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The resolution 11/04 on Regional Observer Scheme (ROS) is adapted by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) "to improve the collection of scientific data, at least 5% of the number of operations/sets for each gear type by the fleet of each Contracting and Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties (CPC) in the IOTC area of competence of 24 meters overall length and over, and under 24 meters if they fish outside their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)". Accordingly, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) initiated the National Observer Scheme in Sri Lanka for vessels over 24m in length in 2014.This program continues under the supervision of the IOTC, and relevant reports are submitted to the IOTC as per Resolution 11/04 annually. However, more than 95% of the total fleet of Lanka consists of vessels less than 15 meters overall length. The size and the structure of these vessels constrain provision of minimum facilities for an on-board Observer, such as accommodation, working space and safety conditions. Therefore, the Sri Lanka was not able to implement the mentioned on-board observer program in the small vessels. Sri Lanka informed to the IOTC and other relevant parties the difficulties to comply with Resolution 11/04. As result, Sri Lanka proposed and presented a couple of alternatives to the IOTC to fulfil the requirements of this resolution for vessels less than 24m in length. In consequence, Sri Lanka is rated as fulfilling a partial compliance for the implementation of Resolution 11/04 in previous years’ compliance reports.
