Convention on Conduct of Fishing Operations in the North Atlantic.

This Convention applies to waters of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans and their dependent seas that are specifically defined in Annex I to this Convention (art. 1). The Parties to this Convention declare in the Preamble that they desire "to ensure good order and conduct on the fishing grounds in the North Atlantic Area. The Convention lays down rules for the conduct of fishing operations and use of vessels and gear by nationals of States being party to the Convention and provides with respect to implementation of provisions of the present Convention by Contracting Parties and the resolution of disputes between Contracting Parties and nationals of Contracting Parties. Annex II contains rules for the identification and marking of fishing vessels and gear of each Contracting Party. Annex III specifies additional signs to be used by fishing vessels of each Contracting Party. Annex IV contains rules relative to the marking of nets, lines and other gear. Annex V contains rules relative to the operations of by all vessels. Annex VI contains rules applying to authorized officers appointed by a Contracting party for enforcement outside of national fishery limits. (Appendix: specimen of report of an authorized officer in accordance with paragraph 5 of Annex VI).