Supplemental Recommendation by ICCAT Amending Recommendation 22-12 on the Bycatch of Sea Turtles Caught in Association with ICCAT Fisheries (23-13 BYC).

The ICCAT Recommendation on sea turtle bycatch (Rec. 22-12) has been amended to allow Contracting Party and Cooperating non‐Contracting Party, Entity, or Fishing Entity (CPCs) with at least 10% scientific observer coverage and compliant reporting to request exemptions for certain fisheries, subject to Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) evaluation and Commission approval. The SCRS will review submitted scientific data on sea turtle interactions and mortality to guide the Commission’s decisions on exemptions. Additionally, the rules do not apply to vessels operating primarily outside the geographic range of Atlantic sea turtles, specifically north of 55°N, south of 35°S in the eastern South Atlantic, or south of 40°S in the western South Atlantic.

2023-01-01