E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2012-2013 (I)
Concern was also expressed about 2011 and 2012 exports of southern swordfish from Belize to the European
Union, which were over the quota allocated to Belize for the years concerned. Belize explained that the origin of
this misunderstanding was that the management of its quota is based on the Belize’s fishing season, from 1
August to 31 July. Belize will consult with the European Union to resolve discrepancies in catch and trade
statistics.
In this regard, EU stated that it would be very helpful for importing countries if the ICCAT Secretariat creates a
reference within ICCAT’s webpage where applicable quotas and catch limits for the next year would be easily
identifiable for each CPC. Such information would be taken from the adjusted quotas as adopted in the catch
limit compliance tables.
The final version of the Compliance Summary Tables is included as Appendix 2 to ANNEX 10.
In closing the discussion on recommended actions, the Chair observed that several CPCs had offered alternatives
to the actions recommended by the Chair, in particular where the Chair had recommended maintaining
identifications under Rec. 06-13. In these instances, the concerned CPCs emphasized the progress that had been
achieved in collecting and reporting data and/or implementing monitoring measures and proposed that
identifications be lifted. The Chair noted that although progress should certainly be recognized in such cases,
there was also a need for the Compliance Committee to act consistently in applying the procedures of Rec. 06-
13, especially in cases where deficiencies in meeting ICCAT requirements still exist. The Chair also reminded
the CPCs that letters of concern are not a formal part of the process under Rec. 06-13, but serve as a means of
continuing the examination of issues which could not be definitively concluded during the Compliance
Committee meeting. While CPCs might not welcome such letters, they serve an important role ICCAT’s
compliance evaluation process.
7. Review of information relating to NCPs and consideration of any necessary actions
According to its new mandate adopted in 2011, the Committee reviewed the available information to assess the
cooperation of NCPs with ICCAT in the conservation and management of ICCAT species.
In 2011, the Commission decided to lift the trade sanctions on Bolivia and Georgia but the identification of both
countries was maintained.
Bolivia expressed its gratitude to the Commission and informed that since 2006 Bolivia has neither registered
any fishing vessel to carry out activities in the Convention Area, nor has granted any fishing license. Since no
indication has been received about fishing activities of Bolivian vessels in the Convention Area, the Committee
decided to lift the identification.
No further correspondence from Georgia has been received and the Committee decided to maintain the
identification.
Further to the letter of identification sent to Cambodia by the Commission, no correspondence has been received
by the Secretariat. It was decided to maintain the identification to Cambodia until further information is received.
According to the information provided during the Committee, no bigeye tuna originating from the Atlantic
Ocean was exported by Madagascar as initially presumed.
India and Madagascar will be contacted by the Secretariat in order to get information on their SDP validation
authorities.
Following the information submitted to the Secretariat on the transshipment of tuna and tuna-like species from
Peruvian pelagic trawlers, it was requested to the Secretariat to communicate with Peru expressing the
Commission’s concern over these activities and requesting additional information.
Concerning the alleged imports of South Atlantic swordfish harvested by two Indonesian vessels, Indonesia
informed the Committee that the results of its investigation confirmed that the origin of the swordfish was the
Indian Ocean. In view of the immediate actions taken by Indonesia it was decided that no further action was
necessary.
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