ENB:07:16 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

---

SCOPE OF APPLICATION:

One of the major points of disagreement was the extent to which compliance and enforcement measures will be applicable within EEZs. This actually led to a lengthy discussion on the mandate of this Conference. Is the Conference to deal with fish stocks lying in and beyond the EEZs? Should references to the high seas be stricken? What is the responsibility of coastal States and distant water fishing nations with regard to compliance and enforcement?

Beyond the legal discussion, some delegates argued that due to the nature of the stocks, jurisdiction cannot be divided along national boundaries. Rather, stocks need to be seen as a biological unit throughout their range. Some delegates argued that the issue of EEZ and high seas fisheries management is best dealt with in the section of the Chair's report on compatibility and coherence between conservation measures for the same stocks.

There was also discussion about how general the guidelines should be. Most agreed that there is a need for harmonization of compliance and enforcement measures at the global level so that agreement could be reached on a broad framework. Some delegates pointed out, however, that this could then result in the establishment of individual measures, such as quotas, for each region.