December 18, 2013

EU expresses satisfaction on SEAFO's annual meeting outcome

The European Commission (EC) has expressed its satisfaction at the result of the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation's (SEAFO) 10th Annual Commission meeting held in Namibia on December 9-13.

A new biannual total allowable catches (TACs) were adopted for Patagonian toothfish in line with scientific advice, where there was a slight increase in the current TAC in one area, and for deep sea red crab for which a status quo was agreed. Unfortunately no TAC could again be agreed for the depleted armour-head stock but at least an understanding was reached with Korea that they would not fish more than 300 tonnes.

On compliance, the EU's proposal on the management, surveillance and control system (MSC) was agreed with some minor adjustments. As a result the MSC system has been reinforced mainly by strengthening the provisions for the existing at sea inspection based predominantly on the UN Fish Stock Agreement (UNFSA) and by detailing port state inspection procedures.

SEAFO is a regional fisheries management organisation in South East Atlantic Ocean established in line with the provisions of the UNFSA. The objective of its Convention (The Convention on the Conservation and Management of Fisheries Resources in the South East Atlantic Ocean) is to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the fishery resources in the Convention Area through the effective implementation of the Convention. The Convention Area excludes exclusive economic zones of the coastal states in the region.