Move on rule

F NAFO failed to reach agreement on adopting measures to implement UN GA resolution 61/105, including the move-on rule, at its meeting in September 2007 in Lisbon.

F NEAFC has not adopted or implemented the move-on rule.

D SEAFO did adopt the move-on rule for exploratory fishing in areas that were otherwise closed in 2006 (as of 2007 these areas are now closed to exploratory fishing as well, as indicated in the previous section). However, it has not adopted or implemented the move-on rule for all bottom fishing activities.

A CCAMLR Under Conservation Measure 22-06 (2007) contracting parties, in the absence of site-specific or other conservation measures to prevent significant adverse impact on VMEs, are required to ensure their flagged vessels cease bottom fishing activities in any location where evidence of a VME is encountered in the course of fishing operations, and to report the encounter to the Secretariat, so that appropriate conservation measures can be adopted in respect of the relevant site.

When a VME is encountered, the Scientific Committee is required to provide advice to the Commission on the known and anticipated impacts of bottom fishing activities on VMEs and recommend practices, including ceasing fishing operations if needed. The Commission is to adopt initial measures at its 2008 meeting to be applied when evidence of a VME is encountered in the course of fishing operations.

U The GFCM met in January 2007. It must implement measures at its next meeting in early 2008.

D The NWP requires vessels to relocate a sufficient distance, no less than five nautical miles, so that additional encounters are unlikely; it also requires vessels to report all encounters. However, the failure to include a requirement for 100% observer coverage significantly undermines the credibility and enforceability of this otherwise strong provision.

A SP RFMO - At the May 2007 meeting, SP RFMO participants agreed to require that vessels flying their flags cease bottom fishing activities within five nautical miles of any site in the area where evidence of VMEs is encountered in the course of fishing operations. Vessels are also required to report the encounter, including the location and the type of ecosystem in question, to the interim Secretariat so that appropriate measures can be adopted in respect of the relevant site.

Bottom trawl vessels are required to carry one hundred percent observer coverage - this is the best means to ensure that the measure is implemented. Furthermore, each participant is to ensure that all bottom fishing vessels operating in the area are equipped with an operational VMS no later than 31 December 2007, or earlier if so decided by the flag State.