ICCAT Regional Observer Programme for At-Sea Transhipments

The 2006 Recommendation by ICCAT Establishing a Programme for Transhipment (Rec. [06-11]) requires that all transhipments of ICCAT species take place in port, unless they are properly monitored under the ICCAT Regional Observer Programme (ROP). Initially, the ROP is limited to large-scale longline vessels of Parties/Entities that participate in it (these participating Parties/Entities pay for the costs of the entire Programme).

The ROP started functioning in March 2007. It is operated by a consortium between Marine Resources Assessment Group (MRAG) and Capricorn Fisheries Monitoring (CAPFISH) which carries out observer recruitment and training, equipment purchases and observer deployments under the supervision of the Secretariat.

ROP Implementation

Authorized Carrier Vessels
In order for carrier vessels to receive transhipments of ICCAT species at sea, the following conditions must be met:

1. The carrier vessel must be authorized to operate in the Atlantic and be included in the ICCAT Record of Carrier Vessels
2. The carrier vessel must be authorized by its flag State to carry out at-sea transhipments subject to the 2006 Recommendation by ICCAT Establishing a Programme for Transhipment (Rec. [06-11]). Notably, carrier vessels must have an observer from the ICCAT ROP on board when receiving at-sea transhipments.

Authorized Longline Vessels
In order for large-scale longline vessels to tranship ICCAT species at sea, the following conditions must be met:

1. The longline vessel must be authorized by its flag State to operate in the Atlantic and be included in the ICCAT Record of Vessels greater than 24 m
2. The longline vessel flag must be that of one of the Parties participating in the ROP.
3. The longline vessel must be authorized by its flag State to carry out at-sea transhipments subject to the 2006 Recommendation by ICCAT Establishing a Programme for Transhipment (Rec. [06-11])

Requests for observers
Authorities from participating Parties/Entities can request that an observer be deployed by making a request to the ICCAT Secretariat. Planning for and executing an observer deployment can be complex and time-consuming. Ensuring that the following steps are followed is essential for a successful deployment:

1. Ensure that the carrier vessel and longline vessels are authorized (see above).
2. Submit as much complete and accurate information as possible about the trip during which the carrier will receive authorized transhipments (use this REQUEST FORM): Details of the carrier vessel and its operators, where and when the observer will embark, where and when the observer will disembark, what longline vessels will tranship and approximate dates and location, etc.
3. Facilitate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Consortium that operates the ROP and the carrier vessel operator. The MOU is essential to ensure the safety and adequate working conditions of the observer while onboard. Note that a pre-sea inspection of the carrier vessel by the observer needs to pass before the observer embarks.