E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2002-2003 (II)
A memorandum of understanding has been set up with the Customs Department, to ensure that approval is given
by the Fisheries Division for proceeding with registration of fishing vessels. A specific amendment to the
Merchant Shipping Act is also being considered to strengthen this mechanism.
Additionally, daily catch and effort reports are submitted to the Fisheries Division by Vincentian vessels fishing
in the ICCAT Convention area. This includes all large-scale vessels. Personnel have been recruited to fully
implement the collection and processing of statistics and research programs. We have addressed concerns
relating to the high catch of albacore in 2001 and have effected a significant reduction as demonstrated in the
statistics submitted to ICCAT for 2002.
A satellite vessel monitoring system is in place and the geographical positions of all vessels fishing in the
ICCAT Convention area are currently being monitored. Queries on the sighting of vessels have been answered
based on evidence provided by our records, trade sanctions from third countries, and reported vessel sightings.
Information on infractions provided by any Contracting or non-Contracting Party will be acted upon promptly.
Where convictions are made, severe fines will be imposed (up to $2 million) and repeated infractions would lead
to a cancellation of the vessel’s license or registration.
An observer system has been established and will be implemented immediately after the vessels have paid their
fees (three months from 4 November 2003).
Discussions were held with third party states for the implementation of port inspection schemes and we have
obtained commitments to collaborate on this matter from Trinidad and Brazil, where the majority of our boats
land their catch. Mechanisms for collaboration will be worked out immediately after this meeting.
Resources have been allocated for participation as full members of ICCAT in the 2003 budget. This matter is
currently before the Cabinet and a decision will be taken by the end of this year or early in 2004.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines considers these efforts significant and will continue to address any problems
relating to the regulation of vessels registered to St. Vincent and the Grenadines as identified by us or this
Commission.
8.2 Statement by St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Further, St. Vincent and the Grenadines commits itself to adhere to all ICCAT conservation and management
measures and to cooperate with all ICCAT Contracting Parties, in particular:
− Give serious consideration to reduce fishing vessels owned by non-CARICOM nationals;
− Prohibit fishing for tuna and tuna-like species for which St. Vincent and the Grenadines has no agreed
ICCAT quota or catch limit;
− Continue our efforts to ensure that our fleets have no relations with IUU vessel owners; and
− Consult with United States, Chinese Taipei and Japan to further improve our ability to manage our tuna
fleets in accordance with agreed international conservation and management measures.
Update on Cooperating Party Requests 1
Appendix 9 to ANNEX 10
The Resolution by ICCAT on Becoming a Cooperating Party, Entity or Fishing Entity [Ref. 01-17] dictates the
process by which Non-Contracting Parties, Entities or Fishing Entities can be accorded Cooperating Status. This
document summarizes the activities related to this topic that took place since the 2002 meeting of the
Commission.
1. Current Cooperating Parties Entities or Fishing Entities
Chinese Taipei and Philippines currently have Cooperating Status at ICCAT. According to paragraph 4 of [Ref.
01-17], the Commission shall annually review and renew this Status unless it is to be revoked due to noncompliance
with ICCAT conservation and management measures.
1 As of 17 November 2003.
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