Resolution 23/06 On the Conservation of Cetaceans. Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2023 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Fisheries, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Artisanal fishing Bycatch Data collection/reporting EEZ-Exclusive Economic Zone Enforcement/compliance Fishery management and conservation Fishing gear/fishing method Fishing vessel High seas Marine fisheries Marine mammals Monitoring Precautionary principle Protection of species Maritime zone Abstract This Resolution recognizes the common will of FAO and the International Whaling Commission to strengthen the monitoring and assessment of cetacean bycatch and the implementation of proper and effective conservation and management measures to reduce it. This measure shall apply to all fishing vessels flying the flag of a CPC and on the IOTC Record of Fishing Vessels or authorized to fish tuna and tuna-like species managed in the IOTC area of competence. The provisions of this measure do not apply to artisanal fisheries operating exclusively in their respective EEZ. CPCs shall prohibit their flagged vessels from intentionally setting a purse seine net around a cetacean in the IOTC area of competence, if the animal is sighted prior to the commencement of the set. In the event that a cetacean is unintentionally encircled in a purse seine net, or captured or entangled in the gillnets, the master of the vessels shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe release of the cetacean, while taking into consideration the safety of the crew. CPCs using other gear types fishing for tuna and tuna-like species associated with cetaceans shall report all interactions with cetaceans to the relevant authority of the flag State. Best practice guidelines for the safe release and handling of encircled cetaceans shall be developed by the IOTC Scientific Committee. Full text English Website iotc.org