The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) has received eight applications for Cooperating Non-Member (CNM) status for the year 2026. All requests have been submitted by countries that were already granted CNM status for 2025. The countries involved include The Bahamas, Curaçao, Ecuador, El Salvador, Liberia, Panama, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, the renewal process for their applications is contingent upon meeting compliance criteria, accurate data reporting, and addressing attendance concerns previously identified by the Commission’s technical bodies.
A recent presentation at the WCPFC22 meeting in Manila confirmed that all eight countries submitted their applications in accordance with CMM 2019-01, which sets the standards for screening CNM requests. Moreover, the Commission indicated that these applicants have fulfilled their financial obligations by paying their 2025 contributions in entirety, a fundamental requirement for retaining CNM status.
Despite these advancements, the Technical and Compliance Committee (TCC21) expressed reservations about the applications during its review. The committee forwarded the applications for decision but emphasized the need for compliance with conservation and management measures specified in the CMM guidelines. They highlighted issues such as missing or late submissions of critical data from certain applicants, including Curaçao, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Vietnam.
The TCC21 also pointed out attendance issues, noting that The Bahamas, Ecuador, and Liberia were absent from the meeting and requested explanations for their non-attendance. While some applicants provided the needed data and clarifications within the stipulated timeframe, discrepancies between proposed fishing activities and actual practices raised further concerns.
The committee underscored the importance of timely financial contributions, adherence to data requirements under WCPFC measures, and sharing Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The use of electronic tools, such as the Transhipment Electronic Reporting System (TSER) when transshipping on the high seas, was also recommended to enhance compliance.
Looking ahead to WCPFC22, a working group will likely be established to draft decisions regarding CNM status and participatory rights for 2026. The Secretariat has suggested that the Commission comprehensively review the applications and determine the CNM status and associated rights for each country in the upcoming year.
This proactive approach by the WCPFC reflects a commitment to responsible fisheries management in the Pacific region, ensuring that all participating nations adhere to established conservation practices.
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