Consideration of Exceptional Circumstances processes in the IOTC

The Working Party on Methods (WPM) 2020 meeting requested intersessional work on the
definition of exceptional circumstances. This paper defines types of exceptional circumstances
conditions and actions that can be considered, and the process adopted in other Regional
Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs). Draft guidelines for the Provision of Exceptional
Circumstances in IOTC are provided for consideration as part of the formulation for adoption of a
management procedure (MP). The provisions for exceptional circumstances provide a scientific
process for handling any concerns with implementing the MP and provide transparency in Total
Allowable Catch (TAC) decision making by the Commission.