Resolution 19/03 on the conservation of Mobulid Rays caught in association with IOTC Fisheries. Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2019 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries Keyword Marine fisheries Fishery management and conservation Monitoring Data collection/reporting Marine fishes Cartilaginous fishes Protection of species Precautionary principle Non-commercial fishing Artisanal fishing Abstract This Resolution of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), imposes obligations on Contracting Parties and Cooperating non‐Contracting Parties (CPCs) to prohibit vessels from intentionally setting any gear type for targeted fishing of mobulid rays in the IOTC Area of Competence, if the animal is sighted prior to commencement of the set and retaining onboard, transhipping, landing, storing, any part or whole carcass of mobulid rays caught in the IOTC Area of Competence. This Resolution stresses on the protection of mobulid rays which are listed in Appendix I and Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The prohibitions shall not apply in part to fishing vessels carrying out subsistence fishery. Mobulid rays shall, to the extent practicable, be returned to sea alive and unharmed. CPCs shall ensure that fishermen are aware of and use proper mitigation, identification, handling and releasing techniques and keep on board all necessary equipment for the release of mobulid rays in accordance with the handling guidelines of Annex 1. CPCs, unless clearly demonstrate that intentional and/or incidental catches of mobulids do not occur in their fisheries, shall develop, with the assistance from the IOTC Secretariat where required, sampling plans for the monitoring of the mobulid rays catches by the subsistence and artisanal fisheries. Full text English Website www.iotc.org