150th Ocean ForumTokyo Japan

March 15-16, 2018

© Jez O’Hare

© Ami Vitale

© Jez O’Hare

© Bill Millhouser

© Barrett Walker

Overview:• TNC work in Micronesia

• Micronesia Challenge • Tuna Electronic Monitoring

Project

Scope and Commitment

Agree to effectively

conserve at least 30%of the near-shore marine

resources and 20%of the terrestrial resources

across Micronesia

by 2020

The governments of Federated States of Micronesia, Guam,

Marshall Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau

An Ocean of CommitmentWe proudly rely on

and respect our

natural resources

Our shared history gives us

strength, our diverse cultures

make us resilient

We are aligned in our commitment to upholding

traditions and integrating science into effective and

permanent protection

Photo courtesy of Bill Millhouser

Photo courtesy of Jez O’HareThrough Partnerships

between Governments,

NGOs, and

Communities

Global Implications

The Micronesia Challenge has inspired similar challenges in the Coral Triangle, the Caribbean, and

the Western Indian Ocean

Much of the world’s migratory tuna passes through Micronesia.

Micronesia is working to enhance strict protection of sharks and whales in all its waters

Micronesian researchers are advancing understanding of climate change, coastal fisheries, and marine

protected areas.

Micronesia’s sustainable financing mechanisms have attracted the attention of the UN

.Decisions in Micronesia have economic, biological, scientific, and spiritual

implications for the globe.

Collaborative Tuna Electronic Monitoring Project

Develop the institutional capacity of Pacific Island fisheries management authorities to integrate EM systems into national and regional observer and Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) programs.

Project Partners • Industry

– Fishing Companies– Fish Buyers (Wholesalers, Restaurants etc…)

• Micronesia Governments– FSM, RMI, ROP, Solomon Islands– Potential partner- Japan

• NGOs– International Conservation Organizations– Potential partner-Japan NGOs

Longline Vessels Electronic Monitoring System Installation

SeaTube, Electronic Observer SystemInstallation, design and positioning of cameras onboard

View from camera feeds via the monitor onboard the vessel.

Research to Improve Catch Quality and Reduce Bi-Catch:– Bait Type:– Depth:– Temperature:– Gear

• (Hook ; Line)

– Place

Electronic Monitoring has the potential to revolutionize the Tuna Longline Industry.

• Improve Quality of Catch• Reduce Bi-Catch• Improve Crew Safety• Improve overall monitoring Of the Longline industry.

Fishing Companies Wholesalers/Buyers

Restaurants Super markets Consumers

“In Fisheries, If Japan is not doing it, it is destined to failure” Pohnpei Traditional Leader.

Domo Aringato