Resolution 13/05 on the conservation of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2013 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries Keyword Marine fisheries Fishery management and conservation Monitoring Data collection/reporting Marine fishes Cartilaginous fishes Fishing gear/fishing method Protection of species Precautionary principle 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, taking into account Resolution 12/01 On the Implementation of the Precautionary Approach calls on IOTC Contracting Parties and Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties to apply the precautionary approach when managing tuna and tunalike species in accordance with Article V of the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement, requires Contracting Parties and Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties (CPCs) to prohibit their flagged vessels from intentionally setting a purse seine net around a whale shark in the IOTC area of competence, if it is sighted prior to the commencement of the set. They must also require that, in the event that a whale shark is unintentionally encircled in the purse seine net, the master of the vessel shall: a) take all reasonable steps to ensure its safe release, while taking into consideration the safety of the crew; b) report the incident to the relevant authority of the flag State, with specified information. CPCs shall adopt Fish Aggregating Device designs that reduce the incidence of entanglement, according to Annex III of Resolution 13/08 (superseded by Resolution 15/08). CPCs shall be under certain reporting obligations. Full text English Website www.iotc.org