Recommendation by ICCAT Amending the Recommendation 18-02 establishing a multi-annual management plan for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean (19-04).

This Recommendation of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas requires Contracting Parties and Cooperating non-Contracting Parties, Entities or Fishing Entities (CPCs) whose vessels have been actively fishing for bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean shall implement a management plan for bluefin tuna in that geographic area starting in 2019. Each CPC shall take the necessary measures to ensure that the fishing effort of its catching vessels and its traps are commensurate with the bluefin tuna fishing opportunities available to that CPC in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, including by establishing individual quotas for its catching vessels over 24 m included in the ICCAT record of all fishing vessels authorized to operate for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Other measures, concern, among other things, total allowable catches (TACs) and country allocations, submission of annual fishing plans, fishing and farming capacity management and inspection plans and farming management plans by CPCs, annual farming management plans, open seasons and other technical measures, and control measures. The Recommendation also concerns, among other things, sport and recreational fishing, fish farming, bycatch, live fish transfers, market control measures, enforcement and the ICCAT Scheme of Joint International Inspection. In the case where an inspection has detected an activity or condition that would constitute a serious violation, the vessel should be reviewed under the procedures described in the Recommendation by ICCAT on Establishing a List of Vessels Presumed to Have Carried Out Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Activities (Rec. 18-08), taking into account any response actions and other follow up. Each CPC who has been allocated a bluefin tuna quota shall designate ports where landing or transshipping operations of bluefin tuna are authorized. The Recommendation requires prior notification of landings. Transshipment operations of bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean shall be allowed only at designated ports.