Section 3 IOTC Convention Area
Article 28Limitation of fishing capacity of vessels fishing in the IOTC Convention Area
1.The maximum number of Union fishing vessels fishing for tropical tunas in the IOTC Convention Area and the corresponding capacity in gross tonnage shall be as set out in point 1 of Annex VI.
2.The maximum number of Union fishing vessels fishing for swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and albacore (Thunnus alalunga) in the IOTC Convention Area and the corresponding capacity in gross tonnage shall be as set out in point 2 of Annex VI.
3.Member States may re-allocate vessels assigned to one of the two fisheries referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 to the other fishery, provided that they can demonstrate to the Commission that this change does not lead to an increase of fishing effort on the fish stocks involved.
4.Member States shall ensure that, where there is a proposed transfer of capacity to their fleet, vessels to be transferred are on the IOTC Record of Vessels or on the record of vessels of other tuna regional fisheries organisations. Furthermore, no vessels featuring on the list of vessels engaged in IUU fishing activities (IUU vessels) of any RFMO may be transferred.
5.Member States may only increase their fishing capacity beyond the ceilings referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 within the limits set out in the development plans submitted to the IOTC.
Article 29Drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs)
A purse seine vessel shall not deploy more than 550 active drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs) at any one time.
Article 30Sharks
1.Retaining on board, transhipping or landing any part or whole carcass of thresher sharks of all the species of the Alopiidae family in any fishery shall be prohibited.
2.Retaining on board, transshipping or landing any part or whole carcass of oceanic whitetip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) in any fishery shall be prohibited, except for vessels under 24 metres overall length engaged solely in fishing operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Member State whose flag they fly, and provided that their catch is destined solely for local consumption.
3.When accidentally caught, species referred to in paragraph 1 and 2 shall not be harmed. Specimens shall be promptly released.