Report of the 12th Session of the Standing Committee on Administration and Finance

The 12th Session of the Standing Committee on Administration and Finance (SCAF12) of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) was held in Busan, Republic of Korea, 23–24 April 2015. The meeting was opened by the Chair, Mr. Benjamin Tabios (Philippines).

The following are a subset of the complete recommendations from the SCAF12 to the Commission, which are provided within Appendix VII.

Financial Statement

SCAF12–01 (para. 19) The SCAF RECOMMENDED that the IOTC Secretariat should continue to explore all possible avenues with the objective to recover the outstanding contributions and request support from FAO in engagement with CPCs in this regard.

Balance of funds

SCAF12–02 (para. 25) The SCAF RECOMMENDED that the Commission seeks guidance from FAO in regard to the financial continuity of operations of the Commission in 2015 and 2016, based on outstanding arrears in contributions, and requests support from FAO in regard to IOTC Secretariat staff contract extensions and advise on collecting arrears.

Contributions outstanding

SCAF12–03 (para. 29) The SCAF RECOMMENDED that the IOTC Secretariat, in consultation with the Chair of the Commission, to conduct bilateral discussion with the I.R. Iran, and other Contracting Parties with outstanding contributions with a view to find a mutually satisfactory method to recover the outstanding contributions and to detail a plan of action for payment to Membership as soon as the situation allows for this financial transaction.

Deficit Contingency Budget

SCAF12–07 (para. 50) The SCAF RECOMMENDED that the Deficit Contingency budget be inserted within the proposed budget for 2016 (US$375,051) and indicative budget for 2017.

Programme of work and budget estimates: proposed for 2016 and 2017

SCAF12–10 (para. 55) The SCAF RECOMMENDED that the Commission adopt the budget for, and the scheme of contributions for 2016 as outlined in Appendix IV and Appendix V, while noting the objection of Indonesia.

Review of the Draft and Adoption of the Report of the 12th Session of the Standing Committee on Administration and Finance

SCAF12–14 (para. 66) The SCAF RECOMMENDED that the Commission consider the consolidated set of recommendations arising from SCAF12, provided at Appendix VII.