April 2014

Since February 2014, FIP partners have been active in preparing crew trainings with regards to national and regional regulations, including management measures to mitigate negative impacts on endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species. Training materials and equipment is being organized with a close collaboration with the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources and the South Pacific Community.Crews will be trained in species identification, logbook completion on ETP, WCPFC regulations, domestic rules and best practice on handling and release of sharks, turtles and other vulnerable species encountered by the fishery. These trainings aim at improving data collection on ETP interactions for the longline fishery in order to determine the extent and nature of these interactions and identify potential actions needed to reduce negative impacts. Training activities aim to take place in July 2014.

FIP partners are also engaging with other fisheries improvement programs in the wider Pacific region to collaborate on common regional activities such as setting reference points, harvest control rules and improving WCPFC decision-making process for high seas management. A first meeting is planned to take place in May 2014.