Resolution 12/01 On the implementation of the precautionary approach. Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2012 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries Keyword Marine fisheries Fishery management and conservation Monitoring Data collection/reporting Precautionary principle Hazards Sustainable development Sustainable use Abstract This Resolution of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), adopted in accordance with the provisions of Article IX, paragraph 1 of the IOTC Agreement, referring to Articles 5 and 6 of the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea of December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (UNFSA) and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, applies the precautionary approach, in accordance with relevant internationally agreed standards to ensure the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources as set forth in Article V of the IOTC Agreement. In applying the precautionary approach, the Commission shall adopt, after advice of the IOTC Scientific Committee, a) stock-specific reference points relative to fishing mortality and biomass, and b) associated harvest control rules, i.e. management actions to be taken as the reference points for stock status are approached or if they are breached. Reference points and harvest control rules serve the purpose of minimising he risk of a negative impact on the sustainability of Indian Ocean resources of tuna and tuna-like species. If an unanticipated event, such as a natural phenomenon has a significant adverse impact on the status of a stock or its associated environment, the Commission shall adopt Conservation and Management Measures on an emergency basis to ensure that fishing activity does not exacerbate such adverse impacts. Full text English Website www.iotc.org