Conservation Measure on Bottom Fishing Activities and Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems in the SEAFO Convention Area (No. 30/15). Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2015 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Marine fisheries Fishery management and conservation Fishing vessel Fishing gear/fishing method Protected fishing area Monitoring Data collection/reporting Exploration High seas Ecosystem preservation Deep sea bed Abstract This Conservation Measure of the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation seeks to ensure the implementation by SEAFO of effective measures to prevent significant adverse impacts of bottom fishing activities on vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs)(defined by the FAO Guidelines for the Management of Deep-Sea Fisheries in the High Seas) that, based on the best available scientific information, are known or likely to occur in the Convention Area. For the purpose of this Conservation Measure, SEAFO will take into account the guidance provided by the FAO in the framework of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and any other internationally agreed standards. Bottom fishing areas as set out in Annex 1 are established. All fishing activities shall be prohibited in the areas set out and within the coordinates as defined in Annex 2. The Measure lays down rules for exploratory bottom fishing and rules that must be observed by fishing vessels of Contracting Parties where, in the course of bottom fishing activities, evidence of VMEs is encountered. Information on encountered VMEs shall be shared and may lead to (temporary) closure of a fishing area. Full text English Website www.seafo.org