CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGHLY MIGRATORY FISH STOCKS IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL PAClFIC OCEAN
Date: 2000-09-05
Institutions: European Community, United Nations Organisation
Subjects: Pacific Ocean, UN convention, accession to an agreement, conservation of resources, fishery management, fishery resources, fishing agreement, fishing area, fishing rights, sea fishing

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(Acts whose publication is not obligatory)

COUNCIL

COUNCIL DECISION

of 26 April 2004

on the accession of the Community to the Convention on the Conservation and Management of
Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean

(2005/75/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

seventh session of the Multilateral High Level Conference
held in Honolulu, on 5 September 2000.

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Com-
munity, and in particular Article 37 in conjunction with the
first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2) and
the second subparagraph of Article 300(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the assent of the European Parliament (1),

Whereas:

The Community is competent to adopt measures for the
conservation and management of fishery resources and
to enter into agreements with other countries and inter-
national organisations.

The Community is a Contracting Party to the United
Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea, which
requires all members of the international community to
cooperate in conserving and managing the sea's biolo-
gical resources.

the provisions of

The Community has signed the Agreement on the imple-
the United Nations
mentation of
Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December
1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of
Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish
Stocks (2) (The 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement).

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

This Convention is open to accession to the Community
in accordance with the provisions of Article 35 thereof.

to ensure,

This Convention seeks
through effective
management, the long-term conservation and sustainable
use of highly migratory fish stocks in the western and
central Pacific Ocean in accordance with the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1995
UN Fish Stocks Agreement.

Community fishermen operate in the Convention Area.
It is thus in the Community's interest to become a full
member of the regional fisheries organisation to be set
up under this Convention in compliance with its obliga-
tions under the international Law of the Sea. The Com-
munity should therefore accede to this Convention,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The Convention on the Conservation and Management
of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and
Central Pacific Ocean was open for signature at the

The accession of the European Community to the Convention
on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish
Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean is hereby
approved.

(1) Assent delivered on 1 April 2004 (not yet published in the Official

Journal).

(2) OJ L 189, 3.7.1998, p. 16.

The text of the Convention is attached to this Decision.

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The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to deposit the
instrument of accession with the Government of New Zealand in accordance with Article 35 of this
Convention.

Article 2

Done at Luxembourg, 26 April 2004.

For the Council

The President

J. WALSH

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ANNEX (*)

TEXT OF THE CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGHLY MIGRATORY
FISH STOCKS IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC OCEAN

(*) English is the sole authentic text.

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1.

CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGHLY MIGRATORY FISH
STOCKS IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC OCEAN

THE CONTRACTING PARTIES TO THIS CONVENTION,

DETERMINED to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use,
in particular for human food
consumption, of highly migratory fish stocks in the western and central Pacific Ocean for present and future
generations,

RECALLING the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December
1982 and the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks
and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks,

RECOGNISING that, under the 1982 Convention and the Agreement, coastal States and States fishing in the
region shall cooperate with a view to ensuring conservation and promoting the objective of optimum utilisa-
tion of highly migratory fish stocks throughout their range,

MINDFUL that effective conservation and management measures require the application of the precautionary
approach and the best scientific information available,

CONSCIOUS of the need to avoid adverse impacts on the marine environment, preserve biodiversity, maintain
the integrity of marine ecosystems and minimise the risk of long-term or irreversible effects of fishing opera-
tions,

RECOGNISING the ecological and geographical vulnerability of the small island developing States, territories
and possessions in the region, their economic and social dependence on highly migratory fish stocks, and their
need for specific assistance, including financial, scientific and technological assistance, to allow them to partici-
pate effectively in the conservation, management and sustainable use of the highly migratory fish stocks,

FURTHER RECOGNISING that smaller island developing States have unique needs which require special atten-
tion and consideration in the provision of financial, scientific and technological assistance,

ACKNOWLEDGING that compatible, effective and binding conservation and management measures can be
achieved only through cooperation between coastal States and States fishing in the region,

CONVINCED that effective conservation and management of the highly migratory fish stocks of the western
and central Pacific Ocean in their entirety may best be achieved through the establishment of a regional
Commission,

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

1.1.

PART I

1.1.1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.2.

Article 1

1.2.1. Use of terms

For the purposes of this Convention:

(a) ‘1982 Convention’ means the United Nations Convention on the Law of

the Sea of

10 December 1982;

(b) ‘Agreement’ means the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation
and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks;

(c) ‘Commission’ means the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migra-
tory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean established in accordance with this
Convention;

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(d) ‘fishing’ means:

(i) searching for, catching, taking or harvesting fish;

(ii) attempting to search for, catch, take or harvest fish;

(iii) engaging in any other activity which can reasonably be expected to result in the locating,

catching, taking or harvesting of fish for any purpose;

(iv) placing, searching for or recovering fish aggregating devices or associated electronic equip-

ment such as radio beacons;

(v) any operations at sea directly in support of, or in preparation for, any activity described in

subparagraphs (i) to (iv), including transhipment;

(vi) use of any other vessel, vehicle, aircraft or hovercraft, for any activity described in sub-
paragraphs (i) to (v) except for emergencies involving the health and safety of the crew or
the safety of a vessel;

(e) ‘fishing vessel’ means any vessel used or intended for use for the purpose of fishing, including
support ships, carrier vessels and any other vessel directly involved in such fishing operations;

(f) ‘highly migratory fish stocks’ means all fish stocks of the species listed in Annex 1 of the 1982
Convention occurring in the Convention Area, and such other species of fish as the Commis-
sion may determine;

(g) ‘regional economic integration organisation’ means a regional economic integration organisa-
tion to which its member States have transferred competence over matters covered by this
Convention, including the authority to make decisions binding on its member States in respect
of those matters;

(h) ‘transhipment’ means the unloading of all or any of the fish on board a fishing vessel to

another fishing vessel either at sea or in port.

1.3.

Article 2

1.3.1. Objective

The objective of this Convention is to ensure, through effective management, the long-term
conservation and sustainable use of highly migratory fish stocks in the western and central Pacific
Ocean in accordance with the 1982 Convention and the Agreement.

1.4.

Article 3

1.4.1. Area of application

1.
Subject to Article 4, the area of competence of the Commission (hereinafter referred to as ‘the
Convention Area’) comprises all waters of the Pacific Ocean bounded to the south and to the east
by the following line:

From the south coast of Australia due south along the 141o meridian of east longitude to its inter-
section with the 55o parallel of south latitude; thence due east along the 55o parallel of south lati-
tude to its intersection with the 150o meridian of east longitude; thence due south along the 150o
meridian of east longitude to its intersection with the 60o parallel of south latitude; thence due east
along the 60o parallel of south latitude to its intersection with the 130o meridian of west longitude;
thence due north along the 130o meridian of west longitude to its intersection with the 4o parallel
of south latitude; thence due west along the 4o parallel of south latitude to its intersection with the
150o meridian of west longitude; thence due north along the 150o meridian of west longitude.

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2. Nothing in this Convention shall constitute recognition of the claims or positions of any of
the members of the Commission concerning the legal status and extent of waters and zones
claimed by any such members.

3.
This Convention applies to all stocks of highly migratory fish within the Convention Area
except sauries. Conservation and management measures under this Convention shall be applied
throughout the range of the stocks, or to specific areas within the Convention Area, as determined
by the Commission.

1.5.

Article 4

1.5.1. Relationship between this Convention and the 1982 Convention

Nothing in this Convention shall prejudice the rights, jurisdiction and duties of States under the
1982 Convention and the Agreement. This Convention shall be interpreted and applied in the
context of and in a manner consistent with the 1982 Convention and the Agreement.

1.6.

PART II

1.6.1. CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGHLY MIGRATORY FISH STOCKS

1.7.

Article 5

1.7.1. Principles and measures for conservation and management

In order to conserve and manage highly migratory fish stocks in the Convention Area in their
entirety, the members of the Commission shall, in giving effect to their duty to cooperate in
accordance with the 1982 Convention, the Agreement and this Convention:

(a) adopt measures to ensure long-term sustainability of highly migratory fish stocks in the

Convention Area and promote the objective of their optimum utilisation;

(b) ensure that such measures are based on the best scientific evidence available and are designed
to maintain or restore stocks at levels capable of producing maximum sustainable yield, as
qualified by relevant environmental and economic factors, including the special requirements
of developing States in the Convention Area, particularly small island developing States, and
taking into account fishing patterns, the interdependence of stocks and any generally recom-
mended international minimum standards, whether subregional, regional or global;

(c) apply the precautionary approach in accordance with this Convention and all relevant interna-

tionally agreed standards and recommended practices and procedures;

(d) assess the impacts of fishing, other human activities and environmental factors on target
stocks, non-target species, and species belonging to the same ecosystem or dependent upon or
associated with the target stocks;

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(e) adopt measures to minimise waste, discards, catch by lost or abandoned gear, pollution origin-
ating from fishing vessels, catch of non-target species, both fish and non-fish species, (herein-
after referred to as non-target species) and impacts on associated or dependent species, in par-
ticular endangered species and promote the development and use of selective, environmentally
safe and cost-effective fishing gear and techniques;

(f) protect biodiversity in the marine environment;

(g) take measures to prevent or eliminate over-fishing and excess fishing capacity and to ensure
that levels of fishing effort do not exceed those commensurate with the sustainable use of
fishery resources;

(h) take into account the interests of artisanal and subsistence fishers;

(i) collect and share, in a timely manner, complete and accurate data concerning fishing activities
on, inter alia, vessel position, catch of target and non-target species and fishing effort, as well
as information from national and international research programmes; and

(j) implement and enforce conservation and management measures through effective monitoring,

control and surveillance.

1.8.

Article 6

1.8.1. Application of the precautionary approach

1.

In applying the precautionary approach, the members of the Commission shall:

(a) apply the guidelines set out in Annex II of the Agreement, which shall form an integral part of
this Convention, and determine, on the basis of the best scientific information available, stock-
specific reference points and the action to be taken if they are exceeded;

(b) take into account, inter alia, uncertainties relating to the size and productivity of the stocks,
reference points, stock condition in relation to such reference points, levels and distributions
of fishing mortality and the impact of fishing activities on non-target and associated or depen-
dent species, as well as existing and predicted oceanic, environmental and socio-economic
conditions; and

(c) develop data collection and research programmes to assess the impact of fishing on non-target
and associated or dependent species and their environment, and adopt plans where necessary
to ensure the conservation of such species and to protect habitats of special concern.

2. Members of the Commission shall be more cautious when information is uncertain, unreliable
or inadequate. The absence of adequate scientific information shall not be used as a reason for
postponing or failing to take conservation and management measures.

3. Members of the Commission shall take measures to ensure that, when reference points are
approached, they will not be exceeded. In the event they are exceeded, members of the Commis-
sion shall, without delay, take the action determined under paragraph 1(a) to restore the stocks.

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4. Where the status of target stocks or non-target or associated or dependent species is of
concern, members of the Commission shall subject such stocks and species to enhanced moni-
toring in order to review their status and the efficacy of conservation and management measures.
They shall revise those measures regularly in the light of new information.

For new or exploratory fisheries, members of the Commission shall adopt as soon as possible
5.
cautious conservation and management measures,
inter alia, catch limits and effort
limits. Such measures shall remain in force until there are sufficient data to allow assessment of
the impact of the fisheries on the long-term sustainability of the stocks, whereupon conservation
and management measures based on that assessment shall be implemented. The latter measures
shall, if appropriate, allow for the gradual development of the fisheries.

including,

6.
If a natural phenomenon has a significant adverse impact on the status of highly migratory
fish stocks, members of the Commission shall adopt conservation and management measures on
an emergency basis to ensure that fishing activity does not exacerbate such adverse impacts.
Members of the Commission shall also adopt such measures on an emergency basis where fishing
activity presents a serious threat to the sustainability of such stocks. Measures taken on an emer-
gency basis shall be temporary and shall be based on the best scientific information available.

1.9.

Article 7

1.9.1.

Implementation of principles in areas under national jurisdiction

The principles and measures for conservation and management enumerated in Article 5 shall
1.
be applied by coastal States within areas under national jurisdiction in the Convention Area in the
exercise of their sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and
managing highly migratory fish stocks.

2.
The members of the Commission shall give due consideration to the respective capacities of
developing coastal States, in particular small island developing States, in the Convention Area to
apply the provisions of Articles 5 and 6 within areas under national jurisdiction and their need for
assistance as provided for in this Convention.

1.10. Article 8

1.10.1. Compatibility of conservation and management measures

1. Conservation and management measures established for the high seas and those adopted for
areas under national jurisdiction shall be compatible in order to ensure conservation and manage-
ment of highly migratory fish stocks in their entirety. To this end, the members of the Commission
have a duty to cooperate for the purpose of achieving compatible measures in respect of such
stocks.

In establishing compatible conservation and management measures for highly migratory fish

2.
stocks in the Convention Area, the Commission shall:

(a) take into account the biological unity and other biological characteristics of the stocks and the
relationships between the distribution of the stocks, the fisheries and the geographical particu-
larities of the region concerned, including the extent to which the stocks occur and are fished
in areas under national jurisdiction;

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(b) take into account:

(i) the conservation and management measures adopted and applied in accordance with
Article 61 of the 1982 Convention in respect of the same stocks by coastal States within
areas under national jurisdiction and ensure that measures established in respect of such
stocks for the Convention Area as a whole do not undermine the effectiveness of such
measures;

(ii) previously agreed measures established and applied in respect of the same stocks for the
high seas which form part of the Convention Area by relevant coastal States and States
fishing on the high seas in accordance with the 1982 Convention and the Agreement;

(c) take into account previously agreed measures established and applied in accordance with the
1982 Convention and the Agreement in respect of the same stocks by a subregional or
regional fisheries management organisation or arrangement;

(d) take into account the respective dependence of the coastal States and the States fishing on the

high seas on the stocks concerned; and

(e) ensure that such measures do not result in harmful impact on the living marine resources as a

whole.

The coastal State shall ensure that the measures adopted and applied by it to highly migratory
jurisdiction do not undermine the effectiveness of

3.
fish stocks within areas under its national
measures adopted by the Commission under this Convention in respect of the same stocks.

4. Where there are areas of high seas in the Convention Area entirely surrounded by the exclu-
sive economic zones of members of the Commission, the Commission shall, in giving effect to this
article, pay special attention to ensuring compatibility between conservation and management
measures established for such high seas areas and those established in respect of the same stocks
in accordance with Article 61 of the 1982 Convention by the surrounding coastal States in areas
under national jurisdiction.

1.11.

PART III

1.11.1. COMMISSION FOR THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGHLY MIGRATORY FISH

STOCKS IN THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC OCEAN

1.12.

SECTION 1

General provisions

1.13. Article 9

1.13.1. Establishment of the Commission

1.
There is hereby established the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly
Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, which shall function in accord-
ance with the provisions of this Convention.

2. A fishing entity referred to in the Agreement, which has agreed to be bound by the regime
established by this Convention in accordance with the provisions of Annex I, may participate in
the work, including decision-making, of the Commission in accordance with the provisions of this
Article and Annex I.

The Commission shall hold an annual meeting. The Commission shall hold such other meet-

3.
ings as may be necessary to carry out its functions under this Convention.

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4.
The Commission shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman from among the Contracting
Parties, who shall be of different nationalities. They shall be elected for a period of two years and
shall be eligible for re-election. The chairman and vice-chairman shall remain in office until the
election of their successors.

5.
The principle of cost-effectiveness shall apply to the frequency, duration and scheduling of
meetings of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies. The Commission may, where appropriate,
enter into contractual arrangements with relevant institutions to provide expert services necessary
for the efficient functioning of the Commission and to enable it to carry out effectively its respon-
sibilities under this Convention.

The Commission shall have international legal personality and such legal capacity as may be
6.
necessary to perform its functions and achieve its objectives. The privileges and immunities which
the Commission and its officers shall enjoy in the territory of a Contracting Party shall be deter-
mined by agreement between the Commission and the member concerned.

The Contracting Parties shall determine the location of the headquarters of the Commission

7.
and shall appoint its Executive Director.

8.
The Commission shall adopt, and amend as required, by consensus, rules of procedure for the
conduct of its meetings, including meetings of its subsidiary bodies, and for the efficient exercise
of its functions.

1.14. Article 10

1.14.1. Functions of the Commission

1. Without prejudice to the sovereign rights of coastal States for the purpose of exploring and
exploiting, conserving and managing highly migratory fish stocks within areas under national juris-
diction, the functions of the Commission shall be to:

(a) determine the total allowable catch or total level of fishing effort within the Convention Area
for such highly migratory fish stocks as the Commission may decide and adopt such other
conservation and management measures and recommendations as may be necessary to ensure
the long-term sustainability of such stocks;

(b) promote cooperation and coordination between members of the Commission to ensure that
conservation and management measures for highly migratory fish stocks in areas under
national jurisdiction and measures for the same stocks on the high seas are compatible;

(c) adopt, where necessary, conservation and management measures and recommendations for
non-target species and species dependent on or associated with the target stocks, with a view
to maintaining or restoring populations of such species above levels at which their reproduc-
tion may become seriously threatened;

(d) adopt standards for collection, verification and for the timely exchange and reporting of data
on fisheries for highly migratory fish stocks in the Convention Area in accordance with
Annex I of the Agreement, which shall form an integral part of this Convention;

(e) compile and disseminate accurate and complete statistical data to ensure that the best scien-

tific information is available, while maintaining confidentiality, where appropriate;

(f) obtain and evaluate scientific advice, review the status of stocks, promote the conduct of rele-

vant scientific research and disseminate the results thereof;

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(g) develop, where necessary, criteria for the allocation of the total allowable catch or the total

level of fishing effort for highly migratory fish stocks in the Convention Area;

(h) adopt generally recommended international minimum standards for the responsible conduct

of fishing operations;

(i) establish appropriate cooperative mechanisms for effective monitoring, control, surveillance

and enforcement, including a vessel monitoring system;

(j) obtain and evaluate economic and other fisheries-related data and information relevant to the

work of the Commission;

(k) agree on means by which the fishing interests of any new member of the Commission may be

accommodated;

(l) adopt its rules of procedure and financial regulations and such other internal administrative

regulations as may be necessary to carry out its functions;

(m) consider and approve the proposed budget of the Commission;

(n) promote the peaceful settlement of disputes; and

(o) discuss any question or matter within the competence of the Commission and adopt any

measures or recommendations necessary for achieving the objective of this Convention.

2.

In giving effect to paragraph 1, the Commission may adopt measures relating to, inter alia:

(a) the quantity of any species or stocks which may be caught;

(b) the level of fishing effort;

(c) limitations of fishing capacity, including measures relating to fishing vessel numbers, types and

sizes;

(d) the areas and periods in which fishing may occur;

(e) the size of fish of any species which may be taken;

(f) the fishing gear and technology which may be used; and

(g) particular subregions or regions.

In developing criteria for allocation of the total allowable catch or the total level of fishing

3.
effort the Commission shall take into account, inter alia:

(a) the status of the stocks and the existing level of fishing effort in the fishery;

(b) the respective interests, past and present fishing patterns and fishing practices of participants

in the fishery and the extent of the catch being utilised for domestic consumption;

(c) the historic catch in an area;

(d) the needs of small island developing States, and territories and possessions, in the Convention
Area whose economies, food supplies and livelihoods are overwhelmingly dependent on the
exploitation of marine living resources;

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(e) the respective contributions of participants to conservation and management of the stocks,
including the provision by them of accurate data and their contribution to the conduct of
scientific research in the Convention Area;

(f) the record of compliance by the participants with conservation and management measures;

(g) the needs of coastal communities which are dependent mainly on fishing for the stocks;

(h) the special circumstances of a State which is surrounded by the exclusive economic zones of

other States and has a limited exclusive economic zone of its own;

(i) the geographical situation of a small island developing State which is made up of non-contig-
uous groups of islands having a distinct economic and cultural identity of their own but which
are separated by areas of high seas;

(j) the fishing interests and aspirations of coastal States, particularly small

island developing
States, and territories and possessions, in whose areas of national jurisdiction the stocks also
occur.

4.
The Commission may adopt decisions relating to the allocation of the total allowable catch or
the total level of fishing effort. Such decisions, including decisions relating to the exclusion of
vessel types, shall be taken by consensus.

5.
The Commission shall take into account the reports and any recommendations of the Scien-
tific Committee and the Technical and Compliance Committee on matters within their respective
areas of competence.

6.
The Commission shall promptly notify all members of the measures and recommendations
decided upon by the Commission and shall give due publicity to the conservation and manage-
ment measures adopted by it.

1.15. Article 11

1.15.1. Subsidiary bodies of the Commission

There are hereby established as subsidiary bodies to the Commission a Scientific Committee
1.
and a Technical and Compliance Committee to provide advice and recommendations to the
Commission on matters within their respective areas of competence.

Each member of the Commission shall be entitled to appoint one representative to each
2.
Committee who may be accompanied by other experts and advisers. Such representatives shall
have appropriate qualifications or
the
Committee.

relevant experience in the area of competence of

Each Committee shall meet as often as is required for the efficient exercise of its functions,
in any event, meet prior to the annual meeting of the

3.
provided that each Committee shall,
Commission and shall report to the annual meeting the results of its deliberations.

4.
Each Committee shall make every effort to adopt its reports by consensus. If every effort to
achieve consensus has failed, the report shall indicate the majority and minority views and may
include the differing views of the representatives of the members on all or any part of the report.

5.
In the exercise of their functions, each Committee may, where appropriate, consult any other
fisheries management, technical or scientific organisation with competence in the subject matter of
such consultation and may seek expert advice as required on an ad hoc basis.

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6.
The Commission may establish such other subsidiary bodies as it deems necessary for the
exercise of its functions, including working groups for the purpose of examining technical issues
relating to particular species or stocks and reporting thereon to the Commission.

7.
The Commission shall establish a committee to make recommendations on the implementa-
tion of such conservation and management measures as may be adopted by the Commission for
the area north of the 20o parallel of north latitude and on the formulation of such measures in
respect of stocks which occur mostly in this area. The committee shall include the members situ-
ated in such area and those fishing in the area. Any member of the Commission not represented
on the committee may send a representative to participate in the deliberations of the committee as
an observer. Any extraordinary cost incurred for the work of the committee shall be borne by the
members of the committee. The committee shall adopt recommendations to the Commission by
consensus. In adopting measures in relation to particular stocks and species in such area, the deci-
sion of the Commission shall be based on any recommendations of the committee. Such recom-
mendations shall be consistent with the general policies and measures adopted by the Commission
in respect of the stocks or species in question and with the principles and measures for conserva-
tion and management set out in this Convention. If the Commission, in accordance with the rules
of procedure for decision-making on matters of substance, does not accept the recommendation of
the committee on any matter, it shall return the matter to the committee for further consideration.
The committee shall reconsider the matter in the light of the views expressed by the Commission.

1.16.

SECTION 2

Scientific information and advice

1.17. Article 12

1.17.1. Functions of the Scientific Committee

The Scientific Committee is established to ensure that the Commission obtains for its consid-

1.
eration the best scientific information available.

2.

The functions of the Committee shall be to:

(a) recommend to the Commission a research plan,

including specific issues and items to be
addressed by the scientific experts or by other organisations or individuals, as appropriate, and
identify data needs and coordinate activities that meet those needs;

(b) review the assessments, analyses, other work and recommendations prepared for the Commis-
sion by the scientific experts prior to consideration of such recommendations by the Commis-
sion and provide information, advice and comments thereon, as necessary;

(c) encourage and promote cooperation in scientific research, taking into account the provisions
of Article 246 of the 1982 Convention, in order to improve information on highly migratory
fish stocks, non-target species, and species belonging to the same ecosystem or associated with
or dependent upon such stocks in the Convention Area;

(d) review the results of research and analyses of target stocks or non-target or associated or

dependent species in the Convention Area;

(e) report to the Commission its findings or conclusions on the status of target stocks or non-

target or associated or dependent species in the Convention Area;

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(f) in consultation with the Technical and Compliance Committee, recommend to the Commis-
sion the priorities and objectives of the regional observer programme and assess the results of
that programme;

(g) make reports and recommendations to the Commission as directed, or on its own initiative,
on matters concerning the conservation and management of and research on target stocks or
non-target or associated or dependent species in the Convention Area; and

(h) perform such other functions and tasks as may be requested by or assigned to it by the

Commission.

The Committee shall exercise its functions in accordance with such guidelines and directives

3.
as the Commission may adopt.

4.
The representatives of the Oceanic Fisheries Programme of the Pacific Community and the
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, or their successor organisations, shall be invited to
participate in the work of the Committee. The Committee may also invite other organisations or
individuals with scientific expertise in matters related to the work of the Commission to participate
in its meetings.

1.18. Article 13

1.18.1. Scientific services

1.
The Commission, taking into account any recommendation of the Scientific Committee, may
engage the services of scientific experts to provide information and advice on the fishery resources
covered by this Convention and related matters that may be relevant to the conservation and
management of those resources. The Commission may enter into administrative and financial
arrangements to utilise scientific services for this purpose. In this regard, and in order to carry out
its functions in a cost-effective manner, the Commission shall, to the greatest extent possible,
utilise the services of existing regional organisations and shall consult, as appropriate, with any
other fisheries management, technical or scientific organisation with expertise in matters related to
the work of the Commission.

2.

The scientific experts may, as directed by the Commission:

(a) conduct scientific research and analyses in support of the work of the Commission;

(b) develop and recommend to the Commission and the Scientific Committee stock-specific refer-

ence points for the species of principal interest to the Commission;

(c) assess the status of stocks against the reference points established by the Commission;

(d) provide the Commission and the Scientific Committee with reports on the results of their
scientific work, advice and recommendations in support of the formulation of conservation
and management measures and other relevant matters; and

(e) perform such other functions and tasks as may be required.

3.

In carrying out their work, the scientific experts may:

(a) undertake the collection, compilation and dissemination of fisheries data according to agreed
principles and procedures established by the Commission, including procedures and policies
relating to the confidentiality, disclosure and publication of data;

(b) conduct assessments of highly migratory fish stocks, non-target species, and species belonging
to the same ecosystem or associated with or dependent upon such stocks, within the Conven-
tion Area;

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(c) assess the impacts of fishing, other human activities and environmental factors on target stocks
and species belonging to the same ecosystem or dependent upon or associated with the target
stocks;

(d) assess the potential effects of proposed changes in the methods or levels of fishing and of

proposed conservation and management measures; and

(e) investigate such other scientific matters as may be referred to them by the Commission.

The Commission may make appropriate arrangements for periodic peer review of scientific

4.
information and advice provided to the Commission by the scientific experts.

The reports and recommendations of the scientific experts shall be provided to the Scientific

5.
Committee and to the Commission.

1.19.

SECTION 3

The technical and compliance committee

1.20. Article 14

1.20.1. Functions of the Technical and Compliance Committee

1.

The functions of the Technical and Compliance Committee shall be to:

(a) provide the Commission with information, technical advice and recommendations relating to

the implementation of, and compliance with, conservation and management measures;

(b) monitor and review compliance with conservation and management measures adopted by the
Commission and make such recommendations to the Commission as may be necessary; and

(c) review the implementation of cooperative measures for monitoring, control, surveillance and
enforcement adopted by the Commission and make such recommendations to the Commission
as may be necessary.

2.

In carrying out its functions, the Committee shall:

(a) provide a forum for exchange of information concerning the means by which they are
applying the conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission on the high
seas and complementary measures in waters under national jurisdiction;

(b) receive reports from each member of the Commission relating to measures taken to monitor,
investigate and penalise violations of provisions of this Convention and measures adopted
pursuant thereto;

(c) in consultation with the Scientific Committee, recommend to the Commission the priorities
and objectives of the regional observer programme, when established, and assess the results of
that programme;

(d) consider and investigate such other matters as may be referred to it by the Commission,
including developing and reviewing measures to provide for the verification and validation of
fisheries data;

(e) make recommendations to the Commission on technical matters such as fishing vessel and

gear markings;

(f) in consultation with the Scientific Committee, make recommendations to the Commission on

the fishing gear and technology which may be used;

(g) report to the Commission its findings or conclusions on the extent of compliance with conser-

vation and management measures; and

(h) make recommendations to the Commission on matters relating to monitoring, control, surveil-

lance and enforcement.

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The Committee may establish, with the approval of the Commission, such subsidiary bodies

3.
as may be necessary for the performance of its functions.

The Committee shall exercise its functions in accordance with such guidelines and directives

4.
as the Commission may adopt.

1.21.

SECTION 4

The Secretariat

1.22. Article 15

1.22.1. The Secretariat

The Commission may establish a permanent Secretariat consisting of an Executive Director

1.
and such other staff as the Commission may require.

The Executive Director shall be appointed for a term of four years and may be re-appointed

2.
for a further term of four years.

3.
The Executive Director shall be the chief administrative officer of the Commission, and shall
act in that capacity in all the meetings of the Commission and of any subsidiary body, and shall
perform such other administrative functions as are entrusted to the Executive Director by the
Commission.

4.

The Secretariat functions shall include the following:

(a) receiving and transmitting the Commission's official communications;

(b) facilitating the compilation and dissemination of data necessary to accomplish the objective of

this Convention;

(c) preparing administrative and other reports for the Commission and the Scientific and Tech-

nical and Compliance Committees;

(d) administering agreed arrangements for monitoring, control and surveillance and the provision

of scientific advice;

(e) publishing the decisions of and promoting the activities of the Commission and its subsidiary

bodies; and

(f) treasury, personnel and other administrative functions.

5.
In order to minimise costs to the members of the Commission, the Secretariat to be estab-
lished under this Convention shall be cost effective. The setting up and the functioning of the
Secretariat shall, where appropriate, take into account the capacity of existing regional institutions
to perform certain technical secretariat functions.

1.23. Article 16

1.23.1. The staff of the Commission

1.
The staff of the Commission shall consist of such qualified scientific and technical and other
personnel as may be required to fulfil the functions of the Commission. The staff shall be
appointed by the Executive Director.

The paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of the staff shall be the
2.
necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. Subject to this
consideration, due regard shall be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on an equitable
basis between the members of the Commission with a view to ensuring a broad-based Secretariat.

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1.24.

SECTION 5

Financial arrangements of the Commission

1.25. Article 17

1.25.1. Funds of the Commission

1.

The funds of the Commission shall include:

(a) assessed contributions in accordance with Article 18(2);

(b) voluntary contributions;

(c) the fund referred to in Article 30(3); and

(d) any other funds which the Commission may receive.

The Commission shall adopt, and amend as required, by consensus, financial regulations for

2.
the administration of the Commission and for the exercise of its functions.

1.26. Article 18

1.26.1. Budget of the Commission

1.
The Executive Director shall draft the proposed budget of the Commission and submit it the
indicate which of the administrative expenses of the
Commission. The proposed budget shall
Commission are to be financed from the assessed contributions referred to in Article 17(1)(a), and
which such expenses are to be financed from funds received pursuant to Article 17(1)(b), (c)
and (d). The Commission shall adopt the budget by consensus. If the Commission is unable to
adopt a decision on the budget, the level of contributions to the administrative budget of the
Commission shall be determined in accordance with the budget for the preceding year for the
purposes of meeting the administrative expenses of the Commission for the following year until
such time as a new budget can be adopted by consensus.

The amount of the contribution to the budget shall be determined in accordance with a
2.
scheme which the Commission shall adopt, and amend as required, by consensus. In adopting the
scheme, due consideration shall be given to each member being assessed an equal basic fee, a fee
based upon national wealth, reflecting the state of development of the member concerned and its
ability to pay, and a variable fee. The variable fee shall be based, inter alia, on the total catch taken
within exclusive economic zones and in areas beyond national jurisdiction in the Convention Area
of such species as may be specified by the Commission, provided that a discount factor shall be
applied to the catch taken in the exclusive economic zone of a member of the Commission which
is a developing State or territory by vessels flying the flag of that member. The scheme adopted by
the Commission shall be set out in the financial regulations of the Commission.

3.
If a contributor is in arrears in the payment of its financial contributions to the Commission
it shall not participate in the taking of decisions by the Commission if the amount of its arrears
equals or exceeds the amount of the contributions due from it for the preceding two full years.
Interest shall be payable on such unpaid contributions at such rate as may be determined by the
Commission in its financial regulations. The Commission may, nevertheless, waive such interest
payments and permit such a member to vote if it is satisfied that the failure to pay is due to condi-
tions beyond the control of the member.

1.27. Article 19

1.27.1. Annual audit

The records, books and accounts of the Commission, including its annual financial statement, shall
be audited annually by an independent auditor appointed by the Commission.

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1.28

SECTION 6

Decision-making

1.29. Article 20

1.29.1. Decision-making

1. As a general rule, decision-making in the Commission shall be by consensus. For the purposes
of this article, ‘consensus’ means the absence of any formal objection made at the time the decision
was taken.

2.
Except where this Convention expressly provides that a decision shall be made by consensus,
if all efforts to reach a decision by consensus have been exhausted, decisions by voting on ques-
tions of procedure shall be taken by a majority of those present and voting. Decisions on questions
of substance shall be taken by a three-fourths majority of those present and voting provided that
such majority includes a three-fourths majority of the members of the South Pacific Forum Fish-
eries Agency present and voting and a three-fourths majority of non-members of the South Pacific
Forum Fisheries Agency present and voting and provided further that in no circumstances shall a
proposal be defeated by two or fewer votes in either chamber. When the issue arises as to whether
a question is one of substance or not, that question shall be treated as one of substance unless
otherwise decided by the Commission by consensus or by the majority required for decisions on
questions of substance.

3.
If it appears to the Chairman that all efforts to reach a decision by consensus have been
exhausted, the Chairman shall fix a time during that session of the Commission for taking the deci-
sion by a vote. At the request of any representative, the Commission may, by a majority of those
present and voting, defer the taking of a decision until such time during the same session as the
Commission may decide. At that time, the Commission shall take a vote on the deferred question.
This rule may be applied only once to any question.

4. Where this Convention expressly provides that a decision on a proposal shall be taken by
consensus and the Chairman determines that there would be an objection to such proposal, the
Commission may appoint a conciliator for the purpose of reconciling the differences in order to
achieve consensus on the matter.

Subject to paragraphs 6 and 7, a decision adopted by the Commission shall become binding

5.
60 days after the date of its adoption.

6. A member which has voted against a decision or which was absent during the meeting at
which the decision was made may, within 30 days of the adoption of the decision by the Commis-
sion, seek a review of the decision by a review panel constituted in accordance with the procedures
set out in Annex II to this Convention on the grounds that:

(a) the decision is inconsistent with the provisions of this Convention, the Agreement or the 1982

Convention; or

(b) the decision unjustifiably discriminates in form or in fact against the member concerned.

7.
Pending the findings and recommendations of the review panel and any action required by
the Commission, no member of the Commission shall be required to give effect to the decision in
question.

8.
If the review panel finds that the decision of the Commission need not be modified, amended
or revoked, the decision shall become binding 30 days from the date of communication by the
Executive Director of the findings and recommendations of the review panel.

9.
If the review panel recommends to the Commission that the decision be modified, amended
or revoked, the Commission shall, at its next annual meeting, modify or amend its decision in
order to conform with the findings and recommendations of the review panel or it may decide to
revoke the decision, provided that, if so requested in writing by a majority of the members, a
special meeting of the Commission shall be convened within 60 days of the date of communica-
tion of the findings and recommendations of the review panel.

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1.30.

SECTION 7

Transparency and cooperation with other organisations

1.31. Article 21

1.31.1. Transparency

The Commission shall promote transparency in its decision-making processes and other activities.
Representatives
from intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental organisations
concerned with matters relevant to the implementation of this Convention shall be afforded the
opportunity to participate in the meetings of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies as obser-
vers or otherwise as appropriate. The rules of procedure of the Commission shall provide for such
participation. The procedures shall not be unduly restrictive in this respect. Such intergovern-
mental organisations and non-governmental organisations shall be given timely access to pertinent
information subject to the rules and procedures which the Commission may adopt.

1.32. Article 22

1.32.1. Cooperation with other organisations

1.
The Commission shall cooperate, as appropriate, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation
of the United Nations and with other specialised agencies and bodies of the United Nations on
matters of mutual interest.

The Commission shall make suitable arrangements for consultation, cooperation and colla-
2.
boration with other relevant
intergovernmental organisations, particularly those which have
related objectives and which can contribute to the attainment of the objective of this Convention,
such as the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, the Commis-
sion for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and the
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission.

3. Where the Convention Area overlaps with an area under regulation by another fisheries
management organisation, the Commission shall cooperate with such other organisation in order
to avoid the duplication of measures in respect of species in that area which are regulated by both
organisations.

The Commission shall cooperate with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission to
4.
ensure that the objective set out in Article 2 of this Convention is reached. To that end, the
Commission shall initiate consultation with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission with a
view to reaching agreement on a consistent set of conservation and management measures,
including measures relating to monitoring, control and surveillance, for fish stocks that occur in
the Convention Areas of both organisations.

5.
The Commission may enter into relationship agreements with the organisations referred to in
this article and with other organisations as may be appropriate, such as the Pacific Community
and the South Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency, with a view to obtaining the best available scientific
and other fisheries-related information to further the attainment of the objective of this Conven-
tion and to minimise duplication with respect to their work.

6. Any organisation with which the Commission has entered into an arrangement or agreement
under paragraphs 1, 2 and 5 may designate representatives to attend meetings of the Commission
as observers in accordance with the rules of procedure of the Commission. Procedures shall be
established for obtaining the views of such organisations in appropriate cases.

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1.33.

PART IV

1.33.1. OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION

1.34. Article 23

1.34.1. Obligations of members of the Commission

1.
Each member of the Commission shall promptly implement the provisions of this Convention
and any conservation, management and other measures or matters which may be agreed pursuant
to this Convention from time to time and shall cooperate in furthering the objective of this
Convention.

2.

Each member of the Commission shall:

(a) provide annually to the Commission statistical, biological and other data and information in
accordance with Annex I of the Agreement and, in addition, such data and information as the
Commission may require;

(b) provide to the Commission in the manner and at such intervals as may be required by the
Commission, information concerning its fishing activities in the Convention Area, including
fishing areas and fishing vessels in order to facilitate the compilation of reliable catch and
effort statistics; and

(c) provide to the Commission at such intervals as may be required information on steps taken to

implement the conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission.

3.
The members of the Commission shall keep the Commission informed of the measures they
have adopted for the conservation and management of highly migratory fish stocks in areas within
the Convention Area under their national jurisdiction. The Commission shall circulate periodically
such information to all members.

Each member of the Commission shall keep the Commission informed of the measures it has
4.
adopted for regulating the activities of fishing vessels flying its flag which fish in the Convention
Area. The Commission shall circulate periodically such information to all members.

Each member of the Commission shall, to the greatest extent possible, take measures to
5.
ensure that its nationals, and fishing vessels owned or controlled by its nationals fishing in the
Convention Area, comply with the provisions of this Convention. To this end, members of the
Commission may enter into agreements with States whose flags such vessels are flying to facilitate
such enforcement. Each member of the Commission shall, to the greatest extent possible, at the
request of any other member, and when provided with the relevant information, investigate any
alleged violation by its nationals, or fishing vessels owned or controlled by its nationals, of the
provisions of this Convention or any conservation and management measure adopted by the
Commission. A report on the progress of the investigation, including details of any action taken or
proposed to be taken in relation to the alleged violation, shall be provided to the member making
the request and to the Commission as soon as practicable and in any case within two months of
such request and a report on the outcome of the investigation shall be provided when the investi-
gation is completed.

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1.35.

PART V

1.35.1. DUTIES OF THE FLAG STATE

1.36. Article 24

1.36.1. Flag State duties

Each member of the Commission shall take such measures as may be necessary to ensure

1.
that:

(a) fishing vessels flying its flag comply with the provisions of this Convention and the conserva-
tion and management measures adopted pursuant hereto and that such vessels do not engage
in any activity which undermine the effectiveness of such measures; and

(b) fishing vessels flying its flag do not conduct unauthorised fishing within areas under the

national jurisdiction of any Contracting Party.

2. No member of the Commission shall allow any fishing vessel entitled to fly its flag to be used
for fishing for highly migratory fish stocks in the Convention Area beyond areas of national juris-
diction unless it has been authorised to do so by the appropriate authority or authorities of that
member. A member of the Commission shall authorise the use of vessels flying its flag for fishing
in the Convention Area beyond areas of national jurisdiction only where it is able to exercise effec-
tively its responsibilities in respect of such vessels under the 1982 Convention, the Agreement and
this Convention.

It shall be a condition of every authorisation issued by a member of the Commission that the

3.
fishing vessel in respect of which the authorisation is issued:

(a) conducts fishing within areas under the national jurisdiction of other States only where the
fishing vessel holds any licence, permit or authorisation that may be required by such other
State; and

(b) is operated on the high seas in the Convention Area in accordance with the requirements of
Annex III, the requirements of which shall also be established as a general obligation of all
vessels operating pursuant to this Convention.

4.
Each member of the Commission shall, for the purposes of effective implementation of this
Convention, maintain a record of fishing vessels entitled to fly its flag and authorised to be used
for fishing in the Convention Area beyond its area of national jurisdiction, and shall ensure that all
such fishing vessels are entered in that record.

5.
Each member of the Commission shall provide annually to the Commission, in accordance
with such procedures as may be agreed by the Commission, the information set out in Annex IV
to this Convention with respect to each fishing vessel entered in the record required to be main-
tained under paragraph 4 and shall promptly notify the Commission of any modifications to such
information.

6.

Each member of the Commission shall also promptly inform the Commission of:

(a) any additions to the record;

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(b) any deletions from the record by reason of:

(i) the voluntary relinquishment or non-renewal of the fishing authorisation by the fishing

vessel owner or operator;

(ii) the withdrawal of the fishing authorisation issued in respect of the fishing vessel under

paragraph 2;

(iii) the fact that the fishing vessel concerned is no longer entitled to fly its flag;

(iv) the scrapping, decommissioning or loss of the fishing vessel concerned; and

(v) any other reason,

specifying which of the reasons listed above is applicable.

7.
The Commission shall maintain its own record, based on the information provided to it
pursuant to paragraphs 5 and 6, of fishing vessels referred to in paragraph 4. The Commission
shall circulate periodically the information contained in such record to all members of the
Commission, and, on request, individually to any member.

8.
Each member of the Commission shall require its fishing vessels that fish for highly migratory
fish stocks on the high seas in the Convention Area to use near real-time satellite position-fixing
transmitters while in such areas. The standards, specifications and procedures for the use of such
transmitters shall be established by the Commission, which shall operate a vessel monitoring
system for all vessels that fish for highly migratory fish stocks on the high seas in the Convention
Area. In establishing such standards, specifications and procedures, the Commission shall take into
account the characteristics of traditional fishing vessels from developing States. The Commission,
directly, and simultaneously with the flag State where the flag State so requires, or through such
other organisation designated by the Commission, shall receive information from the vessel moni-
toring system in accordance with the procedures adopted by the Commission. The procedures
adopted by the Commission shall include appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality of
information received through the vessel monitoring system. Any member of the Commission may
request that waters under its national jurisdiction be included within the area covered by such
vessel monitoring system.

9.
Each member of the Commission shall require its fishing vessels that fish in the Convention
Area in areas under the national jurisdiction of another member to operate near real-time satellite
position-fixing transmitters in accordance with the standards, specification and procedures to be
determined by the coastal State.

The members of the Commission shall cooperate to ensure compatibility between national

10.
and high seas vessel monitoring systems.

1.37.

PART VI

1.37.1. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

1.38. Article 25

1.38.1. Compliance and enforcement

Each member of the Commission shall enforce the provisions of this Convention and any

1.
conservation and management measures issued by the Commission.

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2.
Each member of the Commission shall, at the request of any other member, and when
provided with the relevant information, investigate fully any alleged violation by fishing vessels
flying its flag of the provisions of this Convention or any conservation and management measure
adopted by the Commission. A report on the progress of the investigation, including details of any
action taken or proposed to be taken in relation to the alleged violation, shall be provided to the
member making the request and to the Commission as soon as practicable and in any case within
two months of such request and a report on the outcome of the investigation shall be provided
when the investigation is completed.

Each member of the Commission shall,

if satisfied that sufficient evidence is available in
3.
respect of an alleged violation by a fishing vessel flying its flag, refer the case to its authorities with
a view to instituting proceedings without delay in accordance with its laws and, where appropriate,
detain the vessel concerned.

4.
Each member of the Commission shall ensure that, where it has been established, in accord-
ance with its laws, that a fishing vessel flying its flag has been involved in the commission of a
serious violation of the provisions of this Convention or of any conservation and management
measures adopted by the Commission, the vessel concerned ceases fishing activities and does not
engage in such activities in the Convention Area until such time as all outstanding sanctions
imposed by the flag State in respect of the violation have been complied with. Where the vessel
concerned has conducted unauthorised fishing within areas under the national jurisdiction of any
coastal State Party to this Convention, the flag State shall, in accordance with its laws, ensure that
the vessel complies promptly with any sanctions which may be imposed by such coastal State in
accordance with its national laws and regulations or shall impose appropriate sanctions in accord-
ance with paragraph 7. For the purposes of this article, a serious violation shall include any of the
violations specified in Article 21(11)(a) to (h) of the Agreement and such other violations as may
be determined by the Commission.

5.
Each member of the Commission shall, to the extent permitted by its national laws and regu-
lations, establish arrangements for making available to prosecuting authorities of other members
evidence relating to alleged violations.

6. Where there are reasonable grounds for believing that a fishing vessel on the high seas has
engaged in unauthorised fishing within an area under the national jurisdiction of a member of the
Commission, the flag State of that vessel, at the request of the member concerned, shall immedi-
ately and fully investigate the matter. The flag State shall cooperate with the member concerned in
taking appropriate enforcement action in such cases and may authorise the relevant authorities of
such member to board and inspect the vessel on the high seas. This paragraph is without prejudice
to Article 111 of the 1982 Convention.

7. All investigations and judicial proceedings shall be carried out expeditiously. Sanctions applic-
able in respect of violations shall be adequate in severity to be effective in securing compliance
and to discourage violations wherever they occur and shall deprive offenders of the benefits
accruing from their illegal activities. Measures applicable in respect of masters and other officers of
fishing vessels shall include provisions which may permit, inter alia, refusal, withdrawal or suspen-
sion of authorisations to serve as masters or officers on such vessels.

Each member shall transmit to the Commission an annual statement of compliance measures,

8.
including imposition of sanctions for any violations, it has taken in accordance with this article.

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9.

The provisions of this article are without prejudice to:

(a) the rights of any of the members of the Commission in accordance with their national laws
and regulations relating to fisheries, including the right to impose appropriate sanctions on the
vessel concerned in respect of violations occurring within areas under national jurisdiction in
accordance with such national laws and regulations; and

(b) the rights of any of the members of the Commission in relation to any provision relating to
compliance and enforcement contained in any relevant bilateral or multilateral fisheries access
agreement not inconsistent with the provisions of this Convention, the Agreement or the
1982 Convention.

10.
Each member of the Commission, where it has reasonable grounds for believing that a
fishing vessel flying the flag of another State has engaged in any activity that undermines the effec-
tiveness of conservation and management measures adopted for the Convention Area, shall draw
this to the attention of the flag State concerned and may, as appropriate, draw the matter to the
attention of the Commission. To the extent permitted by its national laws and regulations it shall
provide the flag State with full supporting evidence and may provide the Commission with a
summary of such evidence. The Commission shall not circulate such information until such time
as the flag State has had an opportunity to comment, within a reasonable time, on the allegation
and evidence submitted, or to object as the case may be.

The members of the Commission may take action in accordance with the Agreement and
11.
international law, including through procedures adopted by the Commission for this purpose, to
deter fishing vessels which have engaged in activities which undermine the effectiveness of or
otherwise violate the conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission from
fishing in the Convention Area until such time as appropriate action is taken by the flag State.

12.
The Commission, when necessary, shall develop procedures which allow for non-discrimina-
tory trade measures to be taken, consistent with the international obligations of the members of
the Commission, on any species regulated by the Commission, against any State or entity whose
fishing vessels fish in a manner which undermines the effectiveness of the conservation and
management measures adopted by the Commission.

1.39. Article 26

1.39.1. Boarding and inspection

1.
For the purposes of ensuring compliance with conservation and management measures, the
Commission shall establish procedures for boarding and inspection of fishing vessels on the high
seas in the Convention Area. All vessels used for boarding and inspection of fishing vessels on the
high seas in the Convention Area shall be clearly marked and identifiable as being on government
service and authorised to undertake high seas boarding and inspection in accordance with this
Convention.

If, within two years of the entry into force of this Convention, the Commission is not able to
2.
agree on such procedures, or on an alternative mechanism which effectively discharges the obliga-
tions of the members of the Commission under the Agreement and this Convention to ensure
compliance with the conservation and management measures established by the Commission, Arti-
cles 21 and 22 of the Agreement shall be applied, subject to paragraph 3, as if they were part of
this Convention and boarding and inspection of fishing vessels in the Convention Area, as well as
any subsequent enforcement action, shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures set out
therein and such additional practical procedures as the Commission may decide are necessary for
the implementation of Articles 21 and 22 of the Agreement.

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3.
Each member of the Commission shall ensure that fishing vessels flying its flag accept
boarding by duly authorised inspectors in accordance with such procedures. Such duly authorised
inspectors shall comply with the procedures for boarding and inspection.

1.40. Article 27

1.40.1. Measures taken by a port State

1. A port State has the right and the duty to take measures, in accordance with international
law, to promote the effectiveness of subregional, regional and global conservation and manage-
ment measures. When taking such measures a port State shall not discriminate in form or in fact
against the fishing vessels of any State.

2. Whenever a fishing vessel of a member of the Commission voluntarily enters a port or
offshore terminal of another member, the port State may, inter alia, inspect documents, fishing
gear and catch on board such fishing vessel.

3. Members of the Commission may adopt regulations empowering the relevant national autho-
rities to prohibit landings and transhipments where it has been established that the catch has been
taken in a manner which undermines the effectiveness of conservation and management measures
adopted by the Commission.

4. Nothing in this article affects the exercise by Contracting Parties of their sovereignty over
ports in their territory in accordance with international law.

1.41.

PART VII

1.41.1. REGIONAL OBSERVER PROGRAMME AND REGULATION OF TRANSHIPMENT

1.42. Article 28

1.42.1. Regional observer programme

1.
The Commission shall develop a regional observer programme to collect verified catch data,
other scientific data and additional information related to the fishery from the Convention Area
and to monitor the implementation of the conservation and management measures adopted by the
Commission.

2.
The observer programme shall be coordinated by the Secretariat of the Commission, and shall
be organised in a flexible manner which takes into account the nature of the fishery and other rele-
vant factors. In this regard, the Commission may enter into contracts for the provision of the
regional observer programme.

The regional observer programme shall consist of

independent and impartial observers
3.
authorised by the Secretariat of the Commission. The programme should be coordinated, to the
maximum extent possible, with other regional, subregional and national observer programmes.

Each member of the Commission shall ensure that fishing vessels flying its flag in the Conven-
4.
tion Area, except for vessels that operate exclusively within waters under the national jurisdiction
of the flag State, are prepared to accept an observer from the regional observer programme, if
required by the Commission.

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5.
The provisions of paragraph 4 shall apply to vessels fishing exclusively on the high seas in the
Convention Area, vessels fishing on the high seas and in waters under the jurisdiction of one or
more coastal States, and vessels fishing in waters under the jurisdiction of two or more coastal
States. When a vessel is operating on the same fishing trip both in waters under the national juris-
diction of its flag State and in the adjacent high seas, an observer placed under the regional
observer programme shall not undertake any of the activities specified in paragraph 6(e) when the
vessel is in waters under the national jurisdiction of its flag State, unless the flag State of the vessel
agrees otherwise.

The regional observer programme shall operate in accordance with the following guidelines

6.
and under the conditions set out in Article 3 of Annex III of this Convention:

(a) the programme shall provide a sufficient level of coverage to ensure that the Commission
receives appropriate data and information on catch levels and related matters within the
Convention Area, taking into account the characteristics of the fisheries;

(b) each member of the Commission shall be entitled to have its nationals included in the

programme as observers;

(c) observers shall be trained and certified in accordance with uniform procedures to be approved

by the Commission;

(d) observers shall not unduly interfere with the lawful operations of the vessel and, in carrying
out their functions, they shall give due consideration to the operational requirements of the
vessel and shall communicate regularly with the captain or master for this purpose;

(e) the activities of observers shall include collecting catch data and other scientific data, moni-
toring the implementation of conservation and management measures adopted by the
Commission and reporting of their findings in accordance with procedures to be developed by
the Commission;

(f) the programme shall be cost effective, shall avoid duplication with existing regional, subre-
gional and national observer programmes, and shall, to the extent practicable, seek to minimise
disruption to the operations of vessels fishing in the Convention Area;

(g) a reasonable period of notice of the placement of an observer shall be given.

The Commission shall develop further procedures and guidelines for the operation of the

7.
regional observer programme, including:

(a) to ensure the security of non-aggregated data and other information which the Commission

deems to be of a confidential nature;

(b) for the dissemination of data and information collected by observers to the members of the

Commission;

(c) for boarding of observers which clearly define the rights and responsibilities of the captain or
master of the vessel and the crew when an observer is on board a vessel, as well as the rights
and responsibilities of observers in the performance of their duties.

The Commission shall determine the manner in which the costs of the observer programme

8.
would be defrayed.

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1.43. Article 29

1.43.1. Transhipment

In order to support efforts to ensure accurate reporting of catches, the members of the
1.
Commission shall encourage their fishing vessels, to the extent practicable, to conduct tranship-
ment in port. A member may designate one or more of its ports as transhipment ports for the
purposes of this Convention, and the Commission shall circulate periodically to all members a list
of such designated ports.

Transhipment at a port or in an area within waters under the national

2.
a member of the Commission shall take place in accordance with applicable national laws.

jurisdiction of

The Commission shall develop procedures to obtain and verify data on the quantity and
3.
species transhipped both in port and at sea in the Convention Area and procedures to determine
when transhipment covered by this Convention has been completed.

Transhipment at sea in the Convention Area beyond areas under national jurisdiction shall
4.
take place only in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in Article 4 of Annex III to
this Convention, and any procedures established by the Commission pursuant to paragraph 3 of
this article. Such procedures shall take into account the characteristics of the fishery concerned.

5. Notwithstanding paragraph 4 above, and subject to specific exemptions which the Commis-
sion adopts in order to reflect existing operations, transhipment at sea by purse-seine vessels oper-
ating within the Convention Area shall be prohibited.

1.44.

PART VIII

1.44.1. REQUIREMENTS OF DEVELOPING STATES

1.45. Article 30

1.45.1. Recognition of the special requirements of developing States

The Commission shall give full recognition to the special requirements of developing States
1.
island developing States, and of territories and
Parties to this Convention,
possessions, in relation to conservation and management of highly migratory fish stocks in the
Convention Area and development of fisheries for such stocks.

in particular small

In giving effect to the duty to cooperate in the establishment of conservation and manage-
2.
ment measures for highly migratory fish stocks, the Commission shall take into account the
special requirements of developing States Parties, in particular small island developing States, and
of territories and possessions, in particular:

(a) the vulnerability of developing States Parties,

island developing States,
which are dependent on the exploitation of marine living resources, including for meeting the
nutritional requirements of their populations or parts thereof;

in particular small

(b) the need to avoid adverse impacts on, and ensure access to fisheries by, subsistence, small-scale
and artisanal fishers and fishworkers, as well as indigenous people in developing States Parties,
particularly small island developing States Parties, and territories and possessions; and

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(c) the need to ensure that such measures do not result in transferring, directly or indirectly, a
disproportionate burden of conservation action onto developing States Parties, and territories
and possessions.

3.
The Commission shall establish a fund to facilitate the effective participation of developing
States Parties, particularly small island developing States, and, where appropriate, territories and
possessions, in the work of the Commission, including its meetings and those of its subsidiary
bodies. The financial regulations of the Commission shall include guidelines for the administration
of the fund and criteria for eligibility for assistance.

4. Cooperation with developing States, and territories and possessions, for the purposes set out
in this article may include the provision of financial assistance, assistance relating to human
including through joint
resources development,
venture arrangements, and advisory and consultative services. Such assistance shall, inter alia, be
directed towards:

technical assistance,

technology,

transfer of

(a) improved conservation and management of highly migratory fish stocks through collection,

reporting, verification, exchange and analysis of fisheries data and related information;

(b) stock assessment and scientific research; and

(c) monitoring, control, surveillance, compliance and enforcement, including training and capa-
city-building at the local level, development and funding of national and regional observer
programmes and access to technology and equipment.

1.46.

PART IX

1.46.1. PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES

1.47. Article 31

1.47.1. Procedures for the settlement of disputes

The provisions relating to the settlement of disputes set out in Part VIII of the Agreement apply,
mutatis mutandis, to any dispute between members of the Commission, whether or not they are
also Parties to the Agreement.

1.48.

PART X

1.48.1. NON-PARTIES TO THIS CONVENTION

1.49. Article 32

1.49.1. Non-parties to this Convention

1.
Each member of the Commission shall take measures consistent with this Convention, the
Agreement and international law to deter the activities of vessels flying the flags of non-parties to
this Convention which undermine the effectiveness of conservation and management measures
adopted by the Commission.

2.
The members of the Commission shall exchange information on the activities of fishing
vessels flying the flags of non-parties to this Convention which are engaged in fishing operations
in the Convention Area.

3.
The Commission shall draw the attention of any State which is not a Party to this Convention
to any activity undertaken by its nationals or vessels flying its flag which, in the opinion of the
Commission, affects the implementation of the objective of this Convention.

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4.
The members of the Commission shall, individually or jointly, request non-parties to this
Convention whose vessels fish in the Convention Area to cooperate fully in the implementation of
conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission with a view to ensuring that
such measures are applied to all fishing activities in the Convention Area. Such cooperating non-
parties to this Convention shall enjoy benefits from participation in the fishery commensurate
with their commitment to comply with, and their record of compliance with, conservation and
management measures in respect of the relevant stocks.

5. Non-parties to this Convention, may, upon request and subject to the concurrence of the
members of the Commission and to the rules of procedure relating to the granting of observer
status, be invited to attend meetings of the Commission as observers.

1.50.

PART XI

1.50.1. GOOD FAITH AND ABUSE OF RIGHTS

1.51. Article 33

1.51.1. Good faith and abuse of rights

The obligations assumed under this Convention shall be fulfilled in good faith and the rights recog-
nised in this Convention shall be exercised in a manner which would not constitute an abuse of
right.

1.52.

PART XII

1.52.1. FINAL PROVISIONS

1.53. Article 34

1.53.1. Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval

1.
This Convention shall be open for signature by Australia, Canada, China, Cook Islands, Feder-
ated States of Micronesia, Fiji Islands, France, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of
the Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Republic of Palau, Independent State
of Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Independent State of Samoa,
Solomon Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland in respect of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, United States of America and
Republic of Vanuatu and shall remain open for signature for twelve months from the fifth day of
September 2000.

2.

3.

4.

This Convention is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval by the signatories.

Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the depositary.

Each Contracting Party shall be a member of the Commission established by this Convention.

1.54. Article 35

1.54.1. Accession

1.
This Convention shall remain open for accession by the States referred to in Article 34, para-
graph 1, and by any entity referred to in Article 305, paragraph 1, subparagraphs (c), (d) and (e) of
the 1982 Convention which is situated in the Convention Area.

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2. After the entry into force of this Convention, the Contracting Parties may, by consensus,
invite other States and regional economic integration organisations, whose nationals and fishing
vessels wish to conduct fishing for highly migratory fish stocks in the Convention Area to accede
to this Convention.

3.

Instruments of accession shall be deposited with the depositary.

1.55. Article 36

1.55.1. Entry into force

This Convention shall enter into force 30 days after the deposit of instruments of ratification,

1.
acceptance, approval or accession by:

(a) three States situated north of the 20o parallel of north latitude; and

(b) seven States situated south of the 20o parallel of north latitude.

2.
If, within three years of its adoption, this Convention has not been ratified by three of the
States referred to in paragraph 1(a), this Convention shall enter into force six months after the
deposit of the thirteenth instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession or in accord-
ance with paragraph 1, whichever is the earlier.

For each State, entity referred to in Article 305(1)(c), (d) and (e) of the 1982 Convention
3.
which is situated in the Convention Area, or regional economic integration organisation which
ratifies, formally confirms, accepts or approves the Convention or accedes thereto after the entry
into force of this Convention, this Convention shall enter into force on the thirtieth day following
the deposit of its instrument of ratification, formal confirmation, acceptance, approval or acces-
sion.

1.56. Article 37

1.56.1. Reservations and exceptions

No reservations or exceptions may be made to this Convention.

1.57. Article 38

1.57.1. Declarations and statements

Article 37 does not preclude a State, entity referred to in Article 305(1)(c), (d) and (e) of the 1982
Convention which is situated in the Convention Area, or regional economic integration organisa-
tion, when signing, ratifying or acceding to this Convention, from making declarations or state-
ments, however phrased or named, with a view, inter alia, to the harmonisation of its laws and
regulations with the provisions of this Convention, provided that such declarations or statements
do not purport to exclude or to modify the legal effect of the provisions of this Convention in
their application to that State, entity or regional economic integration organisation.

1.58. Article 39

1.58.1. Relation to other agreements

This Convention shall not alter the rights and obligations of Contracting Parties, and fishing enti-
ties referred to in Article 9(2), which arise from other agreements compatible with this Convention
and which do not affect the enjoyment by other Contracting Parties of their rights or the perfor-
mance of their obligations under this Convention.

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1.59. Article 40

1.59.1. Amendment

1. Any member of the Commission may propose amendments to this Convention to be consid-
ered by the Commission. Any such proposal shall be made by written communication addressed
to the Executive Director at least 60 days before the meeting of the Commission at which it is to
be considered. The Executive Director shall promptly circulate such communication to all
members of the Commission.

2. Amendments to this Convention shall be considered at the annual meeting of the Commission
unless a majority of the members request a special meeting to consider the proposed amendment.
A special meeting may be convened on not less than 60 days notice. Amendments to this Conven-
tion shall be adopted by consensus. The text of any amendment adopted by the Commission shall
be transmitted promptly by the Executive Director to all members of the Commission.

3. Amendments to this Convention shall enter into force for the Contracting Parties ratifying or
acceding to them on the 30th day following the deposit of instruments of ratification or accession
by a majority of Contracting Parties. Thereafter, for each Contracting Party ratifying or acceding to
an amendment after the deposit of the required number of such instruments, the amendment shall
enter into force on the thirtieth day following the deposit of its instrument of ratification or acces-
sion.

1.60. Article 41

1.60.1. Annexes

1.
The Annexes form an integral part of this Convention and, unless expressly provided other-
wise, a reference to this Convention or to one of its Parts includes a reference to the Annexes
relating thereto.

2.
The Annexes to this Convention may be revised from time to time and any member of the
Commission may propose revisions to an Annex. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 40, if
a revision to an Annex is adopted by consensus at a meeting of the Commission, it shall be incor-
porated in this Convention and shall take effect from the date of its adoption or from such other
date as may be specified in the revision.

1.61. Article 42

1.61.1. Withdrawal

1. A Contracting Party may, by written notification addressed to the depositary, withdraw from
this Convention and may indicate its reasons. Failure to indicate reasons shall not affect the validity
of the withdrawal. The withdrawal shall take effect one year after the date of receipt of the notifica-
tion, unless the notification specifies a later date.

2. Withdrawal from this Convention by a Contracting Party shall not affect the financial obliga-
tions of such member incurred prior to its withdrawal becoming effective.

3. Withdrawal from this Convention by a Contracting Party shall not in any way affect the duty
of such member to fulfil any obligation embodied in this Convention to which it would be subject
under international law independently of this Convention.

1.62. Article 43

1.62.1. Participation by territories

The Commission and its subsidiary bodies shall be open to participation, with the appropriate
1.
authorisation of the Contracting Party having responsibility for its international affairs, to each of
the following:

American Samoa

French Polynesia

Guam

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New Caledonia

Northern Mariana Islands

Tokelau

Wallis and Futuna.

2.
The nature and extent of such participation shall be provided for by the Contracting Parties in
separate rules of procedure of the Commission, taking into account international law, the distribu-
tion of competence on matters covered by this Convention and the evolution in the capacity of
such territory to exercise rights and responsibilities under this Convention.

3. Notwithstanding paragraph 2, all such participants shall be entitled to participate fully in the
work of the Commission, including the right to be present and to speak at the meetings of the
Commission and its subsidiary bodies. In the performance of its functions, and in taking decisions,
the Commission shall take into account the interests of all participants.

1.63. Article 44

1.63.1. Depositary

The Government of New Zealand shall be the depositary of this Convention and any amendments
or revisions thereto. The depositary shall register this Convention with the Secretary-General of the
United Nations in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned Plenipotentiaries, being duly authorised thereto, have signed this
Convention.

Done at Honolulu this fifth day of September, two thousand, in a single original.

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1.64.

ANNEX I

FISHING ENTITIES

1. After the entry into force of this Convention, any fishing entity whose vessels fish for highly migratory fish
stocks in the Convention Area, may, by a written instrument delivered to the depositary, agree to be bound
by the regime established by this Convention. Such agreement shall become effective 30 days following the
delivery of the instrument. Any such fishing entity may withdraw such agreement by written notification
addressed to the depositary. The withdrawal shall take effect one year after the date of receipt of the notifi-
cation, unless the notification specifies a later date.

2. Such fishing entity shall participate in the work of the Commission, including decision-making, and shall
comply with the obligations under this Convention. References thereto by the Commission or members of
the Commission include, for the purposes of this Convention, such fishing entity as well as Contracting
Parties.

3. If a dispute concerning the interpretation or application of this Convention involving a fishing entity cannot
be settled by agreement between the parties to the dispute, the dispute shall, at the request of either party
to the dispute, be submitted to final and binding arbitration in accordance with the relevant rules of the
Permanent Court of Arbitration.

4. The provisions of this Annex relating to participation by fishing entities are solely for the purposes of this

Convention.

1.65.

ANNEX II

REVIEW PANEL

1. In accordance with Article 20, paragraph 6, an application for review of a decision of the Commission
shall be submitted within 30 days of the adoption of the decision by written notification to the Executive
Director. Such notification shall be accompanied by a statement of the grounds upon which the review is
sought. The Executive Director shall circulate copies of the notification and the accompanying statement
to all members of the Commission.

2. The review panel shall be constituted as follows:

(a) The review panel shall consist of three members appointed in accordance with this Annex from the
list of experts in the field of fisheries drawn up and maintained by the Food and Agriculture Organisa-
tion of the United Nations pursuant to Annex VIII, Article 2, of the 1982 Convention or a similar list
maintained by the Executive Director;

(b) The member of the Commission submitting the application for review (the applicant) shall appoint
one member, who may or may not be its national. The appointment shall be included in the written
notification referred to in paragraph 1;

(c) Where more than one member of the Commission is seeking review of the same decision, such
members shall, within 20 days of receipt of the first notification submitted, appoint one member of
the panel jointly by agreement, irrespective of the grounds upon which review is sought by each appli-
cant. If the members concerned are unable to reach agreement on the appointment, the appointment
shall be made in accordance with subparagraph (f), at the request of any such member;

(d) The chairman of the Commission shall, within 20 days of receipt of the notification referred to in

paragraph 1 of this Annex, appoint one member;

(e) The other member shall be appointed by agreement between the member or members of the Commis-
sion seeking the review and the chairman of the Commission. They shall appoint the President of the
review panel from among those three members. If, within 20 days of receipt of the notification
referred to in paragraph 1 of this Annex, the member or members seeking the review and the
chairman of the Commission are unable to reach agreement on the appointment of one or more
members of the panel to be appointed by agreement, or on the appointment of the President of the
review panel, the remaining appointment or appointments shall be made in accordance with sub-
paragraph (f), at the request of any party. Such request shall be made within 10 days of the expiration
of the aforementioned 20-day period;

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(f) Unless the parties agree that any appointment under subparagraphs (c), (d) and (e) of this paragraph be
made by a person or a third State chosen by the parties, the President of the International Tribunal for
the Law of the Sea shall make the necessary appointments.

(g) Any vacancy shall be filled in the manner described for the initial appointment.

3. A hearing shall be convened at a place and on a date to be determined by the panel within 30 days

following the constitution of the review panel.

4. The review panel shall determine its own procedures, providing for the expeditious conduct of the hearing
and assuring to the applicant or applicants full opportunity to be heard and to present its or their case.

5. The Executive Director shall act on behalf of the Commission and shall provide the review panel with

sufficient information to enable it to understand the basis upon which the decision was made.

6. Any member of the Commission may submit a memorandum to the review panel concerning the matter

under review and the panel shall allow any such member full opportunity to be heard.

7. Unless the review panel decides otherwise because of the particular circumstances of the case, the expenses

of the review panel, including the remuneration of its members, shall be borne as follows:

(a) 70 % shall be borne by the applicant or, if there is more than one applicant, divided equally among

the applicants; and

(b) 30 % shall be borne by the Commission from its annual budget.

8. Any decision of the review panel shall be taken by a majority of its members.

9. If the applicant or, where there is more than one applicant, any one of them, does not appear before the
review panel, the panel may continue the proceedings and make its findings and recommendations.
Absence of an applicant shall not constitute a bar to the review proceedings.

10. The findings and recommendations of the review panel shall be confined to the subject matter of the appli-
cation and state the reasons on which it is based. It shall contain the names of the members who have
participated and the date of the finding. Any member of the panel may attach a separate or dissenting
opinion to the finding. The review panel shall not, however, substitute its decision for that of the Commis-
sion. The panel shall communicate its findings and recommendations, including its reasons, to the appli-
cant or applicants and the Executive Director within 30 days of the end of the hearing. The Executive
Director shall circulate copies of the review panel's findings and recommendations and reasons therefor to
all members of the Commission.

1.66.

ANNEX III

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR FISHING

1.67.

Article 1

1.67.1.

Introductory

The operator of every fishing vessel authorised to be used for fishing in the Convention Area shall comply
with the following terms and conditions at all times when the vessel is in the Convention Area. Such terms
and conditions shall apply in addition to any terms and conditions which may apply to the vessel in areas
under the national jurisdiction of a member of the Commission by reason of a licence issued by such member
or pursuant to a bilateral or multilateral fisheries agreement. For the purposes of this Annex, ‘operator’ means
any person who is in charge of, directs or controls a fishing vessel, including the owner, master or charterer.

1.68.

Article 2

1.68.1. Compliance with national laws

The operator of the vessel shall comply with the applicable national laws of each coastal State Party to this
Convention in whose jurisdiction it enters and shall be responsible for the compliance by the vessel and its
crew with such laws and the vessel shall be operated in accordance with such laws.

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1.69.

Article 3

1.69.1. Obligations of the operator in respect of observers

The operator and each member of the crew shall allow and assist any person identified as an observer

1.
under the regional observer programme to:

(a) embark at a place and time agreed to;

(b) have full access to and use of all facilities and equipment on board which the observer may determine is
necessary to carry out his or her duties, including full access to the bridge, fish on board, and areas which
may be used to hold, process, weigh and store fish, and full access to the vessel's records including its logs
and documentation for the purpose of records inspection and copying, reasonable access to navigational
equipment, charts and radios, and reasonable access to other information relating to fishing;

(c) remove samples;

(d) disembark at an agreed place and time; and

(e) carry out all duties safely.

The operator or any crew member shall not assault, obstruct, resist, delay, refuse boarding to, intimidate

2.
or interfere with observers in the performance of their duties.

3.
The operator shall provide the observer, while on board the vessel, at no expense to the observer or the
observer's government, with food, accommodation and medical facilities of a reasonable standard equivalent to
those normally available to an officer on board the vessel.

1.70.

Article 4

1.70.1. Regulation of transhipment

1.
The operator shall comply with any procedures established by the Commission to verify the quantity and
species transhipped, and any additional procedures and measures established by the Commission with respect
to transhipment in the Convention Area.

2.
The operator shall allow and assist any person authorised by the Commission or by the member of the
Commission in whose designated port or area a transhipment takes place to have full access to and use of facil-
ities and equipment which such authorised person may determine is necessary to carry out his or her duties,
including full access to the bridge, fish on board and areas which may be used to hold, process, weigh and
store fish, and full access to the vessel's records, including its log and documentation for the purpose of inspec-
tion and photocopying. The operator shall also allow and assist any such authorised person to remove samples
and gather any other information required to fully monitor the activity. The operator or any member of the
crew shall not assault, obstruct, resist, delay, refuse boarding to,
intimidate or interfere with any such
authorised person in the performance of such person's duties. Every effort should be made to ensure that any
disruption to fishing operations is minimised during inspections of transhipments.

1.71.

Article 5

1.71.1. Reporting

The operator shall record and report vessel position, catch of target and non-target species, fishing effort and
other relevant fisheries data in accordance with the standards for collection of such data set out in Annex I of
the Agreement.

1.72.

Article 6

1.72.1. Enforcement

The authorisation issued by the flag State of the vessel and, if applicable, any licence issued by a coastal
1.
State Party to this Convention, or a duly certified copy, facsimile or telex confirmation thereof, shall be carried
on board the vessel at all times and produced at the request of an authorised enforcement official of any
member of the Commission.

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2.
The master and each member of the crew of the vessel shall immediately comply with every instruction
and direction given by an authorised and identified officer of a member of the Commission, including to stop,
to move to a safe location, and to facilitate safe boarding and inspection of the vessel, its licence, gear, equip-
ment, records, facilities, fish and fish products. Such boarding and inspection shall be conducted as much as
possible in a manner so as not to interfere unduly with the lawful operation of the vessel. The operator and
each member of the crew shall facilitate and assist in any action by an authorised officer and shall not assault,
obstruct, resist, delay, refuse boarding to, intimidate or interfere with an authorised officer in the performance
of his or her duties.

The vessel shall be marked and identified in accordance with the FAO Standard Specifications for the
3.
Marking and Identification of Fishing Vessels or such alternative standard as may be adopted by the Commis-
sion. At all times when the vessel is in the Convention Area, all parts of such markings shall be clear, distinct
and uncovered.

4.
The operator shall ensure the continuous monitoring of the international distress and calling frequency
2 182 khz (HF) or the international safety and calling frequency 156,8 Mhz (channel 16, VHF-FM) to facilitate
communication with the fisheries management, surveillance and enforcement authorities of the members of
the Commission.

The operator shall ensure that a recent and up to date copy of the International Code of Signals

5.
(INTERCO) is on board and accessible at all times.

6. At all times when the vessel is navigating through an area under the national jurisdiction of a member of
the Commission in which it does not have a licence to fish, and at all times when the vessel is navigating on
the high seas in the Convention Area and has not been authorised by its flag State to fish on the high seas, all
fishing equipment on board the vessel shall be stowed or secured in such a manner that it is not readily avail-
able to be used for fishing.

1.73.

ANNEX IV

INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

The following information shall be provided to the Commission in respect of each fishing vessel entered in the
record required to be maintained under Article 24(4), of this Convention:

1. name of fishing vessel, registration number, previous names (if known), and port of registry;

2. name and address of owner or owners;

3. name and nationality of master;

4. previous flag (if any);

5.

international radio call sign;

6. vessel communication types and numbers (Inmarsat A, B and C numbers and satellite telephone number);

7. colour photograph of vessel;

8. where and when built;

9. type of vessel;

10. normal crew complement;

11. type of fishing method or methods;

12.

length;

13. moulded depth;

14. beam;

15. gross register tonnage;

16. power of main engine or engines;

17. the nature of the authorisation to fish granted by the flag State;

18. carrying capacity, including freezer type, capacity and number and fish hold capacity.