E - Iccat

WG TRADE RESTRICTIVE MEASURES - FUNCHAL 2003
Consideration of other non-compliance issues
The Working Group discussed the problem of CPC activities that diminish the effectiveness of ICCAT
conservation measures, but which are not directly contemplated by the existing compliance recommendations.
The Delegate of Japan stated that the Commission might want to consider extending the compliance
Recommendation [Ref. 96-14] to cover tropical species such as bigeye tuna. Such an extension could provide an
effective instrument for dealing with violations such as those by Ghana. Alternatively, he suggested a way
forward might be the expansion of the UU Catches Resolution to all large-scale vessels. The delegate of the EC
stated that, at the last Commission meeting, his delegation had proposed taking action against Ghana in response
to multiple violations of ICCAT conservation measures. He stated that ICCAT has full authority to enforce its
regulations as is contemplated under Article IX, paragraph 3 of the Convention.
In response to a question about information requested by the Commission of Ghana in respect of its compliance
with the Recommendation by ICCAT on the Establishment of a Closed Area/Season for the Use of Fish-
Aggregation Devices [Ref. 99-01], the Executive Secretary stated that a letter had just been received and that it
would be translated and circulated to Contracting Parties immediately after the meeting.
The Working Group agreed that this issue would need to be considered fully at the 2003 Commission meeting.
9. Consideration of additional measures for listing and de -listing IUU Fishing activities
The Working Group agreed that the Commission should consider, at its 2003 meeting, whether to extend the
Recommendation by ICCAT to Establish a List of Vessels Presumed to Have Carried Out Illegal, Unreported
and Unregulated Fishing Activities in the ICCAT Convention Area [Ref. 02-23] so that it would cover (a) vessels
other than large-scale longliners, and (b) Contracting Parties.
10. Future work program
The Chair noted that much work remained to be done before the 2003 meeting of the Commission. She
encouraged parties to consult with each other in order to make the draft Resolution (Appendix 3 to ANNEX
4.2) acceptable to all Contracting Parties so that it could be considered for adoption by the Commission early in
the 2003 meeting and used by the PWG and Compliance Committee. In addition, she asked that parties consult
in the drafting of additional Resolutions and Recommendations that would close existing gaps. Such work may
include:
– Drafting a new measure that specifies the various tools for dealing with CPCs and the priority with which the
diffe rent instruments should be applied.
– Extending the Recommendation by ICCAT Regarding Compliance in the Bluefin Tuna and North Atlantic
Swordfish Fisheries [Ref. 96-14] to species other than bluefin tuna and swordfish, such as bigeye tuna.
– Extending the Recommendation by ICCAT to Establish a List of Vessels Presumed to Have Carried Out
Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Activities in the ICCAT Convention Area [Ref. 02-23] to
vessels other than large-scale longliners and to Contracting Parties.
– Extending the Resolution by ICCAT Concerning the Unreported and Unregulated Catches of Tunas by
Large-Scale Longline Vessels in the Convention Area [Ref. 98-18] to cover other types of vessels.
– Discussing the legal ramifications of using Resolutions or Recommendations.
Considering the need to develop a more comprehensive approach to trade restrictive measures, the Working
Group recommended to the Commission that it continue its work in the future. The Working Group expressed
concern that few Contracting Parties were present at the meeting and hoped for broader participation in the
future.
11. Other business
No other business was discussed.
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