Conservation of Antarctic marine living resources: improving the functioning of the catch documentation scheme for Dissostichus spp.

PURPOSE : to amend Regulation 1035/2001/EC on the catch documentation scheme for Dissostichus spp. CONTENT : The Commission for the Conservation of the Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) adopted a Catch Documentation Scheme for Dissostichus spp. in November 1999. The intention is to improve monitoring of international trade and to identify the origins of all species imported into or exported from the territories of CCAMLR Contracting Parties. The scheme also makes it possible to determine if Dissostichus spp. have been harvested in the Convention Area in a manner consistent with the CCAMLR Conservation measures and to collect catch data. The scheme applies on all catches of Dissostichus spp. regardless of whether they are taken inside or outside the Convention Area of CCAMLR. The scheme was transposed into EC law by the above-mentioned Regulation. In November 2001, CCAMLR adopted some amendments to improve the functioning of the scheme, in particular to combat misreporting of catches. Figures from the entry into force of the scheme showed a drastic increase of catches taken outside the Convention area (some 30000 tonnes compared to 11000 tonnes in previous years). Conscious that the scheme is used to launder illegal catches taken in the Convention Area, CCAMLR strengthened the verification requirements by the use of data reports derived from an automated satellite-linked Vessel Monitoring system (VMS). All States participating in the scheme may also request an additional verification by the flag state when Dissostichus spp. had been declared as having been caught on the high seas outside the Convention Area. All States are urged to prohibit such landings and imports if the flag state fails to demonstrate that it verified such a catch document with the use of VMS data. This is being transposed into Community law. Other amendments include the introduction of a procedure to deal with the sale of seized and confiscated catches and improved export control. Certain technical amendments were also made in the catch document to clarify flag and port state responsibilities and certification declarations. Finally, some minor amendments have been introduced to improve the functioning of the system at Community level.�