Brussels, 28/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - Joe Borg, European Fisheries Commissioner, has welcomed the important decisions on monitoring and control taken by the members of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO) on 22 September. On the initiative largely of the EU and Canada, the regional fisheries organisation has decided to strengthen, with effect from 1st January 2007, monitoring and control measures on fishing vessels operating in its zone. In addition, NAFO has decided to extend management regimes currently in place for stocks of shrimp, yellow-fish flounder and redfish.
Vessels suspected of not reporting their full catch of fish will be directed to the nearest port for immediate inspection. Other serious infringements, such as fishing for species protected by a moratorium, will be severely sanctioned. NAFO guidelines require countries to impose various sanctions on those caught breaking the rules: fines, suspension or withdrawal of licences, confiscation of fishing gear or the illegal catch. In addition, captains on vessels that do not have observers on board will have to report their catches in real time. NAFO will calculate catch data based on vessel monitoring system collection.
NAFO has also decided to improve its decision-making process. The NAFO Convention will therefore incorporate procedures for dispute settlement as outlined in the UN Fish Stocks Agreement. On fisheries management, NAFO will now base its decisions on science, and considering fish habitat and marine sensitive areas.