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FFA MCS Projects

MRAG Asia Pacific, in association with the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (University of Wollongong), Pacific Operations and a number of independent specialists, has recently been commissioned by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) to undertake a range of analytical projects to support the development of a Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Strategy for Pacific oceanic fisheries. 

These projects are:  

1. an assessment of the risks to oceanic fish stocks from fishing that undermines fisheries management objectives and frameworks;
2. a review of FFA members' compliance with agreed MCS measures;
3. the development of a framework to allow for the collection, processing, storage and exchange of fisheries data to support regional MCS initiatives;
4. an analysis of the benefits of enhanced regional MCS coordination including an examination of the methodology and functional specification for the establishment, funding and operation of a Regional MCS Coordination Centre (RMCC); and
5. an examination of the options for providing an effective surveillance and response capability by identifying more efficient ways to use MCS assets, other possible providers and funding options, with a view to obtaining contracted surveillance and response capabilities and supplementing national programmes.

Full terms of reference for the projects are available here.

Work on the projects will commence in December 2008, with an expected completion date of August 2009.

In commissioning the projects, FFA has placed a high priority on listening to Member countries and determining first-hand their needs and views. This will be done through direct communication by the project team with interested agencies and stakeholders in FFA member states. To that end, the project team is planning to undertake in country consultations during February and March 2009.  Further information on in country consultations will be provided as travel schedules are confirmed.