These protocols were developed by the Fisheries COVID-19 Protocols Steering Committee, led by Australia’s Office of the Pacific (OTP), DFAT, and including the Office of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNAO), the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Pacific Community (SPC), the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security, and MRAG Asia Pacific. These protocols represent a collaborative effort informed by technical experts from regional agencies, FFA Members and the Pacific fishing industry. The Fisheries COVID-19 Protocols Steering Committee acknowledges the close cooperation and commitment by all involved amidst these challenging times to ensure minimise the risk of infection and the resilience of the Pacific fishing sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

·         The Revised COVID-19 Protocols (v.4.1) results from a review carried out by the Steering Committee in response to changes in the COVID environment and matters raised at the COVID-19 Protocols Regional Workshop held in January 2021. 

·         The main changes  incorporated include:

·         -          A new Principle 6 on COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination under the General COVID19 Risk Mitigation Protocols

·         -          Updates to reflect automated processes under the PNA FIMS app.

·         -          A new section on additional Considerations for Vessels detained following Compliance inspections (included under Annex 2 on Vessel Compliance Inspections in Port and at Sea).

·         -          Updates throughout the Protocols to reflect the  considerations for certified vaccinations and/or testing

·         -          An amendment to reflect that the Protocols will be live documented and updated as circumstances change. A formal review will be carried out at least every 6 months if not updated sooner. (i.e. the next review will be held in September 2021 unless updates are required before then).

For more information, please contact [email protected]