E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2002-2003 (II)
As explained in previous communications, the Commission annually reviews fishery related information for to
the Convention area relative to both ICCAT members and non-members. As you are aware, the referenced
identification of Indonesia was made in accordance with the 1998 Resolution Concerning the Unreported and
Unregulated Catches of Tunas by Large-Scale Longline Vessels in the Convention Area [Ref. 98-18]. During its
2003 review, the Commission took note of the additional steps Indonesia has taken to rectify the fishing
activities of its vessels, such as the cessation of fishing by Indonesian flag vessels in the Atlantic Ocean. In
addition, no Indonesian flag vessels remain on ICCAT´s “List of Large-Scale Longline Vessels Believed to be
Engaged in Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Activities in the ICCAT Convention Area and Other
Areas”. The Commission wishes to express its appreciation to Indonesia for effectively addressing the concerns
of ICCAT.
For your information, future reviews of fishery related activities in the Convention area will be done in
accordance with a new instrument entitled Resolution by ICCAT Concerning Trade Measures [Ref. 03-15],
adopted by the Commission at its 2003 meeting. The 2003 Resolution both broadens the scope of ICCAT´s
existing trade regime and establishes a more transparent process for the application of trade restrictive measures.
The Commission will use this new Resolution for the first time at its 2004 annual meeting, scheduled for
November 15-21, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
For your use and information, please find enclosed a Compendium of ICCAT´s Management Recommendations
and Resolutions, which includes the above trade Resolution.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please accept assurances of my highest consideration.
5.11 Letter to Israel: Regarding possible expansion of the bluefin tuna fishery
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) met for its annual meeting from
November 17-24, 2003, in Dublin, Ireland. ICCAT coordinates the management of tuna and tuna-like species in
the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. Each year, the Commission collects and reviews fishery related
information for the Convention area relative to the activities of both ICCAT members and non-members.
At the 2003 ICCAT meeting, Israel reported on its plans to increase its exploitation of bluefin tuna found in its
territorial and surrounding waters. Israel also indicated an interest in developing bluefin tuna farming operations.
The Commission is concerned about Israel’s fishery development plans. As you may know, the East Atlantic and
Mediterranean stock of bluefin tuna is over-exploited and the fishery is fully subscribed. The Commission
recognizes that reported harvests by Israel are quite modest (e.g., 16 t for 2003); however, ICCAT has not
established a bluefin tuna catch limit for Israel. Therefore, any harvests of this stock by Israeli flag vessels are
taking place outside the ICCAT management regime. In addition, the development of a new farming operation
may well have the effect of increasing the fishing pressure on this stock still further.
Given this situation, the Commission requests that Israel not expand its bluefin tuna fishery or develop farming
operations at this time. We request that Israel take steps to implement ICCAT´s conservation and management
measures, including reporting catch and effort data to the Commission. For your use and information, I am
enclosing herewith a Compendium of ICCAT´s Management Recommendations and Resolutions. Additionally,
the Commission would be grateful if Israel could provide more detailed information on the nature of its fleet and
on measures Israel has in place to ensure appropriate mo nitoring, control, and surveillance of that fleet. All
requested information should be submitted to ICCAT as soon possible and will be considered during the next
Commission meeting, scheduled for November 15-21, 2004, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
In closing, the Commission would remind Israel that it can join ICCAT or seek Cooperating Status if your
country maintains an interest in exploiting species under the purview of ICCAT. With respect to requesting such
status, I would draw your attention to the provisions of the newly adopted Recommendation by ICCAT on
Criteria for Attaining the Status of Cooperating Non-Contracting Party, Entity, or Fishing Entity in ICCAT [Ref.
03-20]. This Recommendation is included in the enclosed Compendium.
Thank you for your attention to these matters. Please accept assurances of my highest consideration.
5.12 Letter to Mauritania: Seeking additional information regarding tuna and swordfish
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) met for its annual meeting from
November 17-24, 2003, in Dublin, Ireland. ICCAT coordinates the management of tuna and tuna-like species in
the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. As part of its efforts to conserve and manage these stocks, the Commission
annually collects and reviews fishery related information relative to both ICCAT members and non-members.
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