Standing Committee on Tuna and Billfish (SCTB)

The Standing Committee on Tuna and Billfish was established in 1988, as an advisory body to the Tuna and Billfish Assessment Programme (TBAP), the predecessor to the OFP. Its role was to be purely advisory and consultative, to assist in the conduct of pelagic fisheries research through the provision of expertise, information and technical advice.

The Terms of Reference of the Committee were to advise the SPC’s Regional Technical Meeting on Fisheries on biological research on stocks which support oceanic fisheries for tuna and billfish in the SPC region, by :

• assisting with the rigorous scientific review of the work of the TBAP and suggesting improvements to the scope and techniques of the TBAP’s research.

• assisting and advising on the acquisition of relevant data to the TBAP, specifically that relating to fishing activity on the high seas surrounding the EEZs of SPC member countries

• arranging collaboration between SPC staff and outside workers on problems of mutual interest

The revised Terms of Reference
The Standing Committee on Tuna and Billfish provides a forum for scientists and others with an interest in the tuna stocks of the western and central Pacific region to meet to discuss scientific issues related to data, research and stock assessment. Its aims are to:

• Coordinate fisheries data collection, compilation and dissemination according to agreed principles and procedures;

• Review research on the biology, ecology, environment and fisheries for tunas and associated species in the western and central Pacific Ocean;

• Identify research needs and provide a means of coordination, including the fostering of collaborative research, to most efficiently and effectively meet those needs;

• Review information pertaining to the status of stocks of tunas and associated species in the western and central Pacific Ocean, and to produce statements on stock status where appropriate;

• Provide opinion on various scientific issues related to data, research and stock assessment of western and central Pacific Ocean tuna fisheries.

Participation
Participation in the Standing Committee on Tuna and Billfish is open to scientists and others with an interest in the tuna fisheries of the western and central Pacific Ocean. The participation of scientists from coastal states and territories of the region, scientists from countries whose vessels fish in the region, and scientists from international tuna fisheries management organisations, is particularly encouraged.