The PNA Office (PNAO) successfully conducted an Industry Longline Vessel Day Scheme (LL VDS) Workshop in Suva, Fiji, from 21-24 October 2026, bringing together VDS and Data Officers from PNA countries and Vanuatu (PNA+), alongside representatives from longline fishing companies operating approximately 80 longline vessels across PNA waters.

The workshop represented a significant step towards the full implementation of the LL VDS, by strengthening industry understanding of key VDS requirements, particularly electronic reporting (e-Reporting) and other critical reporting obligations. Participants received hands-on training on the PNA Industry FIMS platform, including the use of the iFIMS application for daily catch and effort reporting, fishing activity declarations, report corrections, and Non-Fishing Day (NFD) claims.

Importantly, the workshop enhanced industry readiness to meet LL VDS requirements, improved understanding of reporting timelines and compliance expectations, and identified practical solutions to operational challenges. It also provided a valuable platform for direct engagement between industry representatives, PNA+, and the PNAO, fostering stronger collaboration and a shared commitment to improving the accuracy, timeliness, and transparency of fisheries reporting across the PNA+ region.

The workshop outcomes and recommendations will be presented to PNA+ for consideration at their next Annual Meeting, where they will help inform decisions to support the effective implementation of the LL VDS and the sustainable management of longline fisheries in PNA and Vanuatu.