E - Iccat

PWG REPORT
7.2 On the revised EC proposal for a recommendation on criteria for attaining status of cooperating non-
Contracting Party, Entity or Fishing Entity in ICCAT
We are of the view that:
− Changes agreed within ICCAT regarding information requirement / criteria for attaining Cooperating
Status should be notified to all interested parties at least four months in advance of any ICCAT meeting at
which their status will be considered. In this regard, we would refer to the requirements by ICCAT that
applications for Cooperating Status should be submitted three months in advance of such meetings. The
EC’s proposal is dated November 18, 2003 and is clearly far too late for thorough consideration.
− Any adverse allegations concerning non-compliant proven actions (not just conduct) in regards to
applications for Cooperating Status in other RFMOs should be notified to such applicants at least two
months in advance of any ICCAT meeting at which their status will be considered. This is in order to
enable them to respond thereto. This is most important because as have been in various lists submitted by
ICCAT, all too often there are errors contained therein.
− The reference to other RFMOs should encompass non-compliant proven actions (not just conduct) of both
Contracting as well as existing Cooperating members. As we have seen, members in these categories may
also be non-compliant both at ICCAT and elsewhere. This requirement would create a level playing field
for existing and aspiring members of ICCAT.
− The criteria should make reference to the fact that the primary emphasis will be an applicant’s
performance in the ICCAT area. The reference from other RFMOs will be a subsidiary consideration that
shall in no way in itself be allowed to amount to a veto on an application.
− The past record of an application should not in itself preclude the success of an application of a country
that has proven its commitment and informed ICCAT of the measures it has taken to ensure compliance by
its vessels of ICCAT conservation and management measures.
Statements by St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the PWG
8.1 Regarding progress on its remedial action plan to cooperate with ICCAT management measures
Appendix 8 to ANNEX 10
Recalling the Remedial Action Plan submitted by St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the 2001 regular meeting of
ICCAT was endorsed by the Commission and is an indication that St. Vincent and the Grenadines recognized the
measures required to achieve compliance with ICCAT management measures. Efforts to implement measures to
regulate Vincentian registered vessels fishing on the high seas have continued to date. The decision to cease
registration of all high seas fishing vessels is still in effect. We continue to refine relevant legislation and at this
moment, new and more detailed High Seas Fishing Regulations were gazetted on 4 November 2003. These
Regulations specifically make provisions for:
− Licensing fees, applications and conditions for licensing;
− Grounds for refusal of a license;
− Monitoring of catch and effort data, geographical position of vessels on a daily basis;
− Prohibitions and restrictions relating the management and conservation of tuna and tuna-like species;
− Transshipment;
− Placing of observers on large-scale vessels;
− Fish quality inspection schemes; and
− Notification of international obligations of the State.
The Regulations are sufficiently flexible to facilitate stricter controls through the stipulation of specific license
conditions.
All Vincentian registered high seas fishing vessels are being licensed in accordance with these new Regulations.
In addition, all vessels shall apply for a fishing license within 30 days from 4 November 2003. No vessel has
been or shall be licensed to fish for species for which St. Vincent and the Grenadines has no quota as allocated
by this Commission. Furthermore, no Vincentian registered high seas fishing vessel is allowed to fish without
the appropriate licenses issued by the Fisheries Division in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
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