The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) has launched a review of the NAFO Convention, especially with a view to incorporating more integrated oceans management approaches, reforming decision-making processes, and examining the current structure of NAFO. The decision was made at the 27th Annual Meeting of NAFO held in Tallinn, Estonia, 19-23 September 2005.
In the context of modernization, NAFO bodies were asked to make recommendations to strengthen NAFO monitoring, control and surveillance measures through modifications in the areas of sanctions, role of observers and follow-up on infringements.
First steps towards an ecosystem approach
NAFO scientists were tasked to look into areas of marine biological and ecological significance for NAFO. In addition, NAFO fishing vessels will collect, on a voluntary basis, data on seamounts in the NAFO area. These undersea mountains are viewed as potentially vulnerable ecosystems that might warrant special
protection. Ecosystem studies have long been a part of the work of the Scientific Council. In 2006, NAFO will hold a symposium to advance knowledge of the Northwest Atlantic ecosystems.
During the past year NAFO began discussions of applying the ecosystem approach to fisheries management. An important milestone was made in 2004 when NAFO adopted and began to implement a framework for the Precautionary Approach. Progress continues to be made in the application of the Precautionary Approachto stock assessments.
NAFO bans shark finning
In keeping with its ecosystem approach, NAFO adopted measures banning finning, and the transhipment and landing of shark fins to improve the protection of sharks in the NAFO area. These measures are consistent with those adopted by regional tuna commissions (ICCAT, IATTC).
Blacklist for IUU vessels
NAFO has created a procedure to blacklist non-NAFO member vessels involved in Illegal, Unreported andUnregulated (IUU) fishing in the Northwest Atlantic. This is an important step for global cooperation. Inaddition, NAFO will automatically share information about these IUU fishing activities with other regional fishery bodies and with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The meeting was attended by 200 delegates from eleven Contracting Parties - Canada, Denmark (in respect of Faroe Islands and Greenland), European Union, France (in respect of St. Pierre et Miquelon), Iceland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Norway, Russia, Ukraine and United States of America.
