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The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC),
HAVING responsibility for the sustainable utilisation of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean;
RECOGNISING the need for action to ensure the achievement of IOTC objectives to conserve and manage tuna resources in the IOTC area of competence;
RECALLING Article 6, paragraph 3, of the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea of December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (UNFSA), on the strengthening of existing organisations and arrangements;
RECALLING that the IOTC Scientific Committee has initiated a process leading to a Management Strategy Evaluation process to improve upon the provision of scientific advice on Harvest Control Rules (HCRs);
FURTHER RECALLING that the IOTC has embarked upon a dialogue process as agreed in Resolution 14/03 [superseded by Resolution 16/09] on enhancing the dialogue between fisheries scientists and managers, which required that a series of three Science and Management Dialogue Workshops is held between 2014 and 2017;
NOTING the need, expressed by the Scientific Committee, to strengthen the communication on the MSE process between the Scientific Committee and the Commission, in order to facilitate consideration of the elements of the MSE that require endorsement by the Commission ;
RECOGNISING that the Scientific Committee RECOMMENDED that the Commission consider establishing a formal communication channel for the science and management dialogue to enhance decision-making through a dedicated Technical Committee on Management Procedures (SC18.18);
ADOPTS in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article IX of the IOTC Agreement, that:
A Technical Committee on Management Procedures (TCMP) co-chaired by the Commission Chair (or designee) and the Scientific Committee Chair (or designee) and facilitated, if possible, by an independent expert, is established with the objective of addressing the priorities identified in Resolutions 14/03 [superseded by Resolution 16/09] on enhancing the dialogue between fisheries scientists and managers, and 15/10 on target and limit reference points and a decision framework or any subsequent resolutions addressing Management Strategy Evaluation and Management Procedures.
The objectives of the TCMP shall be to:
a. Enhance the decision making response of the Commission in relation to management procedures, including recommendations made by the Scientific Committee;
b. Enhance communication and foster dialogue and mutual understanding between the Scientific Committee and the Commission on matters relating to management procedures; and
c. Assist the Commission to obtain and promote the effective use of scientific resources and information.
The TCMP shall meet prior to and in conjunction with the annual Commission Session, to facilitate full attendance by CPCs.
The outcomes of the TCMP will be considered by the annual Commission Session under a standing agenda item for that purpose, as well as through the Commission’s consideration of proposals relating to management procedures.
The TCMP shall focus on the presentation of results and exchange of information necessary for the Commission to consider possible adoption of Management Procedures. Standard formats for the presentation of results should be used, to facilitate understanding of the material by a non-technical audience.
The agenda of the TCMP shall place emphasis on the elements of each Management Procedure that require a decision by the Commission. The adoption of Management Procedures is an iterative process that allows for adjustments as the work, and the understanding of the elements involved, progresses.
The TCMP should undertake the following:
a. Identifying, evaluating, and discussing management procedures for the IOTC fisheries, which help meet the objectives of the IOTC Agreement, including socioeconomics, food security, etc., identified by the Commission, the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries and the precautionary approach for the consideration of the Commission. Specifically, consideration of the following:
i. Overarching management objectives to guide the development of management procedures for the IOTC fisheries;
ii. Target and Limit Reference Points with reference to Resolution 15/10 on interim target and limit reference points and a decision framework (or any subsequent revision);
iii. Harvest Control Rules (HCRs), including: the extent to which HCRs meet management objectives; the probabilities of achieving target reference points, avoiding limit reference points, or rebuilding; the risks to the fishery and the resource at these limit and target reference points; and allowing, in particular, the implementation of a precautionary approach as required by Resolution 15/10 on interim target and limit reference points and a decision framework (or any subsequent revision);
b. Considering current scientific advice relating to management procedures and the need for additional scientific advice to support the Commission’s consideration of management procedures.
c. Specifications for the roles and responsibilities of the Commission and its subcommittees, particularly the Scientific Committee and working parties, and clarifications for possible interactions and feedback between them, for each step of the management procedure development process (e.g., from technical work to be developed in WP/SC to the decision making process in the Commission).
d. Considering data monitoring systems and management procedure implementation mechanisms to assure the effectiveness of any of the management procedures agreed.
The need for a continuation of the Technical Committee on Management Procedures shall be reviewed no later than at the Annual Session of the Commission in 2019.
This Resolution supersedes Resolution 14/03 On enhancing the dialogue between fisheries scientists and managers.
