2014 Annual WCPFC Report: Joint Tuna RFMO Bycatch Technical Working Group

The Joint Tuna-RFMO By-catch Technical Working Group (By-catch TWG) was established in 2009
and its work plan endorsed by the Kobe III meeting in July 2011 and the Scientific Committee of
WCPFC in August 2011. This report documents the progress on the following elements of this work
plan:
1. Harmonisation of t-RFMO fishing data;
2. Harmonisation of identification guides;
3. Updating of by-catch research priorities and promotion of collaborative work;
4. Improved Information sharing through the BMIS;
5. Facilitation of Risk Assessments (sharks as the priority);
6. Identification of Funding Sources; and
7. Enhanced compliance with data reporting requirements.