E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2002-2003 (II)
3.5 OPENING STATEMENTS BY INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANI-
ZATIONS TO THE PLENARY SESSIONS
Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is very grateful for the invitation extended
by ICCAT´s Secretariat to observe the Eighteenth Regular Meeting of the Commission.
FAO would also like to express heartfelt gratitude for the leading role of ICCAT during the Third Meeting of
Regional Fishery Bodies held last March at FAO Headquarters. The meeting reviewed the decisions of the
Twenty-fifth Session of COFI relating to regional fishery bodies affecting the management of fisheries and
approaches to incorporate ecosystem consideration into fisheries management, etc., which many regional fishery
bodies face in carrying out their work.
FAO has been keeping a close and effective working relationship with ICCAT. The collaboration between the
two organizations has been remarkably evolved recently, such as the collaboration in the field of fishery statistics
in the framework of the Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics (CWP), collaboration in the FIRMS-
FIGIS project and collaboration between ICCAT and GFCM. FAO sent appropriate officers to the Sub-
Committee on Statistics held in Madrid, 2-3 October 2003, and the Standing Committee on Research and
Statistics (SCRS) also held in Madrid, 6-10 October 2003. It is FAO’s desire that such collaboration should be
further enhanced.
ICCAT is undoubtedly one of the leading organizations that are tackling the issue of IUU fishing. The efforts
and experiences of ICCAT are providing valuable examples for other regions and nations to follow. FAO also
wishes to strengthen its working relationship with ICCAT on this issue.
I will carefully and conscientiously observe the proceedings of this meeting and report appropriately to the
management of the FAO Fisheries Department.
Taking this opportunity, FAO wishes to express again the appreciation for the assistance and cooperation
received from ICCAT.
Finally, I hope that the meeting will be marked with success and that the outcome will serve to promote
sustainable and responsible tuna fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to make this statement on behalf of FAO.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
On behalf of the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I wish to thank the Commission for
its invitation to participate in the 18 th Regular Meeting of the Commission. I also wish to acknowledge the efforts
of the Government of Ireland to host this meeting. As in previous years, CARICOM looks forward to
participating in all sessions open to observers.
ICCAT trade sanctions: Regarding ICCAT trade sanctions currently affecting the CARICOM Member States of
Belize and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I am pleased to advise the Commission that significant progress has
been made by these States to improve their cooperation with ICCAT at all levels. Firstly, both States have
enacted into law the necessary legislation for controlling the activities of their fishing vessels on the high seas.
This legislation provides for compliance with international fisheries conservation and management measures,
and equips the States with the essential tools to investigate and penalize those persons and vessels found to be
involved in illegal fishing activities.
Secondly, and very importantly, neither Belize nor St. Vincent and the Grenadines has licensed vessels to harvest
species currently regulated by an ICCAT quota.
Thirdly, both States have introduced vessel monitoring systems, and are now fulfilling their statistical reporting
commitments in accordance with ICCAT requirements. Moreover, there is also clear evidence of practiced
management compliance by both States. Belize has investigated all reported instances of illegal fishing activities
brought to its attention by ICCAT Contracting Parties, and has dealt with the vessels concerned, quickly and in
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