SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 30 June 1988

ORIGINAL: ENGLISH

SOUTH PACIFIC COMMISSION

TWENTIETH REGIONAL TECHNICAL MEETING ON FISHERIES (Noumea, New Caledonia, 1-5 August 1988)

Proposal for a South Pacific Tuna Fisheries Development Project: Trial purse seine fishing.

I. Report of the Study Mission

by Elisala Pita Chief Fisheries Officer Fisheries Division Tuvalu

David Itano Chief Fishery Biologist Department of Marine and Wildlife Resouces American Samoa and Richard Farman Fisheries Research Scientist Tuna and Billfish Assessment Programme South Pacific Commision SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 1

Table of Contents l Introduction 3 A. Background 3 B. Terms of reference 4 C. Development and Implementation 4 Project outline 5 A. Main objective 5 B. Proximate fisheries 5 C. Area of operation 6 D. Expected benefits 6 :. country inputs 8 A. Introduction 8 Conduct of work 8 Approach adopted 8 Coverage 9 B. Country fisheries profiles 10 C. Country statements 24 D. Assessment of inputs by countries 31 . Technical aspects 3 3 A. Introduction 33 B. Technical support facilities/ Sub-region 1 3 5 C. Project vessel 37 Type of seining operation 37 Vessel size 38 Vessel availability 39 D. Fishing gear 40 Single power block 40 Triplex system 4 0 Purse seine (net considerations) 41 E. Fishing methods 42 FAD or Payao fishing 42 Fishing on free or non-associated schools 43 Log fishing 43 Drifting FADs 4 3 Baitboat assisted seining 44 F. Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) 44 G. Purse seine bycatch issues 4 5 H, Maximization of programme objectives 47 Survey and planning 47 Maximizing test fishing time 47 Maximizing information 48 Aerial surveys 48 Support vessels 48 Fleet intelligence 48 Electronic Devices 49 On board observers/scientists 49 I. Summary (Technical aspects) 49 J. Proposed Outline Phase II (Technical concerns) 50 SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 2

V. Ecological considerations A. Introduction B. Description of the area C. Abundance of the resource D. Country specific resources E. Biological considerations Seasonality Vulnerability Aggregators Competition/interaction F. Summary (Ecological Concerns) VI. Outline for implementation of Phase I A. Final Summary References SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 3

I. Introduction A. Background 1. The advent of large scale purse seining has dramatically changed the tuna fisheries of the Pacific. The fishery has shown spectacular growth, increasing three fold over the last ten years, yet less than 10% of the total catch estimated at 350,000 MT, is taken by Pacific Islands owned or based vessels. 2. There is an increasing determination by member countries to extract greater economic and social benefits from this resource through more active participation in the offshore fishing industry. Following the lead of Solomon Islands which are persuing the development of their industrial fishery through purse seining, a number of countries have expressed interest in the development of their own ventures. These countries however remain rightly cautious given the high risks involved with this type of fishing and the lack of information available on the operational and economical factors associated with purse seining. 3. The concept of a programme of trial purse seine fishing to provide interested countries with information on their fishery and development potentials, has been discussed at a number of international fora in recent years ana have always drawn strong support, particularly from smaller countries outside or adjacent to the areas intensively fished by the offshore purse seine fishing fleet. 4. A proposal has thus been presented to CRGA 9 with smaller countries in mind. This project has been approved in principle, pending technical review by the 2 0th RTMF. A study mission comprised of Mr. Elisala Pita, Chief Fisheries Officer of Tuvalu, Mr. David Itano, Chief Fishery Biologist with the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resouces of American Samoa and Mr. Richard Farman, Fisheries Research Scientist with the Tuna and Billfish Assessment Programme of the South Pacific Commision was thus undertaken to evaluate and further develop the proposal for a regional project investigating the potential for commercial purse seine operations in areas/countries not currently fished by this method but adjacent to established fishing grounds or considered to have fishing potential, according to the following terms of reference: SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 4

B. Terms of Reference (a) Consult with the states and territories that would be concerned by the project to ensure that their development needs are adequately addressed. (b) Review and present the status of current biological and technical knowledge relevant to the project

(c) Prepare a comprehensive report of the study, reviewing the various alternatives and proposing an outline for the implementation of the project, for technical review at the 20th RTMF.

5. The following report is thus in fullfilment of the third term of reference and presents the information gathered during the mission. It consists of five sections. The first section presents the concept and objectives of the project, the second deals with the Countries inputs, the third reviews the technological aspects of the project, the fourth the relevant ecological considerations and the fifth reviews the various alternatives and presents an outline for the implementation of the project. C. Development and implementation Development 6. This mission constitutes the first step in the development of the project. Its purpose was to identify all the countries needs and requirements in terms of development of their commercial sector and review the status of technical and biological knowledge relevant to the proposed project to provide a background for technical discussions at the RTMF.

7. Pending endorsment and recommendations by the RTMF and final approval by Conference, a second phase concerned with the detailed definition of the project will be implemented. This second phase, scheduled for one year, will consist of consultations with the countries of a first sub-region to define the technical, logistical and legal ramifications of the project.

Implementation 8. The project covers the entire SPC area, but because of logistic and time constraints it will be implemented in stages. The countries that would be concerned in the first instance and which were visited during the mission are: Tuvalu, Western Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji and Vanuatu. 9. The test fishing results in this first sub-region can then be used to extend the project to other areas. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 5

II Project outline 10. The following section outlines the concept of the project as it was presented to the officials of the countries visited. The officials were asked to comment on the principle of the project, mainly to discuss how the project objectives related to their own development needs and for their technical staff to review the relevant technical or biological features. A. Main objective 11. The main objective of the project would be to show that at the fringe of the fishing operations carried out by the large trans-oceanic seiners, it is possible to develop a geographically and economically complementary activity of benefit to the region, using smaller vessels, suitably equipped and having a capacity appropriate to local requirements.

12. This project is thus designed to provide an alternative to "conventional" purse seining and other well documented methods such as pole-and-line or longline for which countries have sufficient information. It will provide the region with information on the distribution and availability of the resource, the most suited gear to exploit this resource and the basic vessel performace and operational ceres on which to base decisions regarding future national -.nvolvment in industrial purse seining operations.

13. The keystone of the project will be the operation of a "regional tuna vessel" which would carry out exploratory surveys, as well as fishing trials and training, for a period of about two years in a defined area. To that end, the notion of "proximate" fisheries is introduced.

B. Proximate fisheries 14. Rather than the concept of "EEZ", defined with reference to all emerged land, the project proposes, from the technical point of view, to use the idea of "proximate fisheries", defining a radius of economic action from a home-port, which would vary with the type of vessel concerned. 15. This concept of "proximate fisheries" is the central idea of this project for, by limiting the size of vessels, their activity is circumscribed within a region centering on the principal port of call. 16. Thus it creates an activity in addition to that of the fleets of big ships with a wide range of action, an activity which produces direct effects on the principal base and secondary effects in the neighbouring countries through the exploitation of EEZs that are at present scarcely fished although the resource is there. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 6

17. The presence of a cannery is a determining factor for development of proximate fisheries, because it guarantees remunerative outlets for catches even when the tonnages are small. It is a development factor even for relatively remote fisheries, in that it can generate new flows of the basic raw material. C. Area of operation 18 The sub-regions, or sub-groups of countries and territories, should be chosen in such a way as to form a geographic entity that is economically accessible to a small vessel operating from a main home port that is sufficiently well-equipped to support commercial operations. 19. A sub-region operates around one focal point (the main support center) where most of the maintenance and refueling stops of the demonstration vessel as well as sales of catches will take place. 20. In each of the other countries or territories there should nevertheless be some facility to deal with the project, more or less elaborate depending on the magnitude of the envisaged development operations. In most of the South Pacific countries, such a facility already exists (fisheries department) and it will probably not be necessary to appoint new local staff especially for the project. 21. The first "sub-region" will be based in Fiji and encoumpass the whole or parts of the waters of Wallis and Futuna, Tuvalu, Western Samoa Tonga and Vanuatu. D. Expected benefits: 22. It is very important that every State/Territory should strongly feel that it is effectively involved in the project and deriving direct equal benefits from it. 23. This can only be achieved by continuous information on the regional tuna vessel's activities, systematic surveys of all the zones in the sub-region, stops in every country, during which direct support can be given to local producers, in the form of delivery of equipment, information on fish availability, setting up of Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs), or assistance with a number of sectors associated with commercial fisheries. 24. In countries where artisanal tuna fishing is already well developed, the thrust of support might be directed on marketing and possibly on in-country processing, key factors in islands which usually have a very small domestic market. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 7

25. At the end of the project, or rather at the end of this first stage of "prospection-demonstration", every country in the sub-region should have obtained sufficient qualitative data on its resources and on the most efficient harvest method. 26. On this basis, supplemented by an in-depth economic study, medium and long term development guidelines can be defined. 27. In a country where tuna fishing has already attained the industrial stage (Fiji for instance) the major benefits of the project could be: -definition of appropriate fishing vessels and facilities. -stimulation or expansion of processing activities based on regular "proximate" supplies and on strengthened export markets. In a country where fishing remains purely artisanal, the benefits of the project could be: -exploitation of hitherto unfished zones by foreign or regional vessels, creating new commercial flows or strengthening existing ones. -improvement of fishing methods and exploitation of new resources accessible to traditional fishermen. -creation or development of small scale processing (Katsuobushi, loins) based on the relatively good quality of their raw products compared with products stemming from an industrial fishery. 28. In a country where no tuna fishing is at present carried out, the project might: -help to determine the advisability or otherwise of establishing a new activity. -increase knowledge of the zone and determine seasonal tuna abundance, which would attract fishing fleets from outside the zone and produce an income from the resources, in the form of dues paid under regional fishing agreements and other counterpart provisions. 29. In every case, the development of each country can be considered separately as an integral part of the activity of regional interest. For example in the case of a cannery, it will be necessary to build on what already exists and to define a reasonably-sized area of common economic action to drain local production surpluses. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 8

III. country inputs A. Introduction

30. In carrying out their work to establish the inputs by countries on the proposal, the consultants followed closely the approach outlined in the first Terms of reference, namely; "consult with the States and Territories that would be concerned by the project to ensure their development needs are adequately addressed".

Conduct of the work

31. As required by the above TOR, the consultants collected available information on the progress made by the countries covered by the study mission, in achieving the objectives of their Fisheries Development Plans. Information was specifically collected on the current status of industrial fisheries activities including available plans on purse seining activities. As well as collecting the information, Officials were interviewed to secure detail information on the progress achieved to date in implementing the current programmes, including specific problems faced. The information is relevant and would allow the consultants to outline the possible impacts the purse seine test fishing project would have on the individual country Fisheries development programmes. The information would also allow the consultants to highlight specific implications on the economy of the countries concerned by the project, and thus provides for the proposal to be properly planned and justified. SECTION B provides summaries of Countries Fisheries Profiles compiled from the information collected.

Approach Adopted

32. For all the countries visited by the study mission, arrangements were made prior to the visits, to confirm meetings with the relevant Officials of Government, established National Fishing Corporations including private entrepreneurs currently involved in commercial tuna fishing enterprises. Visits to relevant establishments (shipyards, canneries, boatyards) were also arranged to ensure the Consultants obtain as much information as possible to satisfy their Terms of Reference. Due to flight delays, some of the scheduled meetings with government officials in some of the countries had to be cancelled. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 9

33. In an effort to provide background information on the project proposal, the consultants had distributed, in advance of their visits, two relevant background documents to Fisheries Departments for distribution to the relevant Ministries and Corporations etc. in their countries. The consultants considered it necessary for countries to receive pre-briefing on the project proposal to achieve meaningful dialogues. The documents distributed included the working paper submitted by the SPC Secretariat to the May CRGA Meeting: SPC/CRGA/WP.3 2 'Proposal for the Pacific Tuna Fisheries Project' and a simplified summary of WP 32, prepared by the Consultants.

34. During the meetings with officials of the countries visited,the Consultants adopted the following approach:

- Provided the officials with summaries of the background to the evolution of the project (WP.32); the objectives of the proposal (WP.32) and attempted to explain the project concept based on "proximate Fisheries" - Explained the logistics and coverage of the preparatory phase ("this mission") within the overall project Development and implementation schedule (Simplified Version WP.32). - Provided an assessment of the expected results of the project with possible follow-up activities by countries. - Discussed the various benefits to the countries concerned by the project. Discussed specific country needs raised by officials, including issues related to the project which officials expressed concerns.

Discussed technical issues related to the project (covered in another section of the report).

Coverage 35. In this section of the report, an overview of the Fishing industries in the countries visited is provided, (SECTION B) to establish an overall picture of the types of fisheries the proposed Test Fishing project would assist in meeting the development aspirations of the countries concerned. SECTION C summarizes the countries discussions on the issues, pertaining to the development needs which could be incorporated into the project, SECTION D assess the common interests and reservations raised by the countries including an assessment of the possible options to apply the project results by the individual countries in their endeavors to established Industrial tuna Fisheries, possibly through tuna purse seining. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 10

B. Country fisheries profiles 36. The current status of Fisheries development in the countries covered by the Study Mission varies from an opportunistic fishery to well established artisanal or industrial fisheries in the countries concerned by the project, an overview of the current status of Fisheries development in the respective countries is considered necessary.

37. In this section, the relevant objectives, strategies and major development programmes under the Fisheries sector currently incorporated in the various National Development Plans of the countries covered by the project were highlighted. Specifically, the relevant sections of the Plans covering industrial fisheries are detailed. For countries with no industrial fisheries, an attempt is made to provide a summary of the current fisheries activities.

TUVALU Fisheries overview Current Status

38. Marine resources constitute the country's i. ijor asset. Their development will provide the country's largely subsistence population with the basic foundation to achieve economic and social advancement.

39. Attempts to establish the Fishing industry dated back to the First National Development Plan period (1978-1980); these development efforts had continued until the current Plan (DP IV) . To date, the Fisheries is still largely subsistence with an artisanal Fishery currently being established.

40. During the Third Development Plan Period (1984-1987), Government began to place high priority on the development of the sector; investment on the establishment of the basic infrastructure was increased, with the assistance of the Donor Communities. A development strategy for the Fisheries sector was also formulated. Such a strategy involved the exploitation of the fisheries and other marine resources within the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Artisanal fisheries 41. The Development Programmes currently being implemented by Fisheries Division and the National Fishing Corporation of Tuvalu (NAFICOT) include the following: SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 11

42. Government, through Fisheries Division, continues to assist Fishermen through; - Implementation of a Share-Fishing Scheme whereby Fisheries Division owned vessels are operated by Fishermen contracted to the Division, in exchange for a 60% share of the catch.

- Evaluating low cost fuel efficient vessels and embarking on the local construction of successful designs for purchase by Fishermen under a loan scheme.

- Establishment of marketing facilities. A fish market is currently operational on Funafuti, and provides storage and a sale outlet for Fishermen catches. The venture has stipulated fish production and orderly marketing and it is intended to promote exports in the long term.

- Providing supporting services to fishermen by servicing engines and boat repairs. Aquaculture 43. Fisheries Division currently undertakes aquaculture projects; the resources with potential income earning opportunities are considered as priorities. The ongoing programmes include the culture of: trochus, iant clams and sea weeds. Industrial Fisheries

44. Government has established a national fishing corporation of Tuvalu (NAFICOT) to operate its pole and line vessel: "TE TAUTAI", provided through Japanese aid. The vessel had operated in Fiji in the past and is currently fishing in the Solomon islands under a memorandum of understanding with the National Fisheries Development Ltd. of the Solomon Islands. Government is currently considering a joint venture Purse Seining Proposal with MARCO, a US seining company. Licensing

45. Tuvalu Government currently have access agreements with the Fisheries Organizations of Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Republic of China and is a Party to the Multilateral Treaty with the United States. Access fees constitute a major component of the country sources of revenue. The data under these agreements would form a good basis for assessing the tuna resources of the country's EEZ. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 12

Fisheries Development Plant pp IV fl988-1991) 46. The objectives of the current plan were modified to take account of the progress achieved in meeting the DP III objectives. The current plan objectives, which are relevant to the purse seine test project includes: - the development of a commercial fishing industry based on the sustainable exploitation of all the country's marine resources' involving artisanal, small-scale commercial and industrial fisheries. - maximize the export earning potential of fisheries while satisfying the local demand for tinfish and fish products. promote fisheries related activities such as fish processing etc. 47. A systematic approach was adopted in the current plan; the major programmes were indentified and adopted: - commercial fisheries development. - foreign fishing vessel licensing. - development of aquaculture and miscellaneous species. - resources assessments. - institutional development. 48. Progress in implementing the above programmes is encouraging. Commercial Fisheries Development Programme 49. This programme incorporates all elements of small-scale commercial and industrial fisheries. The relevant objectives of this programme includes: - to increase production of fish to meet the local demand and to provide for the development of a viable export industry. - to provide access to financial and other services to adequately support commercial fisheries. - ensure the profitable operations of the National Fishing Corporation and to expand locally based commercial activities of the corporation. - pursue joint ventures in tuna purse seining and other deep-water fisheries. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 13

WESTERN SAMOA Fisheries overview Current Status 50. Attempts to establish the fishing industry in Western Samoa dated back to the 1970's with mixed success and failures. However, with the establishment of an "ALIA Fishery" after 1975, supported by the implementation of an FAD programme, fishing by Samoan fishermen was expanded beyond the reefs, and a viable small-scale alia fishery was firmly established, employing bottom droplining and trolling gear. These activities, coupled with the strengthening of thecountry's Fisheries Division, and the private sector, had led to the currently established fisheries programmes and activities.

Small-Scale Artisanal/Fishery

51. The fishery is still focused on the operation of the Samoan 'ALIA'. A total of 108 ALIAS are in operation throughout the country and provide the bulk of the domestic market fish supply. Tuna constitute the bulk of the catches, which now exceeds 300 mt/annum. The catches are mostly sold through the local market outlets, with occasional exports of the surplus to the Pago Pago markets. Deep bottom snappers, taken from the near shore reefs, also form part of the annual fish catches.

Marketing

52. A Government fish market has been established on Apia and would be leased to private investors under government's privatisation strategy.

Boatbuilding 53. Government also operate a boatyard: 'BOATCRAFT' at Vaitele, Apia. The centre construct alia catamarans and fish aggregating devices. About 135 alias have been constructed since the beginning of the programme. Orders from Pacific countries have been satisfied and the Alias are now widely accepted around the region.

Aquaculture Programme 54. In this sector, Fisheries Division has investigated the possibilities of culturing green mussels, giant clams, fresh water prawns and others. Some success have been achieved but the activities are still experimental, and more efforts would be made to expand the programme. _oneries 20/WP.28 ^e 14

Exploratory fishing programmes - Small scale commercial fishery 55. Productive and new fishing grounds were surveyed with new fishing gear tested. The lack of suitable survey vessels as well as the conflicts between Alia fishermen operating in the survey area had constrained the programme. 56. An Hydrographic survey of the EEZ to identify and charter the seamounts and offshore banks was also part of the programme. Industrial Fisheries Sector 57. Limited purse seining activities by US Purse Seiners were reported in Samoan Waters. The Samoan Government had not invesjted in industrial tuna fishing in view of the uncertain state of the international tuna industry. 58. An ADB Sectorial Study covering the country included a proposal for a Purse Seine Fleet of 4 Seiners (350-500 GRT) to establish a Purse Seine Fishery. However, the lack of operational and cost benefit data for the type of Seiners recommended had prevented government from actioning the proposal. Fisheries Development Plan DP IV 59. Under the country's current plan, the relevant objectives, strategies and programmes pertaining to the purse seine test fishing proposal are summarized to allow for possible impact of the proposal on the country's plan objectives to be considered. Objectives - Develop the country's marine resources in order to promote economic growth, and to achieve national self-reliance; - Increase the local production of fish and marine products for the local market and; - Establish large scale export oriented commercial fishing. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 15

Strategies

60. To achieve the objectives under the Fisheries Sector, government would pursue the following strategies:

- Efforts will be made to establish large scale export oriented commercial fishing industries to utilize the unexploited offshore fisheries resources.

- Emphasis will be placed on managing the reef and lagoon resources.

- Efforts will be directed to strengthening the ongoing activities: boat industry, FAD programme, aquaculture activities, with Fisheries Division providing the support and extension and advisory services.

Industrial Fisheries Development Programme 61. Under the programme, the major objective would be to promote the establishment of a large scale export industry. 62. To promote this objective, Government would pursue the following specific strategies to establish the industrial Fisheries Sector:

- investigate the viability of establishing a locally based Purse Seining industry and;

- pursue the possibility of establishing a localized tuna cannery and tuna lining.

KINGDOM OF TONGA Fisheries overview Current Status 63. The Kingdom had successfully developed both small-scale as well as commercial Fisheries programmes. Tonga's small-scale fisheries programme is at the advanced stage of consolidation and is currently recognized as one of the most fully developed in the South Pacific region. 64. During the DP IV period, various programmes were implemented with the following achievements: SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 16

Artisanal Fisheries 65. Two revolving funds were successfully established providing loans to Fishermen for boats and fishing equipment, with Fisheries Division providing an ongoing training and monitoring programme through its extension service. Three boat yards are now fully operational to meet both local and export demand as well as providing training to fishermen in boat and engine repair and maintenance. The current artisanal fleet is 791 boats with production of about 80% of the nation's expanding fish landings. Fish Markets and Processing Complexes 66. An extension chain of transport vessels cold stores, ice making plants and ice boxes has been established with the aid of the government of Japan, thus facilitating the marketing of fish products in the Kingdom.

67. A major harbor and market complex, funded by the European Economic Community (EEC) was established in Nuku'alofa and was operational in 1987. Deep Sea Fisheries Development 68. Government was committed to deep sea fisheries development and research. Using government owned longlin.j vessels, operated on a semi commercial basis, Fisheries Division was successful in demonstrating that exploitation of the deep sea fisheries resources using longline gear was a viable development option, worth future expansion. The 1982-85 catches from the longliner 'LOFA' were sold locally withsome exports to Fiji.

Research Programmes

69. The Division also carried out various research programmes; - feasibility studies and stock assessments of demersal and pelagic species.

- identification of new fishing grounds.

- research by MFV 'LOFA' on the bottom fishery resources. - numerous aquaculture and maricultural activities. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 17

Fisheries Development Plan (1986-1990) General 70. Under the Kingdom's Fifth Five Year Development Plan (1986-1990), an emphasis on commercial private sector development, including Fisheries was identified. The relevant Plan strategies encompassing the Fisheries Sector includes: Focusing attention on the productive sectors of the economy, especially industry, agriculture and fisheries" - to encourage the use of appropriate technology, so as to make the most effective and efficient use of natural and human resources.

Fisheries Sector Basic Plan Objective 71. To increase production to the maximum sustainable yield as efficiently as possible. 72. Relevant specific objectives under DP V include: - increase production of fish and other marine products in order to maximize social and economic benefits for Tonga, having regard to the biological constraint of maximum sustainable yield; expand the development of deep sea fisheries, as identified by an analysis of available options; create additional employment opportunities thereby increasing income throughout the fisheries sector; improving fish marketing, including processing and handling for both the domestic and export markets. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 18

Strategies and Programmes under DP V 73. Government will investigate the feasibility of setting up a Fisheries Corporation/Authority to manage and further develop the various commercial activities currently developed and operated by Fisheries Division.

The prioritized programmes during DP V included:

-development of the artisanal fisheries:

- construction of appropriate vessels for the exploitation of offshore waters utilizing a variety of fishing techniques.

-improved management of the marine resources:

resources surveys; extension services and effective legislation.

-marketing development programmes:

- organized collection and distribution; - extension and servicing centres in selected locations.

WALLIS AND FUTUNA Fisheries overview Current Status of Fisheries Development

74. Currently, there is no organized fishing activities. Fishing is opportunistic involving part-time farmers and fishermen. Fishing is done when there are community or private functions. There are about 200 vessels between Wallis and Futuna; 80% "Fisherbuoys" (5.5-7 metre size); 5% "Surfmasters" (outboard powered launches: 4-5 metre) and the rest are open powered boats of varying sizes.

75. Fishermen mainly fish for lagoon fishes by nets and spear with some trolling outside the reefs by sport fishermen. 76. The only organized scheme existing in the country is boat building. Under the scheme the government yard has provided 30-40 vessels per year under heavy subsidies, but it is currently planned to curtail subsidies and just maintain an upkeep programme. 77. On licensing, Wallis and Futuna had two ongoing access agreements with the Japanese and Korean Fisheries Organizations respectively. These are re-negotiated annually in conjunction with other French Territories: New Caledonia and French Polynesia. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 19

Fisheries Development Plan 78. The current Plan is three tiered: a) maintain and improve the artisanal fishery through: - provision of eskies for boats; establishment of onshore refrigeration unit (10 m capacity);

- provision of ice plants in selected locations in the country;

- in Wallis, Fisheries owned boats would be provided with safety equipment. A training programme on fisheries would also be initiated at the agriculture school on Wallis. b)Develop a small-scale industry through: - provision of larger vessel to fish the inshore resources and supply the local market; develop new fishing techniques through training programmes for fishermen; - provision of a "mothership" to service smaller vessels operating outside the lagoon. c) Industrial Fishing

Emphasis would be given to:

- gathering more information on the pelagic resources of the EEZ; - obtain more information from the Distant water Fishing Nations (DNFN) vessels fishing in the EEZ under access agreements.

FIJI Fisheries overview

Current Status

79. Fiji's fishing industry is one of the most developed in the South Pacific region. The industry is currently categorised into four primary sections:

- artisanal fishery which includes most of the small-scale commercial production for domestic sale. The sector provides a significant source of domestic fish supply and employment. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 20

A subsistence fishery involving catches by rural subsistence fishermen for self consumption with the sale of surplus catches.

- Aquaculture: covering other marine resources. The sector is largely experimental, with specific objectives to commercialise some of the resources.

- Industrial Fishery: The sector is currently operating on a large scale and is primarily export oriented. Involved in the sector is the Ika Corporation which operates its own pole and line fleet and supplying thePAFCO cannery. Other local and overseas boats also operate in Fiji waters under chartered agreements and provide the Levuka base PAFCO Cannery. PAFCO is the other major participant in trhe sector and provides high quality canned products for exports to the EEC States and Canada, as well as for the local markets. The Cannery is currently 98% Government owned with the rest of the shares by private operators.

80. The Cannery also produces fish meal for local usage as well as for export.

81. The snapper resources are currently being exploited by the private sector and the fishery is beginning to establish itself into the industrial fishery sector

SUMMARY LANDINGS AND SALES STATISTICS (1987) UNDER THE 4 FISHERIES SECTORS a) SUBSISTENCE FISHERY:

14,000 tonnes per annum (1980 survey) with 200 tonnes annual increments. b) AQUACULTURE - Penaid prawns : 7.7 tonnes produced - Dried Euchema : 217 tonnes exported - Seeweed - Macrobrachium : 900 kg. produced (Division Experimental Culture)

C) ARTISANAL FISHERY - Fish, frozen fish : 4,737 tonnes ($11.46 million) - Non-fish sales : 1927 tonnes (1.8 million) (shellfish, crustaceans, etc.) SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 21

d) INDUSTRIAL FISHERY: * PAFCO Landings (1927) Pole and Line 3885.00 tonnes Vessels 2361.44 tonnes Longline 23 61.4 4 tonnes (Chartered) Pole and Line 4832.64 tonnes (imported) Total Landings 11079.08 * PAFCO Processing & Sales 706,860 ctns produced - Exported $25.8 million canned tuna, including petfood. Sold locally. $373,811 canned tuna 926 tonnes raw fish - Exported ($2.95 million value) 1,118 tonnes Fish meal produced. Mostly local with some exports Overall Export Value of Fish products (1987): $34 million.

Fisheries Development Plan: DP9 (1986-1990) 82. Based on the achievements made under the implementation of the DP8 Fisheries programmes, the Government of Fiji had prioritised the programmes under DP9. Emphasis had been given to improve the efficiency of exploitation of the marine resources as well as marketing efforts. Industrial Fisheries had remained the backbone of the Fisheries sector, providing employment as well as increased earning of foreign exchange from fish exports, particularly canned tuna products. Objectives 83. The objectives in DP9 which are relevant to the purse seine test fishing proposal includes: -to generate further employment opportunities in the exploitation and processing of marine resources and to increase value added in fish production for exports. Industrial Fisheries Development Programme 84. Government had given priority to supplementing this programme with the objectives to: - expand local skipjack tuna fisheries - encourage further utilisation of tuna processing capacity -encourage alternative fishing methods such as purse seining, longlining or a combination of such methods where applicable and SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 22

to investigate the possibility of involving other countries in the region in the local processing industry. 85. To implement the programme, Government would pursue the following strategies: - IKA Corporation will acquire small purse seine vessels to facilitate increased catches for full utilisation of the cannery at Levuka. Embark on continuing the fish aggregating devices programme within the country to facilitate tuna catches. - Improve the efficiency of the industry through initiating training programmes for engineers, crews, store management staff and vessel skippers. - Pursue to encourage the private sector to actively invest and participate in the tuna industry. VANUATU Fisheries overview Current Status 86. Prior to independence, local fisheries were limited to reef fishing for subsistence purposes, with limited deep bottom fishing operations to suply the domestic markets. Following the establishment of a Fisheries Department in 1978, the Fisheries Sector has developed rapidly. Government's efforts to establish the sector under its First National Development Plan (DPI) had resulted in the establishment of various ongoing fisheries activities and programmes. Small scale commercial fisheries programmes 87. Various programmes initiated in DPI were successful and are continuing: - Village Fisheries Development Programme (VFDP) 88. The programme is considered the most successful to date, and had a major thrust in encouraging the development of small-scale fisheries in the country. Under the programme, selected village communities and interested fishermen were supplied with a small fully equipped vessel under an agreed arrangement: 50% grant, 40% soft loan and 10% down payment; a small freezer or ice plant, duty free fuel and a training and technical support from the Fisheries Department. Over 80 fishing enterprises were operational by 1985 and provided the fish supplies for the rural and urban centres. Steps have been taken to evaluate the programme with a view to phasing it out in 1988 and establish extension centres in selected locations in the country. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 23

- Boat Building Programme 89. Government also established a boatyard in Luganville, Espirito Santo, to provide fishing boats for the fishing enterprises established under the VFDP. More than a hundred boats have been built since the programme started. The boatyard is currently operating on a commercial basis.

90. A boat research programme is continuing with the objective to develop new vessels capable of employing new gear in new fishing grounds not currently exploited by local fishermen. - Marketing 91. Government also established two fish markets at Port Vila ("NATAI") and in Luganville, Espirito Santo ("SANTO FISH'), thus providing outlets for the catches from the fishery enterprises under the VFDP. Although these markets are government owned, management is through the Port Vila Fisheries Ltd., established by Government in 1983 to operate the centres commercially. The $8recent renovation work to both markets were funded by the Government of Australia. Marketing trials of locally produced fish are continuing with a view to establishing overseas markets. - Research Programmes 92. Fisheries Department has carried out research work with the assistance of ORSTOM and SPC. The programmes included:

Assessment of the bottom fish resources FAD evaluation Establishment of a fisheries statistics system Biology of trochus Coconut crab Deep water prawn - Industrial (Oceanic) Fisheries Sector 93. Government pursued limited activities to develop the sector due to the changing economic circumstances in the international tuna markets. No attempts were therefore made to establish a locally based tuna industry or domestic processing industry during DPI. However, in view of the closure of the transhipment facilities at Palekula, Santo, in 1986 (due to the departure of vessels to American Samoa), Government had negotiated arrangements for access to its FEZ as well as purse seining trials by DWFN's. These efforts are continuing. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 24

Fisheries Development Plan DP2 General 94. Government had placed emphasis on improving the financial and economic viability of development activities, and to pursue a balanced approach. Development funds would be directed to activities with the greatest potential for generating or sustain income earning opportunities and employment. The objectives would be to stabilise or reduce imports by expanding exports in the long term to generate government revenue. Strategies (Fisheries Sector) Industrial (Oceanic) Fisheries 95. Priority would be given to: - begin the development of a localy based oceanic tuna fishery - revive and diversify the operations of the South Pacific Fishing Company at Palekula, Santo - Licensing of vessels from Distant Water Fishing Nations (DWFN's). C. Country statements General 96. In discussing the concept of the project with officials of the countries visited by the Study Mission, the Consultants were conscious of three principles: - that the Study Mission's principle role was to establish the preliminary positions of countries on the proposal; - countries may be interested in discussing the policy issues related to the project to justify their interests, and - that countries have achieved different stages of developing their fisheries enterprises and hence would have different needs and requirements. 97. Despite these underlying principles, the Consultants'strategy was to secure as much information as possible. The discussions have therefore not restricted but open and this allowed the officials to express their views frankly. This approach, the Consultants felt, had allowed the countries and the Consultants to mutually make exchanges on how best the project could be planned to support their development needs. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 25

98. The Consultants however, pointed out that sufficient time had been allowed in the project Development and Implementation Schedule (simplified WP.32) for their specifies needs, including the policy issues and project details, (ie area of operation, legal requirements, management of operations, vessel size etc.) to be properly addressed by the individual countries. The Consultants further reiterated that the report of the Study Mission would be reviewed by the Regional Technical Meeting on Fisheries (RTMF) in August. Any changes countries wished to make on their official positions would be incorporated in the Final Project Document before the review by the South Pacific Conference in October. Approval of the project by Conference would trigger the implementation of Phase II of the Project, (Detail Project Definition) under which country specific concerns would be discussed.

Country Statement

99. The following section summarizes the positions of the countries concerned by the project as assessed by the Consultants, from the discussions held with the Officials and Fishing Interests. Summary discussions with the various Ministries and Divisions Officials and others are attached as Appendix. TUVALU Position

100. The Test Fishing Project involving purse seining was fully supported by Officials and Government in view of:

- the project would provide the information needed to base future investments under the Fisheries Sector

- the other benefits accruing to the country as a result of participating in the project i.e. assistance with training, and FAD Programme.

Development Needs - Information pertaining to purse seining operations i.e. costs benefit analysis, supporting infrastructures needed for commercial tuna operations, etc.

- Assistance with processing and marketing activities. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 26

Specific Needs

- Development of a 'sub-activity' in the country as a component of the project, involving the processing of potential marine and fish products for export. NAFICOT needs assistance in this field with: equipment specifications; markets information and training of personnels in marketing and processing techniques. - Possibility of operating a purse seiner in the zone without an FAD Component. Issues raised

- Impact of the project on the local fishery. - Coverage of the project i.e. the question of whether the vessel would spend sufficient time in the EEZ to produce results which could be used to base long term economical projects. - Implications on the country's national budget need to be spelt out in the final project document to justify Government's Commitments on any follow-up actions which may be considered i.e. physical, material and financial implications of the project.

WESTERN SAMOA Position - In full support of the project, as the information would promote the interest in developing the Fisheries Sector and stimulate the economy.

Development Needs - Need operational data on purse seining in Samoan waters to allow the Government review the ADB Proposal for a purse seining industry. Need to develop industrial fishery to justify the establishment of a local cannery.

Specific Needs - Assistance with identifying marketing outlets for the catches from the artisanal fishery; the possibility of marketing the catches to the test fishing vessel.

- Training programmes for local fishermen. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 27

Issues raised - The objectives of the project should be based on the economic viability of operating a selected vessel.

- The capability of EEC Fleet to conduct the test fishing operations.

- Interactions with local fisherman fishing in same area as the test vessel.

- The selection of countries concerned with the project was questioned.

- The operating costs for the vessels should be waved to eliminate conflicts in differences between what the countries charge the project vessel; standardised rates should be pursued with respect to salary of crews.

- What mechanism would be used to share the proceeds from the catches from the different EEZs? - Should not over emphasise the spin-offs from the project as reasons for justifying the proposal in view of their short-term benefit. - Suggested that the area operation shouxd be in bands across the area, to allow the vessel follow the schools. Aerial support should be sought to provide good coverage and good fishing. - The choice for the support centre for the project was queried.

TONGA Position 101. The Ministry had expressed strong support of the principle of the project as it provides a good opportunity to gain the necessary information for economic planning of projects under the Fisheries Sector.

Note: The consultants were unable to meet officials from Foreign Affairs and Economic Planning due to flight delays. The official Tonga position was therefore unconfirmed. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 28

Development Needs - The country needs to have access to thorough information before formal commitments is confirmed for large projects. - An urgent need to assess the resources of Tongan EEZ. - A need to delimit the boundaries of the zone.

- A need to increase the fish supply to satisfy the local demand. Specific Needs

- Need solid information on the feasibility of tuna purse seining in Tongan waters. - Assistance with the ongoing FAD Programme (technical and financial). Issues raised

Tongan Government's obligations in terms of support services for the project.

- The use of the project results was questioned, A concern was expressed as to the possibility of Foreijn Investors using the project report to justify unwise enterprises in the Kingdom. - The choice of the main support centre for the project was questioned. WALLIS AND FUTUNA Position

- Support the project in principle pending the decision of the whole assembly; the officials however had expressed confidence of a final approval by the Territorial Assembly. Needs - to integrate the project with the territory's Development Plan. The project should also examine follow up actions/activities and attempt to identify possible sources of funding for possible activities. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 29

Issues raised - Wallis and Futuna's obligations under the project. - Technical aspects of purse seine fishing with respect to possible training for local fishermen. FIJI Position

102. Fiji officials expressed full support of the project in view of:

- project is in line with the current strategies of the Development Plan which included assistance for PAFCO Cannery to secure increased raw materials and the plans for IKA Corporation to pursue purse seining activities.

(Minister for Primary Industry had already expressed support of the project in recent discussions with the SPC Management.) Development Needs - Increase supplies of raw materials for P7T?C0.

- Information to follow up earlier purse seine trials in Fiji waters.

- Greater area of operation to increase catches. Specific Needs - Information on purse seine operations for the months July - November. (PAFCO needs supplies during this period.) Issues raised - Regional cooperation to secure a coordinated approach for regional programmes. - The applicability of the Solomon Islands experience with purse seining. - The source of funding from EEC was questioned in view of other ACP countries who are not concerned by the project. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 3 0

Issues raised (Private Commercial Entrepreneurs) - Disruption of schools by purse seining. - Concern over the development of purse seining at the expense of other alternative operations eg.small scale longlining for fresh fish market.

- High costs of FADs, provided as a component of the project.

- Oceanographic conditions (strong currents and wind) does affect the number of days feasible for purse seining operations (in Fiji waters).

VANUATU Position 103. Government Officials supported the concept of the project in view of:

- the information derived from the project would be used for planning their industrial fishery

the project is in line with Vanuatu's fisheries development plan

- the project would support Government's plan to reactivate the Palekula transshipping base.

Development Needs - Investigate the potential of Vanuatu's tuna resources and the economical methods for their exploitation. - Stimulate tuna fishing by local entrepreneurs

- Vanuatu intends to place observers onboard the project vessel to acquire the training needed on purse seining.

- Need for information on the tuna resources and the catches by Distant Water Fishing Nations to assist in their negotiations with commercial fishing interests. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 31

Specific Needs - Explore and establish an integrated industrial fishing enterprise with the development of the Palekula transshipping base. d) Issues raised

- Choice of countries covered by the project. Timing of the project i.e. project implementation schedule.

- Technical issues: type/size of vessel.

- Investigate possibility of unloading in the country to assist with supply of domestic market. - The involvement of FFA in the project.

- The viability of small scale purse seining versus large- scale purse seining. - Real time data from the project could be used in the purse seine economic appraisal models, currently prepared by FFA. The possibility of any one country'. purse seiner obtaining access rights into neighbouring countries EEZ.

D. Assessment of inputs by countries

104. In general, the overall objective of the test-fishing proposal is to make an appraisal of the best size of vessels and type of operations for purse seining on local fishing grounds. The island countries visited have had relatively little experience in purse seining (except Fiji) and there are major uncertainties regarding what would be the appropriate way to develop local purse seine fisheries. 105. As reflected in their National Fisheries Development Plans and ongoing Fisheries Programmes (Section B) , countries are already planning to investigate these uncertainties in order to establish purse seining activities. Fiji is already negotiating a joint venture on purse seining operations in its waters; Tuvalu is currently considering a purse seining proposal ('Marco Proposal') using a large size purse seiner (1,200). Other countries (Western Samoa, Tonga) are interested but need more information on the viability of purse seining operations in their waters, before embarking on specific projects. Vanuatu's interest is related specifically to possible integrated enterprises involving maximising the use of the transshipping facilities at Palekula, Santo. Wallis and Futuna, on the other hand, have no current developed fisheries and future plans for the Industrial fisheries sector are unclear. StC/risnerxes ^u/wr.^o Page 32

106. Based on the countries positions (Section C), the consultants firmly believe the project results would provide the impetus for countries concerned by the project, to activate their fisheries programmes, particularly in the industrial fisheries sector. Countries would be encouraged to consider the possible options, as follow up actions, based on the project results, to achieve their common goals and aspirations. The consultants also firmly believe that countries would have more confidence in using the results of the project, in view of their involvement in the project, as supposed to projects implemented by outside commercial interests.

107. In summary, all countries administrations have expressed strong support for the project concept, and have expressed their desires for their interests to be incorporated in the project. The common interests discussed with the consultants include: - information on what suitable size of purse seiner is viable in their EEZ and what appropriate supporting services/infrastructures are needed? - updated information on the pelagic resources of their EEZ available for seining operations during part or the whole year ; - an assessment of real time information on possible impacts of a purse seine fishery on other artisanal fisheries; - the need to establish clearly in the project report, the implications (physical, material and financial) of the project. This issue should be clearly addressed; SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 33

IV. TECHNICAL ASPECTS A. Introduction

108. The proposed project as it was presented at the Ninth Meeting of the CRGA is essentially and foremost a test fishing project. The project will address certain economic, biological and scientific questions, but will remain predominantly a feasibility study examining the potential for tuna purse seine fishing in areas not presently utilizing this technique. Therefore, an industrial fisheries consultant was included in the study mission to explore the technical aspects to the project and to seek comments from the industry. This section will examine these issues and report the technical comments and concerns of the contacted parties.

Background of Purse Seining in the Project Area

109. The history of purse seining attempts within the countries identified as Sub-Region 1 to the project proposal (Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna, Fiji, Western Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu) are generally not well documented and often consist of anecdotal information or vague reports. This is often the case as much of the fishing was conducted on an opportunistic basis by American purse seine vessels in trar-.^'t between Pago Pago and the traditional seining grounds of ti„ Solomons, PNG and Micronesia. A brief summary of related information follows:

Western Samoa 110. The 250 MT American purse seiner JoAnn fished within the coastal EEZ of Western Samoa on anchored FADs. The vessel experienced low catch rates attributed to the small length and shallow depth of their Eastern Pacific style net and various mechanical difficulties. Access agreements made by this vessel are unclear but the vessel was operating with some form of consent of the Western Samoa Government.

12 0. The Tifaimoana (American 13 60 MT) fished FADs and free schools within the Western Samoa EEZ in the early 1980*s. The catches were at times very substantial but no documentation could be located. Access agreements with the Western Samoa government are again unclear. Wallis and Futuna 121. The Tifaimoana also fished within the EEZ of Wallis and Futuna and deployed at least two FADs near Wallis Island. No details of fishing success were available. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 34

Tuvalu 122. American purse seiners have sighted large log associated tuna schools and free schools within the waters of Wallis and Futuna and Tuvalu and large catches have been made. Many of the schools were not set as the vessels were already loaded with fish from the western fishing grounds and were in transit to Pago Pago for unloading.

123. The countries of Tuvalu, Tokelau, Western Samoa, Niue and the Cook Islands negotiated an Eastern Subregional access agreement with the ATA in 1984 to last for two years. Most of the fishing that resulted from the agreement took place in the EEZ of Tuvalu.

Tonga

124. The Pacific Princess (American 1100 MT) prospected the EEZ of Tonga and fished on FADs at the invitation of the Tongan government. Few details were available, but fishing was generally reported to be poor for unspecified reasons.

Fiji 125. Two New Zealand purse seiners owned by Nelson Fisheries operated in Fiji waters from 1980 to 1984. The Western Pacific and Western Ranger are 37 meter, 350 on capacity American style tuna seiners built in Canada for the New Zealand skipjack fishery. The vessels deployed more than 200 FADs and fished exclusively on these moored rafts. Catches were sold to the Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO) in Levuka, Ovalau Island, for processing into canned product. Fishing success was promising during the later years after vessel gear and methods were adapted to tropical FAD fishing. However, the overall project evaluation was poor due primarily to management problems, fishing mostly in the rough winter season, unsuitable fishing gear and the fact that fishing was limited to coastal waters. The history of this venture is of particular interest to this project and will be examined in greater detail in later sections.

Additional Regional Purse Seining Activity

Nauru

12 6. The Nauru Fishing Corporation purchased two 600 MT purse seiners that were acquired from the Peruvian anchovy fishery. Information is difficult to find, but catches were apparently low and mechanical difficulties were experienced with the vessels. A shallow net contributed to the poor fishing success. One of the vessels was recently purchased by Mar Fisheries of the Philippines and refitted to suit their fishery (Habib 1984). SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 35

Marshall Islands 127. The Philippine owned Bold Venture operated under licence to the Marshall Islands and fished out of Majuro on steel payaos set in nearby waters. The operation was assisted by a helicopter that was used to inspect the payaos for fish schools.

Solomon Islands 128. National Fisheries Developments Ltd. (NFD) of the Solomon Islands sucessfully operates two Australian built Japanese style single seiners in the 500 tonne class that are reportedly making good catches. The company is also operating a 300 tonne Australian purse seiner in conjunction with NFD pole and line vessels. Solomon Taiyo Ltd. (STL) operates a 112 GRT Japanese group seine operation which sets predominantly on approximately 80 FADs deployed around the islands of the main group archipelago. In addition, STL operates a 1000 GRT Taiwanese purse seiner under a foreign charter arrangement. This vessel fishes exclusively in the offshore areas of the 200 mile Solomon EEZ.

Palau

129. The Caroline Fishing Company operated a -ery sucessful group seiner based at the Van Camp transhipmer. facility in Koror. This facility was closed down for several years but has recently reopened to receive sashimi grade longline catches. B. Technical Support Facilities Within Sub-Region 1 130. The study mission attempted to gather information concerning the facilities and services available within each participating country that could provide useful support to the test fishing vessel. All of the countries have the basic requirements of an adequate wharf in a safe anchorage, with fuel, water and basic provisions available for purchase. They also have regular air service to metrpolitan areas and have modern telecommunication systems. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 36

131. Three of the atolls of Tuvalu, including the administrative center of Funafuti have deepwater channels that lead to sheltered lagoons where transhippment of catch is possible. The entrance to the Wall is lagoon can be rough during tide changes and during rough sea conditions. The inner lagoon is deep and offers protection from oceanic swells but the municipal wharf is exposed to Tradewind generated wind chop. Another wharf on the southwest shore can be used when the eastern lagoon is too rough. The wharf on Futuna Island can accomodate large ships but the lack of a barrier reef makes the landing unusable during periods of high swells or rough seas. The harbor at Apia can accomodate very large ships but is somewhat exposed to westerly swells. Tonga also has a well constructed harbor in Nuku'alofa capable of accomodating the project vessel.

132. Fiji and Western Samoa have ample supplies of strong, straight, large diameter bamboo that is suitable for FAD (payao) construction if the project chooses to use this inexpensive material.

American Samoa 133. Fishing within the EEZ of American Samoa is not a part of the Sub-Region 1 plan but the study mission felt that as much information should be gathered as possible thpJ would be of potential benefit to the project. Pago Pago aould be an important alternate source for purse seine support facilities, as it is home base to the largest purse seine fleet in the region. Two large tuna canneries process the catch and export the canned product to overseas markets. Several small businesses have emerged in American Samoa during the past decade that offer a variety of services to the purse seine fleet which include provisioning, unloading and technical support.

134. Southwest Marine operates an 800 and 3000 ton marine railway in Pago Pago Harbor adjacent to the canneries and has full machine shop and metal working capabilities. 135. Casamar, Inc. offers a full line of hardware and marine supplies that are used by the purse seine industry and operates a net repair and construction yard in Pago Pago. 136. Officials of the Starkist and Samoa Packing canneries were contacted by the study mission. Samoa Packing can unload around 300 short tons of tuna per day from a single seiner. The Starkist operation is larger and is capable of packing around 4 00 tons of tuna during a single double shift day. The fleet managers from both facilities indicated that the project vessel would be welcome to unload in Pago and they promised little or no waiting time to unload. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 37

Fiji 137. The Sub-Region 1 project is proposed to be based in Fiji with the project vessel delivering catches to the PAFCO cannery in Levuka. The consultants met with PAFCO and Ika Corporation representatives and visited the cannery. Ika operates a fleet of Japanese style pole and line vessels that offload catches to the PAFCO cannery. The cannery has a processing capacity of 15,000 tons per year but must import much of the raw material as the the local pole and line and Taiwanese longline fleet can not meet this demand.

138. The PAFCO canned product is very high quality and well regarded throughout the industry. They sell much of their product to the discerning European market and thus demand high quality canning material. The PAFCO manager stressed the company policy of purchasing only top quality fish and recommended that efficient, high capacity refrigeration systems be installed on the project vessel.

139. The facility can pack 50 tons of tuna per day and there are plans to install a fifth packing line and increase freezer capacity. The cannery can unload 70 to 170 tons of fish per day depending on its condition. Fuel, water, ice and some provisions are available in Levuka.

140. Dealers and support facilities for marine electronics, refrigeration systems and diesel engines are located in Suva as well as a fully equipped government shipyard facility. IMEL of Suva operates 200, 500 and 1000 ton marine slipways easily capable of hauling out the project vessel for repairs or maintenance.

C. Project vessel

Type of seining operation 141. There are two basic types of tuna seining operations fishing the western Pacific region. The American fleet consists entirely of single seiners that capture and store the catch in refregerated brine holds located on the same vessel. Group seining operations (mostly Japanese) consist of a catcher vessel, one or more carrier vessels and search vessels. The catch is usually taken directly from the water and stored in refregerated holds on the carrier and is then transported to the unloading port. Group seining operations can be more efficient as the catcher vessel can remain on the fishing grounds for extended periods of time and is assisted in finding the fish schools by the search vessel and transiting carriers. The catcher vessel is free to follow the fish thus reducing search and transit time while receiving fuel, food, replacement parts and crew from the carrier(s). SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 38

142. Both options are available to the project although a group seining operation can involve several vessels with large crew requirements thus greatly increasing the fixed costs over a single vessel seiner.

143. An advantage of a group seining operation for a test fishing project is the increase in actual fishing days over a single seiner operation.

Options for Obtaining Project Vessel

144. The project can either use an existing purse seiner, modify a vessel to purse seining or build an entirely new vessel to project specifications.

145. From an operational standpoint, it would be desirable to use an operational tuna purse seiner under a charter or vessel improvement plan. The stocks of spare parts, tools and crew familiarity with an operational vessel would be extremely valuable to maximizing test fishing time. However, extensive vessel modifications may have to be made with any vessel and it may be more economical to alter a suitable vessel rather than charter a sucessful commercial tuna seiner. Vessel Size 146. When considering any vessel, the ultimate, technical decision that is necessary involves the size and range of the selected vessel. The size of the vessel should be determined from a compromise between:

— Maximizing economic considerations - range of operations vs size of vessel.

— Reducing initial capital investment. — Increasing actual fishing time. — Adequate size for anticipated weather, catches and gear requirements. — Vessel availability.

147. An analysis of vessel costs vs. distance to fishing grounds indicated that larger vessels are best when fishing grounds are far away and smaller vessels are more cost effective when fishing grounds are relatively near (Hutton 84) . The terms of reference are vessels of 200 to 2000 short ton carrying capacities and 500 to 6000 mile distances to fishing grounds. The project vessel will be based out of the cannery in Levuka and will therefore have an operating radius of around 500 to 800 nautical miles. According to this analysis, this would indicate a vessel in the 300 to 500 ton range. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 3 9

148. The project should be designed to maximize fishing time and will be required to operate all year sometimes during adverse weather conditions. This project should investigate all technical aspects related to fishing operations under these conditions i.e. vessel size, accomodations, fishing equ ipment, etc.

149. The low fishing success of the JoAnn, the Nelson Fisheries vessels and the Nauru seiners can be attributed to the small size of the net and the project should be careful to not repeat the same mistake. The choice of a project vessel should favor a vessel capable of handling, transporting and operating a suitably sized seine. 150. A relatively larger seiner would have the advantages of increased actual fishing time, increased range, ability to fish rougher water, ability to handle larger nets and gear and an increase in crew capacity that would allow for a larger training and observer component of the project. 151. However, one Fiji entrepeneur argues for a relatively small seiner (250 ton capacity) if Levuka is the processor due to the long turn around times involved in unloading a larger vessel. At the same time, unloading facilities and capacities usually increase as demand increases.

152. The project will necessarily be interested in reducing costs which favors the small seiner option. The choice of a smaller vessel is supported by some of the participating countries as they argue that this project should be oriented toward an economic appraisal of a vessel that is within the financial means of regional governments and private entrepeneurs. However, the project results can be scaled up or down meet planning needs and favorable results can be used to attract joint venture agreements with DWFN that can help to alleviate the problem of high capital investments for larger vessels. Vessel Availability

153. Actual vessel availability may become a very important consideration in the choice and size of the chosen vessel. If the project proceeds, a thorough survey of vessel availability should be carried out to accurately assess the actual project vessel options. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 40

D. Fishing Gear Single Power Block 154. All of the American superseiners and most of the larger Japanese, French, Spanish, Korean, Taiwanese and Philippine tuna seiners of the Pacific and Indian Oceans retrieve the net with a single hydraulic power block fixed to a large boom that can be topped and vanged to provide limited power block positioning. This system, developed by Puretic of San Pedro, California is usually referred to as the American or Marco style of purse seining. its widespread acceptance in world fisheries may be due to the lack of an acceptable alternative hauling systems in previous years when the non-US nations entered the fishery. 155. American style purse seiners can operate only in calm to moderate sea conditions as the elevated power block destabilizes the vessel while hauling and creates a "sail" of webbing to fill in the wind. Hauling a large tuna seine with this system is extremely difficult in winds in excess of 15 knots. 156. The advantages of this system include mechanically simplicity, proven regional effectiveness and available servicing, repair and parts. Triplex System 157. The Triplex system has been gaining acceptance in various seine fisheries of the world and is a possible alternative gear for the project vessel. It is sometimes referred to as the Norwegian or European style of seining and is similar to the Petrel systems of South Africa. Net hauling is accomplished by passing the net bundle over, under and over three motorized deck rollers. The system also includes an automatic net stacking apparatus that allows for smaller crews and eliminates the need for a net skiff (setting operations possible with a buoy). 158. The Triplex system hauls the net from deck level increasing vessel stability in rough seas and offers a smaller suspended net surface to the wind. Net hauling is reportedly possible with winds in excess of 3 0 knots and when sea conditions are rough. The improved grip on the net from the three rollers allows the net to be retrieved at a faster rate with less slippage. This system has proved suitable in areas that regularly experience rough sea conditions including the North Atlantic, South Africa, southern Australia and New Zealand. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 41

159. The increased hauling speed of the Triplex system can only be viewed as an advantage as this would mean shorter hauling times in rough weather and more sets per day possible on school fish. This would not be an important consideration if the project chose to concentrate on FAD fishing but the school fish option should not be ruled out by gear limitations. However, the ability to set during the rough southern hemisphere Tradewind season is the strongest advantage of this type of gear.

160. The main drawback of equipping the vessel with Triplex is its increased complexity and greater susceptibility to mechanical failure. The system has been used satisfactorily by Japanese vessels in the tropical western Pacific tuna fishery but the majority of Japanese seiners retain American style single power blocks.

161. Opinions solicited from fishermen and industry specialists during the mission were divided as to the relative merits of the Triplex system. Persons directly familiar with Triplex seiners highly recommended the system although one fisherman noted the high maintenance requirements of the machinery and the relatively fast wearing of the expensive roller sheaves. Apparently, the Triplex system is used in the southern bluefin fishery of southern Australia and an examination of those vessels would be interesting. The system has also been used effectively by New Zealand mackerel and skipjack seiners.

Purse Seines (Net Considerations) 162. The actual fishing net is the most important item of equipment to the success of a purse seiner. This obvious fact has often been ignored by test fishing or exploratory fishing ventures and can often be pinpointed as the ultimate cause of failure to an unsuccessful project.

163. A properly constructed purse seine will have extra webbing hung on a shorter corkline to allow the net to form the bowl-shaped form of the fully pursed net. This difference is expressed as a percent of extra webbing and is referred to as the hanging ratio. Typical hanging ratios for western Pacific seines range from 23 to 25%. Differences in hanging ratios can greatly effect pursing speed, effective fishing depth and net strength.

164. Net materials, mesh size, twine size and leadline weight must be taken into careful consideration to produce an effective but durable net. 165. If pre-dawn FAD sets are to be stressed, then sinking rates and pursing speed are of secondary importance to net durability and effective design. However, the project should not limit its ability to perform generalized test fishing by the acquisition of a highly specialized seine. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 42

166. The most important issue is net size, particularly the depth of the net. A typical western Pacific tropical tuna purse seine will be approximately 1700 meters long at the corkline and around 250 meters in maximum depth. A seine will effectively fish at around 70% of its actual depth when pursed. This effective fishing depth can be greatly decreased by currents, vessel drift or pursing too quickly. The Western Ranger used a New Zealand skipjack seine of 1000 x 107 meters while fishing on the Fiji FADs. This shallow net is similar to eastern Pacific nets that rely on a shallow thermocline to form an effective barrier to the fish once they are surrounded by the wall of net. Under optimal conditions, the nets of the Western Pacific and Western Ranger were only fishing at a depth of 75 meters. Local fishermen report that the tuna on the Fiji FADs often school at depths of 100 to 110 meters.

167. An FAO consultant made an evaluation of the operations of the two Nelson Fisheries seiners (Gonzales 1982). Without an increase in the depth of the net he indicated that ".... no amount of improvement on the other factors will bring success to the project".

168. He recommended deepening the net to at least 220 meters giving the net an optimal fishing depth of 150 meters. Apparently this was not practical due to the limitations of the hauling and pursing machinery. This example stresses the importance of overdesigning deck machinery to accomodate unanticipated future needs or to at least design a vessel around adequate gear and not vice versa. E. Fishing Methods FAD or Payao Fishing

169. The concept of creating a tuna purse seine fishery on the edge of proven grounds may have to be based on the utilization of an alternative fishing strategy based on anchored or drifting Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs). This highly sucessful method was developed in the Philippies and is often referred to as the Philippine " payao" fishery. Anchored rafts are monitored for the presence of tuna schools with depth sounders and scanning sonar during the day. A lighted towboat is attached to the FAD holding the largest concentration of tuna and the FAD raft and light boat detatch from the buoyed FAD mooring line in the early morning thus drawing the school away from the line. The set is accomplished by sonar and visual sighting of the lighted towboat in order to achieve full pursing of the net before daybreak. Under optimal conditions, the school is observed to rise near the surface by sonar before the net is set. The entire operation is conducted in darkness thus lessening the need for a quickly sinking net or fast pursing operation. Pursing of the net may even be slowed or momentarily halted to achieve maximum fishing depth. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 4 3

Fishing on Free or Non Associated Schools 170. Sucessful seining on "free" schools in the western Pacific requires a large, deep net and powerful purse winch. There is no marked thermocline to prevent tuna from escaping out the bottom of the unpursed net and all sets are performed during the daytime when the net is visible to the fish. Therefore, vessels that emphasize this type of seining prefer nets that will sink and purse quickly and may use heavier purse cables, add weight to the leadline and install more powerful purse winch systems. Fishing success on free schools can be increased by setting just before sunset or when the fish are actively feeding on baitfish.

171. The EEZ of Tuvalu extends far to the north into Equatorial waters and therefore has the greatest potential for seinable surface tuna schools. Tuvalu officials expressed an interest in the project assessing the potential of a seiner to exploit free swimming tuna schools in addition to FAD or logs associated fish.

"Log" fishing 172. Most of the tuna landed by all purse seiners operating in the western Pacific is caught in conjunction with floating logs or flotsam. Tuna schools associate scrongly with the drifting objects and the seining operation is similar to that described above for artificial FAD seining. Promising logs are marked with a battery powered radio beacon and checked regularly for fish schools visually with the helicopter and with sonar. The most productive log fishing areas are near the equator at the edges of the Equatorial Countercurrent and near PNG and the Solomon Islands. Still, drifting logs with associated tuna schools are known to enter the EEZs of all the project countries. The consultants were advised not to to limit the project to FADs alone as very large catches are possible when logs and school fish are seasonally present in the region.

Drifting FADs 173. The possiblity of anchoring FADs on seamounts to "age" at the completion of a trip and then releasing them to drift free with a radio beacon was also discussed. This technique has been sucessfully used by Japanese purse seiners as there is some indication that freely drifting "logs" are more effective than anchored FADs in aggregating tuna schools. Many seiners also construct and deploy free drifting FADs at sea or pick up logs in non productive areas and release them in areas with school fish concentrations. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 44

Baitboat Assisted Seining 174. The operation of a purse seiner on free schools in conjunction with a live bait boat was also discussed. This technique has been used regularly or opportunistically in tuna fisheries throughout the world and should be investigated by this project. This method uses a baitboat to chum a tuna school and hold the school at the surface while the seiner sets the seine around the baitboat and school. This was attempted only twice by the Nelson Fisheries seiners in Fiji, but both attempts failed due to operational or mechanical problems. The operator of the baitboat was consulted during the study mission and felt that the technique showed promise for the Fiji fishery.

175. This technique is used regularly in the southern Australia bluefin fishery and is being tested by NFD vessels in the Solomons. A 30/70 percent split of catch proceeds is the accepted standard with the baitboat receiving the smaller share.

F. Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) 176. Many of the early FAD programs in the region were funded as artisinal fisheries development projects or were oriented toward the development of better mooring systems. Funding agencies are becoming increasingly reluctant to continue to fund FADs assuming that the fishermen or local governments should pay for FAD replacement if they are worthwhile. Thus far, most private sector companies and island governments have been reluctant to accept this invitation and this precedent is unlikely to change in the near future.

177. A notable exception was the experiment of the Nelson Fisheries seiners in Fiji that deployed around 200 FADs from 1980 to 1984. Many of the rafts were lost due to poor mooring system or raft design but this was improved in later years. 178. This project plans to deploy FADs in the EEZs of the countries involved for purse seining trials. The consultants received several comments concerning the FAD component of the program. 179. Most of the countries expressed concern over possible interactions between the seiner and local artisinal fishermen. Some country representatives recommended that the project FADs be restricted to outside waters to prevent the seiner from exploiting nearshore stocks. The consultants commented that only one vessel operating in the large project area will not be remaining in any one area for a great length of time and distant FADs would not be accessable to the local fishermen. In response to this idea, some countries responded that the project FADs would be a welcome addition to their local fisheries development programs and wanted the FADs placed within the range of their local vessels. SPC/Fisheries 2U/wp.2b Page 45

180. One longline fisherman was concerned about the possibility of FADs presenting an entangling problem to his 60 miles of continuous longline.

181. Small vessel fishermen felt that the seining and canning of the large yellowfin on the FADs was a poor way to maximize the dollar return of the FAD resources. They are trying to develop fishing techniques and export sashimi markets for the larger FAD associated yellowfin and bigeye tuna.

182. Baitboat operators were in favor of the FADs wherever they are placed as they will surely utilize them during fishing operations.

183. FAD placement will probably reflect a compromise between these differing views. The idea of anchoring FADs on offshore seamounts was discussed. There exists a large area of seamounts and rises between Tuvalu, Fiji and Western Samoa. Seining near the shallow bank areas should be avoided due to strong currents and the snagging potential. However, FAD deployment costs could be greatly reduced by deploying FADs on relatively shallow (300-500m) banks and these areas are known to be natural fish aggregators. Several excellent bathymetric sources are available for these areas. However, bathymetric information is not complete and the vessel may discover uncharted seamounts and rises in the area that would be suitable for FADs or bottomfishing, thus benefitting local fisheries. 184. Another potential interaction problem was discussed concerning the DWFN purse seine fleets, notably the American fleet based in Pago Pago. There is legitimate concern that the deployment of FADs in offshore areas may attract illegal or unreported seining by the American superseiners. The observer requirement of the new US Tuna Treaty should help to alleviate this problem.

G. Purse Seine Bycatch Issues 185. Any fishery takes a certain percentage of bycatch, or non target species that must be discarded or dealt with in some other fashion. This is generally not a problem when seining on free schools of tuna, but can be a concern when fishing on logs or FADs. These floating structures usually have resident populations of baitfish and non tuna species that can be caught incidentally to the purse seine operation. Most of the bycatch in the western Pacific seine fishery consists of rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulatis), oceanic triggerfish (Canthidermis maculatus), mackerel scad (Decaperus spp) , dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), billfish and sharks. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 46

186. During the mission, most of the countries fisheries personnel expressed some concern over bycatch issues related to purse seining. The major concern was over the possibility large amounts of bycatch flooding local markets and underselling the catches of local fishermen. Traditionally, bycatch is often given away or bartered by the fishing crew for goods and services thus eliminating potential fish buyers from the local seafood outlets. Generally, it was conceded that this would not be a large problem with only one vessel, but several suggestions were made to minimize problems. These suggestions included:

1. Prohibit the unloading of bycatch anywhere but at the cannery. 2. Control or limit the sale of bycatch at Levuka through authorized dealers. 3. Explore alternative markets for high quality bycatch (shark fins, dolphinfish, wahoo). 4. Equip vessel with blast freezer to maintain high quality of dolphinfish and wahoo for sale to alternate markets. 5. Explore methods and encourage vessel to limit bycatch during fishing operations. 187. The consultants were later advised to allow each country to determine its own stance on the issue of bycatch in local markets. Some countries would actually welcome the bycatch to enter local markets as the domestic fishery may be unable to meet present demand. This is particularly true when rough weather prevails for extended periods preventing small vessels from leaving the harbor. Other countries were interested in the possibility of obtaining bottomfishing bait from the seiner for their artisinal/commercial fishing fleets.

188. Generally, fishermen attempt to limit bycatch as much as possible as the capture of the non market species wastes crew time that is involved in removing gilled fish, sorting the catch and cleaning the net. Bycatch also takes space in the fish wells that should be reserved for marketable tuna. Also, most seiner captains and fishermen believe that FADs and logs with more "bait" are more productive and are better able to attract and retain tuna schools. For this reason, every attempt is made to allow the bycatch to exit the net before net hauling operations commence. This is accomplished by extending the boom over the stern rail into the net and allowing the leadline to sink below the surface between the first ring and the stern end of the seine. The FAD or log is then slowly towed out of the net and the bait school usually follows. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 47

H. Maximization of Programme Objectives 189. The consultants were often questioned as to the ability and effectiveness of a single vessel to properly fulfill the objectives of the proposed project (meaningful test fishing, resource assessment, prospection, etc). Most of the possible solutions to this problem fell into the three categories of: surveys and planning, maximization of test fishing time and maximization of information gathering.

Surveys and Planning 190. The consultants were reminded of the value of conducting surveys of the actual fishing grounds well before the arrival of the test fishing vessel. These surveys would assess the suitability of purse seining during different seasons and attempt to pinpoint any potential hazards or detriments to the vessel operation i.e. strong currents, unworkable conditions etc. Of course, research should be carefully conducted to assess the optimal times of operation taking into consideration seasonal trends and local concerns. Maximize Test Fishing Time

191. The project will be primarily a test fishing operation and therefore it is in the interest of all parties that the vessel be actively fishing or prospecting as much as possible. Maximum fishing time is achieved by rapid turn around times in port and a mimimum of down time associated with mechanical problems. A larger vessel would be capable of longer trips thus providing more days at sea engaged in actual fishing activity. However, the longer times necessary for unloading and provisioning may detract from this advantage. The port time can be lessened by an active shore based management body for the vessel to speed reprovisioning and repairs and crew incentives that favor maximum fishing time.

192. Fishermen that were consulted stressed the need for the vessel to carry large spare parts inventories and to have an excellent engineer and assistant on board at all times. It was also recommended that all marine electronics be doubled and that a preference be given to machinery and electronics that are available and servicable within the region. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 48

Maximize Information Aerial Surveys

193. The use of aerial surveys to expand the searching power of the vessel was often mentioned as a way to increase the assessment portion of the project. The American superseiners feel that helicopters are essential to their operation as they do not operate in coordinated fleets similar to the Japanese company operations. Fixed wing aircraft have been sucessfully used to obtain fishing information in Guam and the New Zealand tuna fisheries. One person suggested that the project solicit the assistance of aerial surveillance flights to check on the condition and position of the offshore FADs during regular reconnaissance flights.

Support Vessels

194. Several comments were received concerning the possibility of chartering local vessels to monitor and maintain the project FADs and to report the presence of tuna schools. This form of cooperation forms the basis of the Philippine payao fishery where individuals set payaos, report seinable schools and receive a percentage of the proceeds of the catch made by the seiner.

Fleet Intelligence 195. The Fleet Mangagers of both American canneries in Pago Pago were very supportive of the project as any increase in regional seining may someday be delivered to their facilities. They indicated that the project vessel would be welcome to communicate with their office by short wave radio and receive fleet intelligence from cannery vessels.

196. The proposed joint venture between Mar Fisheries and the Ika Corporation of Fiji could supply the project with a great deal of supplemental information to the project. Fiji Fisheries has indicated that they will require the Philippine vessel to supply catch information to the government as a condition of the negotiated access agreement. This information would be very useful to this project and could potentially double the acquired data. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 49

Electronic Devices 197. The Japanese purse seiners rely heavily on modern marine electronics during all stages of their fishing operation. The American Fleet has been quick to adopt these devices as the western Pacific fishery is based on assessing the size and position of tuna schools beneath logs and setting in complete darkness. Therefore, scanning sonars, depth sounders and current meters have become standard equipment on regional purse seine vessels. The project vessel should be similarly equipped thereby increasing the vessel efficiency and increasing the amount of data acquired within the limited time frame of the project. If the Mar Fisheries vessel deploys the 2 00 payaos that it has proposed, an assessment of the tuna resources beneath these FADs by sonar would contribute a great deal of information to the project data base.

198. The project proposes to deploy FADs in the outer EEZs of the sub-project countries. FAD deployments will probably range in depth from 300 to 1800 meters and the area is not thoroughly charted. A high quality, powerful depth sounder will be necessary for sucessful FAD deployment and will allow the pro jet. vessel to prospect for uncharted seamounts. Onboard Observer/Scientist 199. The activities of the project vessel will emphasize test fishing over research and prospection. The consultants were often cautioned to avoid the inclusion of research and a "Chief Scientist" on board the vessel as conflicts may develop concerning project goals and priorities.

200. However, fishing captains and crew seldom have the time or interest to obtain the type and quality of data that is useful to fishery research scientists. There is a tremendous amount of useful data that can be collected on a test fishing vessel without disrupting actual fishing operations. An observer/scientist (more than an observer and less than a chief scientist) on the project vessel would assure maximization of gathered information that could lead to a better understanding of gear efficiency, climactic conditions, current factors, biological concerns, bycatch issues, length/frequency distributions, etc.

I. SUMMARY (Technical Aspects) 201. French Polynesia has plans for two Canadian drum seiners to survey their waters for seinable tuna stocks. The Solomon Islands has invested in a local purse seine fishery and Kiribati has long had plans to enter into industrial purse seining. Also, the development plans of Western Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia and Tuvalu have contained projects related to purse seining and several countries have investigated the possibility of developing canneries or cold storage facilities related to industrial tuna industries. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 50

202. The Ika Corporation of Fiji is negotiating with Mar Fisheries of the Philippines for a joint venture fishery in Fiji's outer EEZ. The project would utilize a 250 ton Philippine purse seiner and plans to deploy payaos around the main islands of Fiji. The catch would be delivered and processed at the PAFCO cannery in Levuka, Fiji.

203. These are just a few examples of the growing regional interest toward the development of industrial fisheries in an attempt for island countries to benefit more directly from the tuna resources of their EEZs. It is hoped that this project will answer some of the questions concerning the development of purse seine fisheries and provide information for development plans.

J. PROPOSED OUTLINE FOR PHASE 2

TECHNICAL CONCERNS 204. Phase Two of the project will involve the detailed project planning necessary to arrive at an accurate budget and project proposal. 205. The most important technical considerations during this phase will be the identification of a fully equipped project vessel and identification of management options. This should be accomplished with the following considerations:

-Observe first hand different vessels and gear under actual field conditions.

-Identify preferred vessel size, gear and equipment (deck machinery, refrigeration systems,electronics).

-Identify appropriate net for project. -Assess availability of suitable vessels and extent of necessary modifications.

-Investigate options for crew arrangements. -Conduct pre-surveys of test fishing areas through­ out the year to survey seasonality and avoid potential hazards (strong currents, rough seas etc).

-Estimate total operational costs to estimate budgets.

-Investigate project management options. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 51

V. Ecological considerations. A. Introduction

206. The oceanographic conditions prevaling in the area will have some implication on the distribution and availability of the skipjack and yellowfin resources which should be taken into consideration in the project definition and later in the vessel specification.

207. Some countries also made some suggestions about the exploitation of the resource or voiced concerns over potential interactions with existing fisheries and these will be covered in the following section. B. Description of the area 2 08. As can be seen from Figure X, the area of operation is a fairly large zone, of which Fiji is the main center. The "proximate circle" includes almost the whole of the EEZs of Fiji and of Wallis and Futuna, a large part of that of Tonga and touches on the fringe of Tuvalu, Western Samoa and Vanuatu.

209. Meteorological conditions are fair to good, with average winds of 4 to 5 m/sec. (8-10 knots) . For instance, in Wallis and Futuna the windspeeds are generally under 10 knots (Force 3) 60 to 85% of the time but between June and August 50 to 60% of windspeeds are over 10 knots, 25% of these stronger winds being over 17 knots i.e. force 5. In the study area winds do become stronger seasonally between August and October and marked variations can occur, principally during the cyclone season. 210. Generally speaking, such windspeeds would be compatible with with conventional purse seine gear, but it must be borne in mind that they are virtually continuous in the area and that the sea is often running faster than would be expected from the windspeed.

211. Currents flow predominantly westward along the Subtropical Current and their intensity is directly function of the strength of the trade winds but rarely exceed one knot (pilot charts record average maximum and minimum quarterly drift per day, varying between 5 and 25 miles with the higher values occuring between June and August). Currents around sea mounts have however been reported to be occasionally very strong and could hinder purse seining. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 52

212. Water temperatures recorded during the Tuvalu-Fiji fisheries resource survey ranged between 25.5 C in August- September and 29 C in February-March. The depth of the 25 degree isotherm at 177 West and 178 East longitude in June varies between 100 and 140m with the shallowest depth in the western longitudes. The 20 degree isotherm at the same stations ranges between 190 and 230m with the shallowest depth on the eastern side. In November XBT readings between Fiji and Samoa recorded the same isotherms between 0 and 140m and 140 and 260m. There does not appear to be a marked thermocline in the area.

C. Abundance of the resource. 213. The actual distribution of stocks in this area is not very well known because of the present tendency for the distant water fishing fleets to concentrate in areas that are the most favourable from the technical and economic viewpoints. The only systematic prospections that have so far been done are those conducted by SPC and ORSTOM (the latter from the air). 214. The prospection activities carried out by SPC have focused on the issue of stock assessment, which was addressed through an extensive tagging programme using a japaneese style pole-and-line boat. The results thus pertain more to the overall abundance of tuna, principally skipjack because of the specificity of the gear, and the potential for the development of pople-and-line operations. 215. The results of this programme evidenced an abundant transpacific skipjack resource which at the time of the evalutation was estimated to be largely under-exploited. For instance, the standing stock of skipjack in Fiji waters was estimated to be between 20000 and 79000 tonnes while total domestic catches take only about 4,000 tonnes per year. 216. The greatest limitation to the development of commercial pole-and-line operations was also found to be a consistent supply of live bait. 217. The yellowfin resource, within the limitations of the data, was also found to be in good condition. 218. The aerial surveys conducted by ORSTOM evidenced the association of tuna with oceanic fronts (currents, salinity, temperature) and also the year around presence of yellowfin in the areas prospected. This fact is also recognised by local fishermen in all the countries visited. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 53

219. The only exploratory purse-seine operations that have been conducted in the area are those done by the American seiners during their early forays into the Western Pacific and subsequently in transit to the major fishing grounds. These early trials however have to be considered in context with the technological limitations of the time which bear little relevance to the present conditions. Good catches were recorded, but the attraction of the highly productive areas discovered to the north and north-east of PNG immediately curtailed any incentive to establish perennial fisheries in this zone.

220. In addition, two 400 GRT New Zealand purse seiners operated in the Fiji waters, principally north of Vanua Levu and during the off season, catching on average 11 tonnes of tuna (3 0% yellowfin) around moored FADs.

221. There is thus an almost-virgin area to be explored and developed in the southern part of the South Pacific. The resource seems to be present throughout the year although there are probably variations linked to the movements of migratory stocks or changes in behavior. The test fishing project should thus be concerned with the location of the resource and its vulnerability to purse seine gear, and of the factors affecting these parameters. D. Country specific resources FIJI 222. Pole-and-line catches are good from January to June and only mediocre from August to November. This information concerns mostly skipjack, since japaneese type pole-and-line boats concentrate on this species. This species may be moving out of the pole-and- line fishing area (very coastal) as early as June/July. Areas of tuna concentration are thought to shift northwards in the course of the season.

223. The pole-and-line fishery is currently harvesting only about 10% of the estimated resource and the availability of bait in the winter months is a major obstacle to a sustainable year around fishery. 224. The experience of the New Zealand purse seiners off season, however inconclusive, did evidence the occurence of tuna year around, particularly yellowfin which only constitute 10% of the pole-and-line catch.

WALLIS AND FUTUNA 225. The presence of tuna has been well established by the previously mentioned research programme and subsequent occasional fishing by DWFN vessels, with a high proportion of skipjack. Catch rates during the Skipjack Programme were generally higher than average. SPC/Fisheries 2 0/WP.28 Page 54

226. Pole-and-line trials have been conducted for short periods with fairly good results. Livebait is available in small quantities.

227. The best seasons for a survey with respect to the occurence of tuna and weather conditions would be April/June and October/November.

WESTERN SAMOA 228. Tuna is abundant and the local artisanal fishery produces 2,000 MT/year for the home market. Catch rates during the Skipjack Programme were much higher than average and occured during mid-winter (June) when the abundance of surface tuna in adjacent waters is generally thought to be relatively low. Subsequent analysis of school sighting rates also showed a high proportion of "foaming" schools that are considered to be suitable for purse seining.

229. The best fishing season is reported to be from December to April. 230. Purse seiners operate on an opportunistic basis in the adjascent zone of American Samoa on transit to and from Pago Pago which has by far the best transhipment and processing facilities in the SPC area. American seiners also fished experimentally in the EEZ of Western Samoa in the Early 80's but the results are poorly documented.

TONGA

231. The resource exists, as demonstrated by artisanal fishing (trolling). The Skipjack Programme vessel experienced average catch rates and the number of schools sighted was also considered to be average. The resource is generally considered to be highly seasonal, although the SPC master fisherman has reported year around occurence of schools and subsurface tunas, particularly around the Vava'u group. Livebait is scarce, which rules out any possible development of pole-and-line fishing.

232. The best fishing season is said to be from October to March. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 55

TUVALU 233. The resource is abundant with high concentration of skipjack. Japanese pole-and-line boats have fished in Tuvalu for many years and more recently American seiners. Statistics from DWFN pole-and-line boats show higher catch rates during the August-December period which is considered to be the best fishing season. The Skipjack Programme operating in June and July experienced average catch rates but a much higher than average school sighting rate. Subsequent analysis also revealed a high proportion of "foaming" schools suitable for purse seining.

234. Livebait resources are limited (lagoon). VANUATU 235. The pelagic tuna resources of Vanuatu are not well known. The SPC survey was very limited and the occurence of surface schools was somewhat less than the average sighted in the entire survey. Catch rates were average and because these waters are adjacent to other proven grounds such as the Solomons or Fiji, the resource was assumed to be considerable. The ORSTOM survey also evidenced the year around occurence of yellowfin. 236. The best fishing season for surface tuncis is also during the summer months.

E. Biological considerations Seasonality 237. With the notion of seasonality is associated the notion of movment. There are several lines of evidence suggesting that in most countries there is a resident stock of tuna year around, the composition of which still remains to be established, but for the most part, the influx of tuna in any particular zone occurs during the warmer months. This movment occurs North-South as the waters warm up, with the southernmost limit being New Zealand between December and February. This has a direct implication on the operating strategy of the research vessel as the feasibility of a year around operation may either depend on the extent of the resident stock and its vulnerability to purse seining or on the vessesl's ability to follow the resource.

238. The Japanese pole-and-line fishery moves East-West or West-East in the equatorial, tropical and subtropical currents at certain times of year, reportedly to follow the fish. A purse seiner, particularly if it is dependent on logs or floating rafts, might have to adopt a similar strategy to optimize its catch. SPC/fisneries zv/wf.za Page 56

239. The project might thus consider, as it was suggested to the consultants, the operation of the research vessel in bands of 5 to 10 degrees, following the major currents longitudinally and moving up, for instance one band each quarter, according to water temperature or the occurence of tuna.

240. On the other hand, this strategy would not be representative of a vessel operating exclusively in the EEZ of a single country and which would be limited in its movments and more subject to the seasonality of the resource. The implications of access to neighbouring zones should thus be considered by the project. Vulnerability

241. Pelagic fishes and tuna in particular have long been known to associate with floating objects. As a matter of fact, most purse seining operations have capitalized on this association and the early trials in the Western Pacific relied exclusively on floatsam to catch tuna.

242. This practise is dependent on the occurence of logs which, from the data available from catch statistics, appears to be seasonal with an extension into southern waters more prominent during the first and last quarters of the year. The project should thus investigate the occurence of logs in the study area. The research vessel might also set its own drifting rafts to supplement natural floatsams, which would favor the longitudinal exploration strategy. 243. Tuna have also been found to associate with oceanic fronts (ORSTOM aerial surveys) and land masses. This tendency could be exploited during the exploration on the basis of oceanographic and bathymetric data. It could also be used to direct aerial prospection should this method be used to increase the vessel searching capability or increase the coverage of the survey over time.

244. Unassociated schools are reportedly more difficult to catch with a purse seine. The proportion of successful "free" school sets is much lower than for floatsam associated sets, and the size of the net and speed of the operation are critical. 245. In general, fishermen will only consider setting on "foaming" schools as they are actively feeding and relatively more stationary. SPC has analysed school sighting information from the SSAP and produced a table of the number of "foaming" schools sighted per hour searched. Although limited in time, the information reveals that some of the highest values were for Tuvalu and Western Samoa in July and May respectively. The same data shows much lower values for the other countries in the study area. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 57

246. In Fiji, it has been reported that in the years of high Stelophorus abundance, the schools were particularly active and not responsive to chum from the pole-and-line boats. These periods could be very favourable for purse seining.

Aggregators

247. Fishermen have also capitalized on the tendency of tuna to associate with floating objects by deploying moored rafts. The creation of this prefered habitat not only increases the chances of encouter thereby reducing searching time and thus running costs, but also makes the school or aggregation more vulnerable to a purse seine operation otherwise dependent on the occurence of surface schools.

248. As a FAD based fishery only makes pre-dawn sets, the speed of the operation and size of the net are of less consequence and can be conducted from a smaller vessel.

249. This type of operation is highly successful in the Philippines and the Solomons. In Fiji, the Nelson seiners operating offseason had also to rely on FADs to operate. This option should thus be fully investigated by the project, particularly during the colder months.

250. Although the mechanisms of aggregation are not well understood, several "rules" have nonetheless begun to emerge. The project should consider deploying FADs in areas deeper than 1000 meters and in areas of known productivity. The aforementioned fronts and land masses (sea mounts) would provide prefered locations. Distances between FADs should also be greater than 6-12 miles to avoid competition between rafts. Competition/interaction

251. This question of competition or interaction between gears or fisheries naturally comes up when contemplating the introduction of a new efficient gear and several countries did voice their concern. The SPC will address this particular issue through a large scale tagging programme starting in 1989 that will look at interaction between purse seine and longline, and a country specific programme that will look specifically at the interaction between pole-and-line and purse seine boats operating in the same area.

252. The test fishing project could nonetheless investigate certain aspects of interaction. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 58

253. In terms of the resource, the only apparent impact of intensive fishing such as in the Philippines is growth overfishing. It has also been shown that limiting the harvest of smaller fish, particularly skipjack resluts in only a small gain in yield. The differencial value of larger longline caught fish, particularly yellowfin and bigeye, however needs to be considered in an economic analysis. This is particularly relevant if the "resident" population is targetted as its potential yield is unknown. The project should thus carefully monitor adjacent longline fisheries for any sign of interaction. 254. There has been some allegations that purse seining disrupts school behavior and that it takes days before a school reforms and resume normal feeding activity. This is an intangible consequence that could be evidenced in the course of a test fishing programme. The project might also investigate if spatial separation of the gears would alleviate the problem. 255. There has also been some concern over competition with artisanal fishermen. Again this is difficult to document but probably only concerns the troll fishermen. As an example, in the Philippines, the artisanal fishremen coexist profitably with the purse seine industry by handlining for deep swimming tunas around the Payaos. The purse seine gear often misses the deeper tuna and at any rate they have many rafts in the water at any one time but only harvest one a day. in return, the artisanal fishermen monitor and maintain the rafts. Again these cooperative arrangements should be investigated by the project. All the possible mitigations should be examined in the detailed planning stages according to each country requirement. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 59

F. Summary (Ecological Concerns) 256. On the basis of discussions with fisheries personnel and fishermen and previous knowledge of the resource and the environment presented above, the following facts should be taken into consideration during the detailed definition of the project.

- Winds become stronger (force 5) during the winter month and may not be compatible with conventional purse seine gear.

- Fishing time may be reduced during cyclone season - There is no marked thermocline in the area between 170 East and 170 West and a deeper net needs to be considered for setting on free schools.

- Currents around sea mounts might hinder purse seining. The skipjack resource is abundant albeit surface concentrations are seasonal and the best fishing season generally occurs at the same time in most countries (summer month). - There is little information on the yellovfin resource but a resident stock is reported to be present year around in all countries.

- Surface concentrations move north-south following water temperature.

The occurence of "foaming" schools considered most suitable for purse seining has been highest in Tuvalu and Western Samoa. - Drifting logs do occur in the north of the study area seasonally and rafts may be used the rest of the year. - It is possible to operate a purse seiner year around with the use of FADs. - Purse seine operation might disrupt pole and line fishing and compete with artisanal or longline fisheries. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 60

VI. Outline for the implementation of Phase II 257. The terms of reference of this mission included the provision of an outline for the detailed definition of the project. On the basis of the information gathered during the discussions with country officials and technical staff presented in the above sections, it is possible to draft an outline for this project definition to ensure that all the concerns and advice from the countries are taken into consideration. 258. The detailed definition of the project should clearly establish the implications (physical, material and financial) of the project for the countries involved. Similarly the countries requested a detailed assessment of the potential benefits to be gained from the project for the region as a whole but also for individual countries. This would include a presentation on the alternative follow up actions that could be considered after the completion of the project.

259. As far as the objectives are concerned, the countries are seeking updated information on the pelagic resources of their waters available to purse seining, its occurence (seasonality) and vulnerability. They therefore also need to knov; what type of vessel is most suited to their needs, its potential performance and operational costs.

260. The most important technical consideration for the selection of the vessel should include a detailed review of different vessel and gear performance under field conditions. This information should be used to identified the optimum vessel size, gear and equipment (including refrigeration system) that will be needed for the project purposes. Particular attention should be paid to the size of the net.

261. When these options have been selected, the availaibility of existing vessels and the extent of modifications required will be investigated. 262. The selction of the crew for the research vessel will influence its performance and should receive carefull consideration. Finally, to optimize vessel performace, pre- cruise surveys should be encouraged to investigate operating conditions, particularly with respect to sub-surface currents. 263. As the most suitable weather conditions and best fishing periods occur during the same season most countries, the definition of the project should also consider alternative operation strategies based on the movment of the surface concentrations or the deployment of floating rafts or Payaos.

264. Known areas of productivity based on previous resource assessment surveys or oceanographic data should be used to direct the operating strategy. SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 61

265. As purse seining operations might interfere with locally established fisheries, the project should consider all possible mitigations particularly in the deployment of FADs in coastal waters.

A. Final Summary 1. Objectives: - Update information on the resource available for purse seining. - Detailed review of the type of vessel most suited to countrie's needs, its performance and operating costs. - Alternative management options for the project. 2. Definition of the project:

a) Countries's concerns - Review the implications of the project - Countries obligations under the project

- Input into management issues Policy issues (access to EEZ, legal arrangements, equal benefits) - Sources of funding for follow up actions

b) Technical considerations - Detailed review (vessel, gear)

- Availability of vessel

- Crewing of vessel - Need for pre-visit country surveys

c) Biological considerations - Resources in EEZs - Oceanographic features

- Interaction with exisiting fisheries

- Alternative operating strategies . follow resource . deploy FADs/ rafts . foaming and log schools SPC/Fisheries 20/WP.28 Page 62

266. In summary, all countries visited have expressed strong support for the project and should continue to be consulted during the detailed definition of the project to ensure that their needs are well taken into consideration. REFERENCES Gonzales, R.A. 1982. Draft report on technical assistance for skipjack and tuna seining withthe use of anchored bamboo rafts in the Fiji Islands. FAD draft report. 6 pp. Habib, George. 1984. Overview of Purse Seining in the South Pacific. FFA Workshop on National Tuna Fishing Operations. Tarawa, Kiribati, May 28 - June 2, 1984. 26 pp. Hutton, G. 1984. Tuna Purse Seining Technology in the West Pacific. FFA Workshop on National Tuna Fishing Operations. 28 pp. Appendix A

Perssons Contacted by Study Mission in Chronological Order

Tuvalu Title Saufatu Sopoanga Secretary Minister of Commerce and Natural Resources Kelese Kolone Asst. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Panapasi Nelesone Planning Officer Elisala Pita Chief Fisheries Officer Graham Faulkner NAFICOT manager Western Samoa

Ueta Fa'asili Chief Fisheries Officer Lui Bell Fisheries Research Officer Mike McCoy Fisheries Advisor Herman Schwenke Asst. Sec. Policy and Research Div. Seve Imo Deputy Director Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries Lucia Sefo Chief Planning Officer Poloma Komiti Head Political Div. Foreign Affairs

American Samoa Raymond Tulafono Director, Marine Resources(OMWR) William Emmsley Deputy Director, OMWR Troy Buckley Fishery Biologist, OMWR Gordon Yamasaki National Marine Fisheries Service Alfonso Gale'ai Director, Office of Economic and Development Planning (OEDP) Donald Shug Planner (OEDP) Dennis Chamberlain Fleet Manager, Starkist Samoa Reuben Pagen Fleet Manager, Samoa Packing Naohiko Kamiji Asst. Fleet Mgr. Samoa Packing Ben Solaita Yard Manager, Southwest Marine

Tonga

T.T. Simiki Director, Dept. of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries Villiami Langi Acting Chief Fisheries Officer Sara Langi Fishery Biologist Paul Mead SPC Master Fisherman Wallis and Futuna Jean Claude Closset Secretaire General du Territoire Christian Astric Chef du Service de l'Economie Rurale Leavuelea King of Wallis Manueli Lisiahi Ptd. Territorial Assembly Basil Tui Ptd. Commission Permanente Benjamin Brial Depute Michel Tauhauili Secretaire Territorial Assembly Clovis Logologofolau Conseiller Territorial Fiji Tui Cavuilati Chief Fisheries Officer Serendra Sewak Principal Fisheries Officer Tim Adams Fisheries Research Officer Robin Yarrow Permanent Secretary of Primary Industries J. Maivusaroko Secretary of Foreign Affairs Solomone S. Kotobaelavu Senior Planning Officer Kesaiaia Tuisawau Planning Officer Peter Hunt Director, PAFCO George Reed President, IKA Corporation Mitiele Baleivanvalala Operations Manager, PAFCO Robert Stone Stone Fish Company Hugh Walton Fisheries Training Officer (IMR/Univ South Pacific) Graham Southwick Managing Director, Wasawasa Fisheries, Ltd. Murdo Maclnnes General Mgr. Te Mautari Ltd. Vanuatu Jacquelin Reuben Second Secretary, Representative to Fisheries Paul Sami Regional Afffairs Officer Belleay Kalotiti Asst. Sec. Political Division Wycliffe Bakeo Acting Director of Fisheries Div. Albert Carlot Fisheries Research Officer Rave Robin Principal Extension Officer Mike Reipen Fisheries Economist Rick Woodham Senior Planning Officer for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries APPENDIX B Useful references - Regional purse seining Western Samoa

Gulbrandsen, O.and W.F. Paulo. 1974. Western Samoa Local Tuna Fisheries Project. 4pp plus tables and appendices.

Horibe, Shiro. 1972. Tuna Fishing Industry of Western Samoa. Annual report. 15 pp. Philipp, A.L. 1981. Tuna for export to Pago Pago Canneries. A proposal to the WS Dept of Economic Development. Sumida, RF and RN Uchida. 1972. M/V Anela, Charter Cruise Narrative Report. 11 pp plus figures and appendices. Travis, W. 197 0. Skipjack Tuna Survey: Preliminary Report of the US Research Vessel 'Charles H. Gilbert. 4 pp.

Fiji

Anon. 1983. Tuna Purse Seine Operations in Fiji. MAFF Fiji. Tables and figures with FAD positions. 2 0 pp. Anon. Notes on the Development of the skipjack Tuna Industry in Fiji. 6pp. Farman, R.S. 1984. Report on Observer Activities on Board a New Zealand 471-GT Purse-Seiner in the Waters of Fiji (12 October-10 November 1984). SPC unpublished report. 10 pp. Gonzales, Ruperte A. 1982. Draft report on technical assistance for skipjack and tuna seining with the use of anchored bamboo rafts in the Fiji Islands. FAO Consultant. 6 pp.

Hunt, Peter C. 1982. The Development of the Central Pacific Fishery with Particular reference to Fiji. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. 10 pp.

Sewak, Surendra. 1977. A Review of Modern Purse Seine - More Oriented Towards Tuna Purse Seining. A project submitted for assessment for the diploma in fisheries management. Grimsby College of Technology. South Humberside, U.K. 104 pp. plus figures and tables. Bathymetry Chase, T.E., BA Seekins, SC Vath and MA Cloud. 1982. Topography of the Tonga Region. USGS - CCOP/SOPAC South Pacific Project. Figure 3-2. Cullen, D.J. 1974. Rotuma Bathymetry. N.Z. Oceanographic Institute Chart, Oceanic Series, 1:1,000,000.

Cullen, D.J. 1975. Kandavu Bathymetry, N.Z. Oceanographic Institute Chart, Oceanic Institute, 1:1,000,000.

General References Anon. 1987. The Fisheries Resources Survey in Fiji and Tuvalu. JICA Publication. 110 pp. plus figures.

Anon. 1987. The Fisheries Resources Survey in Fiji and Tuvalu. Figures and Tables. JICA Publication. 126 pp. Anon. 1987. Regional Project for Developing Tuna Fisheries in the South Pacific. COFREPECHE document. 3 8 pp.

Anon. 1988. Proposal for South Pacific Tuna Fisheries Project. SPC/CRGA 9. WP 32. 7 pp. Doulman, D.J. 1987. Tuna Issues and Perspectives in the Pacific Islands Region. East-West Center. Honolulu 328 pp.

Doulman, D.J. 1987. The Developnment of the Tuna Industry in the Pacific Islands Region: An Analysis of Options. East-West Center. Honolulu 416 pp.

Franklin, Peter G. 1982. Western Pacific Skipjack and Tuna Purse Seine Fishery - Development - Current Status - Future. 22pp. Gillett, R.D. 1986. Observations on Two Japanese Purse- Seining Operations in the Equatorial Pacific. SPC TBAP Technical Report No. 16. 35 pp.

Habib, G. 1984. Overview of Purse Seining in the South Pacific. FFA Workshop on National Tuna Fishing Operations. 2 6 pp. Hutton, G. 1984. Tuna Purse Seining Technology in the West Pacific. FFA Workshop on National Tuna Fishing Operations. Tarawa, Kiribati, May 28-June 2, 1984. 28 pp. Iwasa, K. 1981. Experimental Purse Seine Fishing Operation with Payao. Japan Marine Fishery Resource Research Center. 10 pp. Simpson and Chikuni. 1976. Progress Report on fishing for tuna in Philippine waters by FAO chartered purse seiners. South China Sea Fisheries Development and Coordinating Programme. 3 5 pp.

Yami, M.B. and R.E. Green. Designing an Improved California Purse Seine. Fishery Industrial Research Vol.4:5. 24 pp. FFA Reports

Anon. 1985. The Purse Seine Financial Appraisal Model. FFA Report No. 85/27. 20 pp. Anon. 1987. A REview of the Tuna Seining Project Proposal submitted by Marco Seattle, Inc. to the Government of Tuvalu. FFA Report No. 87/1. 57 pp.

Anon. 1987. The Tuna Fishery and Industry in the Pacific Islands: An Overview. FFA Report No. 87. 10 pp. Anon. 1984. Purse Seine Trial Fishing Project. Summary. FFA draft project summary. 17 pp.