Resolution 19/04 concerning the IOTC record of vessels authorised to operate in the IOTC area of competence. Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2019 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries Keyword Marine fisheries Fishery management and conservation Monitoring Data collection/reporting Equipment Landing Fishing vessel Registration International relations/cooperation Enforcement/compliance Offences/penalties Foreign fishing 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, recalling the International Plan of Action aiming to prevent, to deter and to eliminate illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing (IPOA), which stipulates that the regional fisheries management organisations should take action to strengthen and develop innovative ways, in conformity with international law, to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing and in particular to establish records of vessels authorised and records of vessels engaged in IUU fishing, requires the Commission to maintain an IOTC Record of fishing vessels that are: a) 24 metres in length overall or above; or b) in case of vessels less than 24 meters, those operating in waters outside the Economic Exclusive Zone of the Flag State; and that are authorised to fish for tuna and tuna-like species in the IOTC area of competence. For the purpose of this Resolution, fishing vessels including auxiliary, supply and support vessels that are not entered in the IOTC Record are deemed not to be authorised to fish for, retain on board, tranship or land tuna and tuna-like species or supporting any fishing activity or set drifting fish aggregation devices (DFADs) in the IOTC area of competence. This provision shall not apply to vessels less than 24 m in length overall operating inside the EEZ of the flag state. Each Contracting Party and Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CPCs) shall submit electronically, where possible, to the IOTC Executive Secretary for those vessels information as specified. The flag CPCs of the vessels on the record shall authorise their vessels to operate in the IOTC area of competence only if they are able to fulfil in respect of these vessels the requirements and responsibilities under the IOTC Agreement and its Conservation and Management Measures and take other measures as specified to prevent IUU fishing by vessels flying their flag. The Commission and the CPCs concerned shall communicate with each other, and make the best effort with FAO and other relevant regional fishery management bodies to develop and implement appropriate measures. CPCs shall take measures, under their applicable legislation, to prohibit the fishing for, the retaining on board, the transhipment and landing of tuna and tuna-like species by the vessels which are not entered into the IOTC Record. Full text English Website www.iotc.org