E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2012-2013 (I)
Brazil
On behalf of the Brazilian Government our delegation would like to express our gratitude to the Kingdom of
Morocco for hosting the 18 th Special Meeting of the Commission and for the warm hospitality of the Moroccan
people. We also would like to commend the ICCAT Secretariat for the hard work in the preparation of this
meeting and for its excellent organization.
This is indeed a special meeting, considering the unprecedented progress undoubtedly achieved by this
Commission in the recent years, towards ensuring the sustainability of the tuna fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean
and the Mediterranean Sea. Today, the respect of scientific advice, as well as the precautionary and the
ecosystem approach, are principles, we hope, enshrined in the work of ICCAT, being reflected in several
recommendations adopted during the past few years devoted not only to target species, but also to the protection
of by-catch, such as sharks, turtles and seabirds. This meeting is also special because, after a long time, we
finally have some very good news on the situation of the bluefin tuna stocks, which are clearly showing strong
signs of recovery. Such an outcome demonstrates the certitude of the measures adopted by the Commission and
has a far reaching significance since they actually confirm that RFMOs can, indeed, fulfil their mandate in a
responsible manner, when there is will, of course, and political commitment. Let´s not, however, indulge
ourselves into hastily softening the measures in place, which were so extremely difficult to be constructed. In
spite of the good news, we need to stand firm on the course set and by no means accept changes in the
management regime that are not in strict conformity with scientific advice.
Brazil is also pleased to take this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the duly implementation of all
management and conservation measures adopted by ICCAT, as well as to the sustainability of tuna fishery in the
Atlantic Ocean. The establishment of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in 2009, has resulted in a
significant progress in the management of fishing activities, including by improved Monitoring, Control and
Surveillance. The Ministry has been deeply committed to the improvement of the Brazilian fisheries statistics as
well as to the development of strategic programs for the control of fishing activities, such as the on board
observer program (PROBORDO) and the vessel monitoring system (PREPS). The Ministry also coordinates and
implements, in conjunction with the Ministry for the Environment, a joint committee for the management of
fisheries resources, responsible for adopting the necessary regulations, with a view to harmonize the
development of the fisheries sector, with the necessary sustainability and fulfilment of international
commitments. Due to all these efforts, we are very glad to announce that this year we did not have a single noncompliance
issue, attesting that the concerns raised in the letter sent last year by the Compliance Chairman have
been adequately addressed.
Once again, this year is going to be a very busy year for ICCAT, with several stocks requiring our attention, such
as bluefin tuna, South Atlantic swordfish and blue marlin and white marlin. With regard to marlins, Brazil
evidently supports the recommendation stemming from the SCRS to adopt TACs or catch limits that will allow
their stocks to rebuild from the present overfished condition where they are found.
Another issue which is very important to the Brazilian delegation during this meeting is the urgent need to
reform the ICCAT Convention, in order to align it with the modern concepts of fisheries management, such as
the Precautionary Approach, the Ecosystem Approach, the objection procedures, and the decision-making
process, in particular the time for adopted measures to enter into force and voting rules, including required
quorum. In spite of our heavy agenda, we are confident that under your leadership we will successfully address
all the challenges in front of us. With this aim, we would like to reaffirm the disposition of the Brazilian
delegation to fully cooperate with the Chair and with all delegations to make this meeting a very successful one.
Canada
Canada would like to thank the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting the 18 th Special Meeting of ICCAT in this
excellent ocean-side setting. We are hopeful that we will have some time to explore and enjoy some of the
pleasures Agadir has to offer.
The 2012 stock assessment update for western Atlantic bluefin tuna clearly shows that the spawning biomass
continues to increase. Canada is encouraged by this assessment update. We see this as validation of the
management measures that have been undertaken in western Atlantic bluefin tuna and a testament to our
concerted efforts and serious commitment to responsible, precautionary management measures undertaken since
the rebuilding plan was first established in 1998.
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