A proposal to review and strengthen the CCAMLR System of Inspection

The CCAMLR System of Inspection was adopted in 1988 at a time when few such schemes existed and well before the challenges of large scale IUU fishing for toothfish. Since then, the Commission has progressively adopted a wide range of stronger and innovative conservation measures to combat IUU fishing for toothfish. To further strengthen and support these conservation measures, and as part of efforts to eliminate IUU fishing, Australia proposes that the Commission review its System of Inspection and strengthen it where appropriate to ensure its provisions complement current conservation measures, especially those adopted to combat IUU fishing. While much of the System's provisions remain appropriate for most circumstances, there are some aspects where improvements could be considered, including: ? placing greater onus on flag States to control their vessels; ? clarifying the responsibilities of the Masters of fishing vessels being inspected; ? increasing the timeliness of inspection reporting, especially in the case of a suspected breach of measures in force; ? providing an ability to promptly or immediately stop a CCAMLR Contracting Party-flagged vessel that is found to be in breach of a CCAMLR conservation measure; ? clear articulation that the System of Inspection also applies to CCAMLR Contracting Parties; and ? structural reorganisation to clearly identify roles and responsibilities. Proposed amendments to the System of Inspection are provided and Australia recommends that the Commission adopt these in order to strengthen their ability to verify compliance with CCAMLR conservation measures.