CMM 2018-01 17

17. In addition to the three month FAD closure in paragraph 16, except for those vessels flying the Kiribati flag when fishing in the high seas adjacent to the Kiribati exclusive economic zone,* and Philippines’ vessels operating in HSP1 in accordance with Attachment 2, it shall be prohibited to deploy, service or set on FADs in the high seas for two additional sequential months of the year. Each CCM shall decide which two sequential months (either April – May or November – December) shall be closed to setting on FADs by their fleets in the high seas for 2018, 2019 and 2020 and notify the Secretariat of that decision by March 1, 2018.   * footnote 2: Those vessels fishing within a 100 nautical mile buffer zone extending from the high seas adjacent to the Cook Islands shall inform Kiribati and the Cook Islands authorities at least 24 hours prior to entry into and 24 hours prior to the exit from the buffer zone with estimated coordinates for entry and exit. Each report shall contain the vessel name, international radio call sign and position at time of reporting.   para 57. confirms the provisions set out in paragraphs 17 shall be applicable until 10 February 2021

para 18: The provisions of paragraphs 3 to 7 of CMM 2009-02 apply to the high seas FAD closures.  In applying the provisions of paragraphs 16 and 17, any set where small amounts of plastic or small garbage that do not have a tracking buoy attached are detected shall not be considered to be a FAD set for the purposes of the FAD closure.  This shall apply in 2019 only and will be reviewed to determine whether it resulted in increased catch of bigeye and small yellowfin tuna.