Federated States of Micronesia

1. The current estimate of the total catch by the 31 FSM purse seine and longline vessels within the WCPFC Convention Area for the year 2009 is 20,195 mt of skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye. The key target species accounted for 97% (predominantly by the purse seiners), with the remaining 1% being non-target species. Approximately 95% of the total catch is by purse-seine gear and 5% by longline gear, which are the only two gear types employed by FSM vessels within the Convention Area. In 2009, FSM employed 31 vessels (6 purse seine and 25 longline vessels). The total catch of FSM-flagged vessels in the Convention Area for 2009 was 29,195 mt. 2. The 2009 catch by FSM's domestic fleet was predominantly (87%) skipjack (116,208 mt), with yellowfin at 12% (2,257 mt) and bigeye <1% (93 mt), and other species of <1%. In general, catch for our domestic fleet within the Convention Area has increased 55% over 2008, and 30% over 2007 catches. 3. Totals for FSM-EEZ purse-seine, longline, and pole and line catches in 2009 cannot be reported to SC6 as FSM is having difficulties with its data/database for positive reporting; a resolution is being pursued with assistance from SPC. 4. The FSM Observer program operates with a pool of 32 observers. In 2009, there were 119 successful placements, including 20 aboard longliners and 99 on purse seiner vessels. The sudden increase of trip numbers by observers for 2009 is mainly due to the FAD closure period, when approximately 87% of all observer trips for 2009 were made. Coverage for observers per fleet and gear type will be reported in FSM's SC6 Annual Report, as soon as we are able to calculate observed sea days versus the number of days fished in zone. 5. NORMA achieved port sampling coverage rates of 82% for purse seiners and 96% for longliners in 2009, based on unloading records. NORMA continues to strive for 100% port sampling coverage of longline transhipments in FSM ports.