E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2002-2003 (II)
While CARICOM appreciates fully that Recommendations [00-13], [01-10] and [02-13] provide a plan for
rebuilding stocks of blue and white marlin and that all harvesting states must share responsibility for such
conservation action, there is still a need to take into account the special requirements of Developing States in the
duty to cooperate in the implementation of agreed conservation and management measures, as achieved by
Recommendation [97-9].
The current lack of distinction in marlin catch reductions expected of large-scale and small-scale artisanal
fisheries in Recommendations [00-13], [01-10] and [02-13] poses a considerable problem for the CARICOM
State of Grenada. The Commission is reminded of Grenada’s letter of 21 July 2003 that sought clarification of
this issue.
Grenada has a traditional fishery for billfish, the product of which is used for local consumption. Billfish are
caught in abundance in Grenada’s waters, and so it makes good sense for Grenada to take the necessary actions
to protect these resources for the present, as well as the future. Based on SCRS assessment results for the
Atlantic stocks of blue and white marlin, it is clear that the stock rebuilding plan is needed, and Grenada is more
than willing to make a substantial contribution to this plan. However, given that Grenada is a Small Island
Developing State and its billfish fishery provides an important source of local food security, the 50% and 33%
catch reductions for blue and white marlin respectively, noted in section 1 of Recommendation [02-13],
represent a disproportionate burden of conservation action in Grenada’s case.
In consequence, CARICOM asks the Panel to consider, in accordance with international law, an amendment of
Recommendation [02-13] to incorporate a distinction between the levels of marlin catch reductions expected of
large-scale industrial fisheries and Grenada’s small-scale artisanal fishery that is conducted for subsistence
purposes, including sale to local markets.
Letter from Grenada Regarding its Contribution to the ICCAT
Rebuilding Programs for North Atlantic Swordfish, Blue Marlin
and White Marlin, and Grenada’s Fishing Vessels
(attached to Report of Panel 4)
Appendix 17 to ANNEX 8
Firstly, the Government of Grenada wishes to provide the Commission with an update of Grenada’s contribution
to ICCAT´s stock rebuilding programs for North Atlantic swordfish, blue marlin and white marlin. As pointed
out to the Commission on previous occasions, the fishery sector is very important to the economy of Grenada,
providing a valuable source of food for local consumption and also for foreign exchange. Consequently, it is in
Grenada’s interest to participate fully in any ICCAT stock-rebuilding program.
In this regard, during 2003, Grenada has continued to make a considerable effort to limit its swordfish catches
despite the fact that ICCAT Contracting Parties have been allowed to increase their catch quotas for the period
2003-2005. In particular, Grenada’s national fisheries administration has continued to hold regular meetings with
the longline fishermen with the following objective:
– To update them on ICCAT conservation and management measures;
– To clarify the objectives of the North Atlantic swordfish stock rebuilding program, and the stockrebuilding
program for blue marlin and white marlin;
– To discuss and agree on measures to assist the above-mentioned ICCAT stock-rebuilding programs.
In 2003, the national fisheries administration also met again with exporters, during which the objectives and
implications of ICCAT´s swordfish and billfish rebuilding programs were reviewed and discussed. ICCAT´s
minimum size limit regulation for swordfish is actively enforced. As in 2002, no export permits are being issued
for swordfish in 2003.
Regarding other contributions to the conservation and management research, the Government of Grenada wishes
to remind the Commission of our participation in ICCAT´s Enhanced Research Program for Billfish during the
period 1989-1998. Specifically, Grenada provided, on a regular basis, biological data on blue marlin, white
marlin and sailfish. Grenada is pleased to inform the Commission that in 2003 our national fishery
administration resumed its biological data collection contribution to ICCAT´s Enhanced Research Program for
Billfish. Dr. Joe Serafy of the National Marine Fisheries Service (United States) visited Grenada during May 19-
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