# L_2009197EN.01000101.xml

| 29.7.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 197/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

29.7.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 197/1

---

COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 679/2009

of 7 July 2009

amending Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 laying down conservation and enforcement measures applicable in the Regulatory Area of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007of 22 October 2007 laying down conservation and enforcement measures applicable in the Regulatory Area of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (1), and in particular Article 70 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 implements certain conservation and enforcement measures adopted by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (‘NAFO’). This Regulation has subsequently been amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 538/2008 (2). Furthermore, inconsistencies between Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 and NAFO rules on conservation and enforcement have been identified. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 implements certain conservation and enforcement measures adopted by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (‘NAFO’). This Regulation has subsequently been amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 538/2008 (2). Furthermore, inconsistencies between Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 and NAFO rules on conservation and enforcement have been identified.

| (2) | At its 30th annual meeting held in September 2008, NAFO adopted a number of amendments to its conservation and enforcement measures. Those amendments relate to provisions on bottom fishing, closed areas to ensure seamount protection, labelling requirements and additional port state measures. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

At its 30th annual meeting held in September 2008, NAFO adopted a number of amendments to its conservation and enforcement measures. Those amendments relate to provisions on bottom fishing, closed areas to ensure seamount protection, labelling requirements and additional port state measures.

| (3) | Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (3), will start to apply on 1 January 2010. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (3), will start to apply on 1 January 2010.

| (4) | Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 should therefore be amended accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 is hereby amended as follows:

| 1. | in Article 3, the following points shall be added:






  ‘21. | “Bottom fishing activities” means any fishing activity involving gear that contacts or is likely to contact the ocean bottom during the normal course of fishing operations. |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

in Article 3, the following points shall be added:

‘21.

“Bottom fishing activities” means any fishing activity involving gear that contacts or is likely to contact the ocean bottom during the normal course of fishing operations.

| 22. | “Existing bottom fishing areas” means areas where, as indicated by VMS and/or other geo-reference data, bottom fishing activities have been conducted at least in two years within a reference period of 1987 to 2007. |
| --- | --- |

22.

“Existing bottom fishing areas” means areas where, as indicated by VMS and/or other geo-reference data, bottom fishing activities have been conducted at least in two years within a reference period of 1987 to 2007.

| 23. | “New bottom fishing areas” means any area, other than existing bottom fishing areas, in which bottom fishing activities are conducted.’; |
| --- | --- |

23.

“New bottom fishing areas” means any area, other than existing bottom fishing areas, in which bottom fishing activities are conducted.’;

| 2. | in Article 6, the following paragraph shall be added:

  ‘4.   Masters of Community vessels shall record coordinates pertaining to the start and end locations of any trial tow conducted in accordance with paragraph 3.’; |
| --- | --- |

2.

in Article 6, the following paragraph shall be added:

‘4.   Masters of Community vessels shall record coordinates pertaining to the start and end locations of any trial tow conducted in accordance with paragraph 3.’;

| 3. | in Article 7, the following paragraph shall be added:

  ‘5.   Vessels conducting a directed fishery for species other than those specified in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article are permitted to take regulated species with nets having a mesh size less than specified in those paragraphs, provided that the by-catch requirements in Article 4 are complied with.’; |
| --- | --- |

3.

in Article 7, the following paragraph shall be added:

‘5.   Vessels conducting a directed fishery for species other than those specified in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article are permitted to take regulated species with nets having a mesh size less than specified in those paragraphs, provided that the by-catch requirements in Article 4 are complied with.’;

| 4. | in Article 8, paragraph 2 shall be replaced by the following:

  ‘2.   However, Community vessels fishing in areas outside the NAFO Regulatory Area may retain on board nets with a mesh size smaller than that prescribed in Article 7, provided that these nets are securely lashed and stowed and are not available for immediate use.’; |
| --- | --- |

4.

in Article 8, paragraph 2 shall be replaced by the following:

‘2.   However, Community vessels fishing in areas outside the NAFO Regulatory Area may retain on board nets with a mesh size smaller than that prescribed in Article 7, provided that these nets are securely lashed and stowed and are not available for immediate use.’;

| 5. | Article 11 shall be replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 11
  Special provisions for shrimp fishery in Division 3L
  Fishing for shrimp in Division 3L shall take place in depths greater than 200 metres.’; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Article 11 shall be replaced by the following:

‘Article 11

Special provisions for shrimp fishery in Division 3L

Fishing for shrimp in Division 3L shall take place in depths greater than 200 metres.’;

| 6. | Article 12 shall be replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 12
  Fisheries restricted areas

  1.   The conduct of bottom fishing activities shall be prohibited in the following areas:









  Area | Coordinate 1 | Coordinate 2 | Coordinate 3 | Coordinate 4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Orphan Knoll | 50.00.30 N
  45.00.30 W | 51.00.30 N
  45.00.30 W | 51.00.30 N
  47.00.30 W | 50.00.30 N
  47.00.30 W |
| Corner
  Seamounts | 35.00.00 N
  48.00.00 W | 36.00.00 N
  48.00.00 W | 36.00.00 N
  52.00.00 W | 35.00.00 N
  52.00.00 W |
| Newfoundland
  Seamounts | 43.29.00 N
  43.20.00 W | 44.00.00 N
  43.20.00 W | 44.00.00 N
  46.40.00 W | 43.29.00 N
  46.40.00 W |
| New England
  Seamounts | 35.00.00 N
  57.00.00 W | 39.00.00 N
  57.00.00 W | 39.00.00 N
  64.00.00 W | 35.00.00 N
  64.00.00 W |
| Fogo
  Seamount 1 | 42.31.33 N
  53.23.17 W | 42.31.33 N
  52.33.37 W | 41.55.48 N
  53.23.17 W | 41.55.48 N
  52.33.37 W |
| Fogo
  Seamount 2 | 41.07.22 N
  52.27.49 W | 41.07.22 N
  51.38.10 W | 40.31.37 N
  52.27.49 W | 40.31.37 N
  51.38.10 W |

6.

Article 12 shall be replaced by the following:

‘Article 12

Fisheries restricted areas

1.   The conduct of bottom fishing activities shall be prohibited in the following areas:

Area

Coordinate 1

Coordinate 2

Coordinate 3

Coordinate 4

Orphan Knoll

50.00.30 N

45.00.30 W

51.00.30 N

45.00.30 W

51.00.30 N

47.00.30 W

50.00.30 N

47.00.30 W

Corner

Seamounts

35.00.00 N

48.00.00 W

36.00.00 N

48.00.00 W

36.00.00 N

52.00.00 W

35.00.00 N

52.00.00 W

Newfoundland

Seamounts

43.29.00 N

43.20.00 W

44.00.00 N

43.20.00 W

44.00.00 N

46.40.00 W

43.29.00 N

46.40.00 W

New England

Seamounts

35.00.00 N

57.00.00 W

39.00.00 N

57.00.00 W

39.00.00 N

64.00.00 W

35.00.00 N

64.00.00 W

Fogo

Seamount 1

42.31.33 N

53.23.17 W

42.31.33 N

52.33.37 W

41.55.48 N

53.23.17 W

41.55.48 N

52.33.37 W

Fogo

Seamount 2

41.07.22 N

52.27.49 W

41.07.22 N

51.38.10 W

40.31.37 N

52.27.49 W

40.31.37 N

51.38.10 W

2.   The area in NAFO Division 3O defined by connecting the following coordinates (in numerical order and back to coordinate 1) shall be closed to all bottom fishing activities:

| Coordinate No | Latitude | Longitude |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | 42°53′00′′N | 51°00′00′′W |
| 2 | 42°52′04′′N | 51°31′44′′W |
| 3 | 43°24′13′′N | 51°58′12′′W |
| 4 | 43°24′20′′N | 51°58′18′′W |
| 5 | 43°39′38′′N | 52°13′10′′W |
| 6 | 43°40′59′′N | 52°27′52′′W |
| 7 | 43°56′19′′N | 52°39′48′′W |
| 8 | 44°04′53′′N | 52°58′12′′W |
| 9 | 44°18′38′′N | 53°06′00′′W |
| 10 | 44°18′36′′N | 53°24′07′′W |
| 11 | 44°49′59′′N | 54°30′00′′W |
| 12 | 44°29′55′′N | 54°30′00′′W |
| 13 | 43°26′59′′N | 52°55′59′′W |
| 14 | 42°48′00′′N | 51°41′06′′W |
| 15 | 42°33′02′′N | 51°00′00′′W’ |

Coordinate No

Latitude

Longitude

1

42°53′00′′N

51°00′00′′W

2

42°52′04′′N

51°31′44′′W

3

43°24′13′′N

51°58′12′′W

4

43°24′20′′N

51°58′18′′W

5

43°39′38′′N

52°13′10′′W

6

43°40′59′′N

52°27′52′′W

7

43°56′19′′N

52°39′48′′W

8

44°04′53′′N

52°58′12′′W

9

44°18′38′′N

53°06′00′′W

10

44°18′36′′N

53°24′07′′W

11

44°49′59′′N

54°30′00′′W

12

44°29′55′′N

54°30′00′′W

13

43°26′59′′N

52°55′59′′W

14

42°48′00′′N

51°41′06′′W

15

42°33′02′′N

51°00′00′′W’

| 7. | the following shall be inserted:


  ‘CHAPTER IIa


  PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE MARINE ECOSYSTEMS



  Article 12a
  Definition of vulnerable marine ecosystems
  For the purposes of this Chapter, “vulnerable marine ecosystems” means:






  (a) | marine ecosystems that are unique or that contain rare species whose loss could not be compensated for by similar areas or ecosystems. These include:






  (i) | habitats that contain endemic species; |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

7.

the following shall be inserted:

‘CHAPTER IIa

PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

Article 12a

Definition of vulnerable marine ecosystems

For the purposes of this Chapter, “vulnerable marine ecosystems” means:

(a)

marine ecosystems that are unique or that contain rare species whose loss could not be compensated for by similar areas or ecosystems. These include:

(i)

habitats that contain endemic species;

| (ii) | habitats of rare, threatened or endangered species that occur only in discrete areas; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

habitats of rare, threatened or endangered species that occur only in discrete areas;

| (iii) | nurseries or discrete feeding, breeding, or spawning areas; |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

nurseries or discrete feeding, breeding, or spawning areas;

| (b) | marine ecosystems that are necessary for the survival, function, spawning/reproduction or recovery of fish stocks, particular life-history stages (e.g. nursery grounds or rearing areas), or of rare, threatened or endangered marine species; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

marine ecosystems that are necessary for the survival, function, spawning/reproduction or recovery of fish stocks, particular life-history stages (e.g. nursery grounds or rearing areas), or of rare, threatened or endangered marine species;

| (c) | marine ecosystems that are highly susceptible to degradation by anthropogenic activities; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

marine ecosystems that are highly susceptible to degradation by anthropogenic activities;

| (d) | marine ecosystems that are characterised by populations or assemblages of species with one or more of the following characteristics:






  (i) | slow growth rates; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(d)

marine ecosystems that are characterised by populations or assemblages of species with one or more of the following characteristics:

(i)

slow growth rates;

| (ii) | late age of maturity; |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

late age of maturity;

| (iii) | low or unpredictable recruitment; or |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

low or unpredictable recruitment; or

| (iv) | long-lived; |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

long-lived;

| (e) | marine ecosystems that are characterised by complex physical structures created by significant concentrations of biotic and abiotic features. In these ecosystems, ecological processes are usually highly dependent on these structured systems. Further, such ecosystems often have high diversity, which is dependent on the structuring organisms. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

marine ecosystems that are characterised by complex physical structures created by significant concentrations of biotic and abiotic features. In these ecosystems, ecological processes are usually highly dependent on these structured systems. Further, such ecosystems often have high diversity, which is dependent on the structuring organisms.

Article 12b

Definition of significant adverse impacts

For the purposes of this Chapter “significant adverse impacts” means impacts that compromise ecosystem structure or function in a manner that:

| (a) | impairs the ability of affected populations to replace themselves; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

impairs the ability of affected populations to replace themselves;

| (b) | degrades the long-term natural productivity of habitats; or |
| --- | --- |

(b)

degrades the long-term natural productivity of habitats; or

| (c) | causes, on more than a temporary basis, significant loss of species richness, habitat or community types. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

causes, on more than a temporary basis, significant loss of species richness, habitat or community types.

Article 12c

Definition of vulnerable marine ecosystem indicator species

For the purposes of this Chapter, “vulnerable marine ecosystem indicator species” means antipatharians, gorgonians, cerianthid anemone fields, lophelia, and sea penfields.

Article 12d

Definition of an encounter with vulnerable marine ecosystems

For the purposes of this Chapter, an “encounter with vulnerable marine ecosystems” means a catch, per gear set, of vulnerable marine ecosystem indicator species exceeding 100 kg of live coral and/or 1 000 kg of live sponge.

Article 12e

Assessment of bottom fishing

1.   Member States whose vessels intend to conduct bottom fishing activities in the NAFO Regulatory Area shall carry out in 2009 an assessment of the known and anticipated impacts of those activities on vulnerable marine ecosystems. Member States shall only authorise bottom fishing activities in cases where the assessment concludes that such activities are not likely to have significant adverse impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems.

2.   For the purposes of the implementation of the assessment referred to in paragraph 1, Member States shall rely on the best scientific and technical information available concerning the location of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the areas in which their fishing vessels intend to operate. That information shall include, where available, scientific data on the basis of which the likelihood of occurrence of such ecosystems can be estimated.

3.   The evaluation of the risk of significant adverse impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems carried out under the assessment referred to in paragraph 1 shall take into account, as appropriate, differing conditions prevailing in new bottom fishing areas and existing bottom fishing areas.

4.   Member States shall submit their assessment referred to in paragraph 1 to the Commission as soon as possible but not later than 30 June 2009. That submission shall also include a description of the mitigation measures intended to prevent significant adverse impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems. The Commission shall promptly forward this information to the NAFO Secretariat.

Article 12f

Bottom fishing activities in new bottom fishing areas

1.   All fishing activities in new bottom fishing areas, or with bottom gear not previously used in the area concerned, shall be considered as exploratory fisheries and shall be conducted in accordance with an Exploratory Fishery Protocol referred to in paragraph 2.

2.   Member States, whose vessels intend to conduct fishing activities in new bottom fishing areas, or with bottom gear not previously used in the area concerned, shall set up an Exploratory Fishery Protocol using the templates in Annex XVI.

3.   The Exploratory Fishery Protocol shall include the following information:

| (a) | a harvesting plan which outlines target species, dates and areas. Area and effort restrictions shall be considered to ensure that fisheries occur on a gradual basis in a limited geographical area; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

a harvesting plan which outlines target species, dates and areas. Area and effort restrictions shall be considered to ensure that fisheries occur on a gradual basis in a limited geographical area;

| (b) | a mitigation plan including measures to prevent significant adverse impacts to vulnerable marine ecosystems which may be encountered during the fishery; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

a mitigation plan including measures to prevent significant adverse impacts to vulnerable marine ecosystems which may be encountered during the fishery;

| (c) | a catch monitoring plan which includes recording and reporting of all species caught, 100 % satellite tracking and 100 % observer coverage. The reporting and recording must be sufficiently detailed to conduct an assessment of the activity, if required; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

a catch monitoring plan which includes recording and reporting of all species caught, 100 % satellite tracking and 100 % observer coverage. The reporting and recording must be sufficiently detailed to conduct an assessment of the activity, if required;

| (d) | a data collection plan to facilitate the identification of vulnerable marine ecosystems and species in the area fished. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

a data collection plan to facilitate the identification of vulnerable marine ecosystems and species in the area fished.

4.   Member States shall ensure that the exploratory bottom fishing activities are subject to the assessment procedure set out in Article 12e.

5.   Member States shall submit the Exploratory Fisheries Protocol referred to in paragraph 2 and the assessment referred to in Article 12e(1) to the Commission for onward transmission to the NAFO Secretariat. Member States shall ensure that the exploratory fishing activities are not authorised before this information has been received by the NAFO Secretariat.

Article 12g

Unforeseen encounters with vulnerable marine ecosystems in existing bottom fishing areas

1.   Where, in the course of fishing operations, a vessel conducting fishing activities in existing bottom fishing areas encounters vulnerable marine ecosystem indicators, the master shall quantify the vulnerable marine ecosystem indicator species caught.

2.   If the quantity of vulnerable marine ecosystem indicator species caught in a fishing operation, such as trawl tow or set of a gillnet or longline, is beyond the threshold defined in Article 12d, the provisions set out in paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article shall apply.

3.   The vessel master shall report the incident to the flag Member State, which without delay shall forward the information to the Executive Secretary through the Commission. The Commission shall immediately alert other Member States whose vessels operate in the Area. The relevant Member States shall immediately alert all fishing vessels in the area flying their flag.

4.   The vessel master shall cease fishing and move away at least 2 nautical miles from the endpoint of the tow/set in the direction least likely to result in further encounters. The captain shall use his best judgment based on all available sources of information.

Article 12h

Unforeseen encounters with vulnerable marine ecosystems in new bottom fishing areas

1.   Where, in the course of fishing operations, a vessel conducting fishing activities in new bottom fishing areas encounters vulnerable marine ecosystem indicators, the master shall quantify the vulnerable marine ecosystem indicator species caught. Observers deployed shall identify corals, sponges and other organisms to the lowest possible taxonomical level.

2.   If the quantity of such species caught per gear set, such as trawl tow or set of a gillnet or longline, is beyond the threshold defined in Article 12d, the provisions set out in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of this Article shall apply.

3.   The vessel master shall report the incident to the flag Member State, which without delay shall forward the information to the Executive Secretary through the Commission. The Commission shall immediately alert other Member States whose vessels operate in the Area. The relevant Member States shall immediately alert all fishing vessels in the area flying their flag.

4.   A temporary closure shall apply of a two mile radius around an encounter position reported by a vessel flying the flag of a Contracting Party to NAFO. The reporting position is that provided by the vessel, either the endpoint of the tow/set or another position that the evidence suggests is closest to the exact encounter location. This temporary closure shall apply until such time when the NAFO Secretariat advises that the area can be reopened.

5.   The vessel shall cease fishing and move away at least 2 nautical miles from the endpoint of the tow/set in the direction least likely to result in further encounters. The captain shall use his best judgment based on all available sources of information.’;

| 8. | Article 20 shall be amended as follows:






  (a) | paragraph 1 shall be replaced by the following:

  ‘1.   All processed fish harvested in the NAFO Regulatory Area shall be labelled in such a way that each species and product category as referred to in Article 1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 104/2000 of 17 December 1999 on the common organisations of the market in fishery and aquaculture products (*1), and in case of shrimp the date of capture, is identifiable, using respectively the 3-Alpha code in Annex I to that Regulation, and the product form codes in Annex XIV(b) to this Regulation.


  (*1)  
  OJ L 17, 21.1.2000, p. 22.’;" |
| --- | --- | --- |

8.

Article 20 shall be amended as follows:

(a)

paragraph 1 shall be replaced by the following:

‘1.   All processed fish harvested in the NAFO Regulatory Area shall be labelled in such a way that each species and product category as referred to in Article 1 of Council Regulation (EC) No 104/2000 of 17 December 1999 on the common organisations of the market in fishery and aquaculture products (*1), and in case of shrimp the date of capture, is identifiable, using respectively the 3-Alpha code in Annex I to that Regulation, and the product form codes in Annex XIV(b) to this Regulation.

(*1)  
  OJ L 17, 21.1.2000, p. 22.’;"

*1

| (b) | paragraph 2 shall be replaced by the following:

  ‘2.   All shrimp harvested in Divisions 3L and 3M and all Greenland halibut harvested in Subarea 2 and Divisions 3KLMNO shall be marked as having been caught in these respective zones.’; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

paragraph 2 shall be replaced by the following:

‘2.   All shrimp harvested in Divisions 3L and 3M and all Greenland halibut harvested in Subarea 2 and Divisions 3KLMNO shall be marked as having been caught in these respective zones.’;

| 9. | in Article 47, the following point shall be added:






  ‘(g) | provide to an inspector upon request, coordinates pertaining to the start and end locations of any trial tow conducted in accordance with Article 6(4).’; |
| --- | --- | --- |

9.

in Article 47, the following point shall be added:

‘(g)

provide to an inspector upon request, coordinates pertaining to the start and end locations of any trial tow conducted in accordance with Article 6(4).’;

| 10. | Chapter V shall be replaced by the following:


  ‘CHAPTER V


  PORT STATE CONTROL OF VESSELS FLYING THE FLAG OF ANOTHER CONTRACTING PARTY



  Article 62
  Scope

  1.   This Chapter shall apply to landings or transhipments in ports of Member States, by fishing vessels flying the flag of another Contracting Party to NAFO of fish caught in the NAFO Regulatory Area or fish products originating from such fish that have not been previously landed or offloaded at a port.


  2.   This Chapter shall apply without prejudice to Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93 and (EC) No 1005/2008.



  Article 63
  Designated ports
  Member States shall designate ports to which fishing vessels may be permitted access for the purpose of landing or transhipment. Member States shall notify their designated ports to the Commission, which shall transmit the list of these ports to the NAFO Secretariat. Any subsequent amendments to the list shall be notified to the NAFO Secretariat no less than fifteen days before the amendment comes into effect.


  Article 63a
  Competent authority

  1.   Member States shall designate the competent authority which shall act as the contact point for the purposes of receiving notifications in accordance with Article 63b, receiving confirmation and issuing authorisations in accordance with Article 63c.


  2.   Member States shall advise the Commission about the competent authority name and its contact information. The Commission shall forward the information to the NAFO Secretariat.



  Article 63b
  Prior notice of entry into port

  1.   By way of derogation from Article 28e(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93, the master of the fishing vessel referred to in Article 62(1) of this Regulation or his representative intending to call into a port to land or tranship shall notify the competent authority of the port Member State referred to in Article 63a of this Regulation at least three working days before the estimated time of arrival.


  2.   However, a Member State may make provisions for another prior notification period, taking into account, inter alia, distance between fishing grounds and its port. Member States shall advise the Commission or a body designated by it of that prior notification period. The Commission shall forward the information to the NAFO Secretariat.


  3.   The prior notification shall be accompanied by the following forms with Part A duly completed:






  (a) | form PSC 1, as referred to in Annex XV (A), where the vessel intends to land or tranship its own catch; |
| --- | --- | --- |

10.

Chapter V shall be replaced by the following:

‘CHAPTER V

PORT STATE CONTROL OF VESSELS FLYING THE FLAG OF ANOTHER CONTRACTING PARTY

Article 62

Scope

1.   This Chapter shall apply to landings or transhipments in ports of Member States, by fishing vessels flying the flag of another Contracting Party to NAFO of fish caught in the NAFO Regulatory Area or fish products originating from such fish that have not been previously landed or offloaded at a port.

2.   This Chapter shall apply without prejudice to Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93 and (EC) No 1005/2008.

Article 63

Designated ports

Member States shall designate ports to which fishing vessels may be permitted access for the purpose of landing or transhipment. Member States shall notify their designated ports to the Commission, which shall transmit the list of these ports to the NAFO Secretariat. Any subsequent amendments to the list shall be notified to the NAFO Secretariat no less than fifteen days before the amendment comes into effect.

Article 63a

Competent authority

1.   Member States shall designate the competent authority which shall act as the contact point for the purposes of receiving notifications in accordance with Article 63b, receiving confirmation and issuing authorisations in accordance with Article 63c.

2.   Member States shall advise the Commission about the competent authority name and its contact information. The Commission shall forward the information to the NAFO Secretariat.

Article 63b

Prior notice of entry into port

1.   By way of derogation from Article 28e(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93, the master of the fishing vessel referred to in Article 62(1) of this Regulation or his representative intending to call into a port to land or tranship shall notify the competent authority of the port Member State referred to in Article 63a of this Regulation at least three working days before the estimated time of arrival.

2.   However, a Member State may make provisions for another prior notification period, taking into account, inter alia, distance between fishing grounds and its port. Member States shall advise the Commission or a body designated by it of that prior notification period. The Commission shall forward the information to the NAFO Secretariat.

3.   The prior notification shall be accompanied by the following forms with Part A duly completed:

(a)

form PSC 1, as referred to in Annex XV (A), where the vessel intends to land or tranship its own catch;

| (b) | form PSC 2, as referred to in Annex XV (B), where the vessel intends to land or tranship catch that was received through transhipment. A separate form shall be used for each donor vessel; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

form PSC 2, as referred to in Annex XV (B), where the vessel intends to land or tranship catch that was received through transhipment. A separate form shall be used for each donor vessel;

| (c) | both forms PSC 1 and PSC 2, where the vessel intends to land or tranship both its own catch and catch that was received through transhipment. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

both forms PSC 1 and PSC 2, where the vessel intends to land or tranship both its own catch and catch that was received through transhipment.

4.   Masters or their representative may cancel a prior notification by notifying the competent authorities of the port they intended to use, not later than 24 hours before the notified estimated time of arrival in the port. However, the port Member State may make provisions for another notification period. The notification shall be accompanied by a copy of the original PSC 1 or PSC 2 with the word “cancelled” written across it.

5.   The competent authority of the port Member State shall forward a copy of the prior notification form as referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 without delay to the flag State Contracting Party of the fishing vessel which intends to land/or tranship and, if that vessel has engaged in transhipment operations, to the flag State Contracting Party of donor vessels.

6.   A copy of the form shall also be forwarded to the Commission or a body designated by it, which shall transmit it to the NAFO Secretariat without delay.

Article 63c

Authorisation to land or tranship

1.   Landing or transhipment operations may only commence after authorisation has been given by the competent authority of the port Member State. Such authorisation shall only be given after the returning by the flag State of the copy of form PSC1 and/or form PSC2, transmitted pursuant to Article 63b(5) with part B duly completed, confirming that:

| (a) | the fishing vessel declared to have caught the fish had sufficient quota for the species declared; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the fishing vessel declared to have caught the fish had sufficient quota for the species declared;

| (b) | the declared quantity of fish on board has been duly reported by species and taken into account for the calculation of any catch or effort limitations that may be applicable; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the declared quantity of fish on board has been duly reported by species and taken into account for the calculation of any catch or effort limitations that may be applicable;

| (c) | the fishing vessel declared to have caught the fish had authorization to fish in the areas declared; and |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the fishing vessel declared to have caught the fish had authorization to fish in the areas declared; and

| (d) | the presence of the vessel in the area in which it has declared to have taken its catch has been verified by VMS data. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the presence of the vessel in the area in which it has declared to have taken its catch has been verified by VMS data.

2.   By way of derogation from paragraph 1 the competent authority of the port Member State may authorise all or part of a landing in the absence of the confirmation referred to in paragraph 1. In such cases the fish concerned shall be kept in storage under the control of the competent authority. The fish shall only be released to be sold, taken over or transported once the confirmation referred to in paragraph 1 has been received and checked by the competent authorities. If the confirmation has not been received within 14 days of the landing the competent authority of the port Member State may confiscate and dispose of the fish in accordance with national rules.

3.   The competent authority of the port Member State shall notify without delay to the master its decision on whether or not to authorise the landing or transhipment by returning a copy of form PSC 1 and/or form PSC 2 with Part C duly completed. This copy shall also be transmitted to the Commission or a body designated by it without delay, which shall forward the information to the NAFO Secretariat.

Article 63d

Inspections

1.   Unless otherwise required in a recovery plan, the port Member State shall carry out inspections of at least 15 % of all such landings or transhipments during each reporting year.

2.   Inspections shall be conducted by authorised national inspectors who shall present credentials to the master of the vessel prior to the inspection.

3.   The port Member State may invite inspectors of other Contracting Parties to accompany their own inspectors and observe the inspection of landings or transhipment operations within the meaning of this Chapter.

4.   An inspection shall involve the monitoring of the entire discharge or transhipment in that port and the national inspectors shall as a minimum:

| (a) | cross-check against the quantities of each species landed or transhipped:






  (i) | the quantities by species recorded in the logbook, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

cross-check against the quantities of each species landed or transhipped:

(i)

the quantities by species recorded in the logbook,

| (ii) | the catch and activity reports, and |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the catch and activity reports, and

| (iii) | all information on catches provided in the prior notification (PSC 1 or PSC 2); |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

all information on catches provided in the prior notification (PSC 1 or PSC 2);

| (b) | verify and record the quantities by species of catch remaining on board upon completion of landing or transhipment; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

verify and record the quantities by species of catch remaining on board upon completion of landing or transhipment;

| (c) | verify any information from inspections carried out at sea; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

verify any information from inspections carried out at sea;

| (d) | verify all nets on board and record mesh size measurements; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

verify all nets on board and record mesh size measurements;

| (e) | verify fish size for compliance with minimum size requirements. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

verify fish size for compliance with minimum size requirements.

5.   The national inspectors shall make all possible efforts to avoid unduly delaying the fishing vessel and ensure that the vessel suffers the minimum interference and inconvenience and that unnecessary degradation of the quality of the fish is avoided.

6.   The master of a fishing vessel shall:

| (a) | cooperate with and assist in the inspection of the fishing vessel conducted pursuant to these procedures and shall not obstruct, intimidate or interfere with the port State inspectors in the performance of their duties; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

cooperate with and assist in the inspection of the fishing vessel conducted pursuant to these procedures and shall not obstruct, intimidate or interfere with the port State inspectors in the performance of their duties;

| (b) | provide access to any areas, decks, rooms, catch, nets or other gear or equipment, and provide any relevant information which the port State inspectors request including copies of any relevant documents. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

provide access to any areas, decks, rooms, catch, nets or other gear or equipment, and provide any relevant information which the port State inspectors request including copies of any relevant documents.

Article 63e

Serious infringements

1.   The following infringements shall be considered serious:

| (a) | preventing inspectors from carrying out their duties; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

preventing inspectors from carrying out their duties;

| (b) | landing or transhipping in a port not designated; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

landing or transhipping in a port not designated;

| (c) | failure to comply with the provisions related to the pre-notification of arrival; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

failure to comply with the provisions related to the pre-notification of arrival;

| (d) | landing or transhipping without authorization of the port Member State. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

landing or transhipping without authorization of the port Member State.

2.   Each port Member State shall take enforcement measures with respect to a fishing vessel where it has been established in accordance with its law that the vessel committed a serious infringement referred to in paragraph 1. The measures may include, in particular depending on the gravity of the offence and in accordance with the pertinent provisions of national law:

| (a) | fines; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

fines;

| (b) | seizure of illegal fishing gear and catches; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

seizure of illegal fishing gear and catches;

| (c) | sequestration of the vessel. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

sequestration of the vessel.

Article 63f

Inspection reports

1.   Each inspection shall be documented by completing the port inspection report form as set out in Annex XII.

2.   The inspection report may be commented upon by the master and shall be signed by the inspector and the master at the end of the inspection. A copy of the inspection report shall be given to the master of the fishing vessel.

3.   A copy of each inspection report shall be transmitted without delay to the flag State of the inspected fishing vessel and to the flag State of the donor vessel where the vessel has engaged in transhipment operations. A copy shall also be sent to the Commission or a body designated by it without delay, which shall forward the information to the NAFO Secretariat. The original or a certified copy of each inspection report shall be forwarded on request to the flag State of the inspected vessel.’;

| 11. | Article 68 is replaced by the following:

  ‘Article 68
  Entry into port

  1.   Without prejudice to Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1093/94 and (EC) No 1005/2008, Member States shall ensure that masters of non-Contracting Party vessels may only call into a port designated according to Article 63. The master intending to call into a designated port shall notify the competent authority of the port Member State in accordance with the provisions of Article 63b. The port Member State shall forward without delay this information to the flag State of the vessel and to the Commission or a body designated by it, which shall transmit it without delay to the NAFO Secretariat.


  2.   The provisions of Articles 63b and 63c shall apply mutatis mutandis. The port Member State shall prohibit the entry into its ports of vessels that have not given the required prior notice referred to in paragraph 1 and for which the confirmation by the flag State referred to in Article 63c(1) has not been provided.


  3.   A Member State denying landing or transhipment shall inform the master of the vessel concerned of its decision.’; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Article 68 is replaced by the following:

‘Article 68

Entry into port

1.   Without prejudice to Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1093/94 and (EC) No 1005/2008, Member States shall ensure that masters of non-Contracting Party vessels may only call into a port designated according to Article 63. The master intending to call into a designated port shall notify the competent authority of the port Member State in accordance with the provisions of Article 63b. The port Member State shall forward without delay this information to the flag State of the vessel and to the Commission or a body designated by it, which shall transmit it without delay to the NAFO Secretariat.

2.   The provisions of Articles 63b and 63c shall apply mutatis mutandis. The port Member State shall prohibit the entry into its ports of vessels that have not given the required prior notice referred to in paragraph 1 and for which the confirmation by the flag State referred to in Article 63c(1) has not been provided.

3.   A Member State denying landing or transhipment shall inform the master of the vessel concerned of its decision.’;

| 12. | the following Article shall be inserted:

  ‘Article 68a
  Inspection in port

  1.   Member States shall ensure that each non-Contracting Party vessel which enters one of its ports is inspected by their competent authorities. The vessel shall not be allowed to land or tranship until this inspection has taken place. Such inspections shall include the vessels documents, logbooks, fishing gear, catch on board and any other matter relating to the vessel activity in the NAFO Regulatory Area.


  2.   If, on completion of inspection, the competent authorities find that the non-Contracting Party vessel holds on board any of the stocks or group of stocks regulated by NAFO or referred to in Annex II to this Regulation, the Member State concerned shall prohibit any landing and/or transhipment of catches from that vessel.


  3.   However, no such prohibition shall apply if the master of the inspected vessel or his representative proves to the satisfaction of the competent authorities of the Member State concerned that:






  (a) | the species held on board were caught outside the NAFO Regulatory Area; or |
| --- | --- | --- |

12.

the following Article shall be inserted:

‘Article 68a

Inspection in port

1.   Member States shall ensure that each non-Contracting Party vessel which enters one of its ports is inspected by their competent authorities. The vessel shall not be allowed to land or tranship until this inspection has taken place. Such inspections shall include the vessels documents, logbooks, fishing gear, catch on board and any other matter relating to the vessel activity in the NAFO Regulatory Area.

2.   If, on completion of inspection, the competent authorities find that the non-Contracting Party vessel holds on board any of the stocks or group of stocks regulated by NAFO or referred to in Annex II to this Regulation, the Member State concerned shall prohibit any landing and/or transhipment of catches from that vessel.

3.   However, no such prohibition shall apply if the master of the inspected vessel or his representative proves to the satisfaction of the competent authorities of the Member State concerned that:

(a)

the species held on board were caught outside the NAFO Regulatory Area; or

| (b) | the species held on board and listed in Annex II were caught in accordance with the Conservation and Enforcement Measures of NAFO. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the species held on board and listed in Annex II were caught in accordance with the Conservation and Enforcement Measures of NAFO.

4.   A Member State denying landing or transhipment shall inform the master of the vessel concerned of its decision.

5.   The inspection shall be documented by at least completing the port inspection report form provided in Annex XII.

6.   Information on the results of all inspections of non-Contracting Party vessels conducted in the ports of Member States, and any subsequent action, shall be transmitted without delay to the flag State of the vessel and to the Commission or a body designated by it, which shall transmit it without delay to the NAFO Secretariat.’;

| 13. | in Annex V, point 3 shall be deleted; |
| --- | --- |

13.

in Annex V, point 3 shall be deleted;

| 14. | in Annex XII, point A shall be replaced by the text in Annex I to this Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

14.

in Annex XII, point A shall be replaced by the text in Annex I to this Regulation;

| 15. | the text in Annex II to this Regulation shall be added as Annex XV; |
| --- | --- |

15.

the text in Annex II to this Regulation shall be added as Annex XV;

| 16. | the text in Annex III to this Regulation shall be added as Annex XVI. |
| --- | --- |

16.

the text in Annex III to this Regulation shall be added as Annex XVI.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the seventh day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 7 July 2009.

For the Council

The President

A. BORG

---

(1)  
  OJ L 318, 5.12.2007, p. 1.

1

(2)  Council Regulation (EC) No 538/2008 of 29 May 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 1386/2007 laying down conservation and enforcement measures applicable in the Regulatory Area of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (OJ L 157, 17.6.2008, p. 1).

2

(3)  
  OJ L 286, 29.10.2008, p. 1.

3

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ANNEX I

‘A.   PORT INSPECTION REPORT FORM

Image 1

A. INSPECTION REFERENCE. Please use black ink

Landing

Yes

No

Transhipment

Yes

No

Port State

Port of landing or transhipment

Vessel name

Flag State

IMO Number (1)

Int. Radio call sign

Landing/transhipment started

Date

Time

Landing/transhipment ended

Date

Time

B. INSPECTION DETAILS

Name of donor vessel (2)

IMO Number (1)

Radio call sign

Flag State

B 1. CATCH RECORDED IN THE LOGBOOK

Species (3)

Area of catch

Declared live weight kg

Conversion factor used

B 2. FISH LANDED OR TRANSHIPPED

Species (3)

Product (4)

Area of catch

Product weight landed in kg

Conversion factor

Equivalent live weight kg

Diff (kg) between live weight declared in the logbook and the live weight landed

Diff (%) between live weight declared in the logbook and the live weight landed

Diff (kg) between Product weight landed and PSC 1/2

Diff (%) between Product weight landed and PSC 1/2

Image 2

B 3. INFORMATION ABOUT LANDINGS AUTHORISED WITHOUT CONFIRMATION FROM THE FLAG STATE

Name of storage, name of competent authorities, deadline for receiving confirmation, ref. NEAFC art. 23,2/NAFO art. 45,6

B 4. FISH RETAINED ON BOARD

Species (3)

Product (4)

Area of catch

Product weight in kg

Conversion factor

Live weight kg

Diff. (kg) between product weight on board and PSC 1/2

Diff. (%) between product weight on board and PSC 1/2

1.1.1. C. GEAR INSPECTION IN PORT (NAFO only)

C1. General data

Number of gear inspected

Date gear inspection

Has the vessel been cited?

Yes

No

If yes, complete the full “verification of inspection in port form”.

If no, complete the form with the exception of the NAFO Seal Details

1.1.2. C2. Otter Trawl details

NAFO Seal number

Is seal undamaged?

Yes

No

Gear type

Attachments

Grate Bar Spacing mm.

Mesh type

Average mesh sizes (mm)

Trawl part

Wings

Body

Lenghtening Piece

Codend

D. OBSERVATIONS BY THE MASTER

I, ... the undersigned, Master of the vessel ... hereby confirm that a copy of this report have been delivered to me on this date. My signature does not constitute acceptance of any part of the contents of this report, except my own observations, if any.

Signature: ...

Date: ...

Image 3

E. INFRINGEMENTS AND FOLLOW-UP

E.1 Sea Inspection

Infringements resulting from Inspections inside NAFO R.A.

Inspection Party

Date of insp.

Division

NAFO CEM infringement legal reference

E.2 Port Inspection Infringements results

(a) — Confirmation of Infringements found at sea inspection

NAFO CEM infringement legal reference

National Infringement legal reference

(b) — Infringements found at sea inspection and not possible to be confirmed during the Port Inspection.

Comments:

(c) — Additional infringements found during the Port Inspection

NAFO CEM infringement legal reference

National Infringement legal reference

Observations:

F. DISTRIBUTION

Copy to flag State

Copy to NEAFC Secretary

Copy to NAFO Executive Secretary

(1) Fishing vessels not assigned an IMO number shall provide their external registration number.

(2) In case where a vessel has engaged in transhipment operations, a separate form shall be used for each donor vessel.

(3) FAO Species Codes — NEAFC Annex V — NAFO Annex II.

(4) Product presentations — NEAFC Appendix 1 to Annex IV — NAFO Annex XX (C).’

---

ANNEX II

‘ANNEX XV

PORT STATE CONTROL NOTIFICATION FORMS

Image 4

A — PSC 1

PORT STATE CONTROL FORM — PSC 1

PART A: To be completed by the Master of the Vessel. Please use black ink

Name of Vessel:

IMO Number: (1)

Radio Call Sign:

Flag State:

E-mail Address:

Telephone Number:

Fax Number:

Inmarsat Number:

Port of Landing or Transhipment:

Estimated Time of Arrival:

Date:

Time UTC:

Total catch on board — all areas

Catch to be landed (2)

Species (3)

Product (4)

Area of catch

Conversion factor

Product weight (kg)

Product weight (kg)

NEAFC CA

(ICES subareas and divisions)

NAFO RA

(Sub Division)

Other areas

PART B: For official use only — to be completed by the Flag State

The Flag State of the vessel must respond to the following questions by marking in the box “Yes” or “No”

NEAFC CA

NAFO RA

Yes

No

Yes

No

(a) The fishing vessel declared to have caught the fish had sufficient quota for the species declared

(b) The quantities on board have been duly reported and taken into account for the calculation of any catch or effort limitations that may be applicable

(c) The fishing vessel declared to have caught the fish had authorisation to fish in the area declared

d) The presence of the fishing vessel in the area of catch declared has been verified according to VMS data

Flag State confirmation: I confirm that the above information is complete, true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name and Title:

Date:

Signature:

Official Stamp:

PART C: For official use only — to be completed by the Port State

Name of Port State:

Authorisation:

Yes:

No:

Date:

Signature:

Official Stamp:

(1) Fishing vessels not assigned an IMO number shall provide their external registration number.

(2) If necessary an additional form or forms shall be used.

(3) FAO Species Codes — NEAFC Annex V — NAFO Annex II.

(4) Product presentations — NEAFC Appendix 1 to Annex IV — NAFO Annex XX (C).

Image 5

B — PSC 2

PORT STATE CONTROL FORM — PSC 2

PART A: To be completed by the Master of the Vessel. A separate form shall be completed for each donor vessel. Please use black ink

Name of Vessel:

IMO Number: (1)

Radio Call Sign:

Flag State:

E-mail Address:

Telephone Number:

Fax Number:

Inmarsat Number:

Port of Landing or Transhipment:

Estimated Time of Arrival:

Date:

Time UTC:

Catch Information for Donor Vessels * A separate form shall be completed for each Donor Vessel *

Name of Vessel

IMO Number (1)

Radio Call Sign

Flag State

Total catch on board — all areas

Catch to be landed (2)

Species (3)

Product (4)

Area of catch

Conversion factor

Product weight (kg)

Product weight (kg)

NEAFC CA

(ICES subareas and divisions)

NAFO RA

(Sub Division)

Other areas

PART B: For official use only — to be completed by the Flag State

The Flag State of the vessel must respond to the following questions by marking in the “Yes” or “No”

NEAFC CA

NAFO RA

Yes

No

Yes

No

(a) The fishing vessel declared to have caught the fish had sufficient quota for the species declared

(b) The quantities on board have been duly reported and taken into account for the calculation of any catch or effort limitations that may be applicable

(c) The fishing vessel declared to have caught the fish had authorisation to fish in the area declared

(d) The presence of the fishing vessel in the area of catch declared has been verified according to VMS data

Flag State confirmation: I confirm that the above information is complete, true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Name and Title:

Date:

Signature:

Official Stamp:

PART C: For official use only — to be completed by the Port State

Name of Port State:

Authorisation:

Yes:

No:

Date:

Signature:

Official Stamp:

(1) Fishing vessels not assigned an IMO number shall provide their external registration number.

(2) If necessary an additional form or forms shall be used.

(3) FAO Species Codes – NEAFC Annex V – NAFO Annex II.

(4) Product presentations – NEAFC Appendix 1 to Annex IV – NAFO Annex XX (C)’.

---

ANNEX III

‘ANNEX XVI

TEMPLATES FOR THE EXPLORATORY PROTOCOL FOR NEW FISHING AREAS WHERE FISHING GEAR IS LIKELY TO CONTACT THE SEAFLOOR

I.   Member State submits notice of intent to undertake exploratory fishing to the NAFO secretariat via the Commission

| Harvesting plan | Mitigation plan | Catch monitoring | Data collection |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Target species | Measures to prevent significant adverse impacts to VMEs | Identify and record all species brought onboard to the lowest possible taxonomic level | Data will be collected and reported in a standardised format |
| Fishing dates | | 100 % satellite coverage | |
| Description of area to be fished | | 100 % observer coverage | |
| Anticipated effort | | | |
| Bottom fishing gear-type(s) used | | | |

Harvesting plan

Mitigation plan

Catch monitoring

Data collection

Target species

Measures to prevent significant adverse impacts to VMEs

Identify and record all species brought onboard to the lowest possible taxonomic level

Data will be collected and reported in a standardised format

Fishing dates

100 % satellite coverage

Description of area to be fished

100 % observer coverage

Anticipated effort

Bottom fishing gear-type(s) used

II.   Member State submits trip report to the NAFO secretariat via the Commission

ADVANCED NOTICE OF INTENT TO UNDERTAKE EXPLORATORY FISHING (1)

NAME OF VESSEL:

FLAG STATE OF VESSEL:

ANTICIPATED LOCATION(S) OF EXPLORATORY FISHING ACTIVITIES (INCLUDE LAT/LONG):

ANTICIPATED DATES OF EXPLORATORY FISHING ACTIVITIES:

HAS ANY PREVIOUS FISHING BEEN UNDERTAKEN IN ADJACENT AREAS (IF SO, IDENTIFY INFORMATION SOURCE):

DEPTHS EXPECTED TO BE ENCOUNTERED DURING EXPLORATORY FISHING ACTIVITIES:

DO HABITAT MAPS OF THE AREA EXIST (IF SO, PLEASE IDENTIFY SOURCE(S)):

ARE TAXONOMIC KEYS IDENTIFYING POTENTIALLY VULNERABLE SPECIES AVAILABLE (IF SO, IDENTIFY SOURCES(S)):

KNOWN VULNERABLE MARINE ECOSYSTEMS (VMEs) (2) IN THE LOCATION(S) TO BE FISHED:

MITIGATION MEASURES TO PREVENT SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACT TO VMEs, IF ENCOUNTERED:

DO BATHYMETRIC MAPS OF THE EXPLORATORY AREA EXIST (IF SO, PLEASE IDENTIFY SOURCE(S)):

DOES ANY FISHERIES SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION IN THE EXPLORATORY AREA EXIST (IF SO, IDENTIFY SOURCE(S)):

TARGET SPECIES BEING SOUGHT:

WHAT GEAR TYPE(S) ARE BEING PROPOSED TO BE USED (PLEASE IDENTIFY) IN WHAT AREAS (INCLUDE LAT/LONG):

III.   Member State exploratory fishing (3)
  trip report submitted to the NAFO scientific Council

NAME OF VESSEL:

FLAG STATE OF VESSEL:

LOCATION(S) OF AREAS FISHED (INCLUDE LAT/LONG):

DATES OF FISHING ACTIVITIES:

DEPTHS ENCOUNTERED DURING FISHING (LIST FOR EACH HAUL INCLUDING LAT/LONG):

TOTAL HOURS/AREA FISHED (LIST FOR EACH HAUL INCLUDING LAT/LONG):

GEAR TYPE(S) USED (PLEASE IDENTIFY) IN WHAT AREAS (INCLUDE LAT/LONG):

VULNERABLE MARINE ECOSYSTEMS (VMEs) (4) ENCOUNTERED (LIST FOR EACH HAUL INCLUDE LAT/LONG):

MITIGATION MEASURES TAKEN TO PREVENT SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACT TO VMEs IF ENCOUNTERED:

LIST OF ALL ORGANISMS (RETAINED, BYCATCH) BROUGHT ONBOARD (IDENTIFIED TO THE LOWEST TAXONOMIC UNIT):

LIST OF POTENTIAL VULNERABLE INDICATOR SPECIES (5) BROUGHT ONBOARD BY LOCATION (INCLUDE LAT/LONG):

LIST OF ORGANISMS RETAINED FOR BIOLOGICAL SAMPLING (E.G., LENGTH-WEIGHT, SEX, AGE), IF ANY:

Note: Data reporting should follow a standardised specification, for example, as adopted by Scientific Observer programs.

---

(1)  Exploratory fishing is defined as all bottom fishing activities in new areas or with bottom gear not previously used in the area concerned.

1

(2)  Refer to FAO International Guideline for the Management of Deep-Sea Fisheries in the High Seas.

2

(3)  Exploratory fishing is defined as all bottom fishing activities in new areas or with bottom gear not previously used in the area concerned.

3

(4)  Refer to FAO International Guideline for the Management of Deep-Sea Fisheries in the High Seas.

4

(5)  Refer to Annex 1 FAO International Guideline for the Management of Deep-Sea Fisheries in the High Seas.’

5

---