The Regional Observer Programme Intersessional Working Group. Formed in 2006, its purpose is to guide and refine how independent fisheries observers are used in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. In simple terms, this working group designs and improves the system for placing trained observers on fishing vessels, ensuring that tuna fishing activities are watched and documented by impartial eyes. By coordinating observer coverage and addressing challenges for observers and programs, the group strengthens data collection and compliance monitoring, supporting the WCPFC’s mission of sustainable and responsible tuna fisheries management.
Background and Purpose
The requirement for a region-wide observer program comes from the WCPFC
Convention, Article 28. As the Commission began, members saw the value of observers for accurate catch data and oversight. Rather than build a new corps, the Commission chose a hybrid model that uses national and sub-regional programs. In 2006, the Commission set up the IWG-ROP to design a practical system: training and certification, data to collect, reporting, and coverage levels. The goal was a coordinated, cost-effective program that avoids duplicating existing efforts and provides reliable eyes on the water across a vast area.
The IWG-ROP is open to members, participating territories, and observer organizations. It works between annual sessions through correspondence, technical papers, and focused meetings. The Secretariat provides coordination, analysis, and technical support. Collaboration with the Forum Fisheries Agency and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement has been central, given their observer experience. The group has prioritized the needs of small island developing states with capacity building. Common standards, such as uniform training and data forms, allow observers from different programs to operate under one integrated framework. This approach enabled a successful launch, with national observers contributing to a regional network that delivers core science and compliance data.
Why Onboard Observers?
Logbooks and inspections are limited. Independent observers fill gaps with verified information from at-sea operations.
- What do observers do, and why are they needed? Observers live and work aboard vessels, recording catch, effort, bycatch, and compliance with rules. They provide unbiased data for stock assessments and ecosystem research, and document possible violations. In a remote region, observers function as the eyes and ears of authorities. Their presence deters non-compliance and improves accuracy beyond self-reports.
- Challenges and the need for a coordinated programme: Safety, cost, and logistics are persistent issues. Before the ROP, coverage was uneven and key impacts were unmonitored. A coordinated program standardized procedures and expanded coverage, especially in purse seine fisheries. Regional authorization allows observers to work across fleets. Observer safety is a priority, with protocols for incidents and required safety equipment. The program increases transparency and improves confidence in management advice and enforcement.
Observer data are often the highest quality source for fisheries information, covering target catch, bycatch, species interactions, and gear details. These reports support science and drive compliance reviews. The presence of observers promotes better behavior on board. To keep the program effective, the group continues to address workload, retention, funding, and new tools, including electronic monitoring as a complement to human observers.
Historical Highlights
Key milestones in building the observer program into a core management tool:
- 2006 – Establishment of the Working Group: The IWG-ROP was created at WCPFC3 to design the hybrid ROP. Tasks included objectives, implementation steps, training standards, data management, and safety protocols.
- 2007–2008 – Laying the Groundwork and Launch: Under the first Chair, members developed an implementation plan and standards. In 2008 the phased rollout began, including initial high-seas trials that tested forms and coordination.
- 2009–2010 – 100% Purse Seine Coverage: Conservation measures required full observer coverage for purse seine vessels between 20°N and 20°S by 1 January 2010. Members achieved this through regional cooperation. High-seas transshipment also required observers starting in 2009, expanding ROP scope to carrier vessels.
- 2012 – Longline Coverage and Consolidation: A 5% longline observer coverage minimum took effect. The group focused on harmonized manuals, data protocols, and audits of national programs for ROP certification.
- 2015 – Program Improvements (IWG-ROP4): The Nadi meeting addressed observer conduct guidelines, standardized ID cards, and data flow improvements. The emphasis shifted to data quality and effective use in science and compliance.
- 2016–2018 – Observer Welfare and Data Quality: WCPFC adopted an observer safety measure with flag State obligations for incident response, proper treatment, and communications. Forms were updated for new measures on protected species. CMM 2018-05 consolidated ROP rules and standards.
- 2020 – Pandemic Disruption: Due to COVID-19, observer requirements were temporarily suspended. Coverage dropped sharply, creating data gaps and pushing rapid progress in electronic reporting and monitoring trials.
- 2022–2024 – Reactivation and Modernization: Observer requirements resumed on 1 January 2023 for purse seiners and high-seas transshipment. The IWG-ROP reviewed data requirements, streamlined links to the Compliance Monitoring Scheme, tested electronic reporting tools, and supported uniform transshipment data fields.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
By 2025, the ROP is fully active. Programs rebuilt capacity after the pandemic, retraining and recruiting observers to meet purse seine coverage. Regional cooperation helped fill shortfalls and accelerate training.
Upcoming improvements focus on updated minimum data fields aligned with new conservation measures, practical observer workload, and electronic tools. Tablets for digital reporting speed submission and reduce errors. Electronic monitoring is being integrated where onboard space or access is limited, with work underway on review systems and how EM data fit within ROP coverage.
Observer welfare remains a core priority. The Commission is advancing better communications at sea, clear reporting channels, and support after difficult deployments. Members are discussing insurance, mental health support, and standardized rest periods to sustain a skilled observer workforce and maintain data quality.
For the general public, what does this mean? Tuna fisheries in the Western and Central Pacific are under closer watch. Independent observers bring transparency, support sustainable seafood claims, and deter illegal activity. Their data improve stock assessments and help authorities enforce rules against IUU fishing.
Since 2006, the IWG-ROP has unified national efforts into a coherent regional system. The program has faced incidents, resistance, and a pandemic pause, yet the response has been to adapt and strengthen. The ROP is now one of the largest observer programs worldwide, covering a major share of the global tuna catch. The working group will keep the program fit for purpose by improving safety, data quality, and technology integration, while ensuring participation by all members.