E - Iccat

3 rd WG FUTURE OF ICCAT – MADRID 2012
majeure in the Convention. Some CPCs felt this matter would be best taken up on a case by case basis in
conservation and management recommendations. There was no agreement on this issue, but the proposal is
attached as Appendix 8 to ANNEX 4.2to enable further consideration.
5.c ICCAT Communication policy
Several CPCs expressed concern about the lack of a clear and efficient ICCAT communication policy that would
enable ICCAT to quickly and effectively convey the results of its work. The Working Group recommended that
the Chair of STACFAD, in consultation with the Chair of the Commission and CPCs, should prepare a draft
communication policy for consideration at the next annual meeting. In addition, the Working Group requested
the Executive Secretary to explore the possibility of engaging an expert in communication or hiring a media
company to assist ICCAT in communicating the facts of its work with the media. STACFAD should consider the
financial and logistical implications of these options at the next annual meeting.
6. Development of Recommendations to the Commission, including, as appropriate, a process and
procedures for negotiation and adoption of the Convention amendments
Further to the discussion of all the items under agenda 4, the delegates considered the document presented by
Chinese Taipei, “Explanatory Note on the Draft Resolution by ICCAT for Amendments to the Terms of
Reference of the Working Group on the Future of ICCAT in Annex 2 to Resolution 06-18” proposing a mandate
to amend the Basic Texts.
The delegations of the European Union, Republic of Guinea, Norway, Chinese Taipei, the United Kingdom-
Overseas Territories and the United States presented a “Draft [Resolution] [Recommendation] by ICCAT to
Establish a [Working Group] to Develop Amendments to the ICCAT Convention“ that established terms of
reference for this new body. Taking into account additional changes proposed by other delegations, the Working
group decided to refer the amended proposal to the Commission to finalize. Canada and Japan presented a
general reservation on the document attached as Appendix 12 to ANNEX 4.2.
7. Other matters
Japan presented an explanatory note on a “Draft Recommendation by ICCAT on Shark Action Plan”, which is
attached as Appendix 13 to ANNEX 4.2. The Working Group supported the need to further refine the meaning
of “sharks caught in association with ICCAT fisheries” and recommended that the proposal should be discussed
in Panel 4.
There were no other matters discussed by the Working Group under this Agenda item.
8. Adoption of the report
The report was adopted at the meeting.
9. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned on Thursday, 31 May 2012.
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