• Based on preliminary figures (and revised data), Oct saw increases in overall purse seine fishing effort and total catch, while the overall catch rate only slightly increased. Fleet concentration remained heaviest in the west as La Nina phased in.

The Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO) is seeking the services of a Consultancy Team to carry out an independent review of the VDS. It is envisaged that the review will be carried out by a fisheries specialist team of 2-3 experts from outside the region with expertise in rights-based management systems. The consultants will be short listed by a three-person steering committee nominated by Palau Arrangement Participants. The PNA Office will work with this international consultant team to ensure they have access to all necessary papers and reports.