The purpose of the WCPFC Compliance Monitoring Scheme (CMS) process is set out in the CMM on CMS (CMM 2021-03)

" To ensure that CCMs implement and comply with obligations arising under the Convention and Conservation and Management Measures adopted by the Commission.  

…and also to assess flag CCM action in relation to alleged violations by its vessels, not to assess compliance by individual vessels."

 

In paragraph 2 of CMM 2021-03, it clarifies that the CMS is designed to:

(i) assess CCMs’ compliance with their WCPFC obligations;

(ii) identify areas in which technical assistance or capacity building may be needed to assist CCMs to attain compliance;

(iii) identify aspects of CMMs which may require refinement or amendment for effective implementation;

(iv) respond to non-compliance by CCMs through remedial and/or preventative options that include a range of possible responses that take account of the reason for and degree, the severity, consequences and frequency of non-compliance, as may be necessary and appropriate to promote compliance with CMMs and other 

Commission obligations*; and 

(v) monitor and resolve outstanding instances of non-compliance by CCMs with their WCPFC obligations.

* footnote 1:  In accordance with the process for identifying corrective action, as provided for in paragraph 46(iv).

 

 

In paragraph 3 of CMM 2021-03, there are four guiding principles that are intended to guide the implementation of the CMS and its associated processes:


Effectively serve the purpose of this CMM to assess compliance by CCMs and assist the TCC in fulfilling the provisions of Article 14(1)(b) of the Convention;



Avoid unnecessary administrative burden or costs on CCMs, the Commission or the Secretariat and assist TCC in identifying and recommending removal of duplicative reporting obligations; and





Promote fairness, including by: ensuring that obligations and performance expectations are clearly specified, that assessments are undertaken consistently and based on a factual assessment of available information and that CCMs are given the opportunity to participate in the process.



Promote a supportive, collaborative, and non-adversarial approach where possible, with the aim of ensuring long-term compliance, including considering capacity assistance needs or other quality improvement and corrective action.



As part of the various support mechanisms the Secretariat provides to the Compliance Monitoring Scheme the enhanced WCPFC website Conservation and Management Measures site (https://cmm.wcpfc.int) now includes information on the 

  • CMS Risk-Based Assessment Framework, (RBAF)
  • CMS Audit Points, 
  • Compliance History, and 
  • other relevant information in support of the dCMR, including relevant CCM limits and baselines.

There is also information on key dates and reporting templates available from this link https://www.wcpfc.int/compliance-monitoring


A schematic diagram illustrating the annual Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) cycle from the Annual Session in December through the various steps across the calendar year is provided below...

*