Report of the 20th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

The 20th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) was held in La Reunion, France, from 23–27 May 2016, Chaired by Dr Ahmed Al-Mazrouai (Oman). A total of 178 delegates attended the Session, composed of 135 delegates from 26 Contracting Parties (Members) of the Commission, 6 delegates from 4 Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties, 32 delegates from 12 Observers (including 9 invited experts) and 5 delegates from the FAO.
The Commission adopted the IOTC IUU Vessels List as provided in Appendix XIa. (para. 57).
The Commission granted the status of Cooperating Non-Contracting Party until the close of the 21st Session in 2017 to Bangladesh, Djibouti, Liberia and Senegal. (paras. 64-77).
The Commission adopted the budget for, and the scheme of contributions for 2017 and indicative for 2018 as outlined in Appendix XIII and Appendix XIVa, respectively (para. 105).
The Commission adopted 12 Conservation and Management Measures in 2016, consisting of 12 Resolutions and 0 Recommendations, as follows:
• Resolution 16/01 On an interim plan for rebuilding the Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna stock
• Resolution 16/02 On harvest control rules for skipjack tuna in the IOTC area of competence
• Resolution 16/03 On the second performance review follow-up
• Resolution 16/04 On the implementation of a Pilot Project in view of Promoting the Regional Observer Scheme of IOTC
• Resolution 16/05 On vessels without nationality
• Resolution 16/06 On measures applicable in case of non-fulfilment of reporting obligations in the IOTC
• Resolution 16/07 On the use of artificial lights to attract fish
• Resolution 16/08 On the prohibition of the use of aircrafts and unmanned aerial vehicles as fishing aids
• Resolution 16/09 On establishing a Technical Committee on Management Procedures
• Resolution 16/10 To promote the implementation of IOTC Conservation and Management Measures
• Resolution 16/11 On port state measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
• Resolution 16/12 Working Party on the Implementation of Conservation and Management Measures (WPICMM)