Primeros pasos hacia un acuerdo internacional de tipo vinculante George Kourous – Oficina de Prensa FAO
Primeros pasos hacia un acuerdo internacional de tipo vinculante George Kourous – Oficina de Prensa FAO
12 de marzo de 2007, Roma – Un grupo de 131 países participantes en una reunión de alto nivel en Roma sobre la pesca han aceptado iniciar un proceso para la adopción de un acuerdo internacional de tipo vinculante que establezca medidas de control en los puertos donde se desembarca, transborda o procesa el pescado para combatir la pesca ilegal, según informó hoy la FAO.
La decisión se tomó durante la 27 reunión de la Comisión Pesquera de la FAO (COFI, del 5 al 9 de marzo de 2007), que contó con la participación de 131 países más la Comisión Europea.
Durante este año y el próximo se realizarán consultas para preparar un borrador del acuerdo, que será presentado para su aprobación final en la próxima reunión del COFI en 2009.
El acuerdo propuesto estará basado en un modelo de sistema voluntario de la FAO que incluye recomendaciones sobre la realización de controles en los puertos.
Elemento disuasorio para la actividad ilegal
Los controles gubernamentales en los puertos incluyen medidas como controlar los datos y el historial de los barcos antes de permitirles atracar y realizar inspecciones en el puerto para comprobar su documentación, la carga y los aparejos.
Estas medidas están consideradas una de las mejores formas de combatir lo que se denomina pesca ilegal, no documentada y no reglamentada (pesca INDNR). Pescar sin permiso, capturar especies protegidas o sin respetar los cupos y utilizar aparejos prohibidos, figuran entre las infracciones más frecuentes incluidas en la pesca INDNR.
La pesca ilegal impide la gestión adecuada de los recursos pesqueros a nivel mundial, tiene un impacto negativo en las poblaciones de peces, incluyendo aquellos de los que dependen los pescadores con menos recursos, y tiene un coste muy elevado en términos de pérdida de ingresos por la pesca y del dinero que se necesita para combatir las actividades ilícitas.
El modelo de sistema de la FAO sobre las medidas de control portuario también señala la necesidad de capacitar a los inspectores para que sean más eficaces y que los países puedan compartir mejor la información sobre los barcos que figuren en las listas negras por su participación en la pesca ilegal, y así poder rechazarlos.
Otras cuestiones tratadas en la reunión
Otros temas debatidos durante la reunión en Roma incluyeron
-el comercio pesquero responsable,
-la importancia creciente de la acuicultura y
-la necesidad de desarrollarla de forma sostenida y responsable,
-los problemas sociales que afectan negativamente a la comunidad pesquera -entre ellos las enfermedades y la pobreza-,
-la implementación de un enfoque medioambiental de la pesca y
-el fortalecimiento de los organismos regionales de pesca y de ordenación pesquera (OROP).
El Comité pidió específicamente a la FAO la realización de una serie de tarea durante los próximos dos años, entre las que se incluyen:
– preparar directrices técnicas sobre buenas prácticas en la pesca en aguas profundas
– establecer directrices sobre el uso de áreas marinas protegidas para una mejor ordenación de la pesca, la conservación de la biodiversidad marina y la mejora de la producción pesquera
– realizar un estudio completo de los impactos probables del cambio climático en la pesca, y poder empezar a evaluar las respuestas adecuadas a nivel de políticas y gestión.
– convocar una conferencia internacional centrada en los problemas y necesidades específicas de la pesca artesanal, que emplea cerca de 34 millones de personas en los países en desarrollo.
Además de las delegaciones de los países miembros de la FAO, participaron en la reunión del COFI 41 organizaciones intergubernamentales y 29 no gubernamentales.
La pesca ilegal, un problema insidioso
Muchos de los países participantes en el COFI señalaron la lucha contra la pesca INDNR como una prioridad a nivel nacional debido a sus consecuencias negativas a nivel económico, medioambiental y social. Diversos países presentaron los avances conseguidos en este campo a nivel nacional y regional, pero la mayoría admitió que a pesar del esfuerzo realizado, la pesca INDNR continúa representando un grave problema.
Un grupo de pescadores artesanales de África oriental y occidental presentes en la reunión describieron igualmente el impacto que la pesca ilegal tiene en sus comunidades, en el curso de un evento lateral organizado por la organización Greenpeace y la Coalition for Fair Fisheries Arrangements
E: Model Scheme on Port State Measures to Combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing In developing this Model Scheme, Members, Concerned that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to persist; Emphasizing that effective action by port States is required to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing; Noting that the relevant international instruments call for port States to establish measures to promote the effectiveness of subregional, regional and global conservation and management measures; Recognizing that the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the
International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, promote the use of measures for port State control of fishing vessels in order to meet the objectives of the Code and the Plan of Action; Desiring to achieve co-operation and co-ordination in fisheries-related port State control in accordance with international law; Emphasizing the need for non-Members and fishing entities to take action consistent with this Model Scheme; should be guided by the following:
General
1. In this Model Scheme,
1.1 references to ports include offshore terminals and other installations for landing, transshipping, refuelling or re-supplying, and
1.2 references to fishing vessel includes any vessel used or intended for use for the purpose of fishing, including support ships, carrier vessels and any other vessels directly involved in such fishing operations.
2. A Port State should:
2.1 give effect to the provisions of the present Model Scheme and the Annexes thereto, which constitute an integral part of the Model Scheme;
2.2 maintain an effective system of port State control for foreign fishing vessels calling at its port, with a view to promoting the effectiveness of relevant conservation and management measures;
2.3 designate and publicize ports to which foreign fishing vessels may be permitted access and ensure that these ports have the capacity to conduct port State inspections;
2.4 require, prior to allowing port access to a foreign fishing vessel, that the vessel provides a reasonable advance notice prior to entering its port or its EEZ for the purpose of port access, which includes, with due regard to confidentiality requirements, vessel identification, the authorization(s) to fish, information on its fishing trip and vessel monitoring systems, quantities of fish on board and other documentation, as described in Annex A;
2.5 not allow a vessel to use its ports for landing, transshipping or processing fish if the vessel which caught the fish is entitled to fly the flag of a State that is not a contracting or cooperating party of a regional fisheries management organization or has been sighted as being engaged in, or supporting, IUU fishing activities in the area of that particular regional fisheries management organization or in the waters under the jurisdiction of a relevant coastal State, unless the vessel can establish that the catch was taken in a manner consistent with the relevant conservation and management measures;
2.6 where there are clear grounds for believing that a fishing vessel has engaged in or supported IUU fishing in waters beyond the limits of its fisheries jurisdiction, refuse to allow the vessel to use its port for landing, transshipping, refuelling or re-supplying;
2.7 not allow a vessel to use its ports for landing or transshipment where it has been established that the vessel is identified by a regional fisheries management organization as engaging in, or supporting, fishing activities in contravention with its conservation and management measures;
2.8 ensure that port State inspections take place in accordance with Annex B and obtain, in the course of such inspections, at least the information listed in Annex C; and
2.9 consult, cooperate and exchange information with [other States] in order to facilitate the implementation of this Model Scheme.
Inspections
3. In implementing this Model Scheme, each port State should:
3.1 carry out inspections of foreign fishing vessels in its ports for the purpose of monitoring compliance with relevant conservation and management measures;
3.2 ensure that inspections are carried out by properly qualified persons authorized for that purpose, having regard in particular to Annex D;
3.3 ensure that, prior to an inspection, inspectors are required to present to the master of the vessel an appropriate identity document;
3.4 ensure that an inspector can examine any areas of the fishing vessel that is required, the catch (whether processed or not), the nets and any other gear, equipment, and any document which the inspector deems necessary to verify compliance with relevant conservation and management measures;
3.5 ensure that the master of the vessel is required to give the inspector all necessary assistance and information, to present relevant material and documents as may be required, or certified copies thereof;
3.6 subject to appropriate arrangements with the flag State of a vessel, invite the flag State to participate in the inspection;
3.7 make all possible efforts to avoid unduly delaying a vessel and ensure that the vessel suffers the minimum interference and inconvenience and that degradation of the quality of the fish is avoided;
3.8 ensure that an inspector is accompanied, where possible and where needed, by an interpreter of the language of the inspected foreign fishing vessel;
3.9 ensure that inspections are not conducted in a manner that would constitute harassment of any fishing vessel; and
3.10 ensure that the result of a port inspection is presented to the master of the vessel and that the report is completed and signed by the inspector and the master. The master should be given the opportunity to add any comment to the report and to contact the relevant authorities of the flag State, in particular when (s)he has serious difficulties in understanding the contents of the report.
Actions
4. When, following an inspection, an inspector finds that there is reasonable evidence for believing that a foreign fishing vessel has engaged in, or supported, IUU fishing activities which include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) fishing without a valid licence, authorization or permit issued by the flag State or the relevant coastal State;
b) failing to maintain accurate records of catch and catch-related data;
c) fishing in a closed area, fishing during a closed season or without, or after attainment of a quota;
d) directed fishing for a stock which is subject to a moratorium or for which fishing is prohibited;
e) using prohibited fishing gear;
f) falsifying or concealing the markings, identity or registration of the vessel;
g) concealing, tampering with or disposing of evidence relating to an investigation;
h) conducting multiple violations which together constitute a serious disregard of relevant conservation and management measures;
i) failure to comply with Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) requirements; and
j) taking or landing undersized fish in contravention with relevant conservation and management measures; then the port State should promptly notify the flag State of the vessel and, where appropriate, the relevant coastal States and regional fisheries management organizations.
5. The port State should take due note of any reply or any actions proposed or taken by the flag State of the inspected vessel.
Unless the port State is satisfied that the flag State has taken or will take adequate action, the vessel should not be allowed to land or transship fish in its ports. The port State may take other actions with the consent of, or upon the request of, the flag State.
Information
6. The port State should report on the results of its inspections under this Model Scheme to the flag State of the inspected vessel, and other relevant States, and to relevant regional fisheries management organizations.
7. The port State should establish a communication mechanism that allows for direct, computerized exchange of messages between relevant States, entities and institutions, with due regard to appropriate confidentiality requirements.
8. The port State should handle the information in a standardized form and in accordance with Annex D.
Others
9. Nothing in this Model Scheme should prevent any fishing vessel from being allowed port access in accordance with international law for reasons of force majeure or distress or for rendering assistance to persons, ships or aircraft in danger or distress.
10. Nothing in this Model Scheme affects the exercise by States of their sovereignty over ports in their territory in accordance with international law.
11. All measures provided for under this Model Scheme and any additional related measures, should be taken and applied in accordance with international law.
12. All measures provided for under this Model Scheme should be implemented in a fair, transparent and non discriminatory manner.
Annex A
Information to be provided in advance by foreign fishing vessels
1. Vessel identification
– Name of the vessel;
– External Identification Number;
– International Radio Call Sign;
– Flag State;
– Vessel owner (name and address of the vessel owner);
– Type of VMS required by the Flag State; and
– Previous Names (s) and Flag State(s), if any.
2. Purpose of access to port
3. Fishing authorization (licenses/permits)
– The vessel’s authorization(s) to fish;
– State(s) issuing the authorization(s);
– Areas, scope and duration of the authorization(s);
– Species and quota authorized; and
– Fishing gear authorized.
4. Trip information
– Date trip commenced (date when the current trip started);
– Areas visited (entry and exit from different areas);
– Ports visited (entry into and exit from different ports); and
– Date trip ended (date when the current trip ended).
5. Species information
– Fish species and fishery products onboard, particularly those to be landed;
– Areas of capture;
– Presentation (product form);
– Processed weight; and
– Equivalent live weight.
Annex B
Port State Inspection Procedures of Foreign Fishing Vessels
1. Vessel identification
The port inspector(s) should:
a) verify that the official documentation onboard is valid, if necessary, through appropriate contacts with the flag State or international records of fishing vessels;
b) be assured that the flag, the external identification number (and IMO ship identification number when available) and the international radio call sign are correct;
c) examine whether the vessel has changed flag and, if so, note the previous name(s) and flag(s);
d) note the port of registration, name and address of the owner (and operator if different from the owner) and the name of the master of the vessel, including the unique ID for company and registered owner if available; and
e) note name(s) and address(es) of previous owner(s), if any.
2. Authorization(s)
The port inspector(s) should verify that the authorization(s) to fish or transport fish and fishery products are compatible with the information obtained under paragraph 1 and examine the duration of the authorization(s) and their application to areas, species and fishing gear.
3. Other documentation
The port inspector(s) should review all relevant documentation which may include various logbooks, in particular the fishing logbook, as well as stowage plans and drawings or descriptions of fish holds if available. Such holds or areas may be inspected in order to verify whether their size and composition correspond to these drawings or descriptions and whether the stowage is in accordance with the stowage plans. Where available, this documentation should also include catch documents issued by any regional fisheries management organization, trade documents or, if applicable, CITES documents.
4. Fishing gear
a) The port inspector(s) should verify that the fishing gear on board is in conformity with the conditions of the authorization(s). The gear may also be checked to ensure that the mesh size(s) (and possible devices), length of nets, hook sizes etc. are in conformity with applicable regulations and that identification marks of the gear correspond to those authorized for the vessel.
b) The port inspector(s) may also search the vessel for any fishing gear stowed out of sight.
5. Fish and fishery products
a) The port inspector(s) should, to the greatest extent possible, examine whether the fish and fishery products on board are harvested in accordance with the conditions set out in the authorization. In doing so, the port inspector(s) should examine the fishing logbook, reports submitted, including those resulting from a vessel monitoring system (VMS), as appropriate.
b) In order to determine the quantities and species which are fresh on ice, frozen but not packed, processed, packed or in bulk, the port inspector(s) may examine the fish in the hold or during the landing. In doing so, the port inspector(s) may open cartons where the fish has been pre-packed and move the fish or cartons to ascertain the integrity of fish holds.
c) If the vessel is unloading, the port inspector(s) may, to the greatest extent possible, verify the species and quantities landed. Such verification may include presentation (product form), live weight (quantities determined from the logbook) and the conversion factor used for calculating processed weight to live weight. The port inspector(s) may also examine any possible quantities retained onboard.
d) If the port inspector(s) has reasonable grounds to believe that a vessel has engaged in, or supported IUU fishing, the port inspector(s) should as soon as possible contact the flag State authorities to verify whether the fish and fishery products have been harvested or collected in the areas as recorded in the relevant documents. To this effect, the port inspector(s) may also review the quantity and composition of all catch onboard, including by sampling.
6. Report
The result of the port State inspection should be presented to the master of the vessel and a report should be completed, signed by the inspector and the master. The master should be permitted the opportunity to add any comments to the report.
Annex C
Results of Port State Inspections
Results of port State inspections shall include at least the following information:
1. Inspection references
– inspecting authority (name of inspecting authority or the alternate body nominated by the authority);
– name of inspector;
– port of inspection (place where the vessel is inspected); and
– date (date the report is completed).
2. Vessel identification
– name of the vessel;
– type of vessel;
– external identification number (side number of the vessel) and IMO-number (if available) or other number as appropriate;
– international Radio Call Sign;
– MMSI-number (Maritime Mobile Service Identity number), if available;
– flag State (State where the vessel is registered);
– previous name(s) and flag(s), if any;
– whether the flag State is party to a particular regional fisheries management organization;
– home port (port of registration of the vessel) and previous home ports;
– vessel owner (name and address of the vessel owner);
– vessel operator responsible for using the vessel if different from the vessel owner;
– name(s) and address(es) of previous owner(s), if any; and
– name and certificate(s) of master.
3. Fishing authorization (licenses/permits)
– the vessel’s authorization(s) to fish;
– State(s) issuing the authorization(s);
– areas, scope and duration of the authorization(s);
– species and fishing gear authorized; and
– transshipment records and documents (where applicable).
4. Trip information
– date trip commenced (date when the current trip started);
– areas visited (entry to and exit from different areas);
– areas where fish and fishery products were captured or collected;
– ports visited (entry into and exit from different ports); and
– date trip ended (date when the current trip ended).
5. Result of the inspection on discharge
– start and end (date) of discharge;
– fish species;
– presentation (product form);
– live weight (quantities determined from the log book);
– relevant conversion factor;
– processed weight (quantities landed by species and presentation);
– equivalent live weight (quantities landed in equivalent live weight, as "product weight multiplied with the conversion factor"); and
– intended destination of fish and fishery products discharged.
6. Quantities retained on board the vessel
– fish species;
– presentation (product form);
– relevant conversion factor;
– processed weight; and
– equivalent live weight.
7. Results of gear inspection
– details of gear type inspected and attachments, if any.
8. Conclusions
– conclusions of the inspection including identification of the violations presumably committed and reference to the rules which have been presumably not
complied with.
Annex D
Training of Port State Inspectors
Elements of a training programme of port State inspectors should at least include the following:
Training in inspection procedures
Provision of information on relevant conservation and management measures, as well as relevant laws and regulations and applicable rules of international laws;
Information sources, such as log books and other electronic information that may be useful for the validation of information given by the master of the vessel;
Fish species identification and measurement calculation;
Catch landing monitoring, including determining conversion factors for the various species and products;
Vessel boarding/inspection, hold inspections and calculation of vessel hold volumes; gear measurements and inspections;
Collection, evaluation and preservation of evidence Range of measures available following the inspection; and Training in relevant languages, particularly English.
Annex E
Information System on port State Inspections
1. Computerized communication between States as well as between States and relevant regional fisheries management organizations would require the following:
– data characters;
– structure for data transmission:
– protocols for the transmission; and
– formats for transmission including data element with a corresponding field code and a more detailed definition and explanation of the various codes.
2. International agreed codes shall be used for the identification of the following items:
– States:
3-ISO Country Code;
– fish species:
FAO 3-alpha code;
– fishing vessels:
FAO alpha code;
– gear types:
FAO alpha code;
– devices/attachments:
FAO 3-alpha code; and
– ports:
UN LO-code.
3. Data elements shall at least include the following:
– inspection references;
– vessel identification;
– fishing authorization(s) (licenses/permits);
– trip information;
– result of the inspection on discharge;
– quantities staying on board the vessel;
– result of gear inspection;
– irregularities detected;
– actions taken; and
– information from the flag State.
12/03/07
FAO