E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2002-2003 (II)
FAO sub-regional projects and the subsidiary scientific committees of ICCAT. In addition, Malta is a core
participant of the initiative to study the domestication aspects of bluefin tuna through the Domestication of
Thunnus thynnus (DOTT) 5 th RTD Framework Program of the European Commission and has also set up
research cages in its waters to conduct other trials.
Mexico
Mexico wishes to express its appreciation to the Government of Ireland for kindly hosting this 18 th Regular
Meeting of ICCAT in which the Mexican Delegation is pleased to have the opportunity to participate.
As a promoter of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing, Mexico reiterates its interest and commitment to
continue working within the framework of the Commission to attain the objective of promoting the measures and
methods aimed at achieving the maintenance of the stocks of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean at
levels that permit a maximum sustainable catch of these species.
For this reason, Mexico is pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate in carrying out actions that contribute to
this objective. Such is the case of the ICCAT Yellowfin Tuna Stock Assessment Session that was held in Mexico
last July and for which we appreciate the participation of the ICCAT Contracting Parties, and we encourage the
continued development of this type of actions that favor improved knowledge on the state of the resources that
are managed by this Commission, which is a fundamental element in taking decisions for appropriate
administration of the fishery resources.
On the other hand, the measures that this Commission may establish, particularly trade measures to promote
adequate implementation of the management measures, should be applied in a manner that recognizes the right
of the States to trade the fish and fish products caught in accordance with sustainable methods, and they should
be interpreted and applied according to the principles, rights and obligations established by the World Trade
Organization, and applied in an equitable, transparent and non-discriminatory manner.
In this same context , Mexico wholeheartedly supports the objective of eliminating, combating and discouraging
illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities. All initiatives aimed at such an objective, by regional
fisheries management organizations such as ICCAT, should be within the framework of the FAO International
Plan of Action Against Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Fishing.
Mexico is convinced that in the case of highly migratory species, agreement is needed from all the coastal States
in the region and those whose fleets fish in the area, to assure rational utilization and effective conservation of
the marine living resources. This should be done through multi-lateral agreements and we should establish
measures that assure compliance of these objectives. This is what has motivated Mexico to participate actively in
ICCAT, at this time and for the second consecutive year as a full member.
Our country sustains that historical rights should not be the only or the major criterion to define the allocation of
quotas. The distribution of the resources within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the coastal countries,
compliance with the conservation and management measures and the state of the resource should also be
considered, as they are the principles reflected in the allocation criteria that were adopted.
Furthermore, Mexico is disposed to strictly apply the criteria for the allocation of catch quotas, which without a
doubt will give our Commission a more equitable allocation based on principles of international law, and it urges
the ICCAT members to cooperate.
Finally, I hereby express my Government’s wish to continue cooperating with the Commission to attain the
sustainable utilization of the marine living resources of the Atlantic.
Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is very pleased to be present at the 18th Regular Meeting of ICCAT here in this delightful
city of Dublin and wishes to take this opportunity to thank the Government of the Republic of Ireland and the
European Union for graciously hosting this meeting. As a Contracting Party to ICCAT, Trinidad and Tobago
looks forward to actively participating in the relevant sessions and wishes the Commission a fruitful and
successful meeting.
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