers, coordinators, and observers involved in various global programs. The interaction facilitated a deeper understanding of the role of monitoring fisheries and the economic benefits associated with it. The IFOMC also facilitated enhanced cooperation and knowledge sharing between more developed country programs and their Pacific counterparts.

Staff from the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Secretariat were joined by representatives from other international tuna management organizations and officials  from Pacific Island observer programs. The generous funding extended to Pacific Island members was made possible through the Chinese Taipei Trust Fund, which is administered by the WCPFC Secretariat.

The next IFOMC is scheduled to take place in Hawaii in 2025, building upon the achievements and momentum of the Hobart conference and contributing to the sustainable management of global fisheries.

For more information: Contact Aaron Nighswander, the Finance & Administration Manager at aaron.nighswander@wcpfc.int or wcpfc@wcpfc.int

About WCPFC

The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is one of five global tuna regional fisheries management organizations, responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of highly migratory fish stocks, particularly tuna, in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Established in 2004, the WCPFC comprises 34 member countries and territories, and seven cooperating-non-members dedicated to promoting the sustainable management of the world’s largest tuna fishery. The WCPFC Secretariat is headquartered in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.