Advice on choice and implementation of two additional month high seas FAD closure (April-May 2018 or Nov-Dec 2018)
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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, and notify the Secretariat of that decision by March 1, 2018. * footnote 3: 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 56. confirms the provisions set out in paragraphs 17 shall be applicable for 2018 only.