Intersessional Working Group on the Regional Observer Programme (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.
| Symbol | Title | Files | Date of Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCPFC-ROPIWG5-2025 | ROP-IWG5 Chairs Summary Report |
 (430.59 KB) |
23 Apr 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:
Previous Meetings of the ROP-IWG (2007 - 2015):
- 24 to 25 September 2007 in Pohnpei, FSM 1st Intersessional Working Group - Regional Observer Programme
- 7 to 10 July 2008 in Nadi, Fiji 2nd Intersessional Working Group - Regional Observer Progamme (ROP-IWG2)
- 17 to 20 March 2009 in Guam, USA 3rd Intersessional Working Group - Regional Observer Progamme (ROP-IWG3)
- 6 to 8 July 2015 in Nadi, Fiji IWG-ROP4
Background on the WCPFCs Regional Observer Programme (ROP)
In 2007, the Regional Observer Programme (ROP) was established (CMM 2007-01) pursuant to Article 28 of the Convention and has the stated function “to collect verified catch data, other scientific data and additional information related to the fishery from the Convention Area and to monitor the implementation of the conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission.” The TCC and the Scientific Committee (SC) have a joint responsibility to recommend to the Commission the priorities and objectives of the ROP, and to assess the results of the programme (Convention Articles 12 (2f) and 14(2c)).
Key Reference Documents for the Regional Observer Programme:
- Conservation and Management Measure for the Regional Observer Programme (CMM 2018-05)
- Conservation and Management Measure for the protection of WCPFC Regional Observer Programme Observers (CMM 2017-03)
- WCPFC Regional Observer Programme Standards & ROP Guidelines (suppl_CMM 2018-05-1)
- Guideline WCPFC ROP Vessel Safety Check Form
- Minimum ROP data fields
- For Longline and Purse Seine: Table of ROP minimum standard data fields 2016 and E-reporting standards Standards, Specifications and Procedures for Electronic Reporting in the WCPFC - operational catch and effort data + observer data
- For Transhipment Observers: Minimum Data Fields for Observer Transhipment Monitoring - 2023
General information about WCPFC's Regional Observer Programme may be found at this link and a copy of the Secretariat's TCC Annual Report on the WCPFC Regional Observer Programme (August 2024) may be found here