E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2002-2003 (II)
and swordfish stocks in the Convention area. Further, Guyana’s status as a developing State, its efforts to report
relevant catch data to ICCAT, and its ongoing initiative to improve such statistical reporting were recognized.
The PWG did note that it would like to receive additional information from Guyana with respect to its catch and
effort data, including for sharks, as well as additional details on the composition of Guyana’s fleet, its process of
vessel registration, its plans for fishery expansion, and its monitoring, control, and surveillance regime. It was
agreed that this information would be requested in the letter conferring Cooperating Status.
Several Delegates noted that the letters from Egypt and Guatemala requesting Cooperating Status were not very
detailed and did not indicate that these governments had a full understanding of this matter. Moreover, the
Parties wanted to ensure that the Commission had all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
Therefore, the PWG recommended that Cooperating Status decisions be deferred relative to these two countries.
Letters explaining this situation should be sent with a request that the countries confirm their continued interest
in receiving Cooperating Status and addressing directly the information requirements contained in the new
Cooperating Status Recommendation. The PWG agreed to return to this matter at the 2004 meeting of the
Working Group.
With regard to Belize and Cuba, the PWG determined that it was premature to take a decision on this matter for
these two countries and deferred the issue for consideration at the 2004 ICCAT meeting. At that time, the trade
restrictive measures on Belize will have been lifted for almost one year and the Commission will be in a better
position to assess the effectiveness of Belize’s efforts to monitoring and control its fleet. In addition, Cuba will
have had an opportunity to respond to ICCAT´s letter of identification under the Bluefin Tuna Action Plan
thereby providing the Commission with the necessary information to make an informed decision with regard to
Cooperating Status. The PWG agreed that letters should be sent to both countries regarding this matter.
There was disagreement amo ng the Parties on granting Cooperating Status to Netherlands Antilles, despite
statements from the Observer of the Netherlands Antilles that his country would not increase harvests or fishing
effort (see Appendix 11 to ANNEX 10). The Observer also noted that his country had a history of responsibility
regarding its fishery resources, and its interests as a coastal developing State. However, no consensus was
reached on this issue within the PWG, and therefore Cooperating Status was not conferred. A letter will be sent
to Netherlands Antilles regarding this matter.
The Chair noted that there was no time during the ICCAT meeting to draft and agree to the special letters and
suggested that she be authorized to draft the letters, in consultation with the Secretariat and the Commission
Chairman, on behalf of the Commission once final decisions on the proposed actions were taken by the
Commission. As was the case last year, the Secretariat would be charged with drafting the letter extending the
Cooperating Status of Chinese Taipei and the Philippines. The PWG concurred with this proposal.
6. Repercussions of international fishery agreements on the work of the PWG
There were no issues discussed under this Agenda item.
7. Election of Chair
The Delegate from Japan nominated Ms. Kimberly Blankenbeker (United States) for another two-year term as
PWG Chair. The nomination was seconded by many delegations, which wished her well in her continuing
service to the Commission.
8. Date of next meeting of the PWG
The PWG agreed to meet at the same time and place as the next Commission meeting (i.e., in November 2004),
in New Orleans, Louisiana (United States).
9. Other matters
There were no matters discussed under this Agenda item.
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