TITLE III MANAGEMENT, CONSERVATION AND CONTROL MEASURES CONCERNING CERTAIN FISHING METHODS

CHAPTER III Large-scale pelagic driftnets, deepwater gillnets and other gillnets

Article 21 Gillnets

Member States whose vessels intend to transit the SPRFMO Convention Area with gillnets on board shall:

(a)

give at least 36 hours advance notice to the SPRFMO Secretariat prior to the vessel entering the SPRFMO Convention Area, including the expected entry and exit dates and length of gillnet carried on board;

(b)

ensure that the vessels flying their flag operate a vessel monitoring system (VMS) reporting once every two hours while in the SPRFMO Convention Area;

(c)

submit VMS position reports to the SPRFMO Secretariat within 30 days of the vessel leaving the SPRFMO Convention Area; and

(d)

if gillnets are accidentally lost or fall overboard from the vessel, report the date, time, position and length (metres) of gillnets lost to the SPRFMO Secretariat as soon as possible and in any event within 48 hours of the gear being lost or having fallen overboard.