E - Iccat

PWG REPORT
wanted to ensure that your government had a full understanding of this matter and that the Commission had all
the necessary information to make an informed decision. In this regard, I would draw your attention to a
document adopted in 2003 entitled Recommendation by ICCAT on Criteria for Attaining the Status of
Cooperating Non-Contracting Party, Entity, or Fishing Entity in ICCAT [Ref. 03-20] (enclosed). This measure
clarifies the process for granting Cooperating Status and specifies the information that must be provided by
applicants in order to receive consideration.
In support of the Commission’s review of requests for Cooperating Status under the new recommendation, I
would ask that Guatemala write to ICCAT as soon as feasible confirming its continued interest in receiving
Cooperating Status and addressing directly the information requirements contained in paragraphs 3 and 4 of said
Recommendation. Toward that end, specific information on Guatemala’s monitoring, control, and surveillance
scheme for its fleet should be provided.
In closing, I would note that the Commission was encouraged that Guatemala chose to work with the
Commission and seek Cooperating Status before considering development of fisheries for heavily exploited tuna
and swordfish stocks in the Convention area. For your use and information, I am enclosing a Compendium of
ICCAT´s Management Recommendations and Resolutions.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please accept assurances of my highest consideration.
5.9 Letter to Guyana: Granting Cooperating Status and seeking information on monitoring, control and
surveillance (MCS) scheme
On behalf of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), I have the honor to
inform you that the Commission granted Guyana’s request for Cooperating Status. This decision was taken at
ICCAT´s Eighteenth Regular Meeting, held November 17-24, 2003, in Dublin, Ireland.
The category of Cooperating Party, Entity or Fishing Entity has been in existence within the Commission since
1994. Those that are granted Cooperating Status formally accept the obligation to implement fully the
conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission and to abide by data and other reporting
requirements. In return, those with Cooperating Status receive certain benefits, such as qualifying to receive
quotas, to enter their vessels on ICCAT´s authorized vessel list, and to transship with ICCAT member vessels.
In considering your request, the Commission was encouraged that Guyana chose to work with the Commission
and seek Cooperating Status before considering development of fisheries for heavily exploited tuna and
swordfish stocks in the Convention area. Further, the Commission recognized 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.
Each year, Cooperating Status is reviewed by the Commission. Significantly, at its 2003 meeting, ICCAT
adopted a document that clarifies the process for granting Cooperating Status and specifies the information that
must be provided by applicants in order to receive consideration. The document, entitled Recommendation by
ICCAT on Criteria for Attaining the Status of Cooperating Non-Contracting Party, Entity, or Fishing Entity in
ICCAT [Ref. 03-20], is enclosed. In keeping with this recommendation and in support of the Commission’s 2004
review of Guyana’s Cooperating Status, the Commission would appreciate receiving all relevant catch and effort
data, including for sharks, as well as additional details on: (1) the composition of your fleet, (2) plans for
expansion of your fisheries, and (3) your monitoring, control, and surveillance regime.
In closing, I would note that Cooperating Status for Guyana should be viewed as transitional in nature. In that
regard, the Commission encourages Guyana to become a full member of ICCAT as soon as feasible. For your
use and information, I am enclosing a Compendium of ICCAT´s Management Recommendations and
Resolutions.
Thank you for your attention to these important issues. Please accept assurances of my highest consideration.
5.10 Letter to Indonesia: Regarding revocation of identifications under the UU Catches Resolution for bigeye
tuna and swordfish
I have the honor to inform you that the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
(ICCAT) decided at its Eighteenth Regular Meeting, held November 17-24, 2003, in Dublin, Ireland, to revoke
Indonesia’s identification status relative to swordfish and bigeye tuna.
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