WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/CTE/W/148
30 June 2000
(00-2696)
Committee on Trade and Environment Original:  English/
French/
Spanish
THE COMMISSION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF
ANTARCTIC MARINE LIVING RESOURCES
Communication from the CCAMLR Secretariat
This background paper is circulated to Members of the CTE in preparation for the
MEA Information Session on 5 July 2000.
_______________
1. The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, signed in
Canberra in 1980, established a Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources (CCAMLR).  The Commission’s aims incl ude the conservation of marine living resources
and managing fishing activities in the seas surrounding the Antarctic continent.  Fishing activities areregulated by the Commission in such a way as to maintain ecological relationships between harvested,
dependent and related populations.  All States who are interested in researching or harvesting
Antarctic marine living resources are encouraged to join the Convention and become members of the
Commission.
2. The institutional features of the Convention comprise, in addition to the Commission, the
Scientific Committee for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and a permanent
Secretariat, based in Hobart, Australia.
3. CCAMLR now comprises 23 Members and six Acceding States.  A list of current
CCAMLR Members and Acceding States is attached as Appendix I.  A map of the CCAMLR
Convention Area is attached as Appendix II.
4. CCAMLR Conservation Measures regulate all ex isting, new and exploratory fisheries, and
fishing for research purposes.  The CCAMLR System of Inspection has been in force sincethe 1989/90 season and the Scheme of International Scientific Observation has been operating since
the 1992/93 season.  The CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program (CEMP) was initiated in
the 1987/88 season.  This programme monitors several parameters of predatory and prey species
selected as indicators of change in the Antarctic ecosystem, and also some parameters of the physical
environment, such as sea-ice distribution and s now cover in colonies of land-based predators.
I. ILLEGAL, UNREGULATED AND UNREPORTED (IUU) FISHING IN THE
CONVENTION AREA
5. One of the major issues discussed by CCAMLR for the past three years (1997-1999) has been
the illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing for Patagonian toothfish
(Dissostichus eleginoides ) in the Convention Area.
6. In considering the issue of IUU fishing, CCAMLR Members noted the following:WT/CTE/W/148
Page 2
(i) Large-scale IUU fishing in the Convention Area seriously undermines the work of
CCAMLR in achieving the Convention’s objective;
(ii) the extent of IUU fishing poses a serious threat to the conservation of stocks of
Dissostichus  spp. in the immediate future, and also to the survival of several species
of seabirds in the Southern Ocean taken as  incidental by-catch in longline fishing
operations;
(iii) information received points to a blatant disregard by non-contracting parties of the
CCAMLR conservation regime and of the sovereign rights of coastal states in the
Convention Area;
(iv) not only vessels of non-contracting parties to CCAMLR, but also vessels of
CCAMLR Contracting Parties were repor ted fishing in the Convention Area in
contravention of CCAMLR conservation measures in force;  and
(v) collective efforts within CCAMLR, measures by Flag States and Coastal States and
action in respect of non-contracting parties are needed to improve enforcement and
compliance with conservation measures.
7. In 1997 CCAMLR started developing an integrated set of administrative and political
measures for resolving this complex situation.  Some measures were drawn from the experience ofother fisheries organizations, in particular the No rthwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) and
the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), while others took
account of recent developments in international law.  The experience of these organizations in port
inspections and catch certification was found to be of great use to CCAMLR.
8. Bearing in mind Articles 19 to 23 of the 1995 UN Straddling Stock Agreement (UNIA), the
Commission agreed that a system should be established for the exchange of information among
CCAMLR Members on all vessels known to have fish ed in contravention of CCAMLR conservation
measures.
9. CCAMLR has encouraged Members to ratify and promote the entry into force of such
international instruments as UNIA and the FAO Compliance Agreement and the Code of Conduct forResponsible Fisheries, noting that this would contribute to the elimination of IUU fishing in the
Convention Area.
10. CCAMLR has also approached all international and many regional fisheries organizations,
especially those with jurisdiction over waters adja cent to the Convention Area, with a request to join
in the exchange of information on IUU fishing on the high seas and to cooperate in combating these
activities.
11. This work continued in 1998 and 1999, and at present CCAMLR has in place the following
specific measures to improve enforcement of and compliance with the CCAMLR fisheries
management regime:
• Scheme to Promote Compliance by Non- Contracting Party Vessels with CCAMLR
Conservation Measures (Conservation Measure 118/XVII);
• Licensing and Inspection Obligations of Contracting Parties with regard to their Flag
Vessels Operating in the Convention Area (Conservation Measure 119/XVII);
• Marking of Fishing Vessels and Fishing Gear (Conservation Measure 146/XVII);WT/CTE/W/148
Page 3
• Cooperation between Contracting Partie s to Ensure Compliance with CCAMLR
Conservation Measures with Regard to their Vessels (Conservation Measure147/XVII);  and
• Automated Satellite-Linked Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) (Conservation
Measure 148/XVII).
12. In summary, the above-listed measures include the establishment of cooperative mechanisms
between Parties to improve compliance, inspections by Contracting Parties on all their vesselslicensed to fish in the Convention Area, compulso ry identification markings on vessels and fishing
gear, further development of relations with non-contracting parties, and the introduction of a vessel
monitoring system in toothfish fisheries.
13. However, the adoption in 1999 of the  Catch Documentation Scheme for  Dissostichus spp.
is by far the most important step taken by CCAM LR to eliminate IUU fishing in its Convention Area.
II. CATCH DOCUMENTATION SCHEME FOR DISSOSTICHUS  SPP.
14. Work on the development of a comprehensive action policy for the elimination of IUU
fishing in the Convention Area began in 1998.  In  the initial stages CCAMLR examined approaches
that could be adopted, consistent with the objectives of the Convention and international law, for areas
adjacent to the Convention Area, and to develop cooperation with non-contracting parties.
15. In 1998 a catch documentation scheme for toothfish was drafted and subsequently discussed
at CCAMLR-XVII.  This draft scheme was further developed by CCAMLR Members (in April 1999)during an ad hoc consultation of CCAMLR Members in Brussels.  The original draft was revised
taking into account new proposals received from Members.
16. Later that year, at CCAMLR-XVIII, the Commission adopted Conservation
Measure 170/XVIII, a "Catch Documentation Scheme for Dissostichus  spp." (see Appendix III).  The
Scheme is designed to track the landings and trade flows of toothfish caught in the Convention Areaand, where possible, adjacent waters.  This will enable the Commission to identify the origin of
toothfish entering the markets of all Parties to the Scheme, and help determine whether toothfish
taken in the Convention Area were caught in a manner consistent with CCAMLR’s conservation
measures.
17. The Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS) became binding upon all CCAMLR Members
on 7 May 2000.  As part of preparation for the implementation of CDS, CCAMLR Members agreed
on the following:
(i) Each CDS party should introduce classification codes for toothfish in trade statistics
at a national level as an important prerequisite for the effective implementation of
CDS;
(ii) importing CDS parties should ensure that parties exporting toothfish to them are
aware of the CDS requirements;  and
(iii) it is the responsibility of each CDS party to properly protect commercially
confidential information related to CDS by establishing procedures that enable import
authorities to investigate Dissostichus  spp. catch documents without unnecessary
distribution of confidential information.
18. The CCAMLR Secretariat has established and currently maintains a dedicated CDS database.
Parties to the Scheme exchange CDS information carried out via a secure password-protected page atWT/CTE/W/148
Page 4
the CCAMLR Website.  Only designated officials of Contracting Parties will have access to
confidential CDS information, which will be compiled and maintained by the Secretariat.
19. Recognizing that the Scheme would be most effective if non-contracting parties also agree to
participate, the Commission has drawn up an ‘Exp lanatory Memorandum’ and a ‘Policy to Enhance
Cooperation between CCAMLR and non-contra cting parties’(Appendices IV and V).
20. Following a decision taken at CCAMLR-XVII in December 1999, the Chairman of the
Commission wrote a letter to a number of non-contracting parties and invited them to cooperate with
CCAMLR in the implementation of the CDS. All documentation related to the implementation of
CDS was appended to the letter.
21. In total, the Commission has invited 16 non-contracting parties to cooperate in the
implementation of the Scheme. The Commission has especially sought cooperation from non-
contracting parties who may:
• Import into their territories toothfish caught in the CCAMLR Convention Area;
• inadvertently or intentionally, provide ports and landing facilities to vessels which
may have been operating in IUU fisheries for toothfish, thus enabling them tocontinue their damaging operations;  and
• have flag vessels fishing in the Convention Area.
22. CCAMLR reiterated its invitation to international and regional fisheries organizations to join
in the exchange of information on IUU fishing activities on the high seas. CCAMLR would especiallywelcome any information about international trade in Dissostichus  spp. (including where catches are
landed, transhipped or imported, and under what product names these fish species are being marketed)
and of any other international or bilateral measures which have been or are being considered to
combat IUU fishing activities on the high seas including any trade-restrictive measures within the
framework of the international agreements, including the World Trade Organization.
23. The operation of the Scheme will be reviewed and its performance during the first several
months will be evaluated by the Commission at  the forthcoming meeting of CCAMLR to be held
from 23 October to 3 November in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.WT/CTE/W/148
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APPENDIX I
MEMBERS OF CCAMLAR (AS OF NOVEMBER 1999)
Argentina
Australia
Belgium
Brazil
Chile
European Community
France
Germany
India
Italy
Japan
Korea, Republic of
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Russian Federation
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Ukraine
United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland
United States of America
Uruguay
STATES PARTY TO THE CONVENTION
BUT NOT MEMBERS OF THE
COMMISSION
Bulgaria
Canada
Finland
Greece
Netherlands
Peru
Chairman of the Commission:  India (Dr. A. E. Muthunayagam)
Executive Secretary:  Esteban de SalasWT/CTE/W/148
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APPENDIX II:  MAP OF THE CCAMLAR CONVENTION AREA
WT/CTE/W/148
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APPENDIX III
CONSERVATION MEASURE 170/XVIII
CATCH DOCUMENTATION SCHEME FOR DISSOSTICHUS  SPP.
The Commission,
Concerned that illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing for  Dissostichus spp. in the
Convention Area threatens serious depletion of populations of Dissostichus spp.,
Aware that IUU fishing involves significant by- catch of some Antarctic species, including
endangered albatross,
Noting that IUU fishing is inconsistent with the objective of the Convention and undermines
the effectiveness of CCAMLR conservation measures,
Underlining the responsibilities of Flag States to ensure that their vessels conduct their fishing
activities in a responsible manner,
Mindful of the rights and obligations of Port States to promote the effectiveness of regional
fishery conservation measures,Aware that IUU fishing reflects the high value of, and resulting expansion in markets for and
international trade in, Dissostichus spp.,
Recalling that Contracting Parties have agreed to introduce classification codes for
Dissostichus  spp. at a national level,
Recognizing that the implementation of a Catch Documentation Scheme for Dissostichus  spp.
will provide the Commission with essential information necessary to provide the
precautionary management objectives of the Convention,
Committed to take steps, consistent with in ternational law, to identify the origins of
Dissostichus spp. entering the markets of Contracting Parties and to determine whether
Dissostichus spp. harvested in the Convention Area that is imported into their territories was
caught in a manner consistent with CCAMLR conservation measures,
Wishing  to reinforce the conservation measures already adopted by the Commission with
respect to Dissostichus  spp.,
Inviting non-contracting parties whose vessels fish for Dissostichus  spp. to participate in the
Catch Documentation Scheme for Dissostichus  spp.,
hereby adopts the following conservation measure in accordance with Article IX of
the Convention:
1. Each Contracting Party shall take steps to identify the origin of Dissostichus  spp. imported
into or exported from its territories and to determine whether Dissostichus  spp. harvested in
the Convention Area that is imported into or exported from its territories was caught in a
manner consistent with CCAMLR conservation measures.WT/CTE/W/148
Page 8
2. Each Contracting Party shall require that each of its flag vessels authorized to engage in
harvesting of Dissostichus eleginoides  and/or Dissostichus mawsoni  complete a Dissostichus
catch document for the catch landed or transhipped on each occasion that it lands or tranships
Dissostichus spp.
3. Each Contracting Party shall require that each landing of Dissostichus spp. at its ports and
each transhipment of Dissostichus spp. to its vessels be accompanied by a completed
Dissostichus  catch document.
4. Each Contracting Party shall provide Dissostichus  catch document forms to each of its flag
vessels authorized to harvest Dissostichus spp. and only to those vessels.
5. A non-Contracting Party seeking to cooperate w ith CCAMLR by participating in this Scheme
may issue Dissostichus   catch document forms to any of its flag vessels that intend to harvest
Dissostichus  spp.
6. The Dissostichus  catch document shall include the following information:
(i) The name, address, telephone and fax numbers of the issuing authority;
(ii) the name, home port, national registry number, and call sign of the vessel and, if
applicable, its Lloyd’s registration number;
(iii) the number of the licence or permit issued to the vessel, as applicable;
(iv) the weight of each Dissostichus  species landed or transhipped by product type,  and
(a) By CCAMLR statistical subarea or division if caught in the Convention Area;
and/or
(b) by FAO statistical area, subarea or di vision if caught outside the Convention
Area;
(v) the dates within which the catch was taken;
(vi) the date and the port at which the catch was landed or the date and the vessel, its flag
and national registry number, to which the catch was transhipped;  and
(vii) the name, address, telephone and fax numbers of the receiver or receivers of the catch
and the amount of each species and product type received.
7. Procedures for completing Dissostichus  catch documents in respect of vessels are set forth in
paragraphs A1 to A10 of Annex 170/A to this measure.  A sample catch document is attached
to the annex.
8. Each Contracting Party shall require that each shipment of Dissostichus spp. imported into its
territory be accompanied by the export-validated Dissostichus  catch document or documents
that account for all the Dissostichus  spp. contained in the shipment.
9. An export-validated Dissostichus  catch document issued in respect of a vessel is one that:WT/CTE/W/148
Page 9
(a) Includes all relevant information and signatures provided in accordance with
paragraphs A1 to A11 of Annex 170/A to this measure;  and
(b) includes a signed and stamped certification by a responsible official of the exporting
State of the accuracy of the information contained in the document.
10. Each Contracting Party shall ensure that its cu stoms authorities or other appropriate officials
request and examine the import documentation of each shipment of Dissostichus spp.
imported into its territory to verify that it includes the export-validated Dissostichus  catch
document or documents that account for all the Dissostichus  spp. contained in the shipment.
These officials may also examine the content of any shipment to verify the information
contained in the catch document or documents.
11. If, as a result of an examination referred to in paragraph 10 above, a question arises regarding
the information contained in a Dissostichus  catch document, the exporting State whose
national authority validated the document and, as appropriate, the Flag State whose vessel
completed the document are called on to cooperate with the importing State with a view to
resolving such question.
12. Each Contracting Party shall provide copies quarterly to the CCAMLR Secretariat of all
export-validated Dissostichus  catch documents that it issued from and received into its
territory and shall report annually to the Secretariat data, drawn from Dissostichus  catch
documents, on the origin and amount of Dissostichus  spp.  exported from and imported into
its territory.
13. Each Contracting Party, and any non-Contracting Party that issues Dissostichus  catch
documents in respect of its flag vessels in accordance with paragraph 5, shall inform the
CCAMLR Secretariat of the national authority or authorities (including names, addresses, faxnumbers and email addresses) responsible for issuing and validating Dissostichus  catch
documents.
14. Notwithstanding the above, any Contracting Part y may require additional verification of catch
documents, including inter alia the use of VMS, in respect of catches by its flag vessels
outside the Convention Area, when landed at and exported from its territory.
Annex 170/A
A1. Each Flag State shall ensure that each Dissostichus  catch document form that it issues
includes a specific identification number consisting of:
(i) A four-digit number, consisting of the two-digit International Standards Organization
(ISO) country code plus the last two digits of the year for which the form is issued;
and
(ii) a three-digit sequence number (beginning with 001) to denote the order in which
catch document forms are issued.
It shall also enter on each Dissostichus  catch document form the number as appropriate of the
licence or permit issued to the vessel.WT/CTE/W/148
Page 10
A2. The master of a vessel which has been issued a Dissostichus  catch document form or forms
shall adhere to the following procedures prior to each landing or transhipment of
Dissostichus  spp.:
(i) The master shall ensure that the information specified in paragraph 6 of this
conservation measure is accurately recorded on the Dissostichus  catch document
form;
(ii) if a landing or transhipment includes catch of both Dissostichus spp., the master shall
record on the Dissostichus  catch document form the total amount of the catch landed
or transhipped by weight of each species;
(iii) if a landing or transhipment includes catch of Dissostichus spp. taken from different
statistical subareas and/or divisions, the master shall record on the Dissostichus  catch
document form the amount of the catch by weight of each species taken from each
statistical subarea and/or division;
(iv) the master shall convey to the Flag State of the vessel by the most rapid electronic
means available, the Dissostichus  catch document number, the trip start date, the
species, processing type or types, the net landed weight and the area or areas of thecatch, the date of landing or transhipment and the port and country of landing or
vessel of transhipment and shall request from the Flag State, a Flag State
confirmation number.
A3. If the Flag State determines that the catch landed or transhipped as reported by the vessel is
consistent with its authorization to fish, it shall convey a unique Flag State confirmationnumber to the master by the most rapid electronic means available.
A4. The master shall enter the Flag State confirmation number on the Dissostichus  catch
document form.
A5. The master of a vessel that has been issued a Dissostichus  catch document form or forms shall
adhere to the following procedures immediately after each landing or transhipment of
Dissostichus  spp.:
(i) In the case of a transhipment, the master shall confirm the transhipment by obtaining
the signature on the Dissostichus  catch document of the master of the vessel to which
the catch is transferred;
(ii) in the case of a landing, the master shall confirm the landing by obtaining the
signature on the Dissostichus  catch document of a responsible official at the port of
landing;
(iii) in the case of a landing, the master shall also obtain the signature on the Dissostichus
catch document of the individual that receives the catch at the port of landing;  and
(iv) in the event that the catch is divided upon landing, the master shall present a copy of
the Dissostichus  catch document to each individual that receives a part of the catch at
the port of landing, record on that copy of the catch document the amount and origin
of the catch received by that individual and obtain the signature of that individual.
A6. In respect of each landing or transhipment, the master shall sign and convey by the most rapid
electronic means available a copy, or, if the catch landed was divided, copies, of the signedWT/CTE/W/148
Page 11
Dissostichus  catch document to the Flag State of the vessel and shall provide a copy of the
relevant document to each recipient of the catch.
A7. The Flag State of the vessel shall immediat ely convey by the most rapid electronic means
available a copy or, if the catch was divided, copies, of the signed Dissostichus  catch
document to the CCAMLR Secretariat to be made available by the next working day to all
Contracting Parties.
A8. The master shall retain the original copies of the signed Dissostichus  catch document or
documents and return them to the Flag State no later than one month after the end of the
fishing season.
A9. The master of a vessel to which catch has been transhipped (receiving vessel) shall adhere to
the following procedures immediately after landi ng of such catch in order to complete each
Dissostichus  catch document received from transhipping vessels:
(i) The master of the receiving vessel shall confirm the landing by obtaining the
signature on the Dissostichus  catch document of a responsible official at the port of
landing;
(ii) the master of the receiving vessel shall also obtain the signature on the Dissostichus
catch document of the individual that receives the catch at the port of landing;  and
(iii) in the event that the catch is divided upon landing, the master of the receiving vessel
shall present a copy of the Dissostichus  catch document to each individual that
receives a part of the catch at the port of landing, record on that copy of the catch
document the amount and origin of the catch received by that individual and obtain
the signature of that individual.
A10. In respect of each landing of transhipped catch, the master of the receiving vessel shall sign
and convey by the most rapid electronic means available a copy of all the Dissostichus  catch
documents, or if the catch was divided, copies, of all the Dissostichus catch documents, to the
Flag State(s) that issued the Dissostichus  catch document, and shall provide a copy of the
relevant document to each recipient of the catch.  The Flag State of the vessel shall
immediately convey by the most rapid electronic means available a copy of the document to
the CCAMLR Secretariat to be made available by the next working day to all Contracting
Parties.
A11. For each shipment of Dissostichus  spp. to be exported from the country of landing, the
exporter shall adhere to the following procedures to obtain the necessary export validation of
the Dissostichus  catch document or documents that account for all the Dissostichus  spp.
contained in the shipment:
(i) The exporter shall enter on each Dissostichus  catch document the amount of each
Dissostichus  spp. reported on the document that is contained in the shipment;
(ii) the exporter shall enter on each Dissostichus  catch document the name and address of
the importer of the shipment and the point of import;
(iii) the exporter shall enter on each Dissostichus  catch document the exporter’s name and
address, and shall sign the document; andWT/CTE/W/148
Page 12
(iv) the exporter shall obtain validation of Dissostichus  catch document by the responsible
authority of the exporting State.
A12. In the case of re-export, the re-exporter shall ad here to the following procedures to obtain the
necessary re-export validation of the Dissostichus  catch document or documents that account
for all the Dissostichus  spp. contained in the shipment:
(i) The re-exporter shall supply details of the net weight of product of all species to be
re-exported, together with the Dissostichus  catch document number to which each
species and product relates;
(ii) the re-exporter shall supply the name and address of the importer of the shipment, the
point of import and the name and address of the exporter;
(iii) the re-exporter shall obtain validation of the above details by the responsible
authority of the exporting State.
An example form for re-export is attached to this annex.WT/CTE/W/148
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DISSOSTICHUS  CATCH DOCUMENT V1.0
Document Number Flag State Confirmation Number
PRODUCTION SECTION
1.  Issuing Authority of Document
 Name Address Tel:
Fax:
2.  Fishing Vessel Name Home Port & Registration Number Call Sign Lloyd’s Number
(if applicable)
3.  Licence Number  (if applicable) 4.  Fishing dates for catch under this document
     From: To:
5.  Date of Landing/Transhipment
6.  Description of Fish (Landing/Transhipment)
 Species Type Net Weight
Landed (kg)Area
CaughtNet Weight
Sold (kg)
7.  Recipient name, address, tel, fax and signature.
Recipient Name:
Signature:
Address:
Tel:
Fax:
Species: TOP  Dissostichus eleginoides , TOA  Dissostichus mawsoni
Type: WHO  Whole;  HAG  Headed and gutted;  HAT  Headed and tailed;  FLT  Fillet;
HGT  Headed, gutted, tailed;  OTH  Other (specify)
8.  Landing/Transhipment Information:   I certify that the above information is complete, true and correct to the best of 
my knowledge and that any Dissostichus spp. taken in the Convention Area was caught in a manner consistent*/not 
consistent with CCAMLR conservation measures.
Master of Fishing Vessel Signature Landing/Transhipment
Port and Country/Area
9.  Certificate of Transhipments :  I certify that the above information is co mplete, true and correct to the best of my 
knowledge.
Master of Receiving Vessel Signature Vessel Name Registration Number
10.  Certificate of Landing:   I certify that the above landing information is complete, true and correct to the best of my 
knowledge.
Name Authority Signature Address Tel:
Fax:
11.  EXPORT SECTION
Description of Fish12.  Exporter Declaration : I certify that the above information is complete, true and
correct to the best of my knowledge.
Species Product Net Weight Name Address Signature Export licence
Type (kg) (if applicable)
13. Export Government Authority Validation: I certify that the above information 
is complete, true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Name/Title Signature Date Seal (Stamp)
14.  IMPORT SECTION
Name of Importer Address
Point of Unlading: City State/Province Country
*  Delete whichever is not applicableWT/CTE/W/148
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DISSOSTICHUS  RE-EXPORT DOCUMENT V1.0
RE-EXPORT SECTION Re-exporting Country:
1.  Description of Fish
Species Type of Product Net Weight
Exported (kg)Dissostichus  Catch Document
Number Attached
Species: TOP  Dissostichus eleginoides , TOA  Dissostichus mawsoni
Type: WHO  Whole; HAG  Headed and gutted; HAT  Headed and tailed; FLT  Fillet;
HGT  Headed, gutted, tailed; OTH  Other (Specify)
2.  Re-Exporter Certification:   I certify that the above information is complete, true, and correct to the best of my
knowledge, and that the above product comes from product certified by the attached Dissostichus  Catch Document(s).
Name Address Signature Date Export Licence
(If applicable)
3. Re-Export Government Authority Validation:  I certify that the above information is complete, true, and correct to
the best of my knowledge.
Name/Title Signature Date Export Licence
(If applicable)
4.  IMPORT SECTIONName of importer Address
Point of Unlading:  City State/Province CountryWT/CTE/W/148
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APPENDIX IV
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM ON THE INTRODUCTION
OF THE CATCH DOCUMENTATION SCHEME (CDS)
FOR TOOTHFISH ( DISSOSTICHUS SPP.)
1. Background
The scale of illegal, unregulated and unrepor ted (IUU) fishing for toothfish (Dissostichus
spp.) in the Southern Oceans is the most significant problem faced by the Commission for the
Conservation of Antarctic Marine  Living Resources (CCAMLR).
Over the past three years the amounts of toothf ish taken by IUU fishing have been of the
order of 90 000 tonnes, more than twice the level of catches taken in CCAMLR regulated fisheries.
This rate of extraction is unsustainable and has led to a significant depletion of toothfish stocks in
some areas.  In addition, the mortality of seabirds, principally albatross and petrel species, taken as a
by-catch of the longline fisheries is also unsustainable and has resulted in declines in the populationsof these species.
To address this problem a number of conservation measures have been introduced by
CCAMLR over the last three years relating to the toot hfish fisheries in order to combat the problem of
IUU fishing on the toothfish stocks.  These measures in particular include:
• Flag State licensing requirement for all vessels in the fisheries;
• conservation measures fixing fishing levels for all toothfish fisheries in the
Convention’s waters;
• mandatory vessel monitoring systems (VMS);
• port inspections of landings and transhipments; and
• marking of vessels and fishing gear.
In addition there has been an intensification of control in the Convention Area.
Consequently, the number of inspections followed by sanctions has also increased, reaching a peak
in 1998.
2. Catch Documentation Scheme
As a further means to address this problem which threatens the conservation of the toothfish
stocks, the  CCAMLR Commission adopted at its Eighteenth Meeting a conservation measure
(170/XVIII) on the introduction of a Catch Documentation Scheme for Dissostichus spp. (see
Appendix III of this report).
The purpose for the introduction of this Scheme is:(i) To monitor the international trade in toothfish;
(ii) to identify the origins of toothfish imported into or exported from the territories of
Contracting Parties;WT/CTE/W/148
Page 16
(iii) to determine whether toothfish imported into or exported from the territories of
Contracting Parties, if caught in the Convention Area, was caught in a manner
consistent with CCAMLR conservation measures;  and
(iv) to gather catch data for the scientific evaluation of the stocks.
To meet this purpose, all landings, tranship ments and importations of toothfish into the
territories of Contracting Parties will require to be accompanied by a completed Catch Document.
This will specify a range of information relating to the volume and location of catch, and the name
and Flag State of the vessel.
This Catch Documentation Scheme will become operative on 4 May1  and will be open to all
Flag States irrespective of whether they are Members of CCAMLR or not.
Non-contracting parties to CCAMLR are invited to participate in the Catch Documentation
Scheme for Dissostichus  spp.  To do so they will need to ensure that their vessels are provided with
Dissostichus  Catch Documents for presentation to Contracting Party authorities as required.
3. Landing and Transhipment Procedures
3.1 Area
Toothfish are caught both inside and outside the CCAMLR Convention Area (see map,
Appendix II).  The importation authorities (customs authorities or other appropriate officials) ofContracting Parties to CCAMLR will require that a Dissostichus  Catch Document accompanies all
imports of toothfish.
3.2 Procedures
The document required will have the form of the attached Catch Document.  This document
will be issued by the Flag State to its fishing vessels authorized to fish toothfish.  It will also issue this
document to all vessels authorized by the Flag State to receive transhipments of toothfish.
On receipt of a request from a fishing vessel the Flag State will determine whether the catches
that are intended for landing or transhipping are cons istent with its authorization to fish and if so will
issue the vessel with a unique Flag State Confirmation Number.
The document will need to be countersigned by a Port State official when the catch is landed.
This signature will confirm that the catches landed agree with the details on the document.  The
person who receives the catch must also countersign the document and state on the document the
amount of the landed catch that has been received.  In the case that the catch is divided on landing,copies of the Catch Document must be supplied by the master and completed by each receiver of a
part of the landing.
In the case of transhipment, the master of a receiving vessel will sign the Catch Document
presented by the fishing vessel master.  When catches are landed from a vessel that has received atranshipment of toothfish the quantity of the toothfish to be landed must be confirmed by the
                                                     
1 A formal notification to Members of conservation measures adopted at CCAMLR-XVIII was issued
on 9 November 1999 (COMM CIRC 99/107).  Therefore, subject to provisions of Article IX.6(b) of theConvention, the conservation measures will become binding on all Members on 7 May 2000.WT/CTE/W/148
Page 17
countersignature of a Port State official on each Catch Document that was received from fishing
vessels by the master of the receiving vessel.  In a ll other respects the landing is treated similarly to a
landing direct to port.
Originals of all copies of the document must then  be returned to the Flag State of the fishing
vessel that caught the fish, which will forward a copy  to the CCAMLR Secretariat.  The copies of the
document that were provided to each receiver must remain with the catch throughout all subsequent
transactions, including export and import.
Please note that for catches taken in CCAMLR waters, the Commission is seeking to
determine whether catches have been taken in a manner consistent with CCAMLR conservation
measures including those in Attachment A.  Full details of the CCAMLR conservation measures
currently in force can be obtained from the CCAMLR Secretariat.
4. Export and Import procedures
In the event that a part of the catch is exported from the country of landing, the exporter must
complete the export and intended import details on the Dissostichus Catch Documents that account
for all toothfish contained in the shipment.  The exporter must also obtain validation of the Catch
Documents by the relevant official of the exporting state.  If a shipment is re-exported, similar
validation must be obtained from a relevant official of the exporting states and copies of the original
Catch Documents attached.
On importation, the relevant authorities may, if appropriate, contact the Flag State of the
vessel to verify the authenticity of the content of the Catch Document.  In the event that Contracting
Parties importation authorities receive a shipment of toothfish that is NOT accompanied by a valid
Catch Document, the shipment will be detained.  In the event that checks carried out by the
importation authorities with the Flag State fail to verify the legitimacy of a Catch Document,importation of the shipment will not be authorized.
5. Information
Should Flag States or fishing companies require further information or clarification on the
operation of the Catch Documentation Scheme, they may contact the CCAMLR Secretariat at:
CCAMLR
PO Box 213
North Hobart  7002
Tasmania Australia
Telephone: 61 3 6231 0366
Facsimile: 61 3 6234 9965
Email: ccamlr@ccamlr.orgWT/CTE/W/148
Page 18
ATTACHMENT A
CONSERVATION MEASURES AND OTHER REGULATIONS, RELEVANT TO
TOOTHFISH FISHERIES IN THE CONVENTION AREA
Licensing
The specific provisions of Conservation Measure 119/XVII and Article IV(c)  of the System
of Inspection must be complied with.  Vessels must  be licensed by their Flag States to fish in
CCAMLR waters, and details of the licence (name of vessel, time period(s) of fishing, area(s) of
fishing, species targeted and gear used) must be sent to the CCAMLR Secretariat within seven (7)
days of the issue of the licence.
Compliance with conservation measures
The provisions of all relevant conservation measures in relation to catch limits, fishing
seasons, areas, and restriction of effort to named Parties must be complied with.
Data reporting
All toothfish fisheries require in-season catch reporting for the purposes of monitoring catch,
as well as reporting of all catch, effort and biological data to CCAMLR (Conservation
Measures 51/XII, 121/XVI and 122/XVI), which must be complied with.
Scientific observation and inspection procedures
The relevant provisions of the CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific Observation and
the System of Inspection must be adhered to.  In particular all vessels engaged in toothfish fisheriesmust carry a international scientific observer designated in accordance with the Scheme of
Observation.  Vessels fishing in the Convention’s waters will be subject to inspection by inspectors
designated under the System of Inspection.
Vessel monitoring and marking (Conservation Measures 148/XVII and 146/XVII)
All vessels and fishing gear must be marked according to internationally accepted standards
and vessels should have on board an operational VMS reporting to the Flag State.
Mitigating measures
Measures for the mitigation of incidental mortality of birds in longline fisheries must be
complied with (Conservation Measures 29/XVI).  These include the deployment of bird-scaring
devices, appropriate line-weighting regimes, prohibition on the use of plastic packaging bands onboard vessels and the use of frozen bait, the requirement for night-time setting of lines, and the
prohibition on the discharge of offal during hauling.  General by-catch provisions associated with
toothfish fisheries must be complied with.
Other measures
Any proposed development of new fishing area s must conform to the conservation measures
dealing with new and exploratory fisheries.  These include the requirement for research and data
collection during the exploratory phase of a fishery (Conservation Measures 31/X and 65/XII).WT/CTE/W/148
Page 19
Vessels will be subject to inspection by Port States on landing or transhipping catches
(Conservation Measures 118/XVII and 147/XVII).
The above is only a synopsis of the relevant measures.  Those intending to be engaged in the
Catch Documentation Scheme are advised to consult the actual texts of the measures to ensurecompliance with their provisions.WT/CTE/W/148
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APPENDIX V
POLICY TO ENHANCE COOPERATION BETWEEN
CCAMLR AND NON-CONTRACTING PARTIES
The Commission, in order to:
• Ensure the effectiveness of CCAMLR conservation measures;
• enhance cooperation with non-contracting parties, including those implicated in
fishing which undermines the effectiveness of those measures (hereafter referred to as
illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) fishing); and
• eliminate IUU fishing,  including that by non-contracting parties,
hereby adopts the following policy:
I. The Executive Secretary is requested to develop a list of non-contracting parties implicated in
IUU fishing and or trade either after the adoption of this policy or during the three years prior,
which has undermined the effectiveness of CCAMLR conservation measures.
II. The Chairman of the Commission shall write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of each non-
Contracting Party included in the abovementioned list explaining how IUU fishing
undermines the effectiveness of CCAMLR conservation measures.  The letter, as appropriate,
will:
(a) Invite and encourage non-contracting parties to attend as observers at meetings of the
Commission in order to improve their understanding of the work of the Commission
and the effects of IUU fishing;
(b) encourage non-contracting parties to accede to the Convention;
(c) inform non-contracting parties of the development and implementation of the
CCAMLR Catch Documentation Scheme for Dissostichus  spp. and provide them
with a copy of the conservation measure and the explanatory memorandum;
(d) encourage non-contracting parties to participate in the CCAMLR Catch
Documentation Scheme and draw their attention to the consequences for them of not
participating;
(e) request non-contracting parties to prevent their flag vessels from fishing in the
Convention Area in a manner which undermines the effectiveness of measures
adopted by CCAMLR to ensure conservation and sustainably managed fisheries;
(f) if their flag vessels are involved in IUU fishing, request non-contracting parties to
provide information to the CCAMLR Secretariat on their vessels’ activities, including
catch and effort data;
(g) seek the assistance of non-contracting parties in investigating the activities of their
flag vessels suspected of being involved in IUU fishing, including inspecting such
vessels when they next reach port;WT/CTE/W/148
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(h) request non-contracting parties to report to the CCAMLR Secretariat on landings and
transhipments in their ports in accordance with the format specified in Attachment A;
and
(i) request non-contracting parties to deny landing or transhipments in their ports for fish
harvested in CCAMLR waters not taken in compliance with CCAMLR conservation
measures and requirements under the Convention.
III. Parties shall individually and collectively take all appropriate efforts to implement or assist in
the implementation of this policy; such efforts may include taking concerted action on joint
demarches on non-contracting parties to complement correspondence from the Chairman.
IV. The Commission will annually review the effectiveness of the implementation of this policy.
V. The Executive Secretary will regularly inform non-contracting parties concerned of new
conservation measures adopted by CCAMLR.WT/CTE/W/148
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ATTACHMENT A
SUBMISSION OF INFORMATION BY NON-CONTRACTING PARTIES
ON LANDINGS AND TRANSHIPMENTS OF TOOTHFISH
(DISSOSTICHUS  SPP.) IN THEIR PORTS
To the extent possible the required information should be submitted in the following format:
(i) Whether the vessel is a fishing or cargo vessel; if it is a fishing vessel, what type of
vessel (trawler/longliner);
(ii) the name, international call sign and registration number of the vessel;
(iii) the flag and port of registration;
(iv) whether an inspection had been conducted by the Port State and, if so, its findings,
including information on the fishing licence of the vessel concerned;
(v) the species of fish involved, including the weight and form of catch, and whether it
was landed or transhipped;
(vi) if a fishing vessel, the location(s) in which it had operated according to the vessel’s
records and where it reported the catch as having been taken (CCAMLR or non
CCAMLR);  and
(vii) the nature of any matters requiring further investigation by the Flag State.
__________