Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks 2015 – 2018

Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018) A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018) A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu 2014 Prepared by Vanuatu Fisheries Department & Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018)ii © Copyright Vanuatu Department of Fisheries 2015 All rights for commercial/for profit reproduction or translation, in any form, reserved. The Vanuatu Department of Fisheries authorises the partial reproduction or translation of this material for scientific, educational or research purposes, provided that the Vanuatu Department of Fisheries and the source document are properly acknowledged. Permission to reproduce the document and/or translate in whole, in any form, whether for commercial/for profit or non-profit purposes, must be requested in writing. Original text: English Secretariat of the Pacific Community cataloguing-in-publication data Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018): A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu / prepared by Vanuatu Fisheries Department & Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency 1. Sharks — Vanuatu. 2. Fishery law and legislation — Vanuatu. 3. Fishery policy — Vanuatu. 4. Fishery management — Vanuatu. 5. Shark fisheries — Government policy — Vanuatu. I. Title II. Vanuatu. Fisheries Division. III. Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency IV. Secretariat of the Pacific Community. 597.30995 AACR2 ISBN: 978-982-00-0881-6 This plan was produced by the Vanuatu Department of Fisheries, with technical and financial assistance from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). Appreciation is extended to other government agencies, NGOs and private sector companies in Vanuatu who contributed to the formulation of this document. Laid out and prepared for publication at SPC Headquarters, Noumea, New Caledonia. Cover design: Jipé Le-Bars. Printed by Stredder Print Ltd. in New Zealand. A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu iii APPROVAL OF VANUATU NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION ON SHARKS This Shark Plan, made in accordance with Part 4, Section 11 of the Fisheries Act, No. 10 of 2014, is hereby approved on this date. COMMENCEMENT DATE By virtue of powers conferred upon the Minister for Fisheries, under Sections 6(1), 10(1) and 11(5) of the Fisheries Act No. 10 of 2014, notice is hereby given that the implementation of the Vanuatu Plan of Action on Sharks will commence on ................... day of .................. 2014. …………………………………. Honourable David TOSUL (MP) Minister Responsible for Fisheries A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu v TABLE OF CONTENTS Acronyms vi 1. Purpose 1 2. Scope 1 3. Review 1 4. Planning and reporting 1 5. Legal context 1 6. Guiding principles 2 7. Preparation and structure 2 8. Operational objectives 3 9. Key challenges 3 10. Status and descriptions of WCPO sharks 5 Shark stock status (WCPO region) Risk assessment 11. Strategic policy interventions 6 Management measures Technical measures Operational measures MCS framework and enforcement Data collection and analysis Research Capacity building 12. Implementation plan and schedule 9 13. References 14 Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018)vi ACRONYMS CCRF FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species CMM Conservation and Management Measure CMS Convention on Migratory Species CPUE Catch per unit of effort EAFM Ecosystem approach to fisheries management FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FD Fisheries Department FFA Secretariat of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency FMAC Fisheries Management Advisory Council FMSY Level of fishing mortality that can be sustainably borne by the stock IPOA International Plan of Action MCS Monitoring, control and surveillance MSY Maximum sustainable yield NPOA National Plan of Action OP Operational Plan SBMSY Spawning biomass producing maximum sustainable yield SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Community TMDP Tuna Management and Development Plan TUFMAN Tuna Fisheries Database Management System WCPFC Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission WCPO Western and central Pacific Ocean Alopias superciliosus. Illustration: Les Hata A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu 1 1. PURPOSE Consistent with the Fisheries Act No. 10 2014, this Plan: (i) is a policy guideline that ensures conservation, management, development and sustainable use of oceanic sharks in Vanuatu waters; (ii) promotes long-term biological sustainability and rational optimum and economic utilization of sharks in Vanuatu’s Tuna longline fishery; and (iii) serves to prevent, avoid or minimize any potential adverse environmental and social impacts, effects or risks of fishing, other human activities and environmental factors on oceanic shark species. 2. SCOPE The scope of this Plan: (i) covers all commercial fishing activities in Vanuatu waters, including those within six miles of the shore, and those waters around the islands of Matthew and Hunter, recognizing that the EEZ boundaries are not currently ratified; (ii) covers all fishing vessels registered to and licensed by Vanuatu wherever they fish. The Plan exempts artisanal fishing vessels that fish particularly for subsistence use. Vanuatu has a special interest in the management of highly migratory species, including sharks bycatch in the high seas pocket to the east of the Vanuatu EEZ. This pocket will be given special consideration in the management of tuna and shark bycatches. 3. REVIEW The period of this Plan is four years and will be reviewed annually, plus a mid-term review at the end of the second year of implementation. FAO recommends review of the Plan at least every four years. The reviews should take into consideration, inter alia: (i) latest stock assessments on key shark species including available shark data in TUFMAN; (ii) latest decisions of the WCPFC and CITES specific to sharks; (iii) specific measures taken in other relevant international and regional shark instruments to which Vanuatu is a Party or a cooperating non-member; (iv) identify gaps and highlight specific areas of improvement and cost-effective strategic interventions, thereby increasing the Plan’s effectiveness; and (v) socio-economic impacts on and implications for domestic developments. 4. PLANNING AND REPORTING Vanuatu’s Fisheries Department will report on the implementation of this Plan through the following means: (i) Vanuatu Fisheries Department Annual Report; (ii) Vanuatu’s WCPFC Part I and 2 Reports, consistent with reporting requirements against CMM 2010-07 paras 2 and 4, CMM 2011-04 para. 3, CMM 2012-04 paras 3 and 6; (iii) Vanuatu report to FAO1 COFI meetings relating to the implementation status of the IPOA and NPOA (sharks); (iv) Vanuatu reports to CITES meetings; and (v) other relevant committees and forums in which Vanuatu is a participant. 5. LEGAL CONTEXT This Plan is prepared in accordance with the Fisheries Act No. 10 2014 Sec. 11. The Plan aligns and is consistent with the Vanuatu National Development Strategy, strategic policy directions under its revised Tuna Management Plan and other relevant fisheries policies and legislation of the government. 1 FAO recommends production of sharks assessment reports that should contain threats, management and stock status of any elasmobranchs that occur in fisheries waters, whether target or non-target species. Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018)2 The Plan also draws on relevant international and regional instruments such as the FAO-International Plan of Action for Sharks (IPOA-Sharks), FAO Code of Practice for Responsible Fisheries, Regional Plan of Action (Sharks) and WCPFC conservation and management measures on sharks (CMM 2010-07; CMM 2011-04; CMM 2012-04), and CITES enlisted shark species. 6. GUIDING PRINCIPLES Drawing from the FAO IPOA-Sharks (FAO, 1999) and relevant shark-related instruments, and consistent with Fisheries Act No. 10 2014, the key guiding principles under this Shark Plan shall be: Participation Effective participation in shark management and contribute towards minimizing fishing mortality on shark species or stocks. Sustaining stocks Management and conservation strategies should aim to keep total fishing mortality for each stock within sustainable levels as adopted by the WCPFC, and the application of the precautionary approach. Nutritional and socio economic considerations Management and conservation objectives and strategies should recognize that in some low-income, food-deficit communities in Vanuatu, shark catches are a traditional and important source of food, employment and/or income. Such catches should be managed on a sustainable basis to provide a continued source of food, employment and income to local communities. Cooperation and integration Require the fullest possible cooperation among government and non government agencies and institutions, stakeholders of the fishing industry and local communities, and engagement pursuant to this Shark Plan, the Tuna Plan and broader regional and international technical policy guidelines and measures generally on sharks or shark species. Scientific and political actions Scientific and political actions, as appropriate, which are responsible for the management of migratory shark fisheries, and the need to strengthen and improve their role in improving or restoring a favourable conservation status of sharks listed in the WCPFC CMMs related to sharks, and those listed in CITES. Best available science on sharks Sharks should be managed to allow for sustainable harvest where appropriate, through conservation and management measures based on the best available science advice and information. Ecosystem and precautionary principles This Shark Plan upholds the ecosystem and precautionary principles. Consistent with the Fisheries Act No. 10, 2014, the lack of scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to enhance the conservation status of sharks in Vanuatu’s fisheries waters. Monitoring and compliance Promotes effective monitoring of fishing activities and ensures compliance with shark measures in this Plan. All licensed fishing vessels may establish, by mutual consent, verifiable reporting systems, including logsheet and observer reports that include full reporting of shark-related data and information pursuant to this Shark Plan, TMDP and broader regional and international guidelines and measures on sharks. 7. PREPARATION AND STRUCTURE This Plan was prepared through the effective participation and engagement of all stakeholders consistent with requirements of the FAO IPOA-Sharks and RPOA (sharks). The participatory approach is taken to raise the level of awareness and promote ownership of the Plan by all relevant stakeholders. The key components of this Plan are a brief preamble section, key challenges, description of the current state of shark populations, and a management framework covering key measures and actions. An implementation schedule provides a clear roadmap towards implementing specific measures and actions over the four-year timeframe. The effectiveness of management measures will be closely managed through the MCS framework, and the mid term review should provide for any necessary modifications of management measures. The Fisheries Management Advisory Council (FMAC) will act as an oversight body to monitor progress of the implementation of this Plan, consistent with Sec. 9 of the Fisheries Act 2014. A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu 3 8. OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES Further to the primary goal and purpose of the Plan outlined above, the following operational objectives are adapted from the IPOA-Sharks (FAO, 1999), the Regional Shark Plan, and also draw on the WCPFC CMM (sharks), and were revised for implementation in Vanuatu fisheries waters. On this basis, and consistent with the Vanuatu Fisheries Act No. 10 2014 and Tuna Plan, this NPOA (sharks) aims to: (i) ensure that shark catches from directed and non-directed fisheries are sustainable; (ii) minimize incidental catches of sharks and shark species, and encourage full use of dead sharks; (iii) contribute to the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function; (iv) minimize waste and discards from shark catches in accordance with Article 7.2.2.(g) of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (for example, requiring the retention of sharks from which fins are removed); (v) facilitate improved identification and reporting of species-specific biological and trade data and the monitoring of shark catches; (vi) build research, data collection, monitoring, compliance and enforcement capacity; (vii) improve understanding of migratory shark populations through research, monitoring and information exchange; (viii) assess threats to shark populations; determine and protect critical habitats and migratory corridors and critical life stages of sharks; (ix) implement harvesting strategies consistent with the principles of biological sustainability and rational long-term economic use; (x) identify and provide special attention to vulnerable or threatened shark stocks; (xi) implement all technical measures of the WCPFC CMMs on sharks and specific shark species; (xii) improve and develop frameworks for establishing and coordinating effective consultation, involving all stakeholders in research, management and educational initiatives; and (xiii) increase public awareness of threats to sharks and their habitats, and enhance public participation in conservation activities. 9. KEY CHALLENGES Vanuatu does not have a domestic shark fishery and has no intention to start one until an assessment is done on its potential. Also, there are no immediate plans to close the EEZ to tuna fishing so that no sharks are taken as bycatch. Vanuatu domestic tuna fisheries (shark-associated) generally catch shark and ray as bycatch; there has been substantial catches (~ 3–37%)2 in the Vanuatu EEZ longline fishery. Shark and ray bycatch has rarely been significant in the Vanuatu-flagged purse seine fishery – the biggest issue has been several catches of whale sharks. The Vanuatu-flagged longline fishery active in the WCPFC Convention area carried no observers until 2012 (data not yet available) – no estimates can be determined. Species Total number % Weight (kg) CPUE (per 100 hooks) Number Weight Albacore 15,582 44.34 239,721 0.9620 14.799 Yellowfin 5,599 15.93 155,008 0.3456 9.569 Skipjack 2,903 8.26 13,272 0.1796 0.821 Wahoo 1,833 5.22 17,651 0.1133 1.091 Mahi mahi / dolphinfish / dorado 1,697 4.83 13,018 0.1049 0.805 Bigeye 1,166 3.32 21,885 0.0720 1.351 Silky shark 678 1.93 19,684 0.0508 1.476 Blue shark 541 1.54 26,033 0.0339 1.629 Oceanic whitetip shark 147 0.42 7,511 0.0113 0.578 Short finned mako shark 106 0.30 8,439 0.0067 0.532 Long finned mako shark 56 0.16 4,852 0.0064 0.552 Table 1. Summed catch and CPUE (per hundred hooks) of all species identified aboard observed longline vessels operating in Vanuatu’s EEZ, 1996–2012 (Source: SPC, March 2014) 2 This range is the collective weight of shark and ray bycatch relative to that of the total tuna weight over the past 10 years. However the propor tions of specific shark species are relatively small: silky sharks constitute 2%, blue sharks 2%, oceanic whitetip 0.4% and mako sharks 0.4% of the total number of fish caught – details in Table 1. Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018)4 Fate of observed individual sharks (%) Retained Escaped Unknown Discarded Discarded, �ns retained Discarded, shark damage SHARK # 0 20 40 60 80 100 Silky shark Blue shark Pelagic stingray Oceanic whitetip shark Short �nned mako Long �nned mako Scalloped hammerhead Great hammerhead Bronze whaler shark Bigeye thresher Pelagic thresher 675 538 323 147 106 56 29 20 16 11 4 Figure 2. Fate of shark catches as recorded by observers in the Vanuatu EEZ longline fishery (Source: SPC, March 2014) For the longline fleet operating within the Vanuatu EEZ, the most common shark bycatch have been blue shark, silky shark and mako sharks. The combined estimated bycatch (by weight) of sharks and rays was less than 1,000 mt annually until 2008, after which the estimated annual total bycatch approached 3,000 mt. It is unknown the extent to which this reflects an actual increase in shark and ray bycatch, increased observer identification, or poor estimation related to highly variable raising factors3 resulting from low observer coverage. In terms of number, silky shark are the most common bycatch species, followed by blue shark and rays. One conclusion from these data is that a broad variety of shark species are captured in sizeable quantities by the longline fishery. The fate of most sharks taken in this fishery has historically been finning, and the carcasses discarded. 19 96 40 00 20 00 0 20 00 40 00 60 00 80 00 10 00 0 Tu na c at ch Sh ar k ca tc h 95% 59% 11% 6% 7% 3% 11% 2% 35% 37% 32% 26% No Observer Data 19 97 19 98 19 99 20 00 20 01 20 02 20 03 20 04 20 05 20 06 20 07 20 08 20 09 20 10 20 11 20 12 Figure 1. Shark catch relative to tuna catch (1996–2012) in the Vanuatu EEZ longline fishery (Source: SPC, March 2014) The extent of shark bycatch in the Vanuatu-flagged longline fishery occurring outside of Vanuatu’s EEZ is poorly known. The total annual tuna catch by that fleet has been in the 10,000–15,000 mt range over the past decade, thus 10-50% larger than longline tuna catch in Vanuatu’s EEZ. There has been no available observer data from this fleet, hence no actual data with which to estimate shark levels. It is more likely, however, that the bycatch of sharks in that fishery resembles the Vanuatu EEZ longline fishery than the Vanuatu-flagged purse seine fishery. If so, shark catches within this fleet are likely to be greater than those estimated for the longline fleet operating within the Vanuatu EEZ. There are also concerns over the high level of discards of sharks. In addition to the numbers and weight of sharks, rays and other forms of bycatch, observers also often record the ‘fate’ of bycatch species, e.g. retained or discarded (for a variety of reasons). Figure 2, below, summarizes the fate data of the bycatch taken in the Vanuatu EEZ longline fishery, summed across years for a variety of species and species groups. The fate of most sharks taken in this fishery have historically been ‘finned’ and the carcasses discarded. 3 The raising factor is large due to low observer coverage, particularly within Vanuatu EEZ longline fishery. Resulting raised shark catch estimates likely have broad confidence bounds and hence are uncertain and therefore caution on the use of such estimates A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu 5 The collection of shark data and the management of shark populations in Vanuatu’s fisheries waters are essential for the broader conservation and management of key shark species in the WCPO. This collection and management is currently lacking. In particular, the Plan recognises the overfished state of several key oceanic shark species reported by the WCPFC SC9 formal session in 2013. Vanuatu recognizes the importance of improving knowledge of sharks and the practices resulting in shark bycatches in its domestic longline fishery. The Fisheries Department identified the following challenges, which this Plan aims to address: (i) Inadequate data available to fisheries on catches, effort and landings of sharks. (ii) Difficulties in identifying shark species after landing. (iii) Insufficient biological and environmental data on sharks. (iv) Lack of funds for research and the management of sharks. (v) Limited coordination on the collection of information on trans-boundary, straddling, highly migratory and high seas stocks of sharks. (vi) Difficulty in achieving shark management goals in multispecies fisheries in which sharks are caught as incidental and bycatch. (vii) Diminishing catches and catch rates with increase in fishing efforts (e.g. hook and vessel numbers). (viii) Some vessels land their catches in Suva Port thereby making it difficult to report accurately on catch of tuna and sharks by flag and EEZ. (ix) Lack of skills among fishing masters to avoid shark bycatch. 10. STATUS AND DESCRIPTIONS of WCPO SHARKS Shark stock status (WCPO region) Shark species account for approximately 15% of the bycatch in albacore longline sets, and this may be higher in some fisheries. Chinese- and Taiwanese-owned vessels sometimes use wire traces as an alternative to monofilament leaders, with the specific intention of increasing their shark bycatch. The main area of concern is the oceanic shark species. Lawson (2011) demonstrates an annual average of 2 million sharks caught by longline gear, with corresponding sharp declines in CPUE, estimated at 30% over the last 10 years. Clarke (2011) identified changes in exploitation patterns for many of the species caught in WCPO waters by the longline fishery. From this analysis there is increasing evidence that two of these shark species – oceanic whitetip and silky sharks – are experiencing rapid declines. Even blue shark, previously judged to be fairly robust, appears to be suffering from a reduction in average fish size. Oceanic whitetip shark – spawning biomass, total biomass and recruitment have all exhibited a declining trend since 1995 (the first year of the assessment) across the Pacific region as a whole, and the current spawning biomass is estimated to be at 15% of SBMSY, and current fishing mortality is estimated to be more than six times greater than FMSY. The key conclusions are that overfishing is occurring and the stock is in a heavily overfished state relative to MSY-based reference points. Silky shark – is a low productivity species. The greatest impact on the stock is attributed to bycatch from the longline fishery in the tropical and subtropical areas. But there are also significant impacts from the purse seine fishery at lower latitudes, which catches predominantly juvenile sharks. A recent assessment concluded that estimated fishing mortality has increased to levels far in excess of FMSY. The continuation of current levels of Pacific-wide fishing effort would continue to deplete the stock below SBMSY. The 9th meeting of the WCPFC Scientific Committee (SC9) concluded that overfishing is occurring and taht it is highly likely that the stock is in an overfished state. South Pacific blue shark – stock assessment is expected to be completed in 2014 if the critical data gaps are adequately addressed. The South Pacific blue shark is amongst the top four shark species caught in Vanuatu fisheries waters. Mako sharks – are among the least productive of all pelagic sharks, but are occasionally targeted for their food value; WCPFC scientists have suggested further research and/or data improvement to identify and clarify population status trends for these species. Thresher sharks – are also among the least productive of all pelagic sharks; again, WCPFC scientists have suggested further research and/or data improvement to identify and clarify population status trends for these species. Whale shark – it is estimated that 75 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) were killed in the western and central Pacific Ocean as a result of interactions with the region’s purse seine fishery in just two years (2009 and 2010). A ban on whale shark setting by licensed purse-seine fishing vessels anywhere in the Pacific was adopted by the Pacific Island states that are parties to the Nauru Agreement, in 2010, and this ban was later extended to the entire western and central Pacific Ocean purse-seine fleet by WCPFC. Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018)6 Hammerhead sharks – are widely distributed in latitudinal range and appear to prefer tropical warm waters, and are largely concentrated along continental shelves and coastlines, but can also be found in the deep ocean. Hammerhead sharks are at a high risk of extinction, and are a culinary delicacy in many countries. Little data exists on the bycatch of hammerheads in the WCPO and thus no formal assessment has been undertaken on the stock for consideration at the WCPFC Scientific Committee. Risk assessment Shark species are highly vulnerable to fishing, and their management is also required under the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing and the IPOA for sharks. There is some uncertainty about the stock status of many oceanic shark species in this region and there are minimal data available on the local catches and that of Vanuatu flag vessels in other jurisdictions. In 2007 stakeholders rated the risk to sustainability of sharks as medium-high. The level of income from shark fishing may be considerable – especially for local vessels – therefore declining stocks would cause a flow-on impact to the economic outcomes generated by this group. Therefore, there needs to be a specific management plan and monitoring program instigated for these species within the Vanuatu EEZ. Extracts from risk assessment work undertaken by SPC (Table 3) identify various oceanic shark species at medium to high risk. Frequency Species Scientific name WCPFC Key Species IUCN Listing CITES CMS H ig h es t In ci d en ce Silky shark Cacharhinus falciformis • Near Threatened Blue shark Prionace glauca • Near Threatened Oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus • Vulnerable •II Pelagic stringray Pteroplatytrygon violacea Least Concern M ed iu m In ci d en ce Short finned mako Isurus oxyrinchus • Vulnerable • Long finned mako Isurus paucus • Vulnerable • Great hammerhead Sphyrna mokarran • Endangered •II Smooth hammerhead Sphyrna zygaena • Vulnerable •II Lo w In ci d en ce Bigeye thresher Alopias superciliosus • Vulnerable Pelagic thresher Alopias pelagicus • Vulnerable Silvertip shark Carcharhinus albimarginatus Near Threatened Bronze whaler shark Carcharhinus brachyurus Near Threatened Blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus Near Threatened Tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier Near Threatened R ar e In ci d en ce Galapagos shark Carcharhinus galapagensis Near Threatened Grey reef shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos Near Threatened Blacktip reef shark Carcharhinus melanopterus Near Threatened Sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus Vulnerable Smooth hammerhead Sphyrna zygaena • Vulnerable •II Giant manta Manta birostris Vulnerable •II Manta rays (unidentified) Manta spp. Vulnerable •II Great white shark Carcharodon carcharias Vulnerable •II • Table 2. Key shark species taken in longline fishery (SPC, March 2014) WCPFC Key Species: Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Key Shark Species Listing (•) IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species status CITES: Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild Flora and Fauna Appendix (•II) listing CMS: Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species – Listed in Annex I of CMS Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (•) A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu 7 11. STRATEGIC POLICY INTERVENTIONS The strategic management framework on sharks draws on the FAO Technical Guidelines on the Conservation and Management of Sharks (FAO, 1999), RPOA (sharks), CMM 2010-07, CMM 2011-04, CMM 2012-04 and CMM 2013 08. Under this Plan, the strategies for achieving the above objectives outlined in earlier sections include the following: Management measures (i) Regulate or manage the harvest of sharks in Vanuatu waters using the following combination of measures: • Shark catches are to be no more than 10% of total catch in any one fishing trip (Art.7, 10(3),30, FAO, TMP). • Ban shark targeted fishing by longline vessels in all Vanuatu’s fisheries waters. • Establish shark sanctuaries within territorial and archipelagic waters, including prohibitions against commercial fishing. • Commercial fishing is prohibited in any area within three nautical miles from the centre of all underwa ter seamounts located in Vanuatu’s fisheries waters. Where two or more seamounts are in close prox imity, the distance of three nautical miles shall be measured from the centre of the nearest seamount. • Finning control of 5%4, but with fins naturally attached (CMM 2010-07). • Ban the use of wire leaders and sets on whale sharks (CMM 2011-04). • Prohibition of retention, transhipping and storing on a fishing vessel, or landing in whole or in part, of any oceanic whitetip shark (CMM 2011-04, CMM 2013-08). Table 3. Stock conditions and/or ecological risk assessments of tuna longline bycatches. Species Stock condition Ecological risk (ERA Vulnerability) Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) Longline CPUEs are generally stable (Lawson, 2011). However, steep declines from peak abundances in 2006–2008 are observed in subsequent years (Clarke, 2011). The longline fishery standardized trends were declining for both sexes in all regions, with statistically significant trends for both sexes in Fijian waters (SPC Region 5) (Clarke, 2011) . Productivity – High risk Susceptibility – Medium to high risk Oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) Longline catches indicate steep declines, falling by 70% since 1998 (Lawson, 2011). These indicate very steep declines. The estimated trends in median length were declining for both sexes for all regions, with statistically significant trends for females (Clarke, 2011). Productivity – High risk Susceptibility – Medium risk Pelagic thresher (Alopias pelagicus) Decreasing median size trends, particularly for females in Region 3 and for males and females in Region 4, both of which showed significant declines (Clarke, 2011). Productivity – High risk Susceptibility – Medium risk Shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) Longline CPUE fallen by 10% since 2010 (Lawson (2011). Male mako shark median lengths appear to be at or near the length at maturity; the entire 90% confidence interval for female mako sharks lies below the length at maturity. Observer data indicates trends towards decreasing size (Clarke, 2011). Productivity – High risk Susceptibility – Medium to High risk Longfin mako (Isurus paucus) Longline CPUE fallen by 31% since 1998. Productivity – High risk Susceptibility – Medium to high risk Others shark species Data is deficient for bigeye thresher, bronze whaler, great hammerhead, smooth hammerhead and scalloped hammerhead. Scalloped and great hammerhead sharks are classified by IUCN as endangered. Productivity – High risk Susceptibility – Medium to high risk Source: Extracted from SPC reports. 4 The ratio of fins to carcass is 5% wet weight, such that if 100 tonnes of sharks are landed the fins must weigh no more than five tonnes. Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018)8 • Promotion of live release in a manner that results in as little harm to the shark as possible; and the use of circle hooks (UN Res. 62/177, CMM 2013-08). • No setting on a school of tuna associated with a whale shark if the animal is sighted prior to the com mencement of the set (CMM 2012-04). • Encourage deeper hook deployment during longline fishing. (ii) Encourage setting targets based on the best available science for fish quotas, fishing effort and other restrictions to help achieve sustainable use. Technical measures (iii) Ascertain control and, if appropriate, restrictions over access of fishing vessels targeting sharks, which is not allowed in Vanuatu’s EEZ. (iv) Decrease fishing effort where shark catch is proven unsustainable or exceeds the proportion of shark catches allowed in any one fishing trip. (v) Effective control and management of UNCLOS Annex 1, WCPFC key shark species and CITES Appendix 2 listed shark species, through close monitoring of catches and ensuring compliance with specific measures and limits in this Plan: • UNCLOS Annex 1 – bluntnose sixgill (Hexanchus griseus), basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), threser sharks (Family Alopiidae, 3 species), whale shark (Rhincodon typus), requiem sharks (Family Carcharhinidae, 52 species), hammerhead sharks (Family Sphynidae, 9 species) and lamnid sharks (Family Isuridae, 5 species) – in total, 72 species). • WCPFC key shark species – porbeagle (Lamna nasus), winghead hammerhead (Eusphyra blochii), great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), scalloped hammerhead (S. lewini) and smooth hammerhead (S. zygaena); blue, silky, oceanic whitetip, shortfin mako, longfin mako, bigeye thresher, common thresher and pelagic thresher sharks, and whale sharks. • CITES-listed shark species, Appendix 2 – pelagic sharks (basking, great white, oceanic whitetip, porbeagle, scalloped, and greater/smooth hammerhead sharks). Operational measures (vi) Improve the utilization of sharks caught. (vii) Implement elements of the WCPFC CMM 2010-07, CMM 2011-04, CMM 2012-04 and CMM 2013-08: discourage waste and discards, encourage live release, control finning (i.e. cutting of a shark’s fins and discarding its carcass at sea). (viii) Prepare and submit a report on the progress of the assessment, development and implementation of Vanuatu Shark Plan as part of the Fisheries Department Annual Report, WCPFC Scientific Committee Part 1 Annual Report, and biennial reporting to FAO on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. MCS framework and enforcement (ix) Improve MCS and enforcement activities for the collection, processing, storage and marketing of sharks and shark-related products in the catching and processing sub-sectors. (x) Establish a position for a dedicated fisheries officer (bycatch) responsible for all bycatch species, including sharks. (xi) Promote practical and enforceable measures, including those provided for under this Plan (e.g. technical, operational and management) within the Vanuatu longline fishery. Data collection and analysis (xii) Improve and strengthen data collection and monitoring of shark data, including logsheets, port sampling, observer reports, etc. (xiii) Facilitate the collection and provision of shark landing data from all Vanuatu fishing vessels and licensed vessels active in Vanuatu’s EEZ and, flag vessels active elsewhere in the WCPO. (xiv) Create and maintain species-specific national records of shark catches, landings and discards. (xv) If applicable, obtain utilization and trade data on shark species. (xvi) Facilitate the timely access to and exchange of information necessary to coordinate conservation and management measures, and facilitate training in data quality. A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu 9 Research (xvii) Collaborate and assist in the implementation of the WCPFC Shark Research Plan. (xviii) Facilitate and encourage research on shark species. (xix) Promote and coordinate stock assessments and research in collaboration with appropriate management and scientific bodies, to estimate the potential for a shark fishery and, to explore options for setting future hard limits. Capacity building (xx) Use shark identification guides and train and raise awareness among stakeholders, particularly observers, crews, skippers and boat operators. Train fishing masters on methods that avoid targeting shark; (xxi) Conduct regular awareness programmes, including radio, newspaper, posters, seminars, school talks and seminars, targeting schools and communities, associations and general fisheries awareness outreach programmes; (xxii) Seek assistance through SPC’s OFP, WCPFC Secretariat, FAO and others, in relation to the production of information and educational material in local languages. (xxiii) Cooperate with relevant agencies and institutions to facilitate the work conducted in relation to this Plan; raise the profile of implementation in fisheries forums and committee meetings. (xxiv) Build/strengthen overall capacity in research, data collection, monitoring, compliance and enforcement. 12. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND SCHEDULE This Plan does not have a dedicated budget for its implementation. The delivery of the actions identified in the Plan depends on the resources available within the existing budgets of the Fisheries Department. Supplementary funds for the implementation of certain activities may be obtained from other sources. It is unrealistic to expect that all of the issues identified in this Plan will be fully addressed by the Fisheries Department over the life of the Plan. The successful implementation of this Plan will require strong cooperation among relevant stakeholders and groups, including but not limited to fishers, fishers’ associations, boat operators, indigenous groups, conservation/environmental bodies, recreational and game-fishing associations and research/technical fisheries related institutions. Carcharhinus albimarginatus. Photo: Pascale Chabanet (IRD) Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018)10 Ta bl e 4. S pe ci fic ti m el in es a ga in st th e m an ag em en t a ct io ns , s tr at eg ie s an d pr oj ec ts id en tif ie d in th is P la n, fo r im pl em en ta tio n in th e pe ri od 2 01 5 to 2 01 8. M an ag em en t a ct io ns , s tra te gi es an d pr oj ec ts Cu rre nt re so ur ce s Cu rre nt st at us Re gu la tio ns /N ot ice s/ Fin es /C on di tio ns Ne w ac tiv ity Ad di tio na l r es ou rce s Tr ai ni ng 20 15 20 16 20 17 20 18 DO M ES TI C L ON GL IN E F IS HE RY Re ta in ed sp ec ie s Po lic y O ffi ce r, M CS O ffi ce r s ha rk s: co m pl y w ith fi nn in g ba n/ ca rc as s r et en tio n; pr ep ar e N PO A; re vie w fi sh in g pr ac tic es /fu rth er co nt ro ls FM P, M CS No N PO A Co nd iti on o f l on gl in e l ice nc e NP OA to b e d ev el op ed (c ur re nt ly u nd er w ay an d ex pe ct ed to co m e i nt o ef fe ct 1 Ja n 20 14 ) Fin an cia l a ss ist an ce M an ag em en t Pl an fo r s ha rk ; co m pl et ed at ta ch m en t a t F FA , M ay 2 01 3 √ √ √ M an ag em en t m ea su re s (M CS st af fs, sc ie nc e s ta ff, p ol icy st af f, ob se rv er s, po rt sa m pl er s) Re gu la te /m an ag e h ar ve st o f s ha rk s i n V an ua tu ’s EE Z: ( i) to (v ii) b el ow (n ot e t he se m ea su re s a re cu rre nt ly in th e P la n: FM P, M CS , l eg al No re gu la tio ns Lim its /o ffe nc es ca n be re gu la te d – de ve lo p a r eg ul at io n on th is or m ak e co nd iti on o f l on gl in e l ice nc e Th e d ivi sio n ne ed s t o de cid e if ne ed to re gu la te – e. g. m an ag em en t l im its /m ea su re s be lo w (i ) t o (v ii) In h ou se an d, if ap pr op ria te , s ee k as sis ta nc e f ro m FF A le ga l te am NA √ (i) b yc at ch sh ar k c ap is n ot m or e t ha n 10 % o f t ot al ca tc h in an y o ne b oa t f ish in g tri p As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ (ii ) b an sh ar k t ar ge te d fis hi ng b y L L v es se ls in al l Va nu at u’s fi sh er ie s w at er s As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ (ii i) sh ar k s an ct ua rie s w ith in te rri to ria l w at er s ag ai ns t c om m er cia l L L f ish in g As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ (iv ) f in ni ng co nt ro l, 5 % w ith fi ns n at ur al ly at ta ch ed As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ (iv ) b an o n w ha le sh ar k s et s a nd w ire le ad er s As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ (v ) n o re te nt io n, tr an sh ip pi ng , s to rin g on ve ss el o r la nd in g, in w ho le o r i n pa rt, o f a ny o ce an ic w hi te tip sh ar k As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ (v i) pr om ot e l ive re le as e a nd u se o f c irc le h oo ks ; en co ur ag e d ee pe r h oo k d ep lo ym en t As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ (v ii) en co ur ag e s et tin g ta rg et s b as ed o n av ai la bl e sc ie nc e a nd sh ar k a ss es sm en t i n V an ua tu ’s fis he rie s w at er s – q uo ta s, fis hi ng ef fo rt an d ot he r r es tri ct io ns As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ Te ch ni ca l m ea su re s (M CS st af fs, sc ie nc e s ta ff, p ol icy st af f, ob se rv er s, po rt sa m pl er s) Co nt ro l v es se ls ta rg et in g sh ar ks M CS , F M P 22 lic en ce s o ut of 5 0 ca p Cu rre nt ly p ro hi bi te d un de r t he Pl an ; a nd it w ill b ec om e m an da to ry if pu rs ue a re gu la tio n or ad op t a s co nd iti on o f f ish in g lic en ce ; e .g . re vo ke fi sh in g lic en ce Al re ad y c ov er ed u nd er th e NP OA (s ha rk s) ; a nd p os sib ili ty of a re gu la tio n or co nd iti on o f fis hi ng lic en ce is co ve re d ab ov e FM P co ul d re vie w sh ar k d at a an d tra ck o f v es se l d ur in g fis hi ng to d et er m in e i f v es se l is ta rg et in g sh ar ks En co ur ag e i nc re as e i n ob se rv er co ve ra ge m in . 5% , a nd re po rti ng d et ai ls on ca tc he s d ur in g po rt sa m pl in g or re qu es t s uc h in fo rm at io n fro m o th er po rts if lic en se d ve ss el s la nd th ei r c at ch es th er e Re fre sh tr ai ni ng on sh ar ks id en tif ica tio n √ √ √ A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu 11 M an ag em en t a ct io ns , s tra te gi es an d pr oj ec ts Cu rre nt re so ur ce s Cu rre nt st at us Re gu la tio ns /n ot ice s/ fin es /c on di tio ns Ne w ac tiv ity Ad di tio na l r es ou rce s Tr ai ni ng 20 15 20 16 20 17 20 18 De cr ea se fi sh in g ef fo rt w he re sh ar k c at ch is p ro ve n su st ai na bl e i nc re m en ta l c ut s o f l ice nc e c ap M CS , F M P 22 lic en ce s o ut of 5 0 ca p NA As se ss m en t o f s ha rk s i n Va nu at u’s w at er s r el at ive to sh ar k p op ul at io n in W CP O NA Re fre sh tr ai ni ng on sh ar ks id en tif ica tio n √ √ √ Co nt ro l a nd m an ag e a ll sh ar k s pe cie s l ist ed in UN CL OS A nn ex 1 an d W CP FC ke y s ha rk sp ec ie s M CS , F M P 22 lic en ce s o ut of 5 0 ca p In clu de in a re gu la tio n or co nd iti on of lic en ce Re gu la r r ep or ts o f c at ch d at a fo r t he se sh ar k s pe cie s NA Re fre sh tr ai ni ng on sh ar ks id en tif ica tio n √ √ √ Pr oh ib iti on o f t ar ge te d sh ar k f ish in g in te rri to ria l w at er s b y c om m er cia l l on gl in e b oa ts M CS , F M P 22 lic en ce s o ut of 5 0 ca p Cu rre nt ly p ro hi bi te d un de r t he Pl an ; a nd it w ill b ec om e m an da to ry if pu rs ue a re gu la tio n or ad op t a s co nd iti on o f f ish in g lic en ce ; e .g . re vo ke fi sh in g lic en ce an d ap pl y f in es Re gu la r m on ito rin g of sh ar k ca tc he s a nd co m m er cia l fis hi ng in te rri to ria l w at er s; ap pl y p en al tie s a nd sa nc tio ns ap pr op ria te , i f p ro ve n, to re vo ke co nd iti on s o f f ish in g lic en ce s NA Re fre sh tr ai ni ng on sh ar ks id en tif ica tio n √ √ √ Op er at io na l m ea su re s (D ire ct or , l eg al , o bs er ve rs, p or t s am pl er s, po lic y/ m an ag em en t s ta ff, lo ca l a ge nc ie s/ bo at o pe ra to rs ) Im pr ov e u til iza tio n of sh ar ks ca ug ht M CS , F M P, Ex te ns io n Sh ar k t ru nk s an d fin s a re la nd ed an d tra ns hi pp ed to As ia n m ar ke ts – m on ito re d via p or t sa m pl in g NA – co ve re d in th e P la n Pr om ot e c oo ki ng re cip es su ch as fi sh an d ch ip s, sh ar k cu rry et c., to co m pl em en t tra di tio na l a nd su bs ist en ce u se of sh ar ks m ea t – to d isc ou ra ge di sc ar di ng ca rc as s a nd la nd sh ar ks w ith fi ns at ta ch ed M in im al Tr ai ni ng in co ok in g sh ar k m ea t – to en co ur ag e s m al l sc al e b us in es s f or lo ca ls, in clu di ng w om en ’s gr ou ps , et c. √ Fu lly im pl em en t s ha rk CM M s M CS , F M P Co m pl ia nc e re po rte d th ro ug h Pa rt 1 an d 2 Cu rre nt ly in th e P la n – bu t h av e a c ho ice o f p ut tin g el em en ts in a re gu la tio n or co nd iti on s o f f ish in g lic en ce Re gu la r m on ito rin g fo r co m pl ia nc e a nd re po rti ng an y im pl ica tio ns o r c ha lle ng es NA Ad h oc w or ks ho p on ex pl ai ni ng th e CM M an d re la te d m at te rs √ √ √ Di sc ou ra ge w as te an d di sc ar ds , e nc ou ra ge liv e re le as e, co nt ro ls fin ni ng FM P (o bs er ve rs ) Cu rre nt ly im pl em en te d Te rm s a nd co nd iti on s o f f ish in g lic en ce Re vie w lic en ce m in im um te rm s an d co nd iti on s NA NA √ √ √ Pr ep ar e p ro gr es s r ep or t o f i m pl em en ta tio n as p ar t o f FD A nn ua l R ep or t, Pa rt 1 & 2 re po rts , F AO re po rti ng FM P, Di re ct or Cu rre nt ly pu rs ue d NA NA NA NA √ √ √ Pr ep ar e a n M OU w ith Fi ji t o al lo w co lle ct io n an d re po rti ng o f c at ch es (i nc lu di ng sh ar ks ) l an de d by lic en se d ve ss el s i n V an ua tu ’s EE Z, an d th e d at a s en t ba ck to Va nu at u Fis he rie s D ivi sio n FM P, Di re ct or / Le ga l Dr af t NA FF A le ga l a dv iso r c an as sis t lo ca l f ish er ie s a dv iso r NA Po ss ib le ar ra ng em en ts to al lo w tr an sfe r o f da ta co lle ct ed in Su va Po rt ba ck to Va nu at u Fis he rie s Di vis io n √ M CS fr am ew or k a nd en fo rce m en t (M CS st af f, se a p at ro l, p ol icy /m an ag em en t s ta ff, lo ca l a ge nc ie s/ bo at o pe ra to rs ) Im pr ov e M CS an d en fo rce m en t a ct ivi tie s f or th e co lle ct io n, p ro ce ss in g, st or ag e a nd m ar ke tin g of sh ar ks an d re la te d pr od uc ts M CS , S ea Pa tro l Cu rre nt ly pu rs ue d bu t c an b e im pr ov ed NA En su re co ns ist en cy , r eg ul ar an d ro ut in e e nf or ce m en t a ct ivi tie s Ad di tio na l r es ou rce s t o su pp or t t he ac tiv iti es If re qu ire d √ √ √ Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018)12 M an ag em en t a ct io ns , s tra te gi es an d pr oj ec ts Cu rre nt re so ur ce s Cu rre nt st at us Re gu la tio ns /n ot ice s/ fin es /c on di tio ns Ne w ac tiv ity Ad di tio na l r es ou rce s Tr ai ni ng 20 15 20 16 20 17 20 18 De di ca te d fis he rie s b yc at ch o ffi ce r Pr op os e n ew po sit io n Sh ar k w or k i n th e d ivi sio n cu ts ac ro ss FM P, M CS an d sc ie nc e s ta ff NA Co ns id er n ew p os iti on o f By ca tc h Of fic er to d ea l w ith al l a sp ec ts o f b yc at ch in th e do m es tic lo ng lin e f ish er y; th is po sit io n co ul d be p la ce d un de r an d re po rt to Se ni or Po lic y Of fic er Ye s NA √ √ √ Pr om ot e p ra ct ica l a nd en fo rce ab le m ea su re s i n do m es tic fi sh er ie s M CS , F M P Re gu la r r ev ie w of p ol ici es , pl an s, lic en sin g ag re em en ts, an d lic en ce co nd iti on s to as se ss ef fe ct ive ne ss NA Re gu la r a nd ro ut in e r ev ie w of al l p ol ici es , l eg isl at io n an d lic en sin g ag re em en ts to en su re co m pl ia nc e a nd th at th e m ea su re s d el ive re d de sir ed ou tc om es NA NA , a nd if ap pr op ria te , c an se ek FF A as sis ta nc e √ √ √ Da ta co lle ct io n an d an al ys is (O bs er ve rs, p or t s am pl er s, sc ie nc e s ta ff, lo ca l a ge nc ie s/ bo at o pe ra to rs ) St re ng th en d at a c ol le ct io n/ m on ito rin g of sh ar k d at a th ro ug h lo gs he et s, po rt sa m pl in g, o bs er ve r r ep or ts an d ot he r m ea ns Po rt sa m pl er s, Ob se rv er s, sc ie nc e s ta ff On go in g da ta co lle ct io n an d ro ut in e m on ito rin g of sh ar k d at a NA Su pp or t o ng oi ng sh ar k d at a co lle ct io n an d m on ito rin g th ro ug h tim el y s ub m iss io n of lo gs he et s, an d re po rts fr om ob se rv er s a nd p or t s am pl er s Re so ur ce s a re s n ee de d to en su re co ns ist en cy in d at a co lle ct io n Fr om ti m e t o tim e, tra in in g m ay b e re qu ire d w hi ch in clu de sh ar ks id en tif ica tio n √ √ √ Fa cil ita te co lle ct io n/ pr ov isi on o f s ha rk la nd in g da ta As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ √ √ M ai nt ai n sp ec ie s sp ec ifi c n at io na l r ec or d of sh ar k ca tc he s, la nd in gs , d isc ar ds As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ √ √ Co lle ct tr ad e d at a o n sh ar k s pe cie s As ab ov e (c us to m s) As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ √ √ Fa cil ita te ti m el y a cc es s a nd ex ch an ge o f s ha rk re la te d in fo rm at io n; fa cil ita te tr ai ni ng in d at a q ua lit y as su ra nc e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e; co m pu te ris e da ta in TU FM AN d at ab as e fo r s to ra ge an d an al ys es w he n br ie f i s r eq ui re d by th e M in ist er As ab ov e √ √ √ Re se ar ch Co lla bo ra te in th e i m pl em en ta tio n of W CP FC sh ar k re se ar ch p la n Sc ie nc e s ta ff, De pu ty D ire ct or No ne ex ce pt pr ov isi on o f sh ar k d at a in th e P ar t 1 re po rt NA In iti at e r es ea rc h/ tri al to w ar ds an as se ss m en t o f s ha rk po pu la tio n in Va nu at u EE Z Ye s, se ek su pp or t f ro m Ja pa n Fu nd , S ID S f un d w ith th e W CP FC , o th er re se ar ch in st itu tio ns , in clu di ng SP C a nd IS SF Tr ai ni ng o f l oc al sc ie nt ist s d ur in g tri al /e xp er im en ta l fis hi ng , d at a an al ys es an d re po rti ng √ Fa cil ita te /e nc ou ra ge re se ar ch o n lit tle k no w n sh ar k sp ec ie s As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ A National Policy for the Management of Sharks in Vanuatu 13 M an ag em en t a ct io ns , s tra te gi es an d pr oj ec ts Cu rre nt re so ur ce s Cu rre nt st at us Re gu la tio ns /n ot ice s/ fin es /c on di tio ns Ne w ac tiv ity Ad di tio na l r es ou rce s Tr ai ni ng 20 15 20 16 20 17 20 18 Un de rta ke st oc k a ss es sm en ts an d re se ar ch o n sh ar ks in Va nu at u’s EE Z i n co lla bo ra tio n w ith sc ie nt ifi c bo di es (e .g . S PC , u ni ve rs iti es , e tc ) As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e As ab ov e √ Ca pa cit y b ui ld in g Us e s ha rk id en tif ica tio n gu id es to tr ai n/ ra ise aw ar en es s M CS an d sc ie nc e st af fs No t y et NA In clu de th is du rin g br ie f tra in in g of fi sh er s, an d re le va nt fi sh er ie s o ffi cia ls Bu dg et ar y s up po rt fro m go ve rn m en t o r e lse w he re Ad h oc tr ai ni ng o n th e u se o f s ha rk ID s √ √ √ Tr ai n on sh ar k I D an d re po rti ng , a nd fo r f ish in g m as te rs h ow to av oi d ta rg et in g sh ar ks M CS an d sc ie nc e st af fs No t y et NA In clu de th is du rin g sh or t tra in in g of fi sh er m en , a nd re le va nt fi sh er ie s o ffi cia ls Bu dg et ar y s up po rt fro m go ve rn m en t o r e lse w he re Tr ai ni ng o n ho w to av oi d ta rg et in g sh ar ks √ √ √ Ca rry o ut re gu la r a w ar en es s p ro gr am m es o n ra di o, ne w sp ap er , p os te rs, se m in ar s, sc ho ol ta lk s a nd se m in ar s M CS , F M P, sc ie nc e s ta ff No t y et NA St ar t r ol lin g ou t t he se aw ar en es s ra isi ng ac tiv iti es NA NA √ √ √ Se ek as sis ta nc e f ro m W CP FC an d SP C S ec re ta ria ts an d FA O in th e p ro du ct io n of in fo rm at io n an d ed uc at io n m at er ia ls on sh ar ks tr an sla te d in to Va nu at u la ng ua ge M CS , F M P, sc ie nc e s ta ff As ab ov e NA W or k o n th is ac tiv ity co m m en cin g 20 14 NA NA √ Ra ise th e p ro fil e o f i m pl em en tin g th is pl an b y co op er at in g w ith re le va nt ag en cie s M CS , F M P, sc ie nc e s ta ff As ab ov e NA Re gu la r u pd at es o n sh ar k w or k in Va nu at u in va rio us fo ru m s, in clu di ng ad vis or y c om m itt ee s NA NA √ √ √ Bu ild /s tre ng th en ca pa cit y i n sh ar k r es ea rc h, d at a co lle ct io n, m on ito rin g, co m pl ia nc e a nd en fo rce m en t M CS , F M P, sc ie nc e s ta ff on go in g NA As ab ov e Re so ur ce s n ee de d to co nt in ue th is w or k Ye s √ √ √ Vanuatu National Plan of Action on Sharks (2015–2018)14 13. REFERENCES Clarke S., Harley S., Hoyle S. and Rice J. 2011. An Indicator‐based Analysis of Key Shark Species based on Data held by SPC‐OFP. EB–WP–02, WCPFC Scientific Committee Fifth Regular Session, 10–21 August 2009, Port-Vila, Vanuatu. [http://www.wcpfc.int/node/2123] Lawson T. 2011. Estimation of Catch Rates and Catches of Key Shark Species in Tuna Fisheries of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Using Observer Data. EB–IP–02, WCPFC Scientific Committee Fifth Regular Session, 10–21 August 2009, Port-Vila, Vanuatu. [http://www.wcpfc.int/node/2777] Republic of Vanuatu Department of Fisheries Private Mail Bag 9045 Port Vila Tel: +678 23119 Fax: +678 23641