This Resolution of CCSBT establishes a comprehensive electronic Catch Documentation Scheme (eCDS) for all Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) to monitor compliance with conservation measures under Article 8.3(b) of the Convention on the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna. Applicable to Members, Cooperating Non-Members, and other cooperating states or fishing entities, it requires that from 1 April 2027 all SBT catches—including farmed fish—be documented electronically (with limited paper exceptions) and accompanied by specified forms covering catch, tagging, farm stocking and transfers, transhipment, and export or re-export, with mandatory tamper-proof tagging of whole fish. The Resolution invalidates documentation linked to unauthorised vessels or farms, mandates strict validation, verification, audit, inspection, and reporting procedures, and requires cooperation in investigating discrepancies. The CCSBT Executive Secretary must maintain a confidential database, issue detailed and public reports, and notify inconsistencies, while appendices set out technical procedures, transitional arrangements, tagging standards, and reporting formats.
2025-10-09