ICCAT 2023

Resolution that agrees that the joint expert group will continue to meet once a year, and that its format will stay as a joint expert group instead of becoming more established via a working group.

ICCAT agreeing to advance plans for and to respond to biodiversity impacts notably in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity. In addition, the resolution calls for the Commission to take an active role in the discussions leading up to the implementation of these instruments.

Recommendation which specifies how data should be collected, analysed, and shared using EM technology and which requires ICCAT members to increase observer coverage to 10%.

Amendments were made to strengthen ICCAT’s existing port inspections, improve reporting and evaluating the effectiveness of this measure in relation to compliance with the 5% minimum number of inspections to be carried out by CPCs.

Recommendation approving the establishment of a Standing Working Group on Catch Document Schemes.

Recommendation updates the original Recommendation in line with evolving requirements of BCD documentation.

Amendments made to clarify investigation procedures with regards to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) vessel listing measures which now requires CPCs to investigate and report potential IUU listings within 60 days of notification – to the Secretariat for immediate circulation to all CPCs.

A Resolution on core principles on Labour Standards in ICCAT fisheries. The final text was improved to include a direct reference to the Cape Town Agreement.

New non-binding protection measures for cetaceans caught in the Convention area in association with ICCAT fisheries, which prohibit these species being retained on board, transhipped, or landed, in whole or in part.

New protection measures for whale sharks caught in the Convention area in association with ICCAT fisheries, which prohibit these species being retained on board, transhipped, or landed, in whole or in part.

Adoption of a resolution to ban the retention of mobulid rays caught in association with ICCAT fisheries. This includes best handling practices for the release and reporting interactions with these species. It also asks SCRS to identify options for future research and data collection to support the conservation of these species.

Additional specification measures on the bycatch of sea turtles based on the SCRS recommendation to apply modifications to the southern boundary of the sea turtle range, in line with this scientific advice

Recommendation lowers the TAC for North Atlantic blue sharks from 39,102 t to 30,000 t after merging proposal with UK. EU’s initial proposal was 32,689t (PA4_813), UK’s initial proposal was 23,403/25,000 t (PA4_818)

This Recommendation replaces and repeals the Recommendation by ICCAT replacing Supplemental Recommendation 21-02 extending and amending Recommendation 17-02 for the conservation of North Atlantic swordfish (Rec. 22-03)

Recommendation agreeing to a new two-year TAC for North Atlantic based on the current MP, which allows for a substantial increase of 25%, in line with SCRS advice and the 2023.

Recommendation setting up a bluefin tuna farming pilot project in the Cantabrian Sea.