Progress on the WPCFC stock assessments and shark research plan (summary table)

This report updates the progress of the Shark Research Plan based on Table 1 of WCPFC-SC14-
2018/EB-WP-04. The document outlines previously agreed work and potential new work for
2020-2023. The 2020 work programme will be reviewed by an Informal Small Group (ISG) at SC15,
which will be tasked with reviewing the shark research plan; recommending any changes to project list; and providing associated indicative budgets for each project. It is recommended that the ISG take into account the report from Project 78 (WCPFC-SC14-2018/ EB-WP-02) in particular Annex 4 of that report, and the results from Project 91 (EB-WP-09 if endorsed by SC15).

For explanations of the intent of the work outlined in the Table 1, refer project specifications below.
With respect to scheduling SC8 discussed the regularity of stock assessments from both biological and funding perspectives. SC8 considered that the stock assessments for the major tuna species should
be conducted every three years, swordfish should be conducted every four years, and other billfish
species should be conducted every five years. The ISG should consider whether to formalise the shark
assessment schedule to be no more frequent than 5-yearly.

To assist the WCPFC Science Research Sub-Committee’s deliberations, SC15 is invited to review these projects and the stock assessment schedule.