Regional Observer Programme | Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission

Page updated: 06 Oct 2025

Introduction (Plain Language)

The Regional Observer Programme (ROP) is a way for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) to get reliable information about fishing activities in our area. “Observers” are trained people who join fishing boats to watch what happens on board, record catch amounts, and gather scientific data. This data helps scientists and managers make good decisions to keep fish populations healthy.

Observers also check that fishing rules are followed. They look out for things like where and when fish are caught, and whether any protected species (such as turtles or marine mammals) are accidentally caught. In short, observers help us understand and manage fisheries better.

(If you are new to fisheries management: “Convention Area” means the ocean area where the WCPFC has authority. “Conservation and Management Measures” or “CMMs” are the rules agreed by WCPFC members to protect and sustain fish stocks.)

Why the ROP Matters

Collect Verified Catch Data: Observers record exactly how many fish (and what species) are caught, so estimates are accurate.
Gather Scientific Data: Observers take measurements and notes that help scientists track fish populations, bycatch rates, and stock health.
Monitor Rule Compliance: Observers ensure fishing vessels follow WCPFC’s rules (CMMs). This keeps the fishery fair and sustainable.
Protect Observers: The ROP has safety rules so that observers can do their work safely on the high seas.

Objectives of the ROP

What We Collect: The programme collects confirmed catch numbers, scientific information, and other data about fisheries operations in the Convention Area. It also tracks how well fishing vessels follow the Conservation and Management Measures agreed by the Commission.
Legal Basis (CMMs):
- The original “CMM 2007-01 (PDF, 58 KB)” came into force on 15 February 2008. This CMM sets out the rules for the ROP.
- An updated “CMM 2018-05 (PDF, 193 KB)” took effect in February 2019. It refines and expands the original rules.
Authorisation of Observer Programmes: To join the WCPFC ROP, a national or sub-regional observer programme must be approved. The WCPFC Secretariat audits each programme to check it meets the Commission Minimum Standards for Observer Programmes. Only fully audited and compliant programmes are authorised.
(Contact karl.staisch@wcpfc.int for more details on authorisation and audit steps.)
Vessel Safety Check (VSC): Before an observer boards a fishing vessel, a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) should be done. The Commission provides a standard VSC guideline and form, but if a member’s observer programme already has its own VSC form, it may continue using that. Otherwise, the WCPFC VSC form can be adopted.
Download the WCPFC ROP Vessel Safety Check Form (PDF, 146 KB).
ROP Standards and Guidelines: The WCPFC has basic standards for how observer programmes should be set up and run if they want to join the ROP.
Transshipment Observations: For carriers that transfer fish from longliners at sea, the Secretariat has created three forms (FC-1, FC-2, FC-3) to guide observers. Programmes may use these forms as-is or adapt them to fit local needs.
Minimum Data Fields (Longliners & Purse Seiners): ROP observers must collect certain minimum pieces of information (called “minimum data fields”) when they are on longliners or purse seiners. This includes information about Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). How each provider formats these data is flexible, but many programmes use the SPC/FFA harmonized format. You can find that format on the SPC website under the Oceanic Fisheries Programme.
Minimum Data Fields for Transshipment Monitoring (as of 1 January 2023):
When observers watch transshipment events (transferring fish from one vessel to another) on the high seas, they must collect a set of agreed minimum data fields. Once the observer leaves the carrier vessel, the ROP provider has up to 90 days to send these data to the Commission Secretariat.
Download “Minimum Data Fields for Observer Transhipment Monitoring – 2023” (PDF, 182 KB).
Observer Safety (since 2017): The Commission agreed on rules and procedures to keep ROP observers safe when they work on fishing vessels. This is captured in CMM 2017-03 – Conservation and Management Measure for the Protection of WCPFC ROP Observers (PDF, 135 KB).
Guidelines for the ROP (May 2019): The Secretariat prepared detailed guidelines covering all aspects of the ROP.
Download “Guidelines for Regional Observer Programme – May 2019” (PDF, 249 KB).

Introduction (Plain Language)

Why the ROP Matters

Objectives of the ROP

Key Documents, Forms, and Resources