Non-highly migratory fisheries in this area are mainly discrete high seas stocks, although some stocks straddle the high seas and the EEZs of coastal states. While several states already target these species on the high seas, the area is not covered by an organization with the competence to establish appropriate conservation and management measures to ensure their sustainability.

Australia, Chile and New Zealand have recently initiated a process for states to cooperate in addressing this gap in the international conservation and management framework through the establishment of a new regional fisheries management organization (RFMO).  The United States participated in the first four international meetings on the establishment of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation that took place during 2006-07, in New Zealand, Australia, Chile and New Caledonia. The PIR International Program provides technical support for U.S. participation lead by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Marine Conservation.

It is envisaged that the new RFMO will be established and operate consistent with international law including: the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS) , the United Nations Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks 1995 (UNFSA) , and best practice.

Geographically, other RFMOs, including the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) cover parts of this region, however, their mandates extend only to highly migratory species. Fisheries that could be covered by the SPRFMO are predominantly discrete high seas stocks and those stocks which straddle the high seas and the EEZs of coastal states. These fisheries are both pelagic and demersal (living at or near the bottom of the ocean).

Members
Participation in the consultation process is open to states, fishing entities, and regional economic integrated organizations with an interest in South Pacific fisheries. Relevant international & regional fisheries organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and industry groups are invited to participate as observers in negotiations of the RFMO.

Meetings
The last meeting was held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, from 10 – 14 March 2008.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Canberra, Australia, from 6-10 October 2008.

Location and Contact Information
New Zealand is currently acting as the interim secretariat. This role includes acting as the central coordination point for enquiries and distribution of information. For information or inquiries, please email: interim.secretariat@southpacificrfmo.org

For questions about U.S. participation please email.