This Resolution of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission establishes a detailed programme to regulate and monitor transhipment of tuna, tuna-like species, and sharks by large-scale fishing vessels to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and tuna laundering, safeguard Conservation and Management Measures, and improve stock assessments. It requires most transhipments to occur in port, while allowing limited at-sea transhipments under strict authorisation, observer coverage, and reporting requirements, and creates an IOTC Record of Carrier Vessels with Vessel Monitoring System obligations. The Resolution mandates inspection and stowage protocols, advance notifications, transhipment declarations, and integration with the Statistical Document Programme, supported by a Regional Observer Programme, with special pilot provisions for Indonesia and Maldivian vessels, annual reporting by Contracting Parties, and Secretariat oversight.
2024-01-01