Preliminary Review of Available Information on Biodegradable FADs

1. In November 2020, the FAD Management Options Intersessional Working Group (FADMO-IWG) finalized a draft Guidelines for non-entangling and biodegradable FADs1, which was forwarded to the Commission.
2. In the SC17 online discussion forum, there was general support on strengthening the existing provisions to reduce entanglement on FADs and more work is needed for the use of biodegradable materials in FADs. At TCC17 and online discussion forum, there was general support for the use of non-entangling and biodegradable FAD materials and research on the development and application of suitable biodegradable materials in FAD construction including the use of locally available materials.
3. In 2021, the FADMO-IWG recommended (WCPFC18-2021-FADMO-IWG5-01):
• the use of biodegradable materials on the construction of FADs to reduce the number of synthetic debris in the environment but acknowledged that more research is needed on the development and application of suitable biodegradable materials and FAD designs in FAD construction including the use of locally available materials;
• that CCMs continue to encourage its flagged vessels to use available biodegradable materials on FAD construction; and
• that Commission considers developing a definition of “biodegradable FAD”, ideally in consultation with other t-RFMOs.
4. Noting the report and recommendations of the FAD Management Options IWG, the Commission established a prohibition on the use of mesh net for any part of a FAD, from January 1, 2024, and agreed to further consider other issues related to FADs (biodegradable FADs, the impact of FADs, and FAD numbers)2.
5. The Commission adopted a revised Tropical Tuna Measure (CMM 2021-01) at WCPFC18 in December 2021 and tasked the Scientific Committee to provide specific recommendations on other issues (Paragraphs 19):The Scientific Committee shall continue to review research results on the use of biodegradable material on FADs and shall provide specific recommendations to the Commission in 2022 including on a definition of biodegradable FADs, a timeline for the stepwise introduction of biodegradable FADs, potential gaps/needs and any other relevant information.
6. To date, the FADMO-IWG has not specifically considered the issues specified in paragraph 19 of CMM 2021-01. However, these were scheduled to be considered during June - October 2022 in the FADMO-IWG Chair's work plan (Attachment A, WCPFC Circular 2022/25 dated 11 May 2022). This includes reviewing available reference materials related to the i) definition of biodegradable FADs, ii) timeline for the stepwise introduction of biodegradable FADs, iii) potential gaps/needs and iv) any other relevant information. The purpose of this paper is to provide relevant information related to such other issues for the IWG participants to assist SC18’s further consideration and development.