Commission Decision in response to COVID-19 related to purse seine transhipment activities until 31 May 2020 (Circular No. 2020/28). Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2020 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries, Sea, General Keyword Hazards Public health Fishery management and conservation Marine fisheries Transshipment Monitoring Enforcement/compliance Foreign fishing International relations/cooperation Navigation Abstract This Circular of the WCPFC Chair states the endorsement of the Commission of exemption from measures regarding transshipment for Purse Seine Vessels. Until May 31, 2020, and without prejudice to the provision that “transhipment at sea by purse seine vessels shall be prohibited” as stipulated by paragraph 25 of CMM 2009-06, if it is not feasible for a purse seine vessel to tranship in port despite its best effort due to port closures and relevant access restrictions related to the prevention of COVID-19, that particular vessel may tranship at sea in an area under the jurisdiction of a Port State on specified conditions. CCMs whose vessels are subject to these temporary arrangements are encouraged, to the extent practicable and in accordance with their domestic rules and regulations, to implement additional MCS measures and to follow-up these transhipments through inspection or observation or monitor these transhipments electronically if available during the application of the arrangements. In doing so, the requirements of the port State or coastal State are to be adhered to by all vessels within that State’s jurisdiction. This Circular also contains General Understandings and a statement regarding the way forward regarding at-sea transhipment for longline vessels. Full text English Website www.wcpfc.int