E - Iccat

PWG REPORT
need to support the developing CPCs in implementation of the recommendation, capacity building, training, and
participation in meetings. The Recommendation by ICCAT for an ICCAT Scheme for Minimum Standards for
Inspection in Port was approved and forwarded to the Commission for final adoption (see ANNEX 5 [Rec. 12-
07]).
5.7 Vessel listing requirements
Following up on discussions during the 2012 IMM Working Group on the harmonization of vessel records, the
consolidated list of authorized vessels (CLAV), and the development of a unique vessel identifier (UVI), a
presentation was given by the Secretariat during this meeting on the current status and next steps for the CLAV
and UVI program, described in the “Note on the CLAV and UVI Programs”. The CLAV is currently online, and
in June 2012 the second technical working group reviewed the program, deciding to use new software from the
FAO to replace the current version of CLAV, and developed an agreement on how to use the program and data.
It is expected the program will be completed by 2013, and it was recognized this effort would require the hiring
of one additional staff member for the first year as well as an IT expert to migrate databases to the new software.
The presentation stated the IMO number is the best option for a UVI and should be obligatory to report.
However, not all commercial fishing vessels have an IMO number, so a protocol still needs to be put in place to
develop a number. During subsequent discussions, there was not full agreement between CPCs on what number
would be best to use. It was agreed the issue will be discussed again at the next IMM Working Group meeting.
5.8 Vessel Monitoring System requirements
The Chair referred to the “Draft Recommendation Amending the Recommendation by ICCAT Concerning
Minimum Standards for the Establishment of a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for the ICCAT Convention
Area”, a U.S. proposal to lower vessel monitoring transmission intervals from every six hours to every two
hours, based on the SCRS recommendation. The United States highlighted the dual purpose of the VMS, both
for compliance as well as stock assessment and research. During discussions, a large number of CPCs supported
the proposed change to two hour transmission intervals. However, some CPCs expressed concerns over such a
change, including the potential costs involved in transitioning from six hour intervals to two hour intervals. It
was suggested a possible compromise might be to move to transmission intervals of every four hours. Sierra
Leone also raised concerns that the duration of time proposed in the draft recommendation for a vessel to repair a
broken VMS system, one month, was too long and should be reduced, to avoid IUU fishing in the interim period.
There was not agreement on this issue, with some Parties ready to accept a shorter time limit for repairs to the
VMS, but with others stating the one week period proposed by Sierra Leone would be too short for vessels far
from port on the high seas. Sierra Leone said it would be willing to accept a two week period, but no longer. An
agreement was not reached on either VMS transmission time intervals or the required time period to fix broken
VMS systems, and the issue was put on the agenda for the next IMM Working Group meeting in 2013.
5.9 Flag State responsibilities and other issues (including review of Rec. 10-10)
Japan noted that the “Secretariat Report to PWG” points out problems the Secretariat is currently experiencing,
especially regarding the BCD, and most of these issues would be resolved with the implementation of the eBCD
program. Japan emphasized ICCAT should begin using eBCD as soon as possible. The issue was closed with no
further comments.
6. Consideration of technical measures needed to ensure effective implementation of ICCAT’s
conservation and management measures
See Agenda item 8.
7. Review and development of IUU Vessel List
The Chair referred to the document on “Provisional IUU List for 2012”. This is the list of vessels presumed to
have carried out IUU fishing activities in the ICCAT Convention area. The Chair noted seven vessels were
delisted this year from the IUU list, and opened the floor for any additional comments on the delisting. The “List
of Vessels Presumed to Have Carried out IUU Fishing Activities in the ICCAT Convention Area” was adopted
with no further comments and was forwarded to the Commission for final adoption (see Appendix 2 to ANNEX
11).
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