This Conservation and Management Measure of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), giving effect to Article 32 of the WCPF Convention, allows a non-member of the Commission, with an interest in the fishery, or whose vessels fish or intend to fish in the Convention Area, to request the Commission for the status of Cooperating non-member (CNM). The Technical and Compliance Committee (TCC) shall assess applications for CNM status and provide recommendations and technical advice to the Commission. The Measure sets out the criteria for application and the criteria for assessment of applications. The Commission shall in determining the CNM status of an applicant, among other things, consider information available from other RFMOs relating to non-members seeking CNM status, as well as data submitted by such non-members to the Commission. Caution shall be used so as not to introduce into the Convention Area excess fishing capacity from other regions or IUU fishing activities in granting CNM status to such non-members. The Commission shall accord CNM status on an annual basis. The Measures sets out (participatory) rights and obligations of CNMs. The Commission shall monitor the activities of nationals and fishing vessels of CNMs, including their record of compliance with the provisions of the 5 Convention and conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission. CNMs that fail to comply with any of the conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission shall be deemed to have undermined the effectiveness of the conservation and management measures adopted by the Commission. The Commission shall take appropriate action, which may include revocation of CNM status and/or sanctions and penalties against such CNMs, in accordance with the Convention and adopted conservation and management measures.
2009-12-11