2015 - Update on the ABNJ (Common Oceans) Tuna Project’s Shark and Bycatch Components

This paper presents a brief overview of progress with the ABNJ (Common Oceans) Tuna Project
activities being led by the WCPFC Secretariat and the SPC. These activities are comprised of three
components: i) shark data improvement and harmonization; ii) shark stock assessment and
management; and iii) global bycatch management and information. Under the first component the
project is contributing to the harmonization of observer longline bycatch data fields, the t-RFMO
bycatch data exchange proposal, whale shark post-release mortality tagging, and compilation of
shark life history information. Under the second component, one of four pan-Pacific shark stock
assessments is commencing in the form of a southern hemisphere porbeagle stock status
assessment, and priorities for the remaining three assessments are being considered. Under the
third component of bycatch mitigation, SPC has begun re-development work on the Bycatch
Management Information System (BMIS) and is proposing to hold sea turtle mitigation analysis
workshops in 2016. Feedback from stakeholders is invited on current and proposed activities, and
opportunities for synergistic collaborations are continuously sought.