The PNA countries have announced to take additional conservation and management measures PNA on to setting nets on whale sharks by tuna purse seine vessels. They are asking the WCPFC to follow their example.
The PNA Chair Glen Joseph made this announcement to the sixth session of the WCPFC Technical and Compliance Committee which is currently being held in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.
The measure by PNA prohibits sets associated with whale sharks. The measure stipulates that “No purse seine vessel shall engage in fishing or related activity in order to catch tuna associated with whale sharks (Rhincodon typus).†This measure is to take effect from 1 January 2011.
Whale sharks are large slow swimming species of plankton feeding shark, which act as a natural FAD to tuna species. This species is already protected in the waters of a number of countries throughout the world, and is also CITES listed. Such protection has been extended to this species because of its typical shark characteristics of slow growth and small number of offspring, as well as concern over its stocks and the vulnerability that comes with the significant size of this animal.
While observer reports in past years have not been extensive, these reports recorded a total of 42 whale shark encounters observed on FSM arrangement vessels during 2007 and 2008, of which 38 whale sharks were released alive and 4 listed as dead. Also a total of 18 whale sharks were encountered on US purse-seine vessels during 2007 and 2008, of which 17 were released alive and 1 dead. This represents a mortality level of about 12%. Taking into account, the low level of observer coverage during this period, the overall level of mortality would be considerably higher and unlikely to be sustainable.
Whale Shark mortality is of increasing concern to environmental groups and the PNA policies and measures on this are part of a sustainably well managed fishery including impacts on other incidental species is to prohibit the targeted setting of purse seine nets on whale sharks in the waters of the PNA does not exist.
As of 1 January 2011 the rule will go into effect. The countries will also introduce rules for actions to be taken in the event of accidental encirclement.
The belief is that with the implementation of 100% observer coverage, there is capacity to apply effective monitoring and compliance.
The PNA countries have requested the WCPFC to follow their example and implement these measures for all tuna vessels operating within the WCPFC governing area.