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Recommendation GFCM/36/2012/2 on the mitigation of incidental catches of cetaceans in the GFCM area of application.

Country/Territory
Document type
Regulation
Date
2012
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Subject
Fisheries, Wild species & ecosystems
Keyword
Bycatch Marine mammals Fishery management and conservation Protection of species International organization Enforcement/compliance Data collection/reporting Fishing gear/fishing method Fishing vessel Ecosystem preservation
Abstract

This Recommendation lays down rules aiming at reducing the bycatch of cetaceans in the GFCM area of application, thus contributing to improve the conservation status of these animals, in line with an ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties shall take actions to study, monitor, prevent, mitigate and eliminate incidental catch of cetaceans during fishing operations. To this end, contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties shall prohibit gillnet fisheries using monofilament greater than 0.5 mm; and require vessels flying their flag to promptly release alive/unharmed cetaceans that have been incidentally caught and brought alongside the vessel. Moreover, contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties shall collect information on incidental catch rates of cetaceans and forward to the GFCM Secretariat.

Full text
English
Website
www.fao.org