The North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC) adopted Conservation and Management Measure CMM 2024-09 to establish detailed procedures for high seas boarding and inspection of fishing vessels in the Convention Area, ensuring compliance with the Convention and NPFC conservation measures. The measure defines key terms, applies throughout the high seas Convention Area, and sets principles of transparency, non-discrimination, and risk-based inspection prioritization. It requires a register of authorized inspection vessels and inspectors, notification of training and credentials, and prescribes operational procedures, including inspection flags, pre-boarding communications, standardized questionnaires, and scope of inspection. The CMM sets standards for conduct, reporting, and evidence handling, defines serious violations, and outlines flag State responsibilities, including suspension of fishing authorization if boarding is refused. It also addresses inspections of non-Member vessels, coordination among inspectors, liability for unlawful actions, and includes safety and flag/pennant specifications in annexes, with all Parties obliged to report inspections, violations, and enforcement actions.
2024-07-24