This Conservation and Management Measure, adopted under the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA), establishes a framework for the authorization and management of new and exploratory fisheries, requiring Contracting Parties and cooperating entities to submit detailed Fishery Operations Plans and Data Collection and Analysis Plans for review and approval, including information on fishing operations, monitoring, and environmental impacts. It sets out institutional roles for the Scientific Committee, Compliance Committee and Meeting of the Parties, and establishes operational requirements such as prior authorization, observer coverage, and mandatory data reporting, with sanctions for non-compliance. The measure further defines criteria for reclassification of exploratory fisheries as established fisheries and provides for periodic review, ensuring alignment with international best practices and the sustainable use and protection of marine ecosystems.
2024-01-01