E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2002-2003 (II)
The Delegate of the EC noted the importance of ensuring that ICCAT-supported research programs add value to
Parties’ existing research efforts, and expressed concern that the increasing number of meetings and data
deadlines is creating an unrealistic workload for scientists working on ICCAT management. The Delegates of
Canada and the United States emphasized the importance of maintaining the May 2004 meeting of the Working
Group to Develop Integrated and Coordinated Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Management Strategies, focused on the
mixing related topics agreed to at its first meeting in 2003.
The Delegate of Japan suggested that discussion of the enhanced bluefin research program should be deferred to
the 2004 ICCAT meeting. This suggestion was agreed by the Panel.
9. Election of Chair
The Delegate of Japan expressed appreciation for the leadership of Mr. Gauthiez as Chairman of Panel 2, and
nominated EC to continue to serve as Chair in the coming two years. The Delegate of Canada seconded the
proposal, and the Delegates of Mexico and Morocco expressed their support. Upon this re-election, Mr.
Gauthiez, on behalf of the EC, expressed his appreciation for the confidence of the Panel.
10. Other matters
There was no discussion of other matters.
11. Date of the next meeting of Panel
The Chair noted that the next meeting of Panel 2 will be held at the 14 th Special Meeting of the Commission in
November 2004.
12. Adoption of the report and adjournment
The Chairman noted all documents would be forwarded to the Plenary and that the Report of Panel 2 would be
adopted by mail. The 2003 meeting of Panel 2 was adjourned.
The Report of Panel 2 was adopted by correspondence.
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