E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2002-2003 (II)
Today more than ever we are confronted with new challenges in view of the growing population and we must be
able to draw upon the necessary force, will and the wisdom to find solutions to the fundamental questions of
conservation and the optimal and durable utilization of the fishery resources.
We must thus engage in managing the stocks so that they are consolidated and improved in order to offer new
fishing opportunities to the users who comply with good management measures such as those promulgated by
ICCAT.
This is the only way that we can assure the longevity of the fishery resources and the protection of the marine
environment for present and future generations.
This meeting will, among other matters, review the preliminary results obtained from the implementation of
measures aimed at preventing, combating and eliminating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, including
fishing activities by vessels flying flags of convenience and vessels without nationality.
As regards the allocation criteria, we believe that the moment has come to apply these to the species that this
year will be subject to the allocation of quotas.
In this perspective, Côte d’Ivoire, which is in a difficult position due to the constant pressure from the fishers to
have some catch quotas, requests an allocation of bigeye tuna quota of about 3,000 t. This would be a great relief
for our tuna canning factories which generate more than 5,000 direct jobs and more than 45,000 indirect jobs.
Finally, Côte d’Ivoire reaffirms its pledge to make its modest contribution to the success of the work as it has
always done and wishes full success to the 18 th Regular Meeting of the Commission.
Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus would first of all like to express its appreciation to the Government of Ireland who is
hosting this 18 th Regular Meeting of ICCAT on behalf of the European Community.
Cyprus, which is going through a phase of change, is very happy to be a new member of ICCAT. Cyprus
acknowledges the work of ICCAT in conserving tuna stocks and as a new member looks forward to observing
and respecting all ICCAT decisions and will do its utmost to accomplish the objectives of the Organization.
Cyprus, eager to promote responsible fishing, has also become a Contracting Party to the U.N. Fish Stocks
Convention and the FAO Compliance Agreement.
In its efforts for sustainable exploitation of fishery resources, Cyprus is, inter alia, upgrading its monitoring and
control capabilities. A Fishing Vessel Register is already in place and a satellite monitoring system will soon be
functioning. Furthermore, to reduce fishing effort from Cyprus flag vessels, legislation has been introduced to
encourage re-flagging of foreign owned fishing vessels from the Cyprus Register of Ships.
Cyprus is the largest island in the eastern Mediterranean and is surrounded by bluefin tuna grounds. Fishing
constitutes a traditional activity and a source of living for many families. Consequently, Cyprus intends to
continue its fishing practices in a responsible manner.
European Community
First of all, on behalf of the European Community, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the participants
at this year’s ICCAT meeting here in Dublin. In particular, a special welcome is reserved for those Contracting
Parties who have joined ICCAT during the last year.
This ever-growing membership, now at 37 Contracting Parties, poses its own challenges for the operation of the
organization.
The major challenge is the organization’s capacity to attain the objectives that it has set itself for managing and
conserving the tuna stocks of the Atlantic Ocean. The continued expansion of ICCAT over recent years brings to
the fore the issue of arriving at consensus on effective conservation policy. In our view, increased dialogue and
consultation is essential to ensure that all Parties’ interests are taken into consideration when decisions are being
taken.
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