AGREEMENTS, CONVENTIONS, TREATIES & PROGRAMMES |
ICCAT
International Convention for the conservation of Atlantic Tunas |
DESCRIPTION & FOCUS AREA |
The organisation was established in 1969 after adoption of the Convention in 1966.
As of December 2001 there are 32 Contracting Parties, of which 12 are from Africa.
ICCAT is responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean. Through the Convention, it is established that ICCAT is the only fisheries organisation that can undertake the range of work required for the study and management of tunas and other large pelagics in the Atlantic Ocean.
Studies include research on biometry, ecology and oceanography with specific reference to the effects of fishing on stock abundance. ICCAT compiles fishery statistics from all its members and other entities fishing for these species in the Atlantic Ocean.
ICCAT developed allocation criteria in order to allocate country quotas for tuna species. ICCAT also develops integrated monitoring and compliance measures and measures to combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing (IUU fishing). |
STATUS |
South Africa was founder member and Ratified the convention on : 7 October 1967
Priority themes are:
The fair and equitable allocation of country quotas to developing coastal states, especially southern albacore, swordfish and bigeye tuna.
Participation in the following Working Groups:
- Develop Integrated Monitoring Measures.
- Develop Measures to Combat Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Fishing.
- Compliance of Contracting Parties re ICCAT Conservation and Management Measures.
- Improvement of Statistics and Conservation Measures.
- Measures for Conservation of Stocks and Implementation of Allocation Criteria.
Dates:
Special Commission Meeting 28 October to 4 November 2002 (SPAIN).
Committee on Research and Statistics 23 September to 4 October 2002 (SPAIN). |
FOCAL POINT AT MCM AND FOREIGN COUNTRY |
Dr Johan Van Zyl
South African Commissioner:
(27 21) 402 3020
Mr Craig Smith
(27 21) 402 3134
(for scientific meetings)
Mr Marius Diemont
(27 21) 402 3182 |
IMPLICATIONS & BENEFITS FOR SOUTH AFRICA |
Membership of ICCAT is of importance as the priority themes have a direct impact on South Africa.
As a developing southern Atlantic coastal state participating in the tuna fishery, South Africa must exercise its right to these resources and defend this right against northern hemisphere highly industrialised countries and distant water fleets, currently involved in over fishing in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Obtaining a fair share of the allocation of species in the southern Atlantic Ocean, especially swordfish, southern albacore and bigeye tuna.
Non compliance with ICCAT conservation and management recommendations and resolutions could lead to punitive trade measures being implemented against South Africa, thus attendance is imperative in order to take part in the development of ICCAT recommendations and resolutions.
South Africa has a pivotal role to play in the development of allocation criteria to ensure fair and equitable allocations of country quotas to developing coastal states. |
