E - Iccat

OPENING ADDRESSES & STATEMENTS
members that the conservation of these stocks come second to the needs of their respective industries, has led
ICCAT to renege on its responsibility to conserve tuna and tuna-like species.
In Bilbao, we made some noticeable strides forward. Management regimes for southern swordfish and eastern
bluefin were re-established and a spirit of compromise and cooperation was rekindled. Nonetheless, we all left
the 2002 commission meeting knowing that we are still fishing many stocks above sustainable levels, that we
continue to take far too many small and juvenile fish, and that compliance with existing measures amongst
ICCAT members is a growing concern.
Also, last year the SCRS was unable to complete stock assessments for several major stocks because members
had not supplied data, even though the provision of data is essential for the functioning of ICCAT.
Unfortunately, the situation has not improved this year. As such, we must take measures this year to assure that
this basic requirement is met by all members and cooperating parties. Canada believes that those not meeting this
basic responsibility of ICCAT should be held to account.
Canada believes that if we do not change our ways, ICCAT is living on borrowed time. We cannot expect to
maintain our credibility as an effective regional fisheries management organization if we continue to tie the
hands of our scientists with lack of data, ignore non-compliance by members, and fail to address fishing
activities by all in a fair and transparent manner.
On a more positive note, commitments from some to improve data collection and reduce the harvest of small fish
were made. Canada would like to take this opportunity to congratulate those who have made this commitment.
They have advised us that they will be delivering the goods. We will hold them to this.
As the regional management fisheries organization responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like
species in the Atlantic, ICCAT must adopt and implement effective management measures that will ensure a
sustainable fishery for future generations to enjoy.
Are we providing “effective management”? In Canada’s view the answer to this question is not yet. Our rules are
too often unclear and inconsistent with international norms, and are applied inconsistently and sometimes
arbitrarily.
Is there a conservation ethic within ICCAT? In Canada’s view the answer to this question is sadly no. Our
scientists are unable to complete stock assessments, as members do not provide basic fisheries data. We continue
to engage in unsustainable practices such as excessive harvests of juvenile fish and fishing above any reasonable
calculation of maximum yield. Canada believes that the time to address these issues is now.
At the Madeira inter-sessional meetings, Canada outlined what it referred to as the four “C”s that should guide
ICCAT: conservation, clarity, consistency and compliance. Upon reflection, we would add a fifth “C”: cash, as
ICCAT is an organization whose members habitually do not meet their financial obligations to the Commission.
Again, Canada believes that those who do not contribute to the organization should not be considered full
members of the organization.
Without any of these Cs we risk eroding our credibility as an effective regional fisheries management
organization. We all know and recognize the challenges ahead of us. Last year we made important strides to
address them. We look forward to working closely this week with all ICCAT members to maintain this
momentum. Let’s make the best of this opportunity.
Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire is honored to take part in the 18th Regular Meeting of the Commission. First of all, in my position
as Minister of Animal Production and Fishery Resources and on behalf of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire I
would like to thank the Chairman who has made it possible for the Commission to make considerable progress.
Further, I would like to thank ICCAT, which provides my country with the opportunity to participate in this
important meeting that is taking place in this beautiful city of Dublin.
Côte d’Ivoire reaffirms the importance of the tuna resources and their contribution to the national GDP. It
reaffirms as well the importance of the durable management of the fisheries for food security, the realization of
the socio-economic objectives and the well being of the fishers and their families.
57