This Resolution of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission establishes a comprehensive programme to monitor and regulate transhipment of tuna, tuna-like species, and sharks by large-scale fishing vessels, aiming to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and improve catch data for stock assessment. It requires most transhipments to occur in port with detailed notification, reporting, and verification obligations, while allowing limited at-sea transhipments under strict authorization and observer coverage. The Resolution sets up an IOTC Record of Carrier Vessels, mandates vessel monitoring and stowage plans, links transhipment to the Statistical Document Programme, and obliges Contracting Parties and Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties to report annually, prioritize inspections of high-risk vessels, and ensure compliance, with the Secretariat identifying potential violations for the Compliance Committee.
2025-01-01