How to Become a Member of SPRFMO

The South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) welcomes participation by States, regional economic integration organisations, and eligible fishing entities that have an interest in the fishery resources covered by the Convention and are committed to their long-term conservation and sustainable use.

Who can become a Member?

Following the closure of the Convention for signature, the SPRFMO Convention is open for accession by:

• States;
• Regional economic integration organisations (such as the European Union);
• Other eligible entities referred to in the Convention; and
• Any other State or eligible entity with an interest in the fishery resources covered by the Convention.

Eligibility is set out in Articles 36 and 37 of the SPRFMO Convention.

How to become a Member

Step 1 – Confirm eligibility

Prospective Members should ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set out in the Convention and have an interest in the fishery resources managed by SPRFMO.

Step 2 – Accede to the Convention

As the Convention is no longer open for signature, new Members join by depositing an instrument of accession with the Depositary of the Convention.

The Depositary is:

Legal Division
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)

States and organisations wishing to deposit an instrument of accession should contact the Depositary to make the necessary arrangements.

Step 3 – Entry into force

For States and regional economic integration organisations acceding after the Convention entered into force, membership becomes effective 30 days after the instrument of accession is deposited with the Depositary.

Rights and responsibilities of Members

Once membership takes effect, Members may:

• Participate fully in meetings of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies.
• Take part in decision-making in accordance with the Convention and the Rules of Procedure.
• Propose conservation and management measures and other Commission decisions.
• Participate in scientific, compliance and administrative work undertaken by the Organisation.

Members are also expected to:

• Implement and comply with the SPRFMO Convention and all conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission.
• Meet their financial obligations to the Organisation through annual assessed contributions determined under the Financial Regulations.
• Cooperate in achieving the objective of the Convention—the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources in the SPRFMO Convention Area while safeguarding the marine ecosystems in which those resources occur.

Annual financial contributions

Each Member contributes to the annual budget of the Organisation.

Contributions are calculated under the SPRFMO Financial Regulations using a formula that takes into account factors including:

• A base fee;
• National wealth; and
• Fishing activity and catch within the Convention Area.

The Commission adopts the annual budget and Members' assessed contributions each year.

Further information

Prospective Members seeking additional information are encouraged to review the following documents:

• The Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean.
• The Rules of Procedure of the Commission.
• The Financial Regulations of the Commission.
• The Status of the Convention (including information on accession and entry into force).