The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) concluded its 14th Annual Commission Meeting (COMM14) in Panama City from 2–6 March 2026, bringing together Members, Cooperating non-Contracting Parties, and Observers to advance the sustainable management of fisheries in the South Pacific Ocean.
The meeting was led by the Chairperson of the Commission, Ms Jung-re Riley Kim (Republic of Korea); participants were welcomed by Mr Eduardo Carrasquilla, Administrator of the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama. The Commission expressed its appreciation to Panama for hosting the meeting and for its support in facilitating the discussions.
During the five-day meeting, the Commission adopted a range of decisions and measures aimed at strengthening the conservation and sustainable management of key fisheries resources and improving monitoring, compliance and scientific cooperation.
A significant milestone of the meeting was the adoption of SPRFMO’s first Conservation and Management Measure on Electronic Monitoring (EM). The new measure establishes minimum standards for the use of electronic monitoring technologies in SPRFMO fisheries and represents an important step forward in improving monitoring, control and surveillance as well as the collection of independent fisheries data.
The Commission adopted a consolidated proposal to strengthen management of the jumbo flying squid fishery. This reflects a collaborative approach aimed at improving oversight of this important high-seas fishery while allowing further scientific work to support future management decisions.
Members reviewed progress in the development of a Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) for jack mackerel. The Commission endorsed a pathway for completing the MSE process and established a Total Allowable Catch for 2026.
The Commission also adopted several amendments to existing conservation and management measures, including updates related to:
- Data standards for fisheries reporting
- Port inspection procedures
- Seabird bycatch mitigation
- Management of deepwater species such as orange roughy
- Record-keeping requirements for fishing vessels
These measures contribute to strengthening the scientific basis and operational effectiveness of SPRFMO’s fisheries management framework.
The Commission reviewed the outcomes of the Compliance and Technical Committee (CTC13) and adopted the 2026 IUU Vessel List, which includes one vessel. It also adopted the Final Compliance Report, reflecting the ongoing monitoring of Members’ implementation of SPRFMO conservation and management measures.
The Commission endorsed the Scientific Committee’s multi-annual workplan for 2026–2028, which includes activities such as ecosystem research, stock assessments, and further work on squid and jack mackerel management. The workplan aims to provide greater predictability and continuity in the organisation’s scientific activities.
The Commission also advanced work on implementing the recommendations of SPRFMO’s Second Performance Review, with further intersessional work planned to finalise the implementation plan.
Looking ahead, Members agreed that:
- The European Union will host the 2027 Annual Meeting of the Commission
- The Republic of Korea will host the 2028 Annual Meeting
- The Faroe Islands will host the 2026 meeting of the Scientific Committee
The full report of the 14th SPRFMO Commission Meeting will be available on the SPRFMO website within 30 days of the meeting closure.