Division 1.3.1 General inspection tasksF1

Where dead fish are onboard a catching vessel or present onboard any other vessel, officials shall always verify if the fish is legally retained on board. Officials shall verify the quantities of all fish species retained on board in order to ensure compliance with ICCAT by-catch and minimum size rules.

Where live fish are being transferred, officials shall seek to identify the means used by the parties involved to estimate the quantities, expressed in numbers of live bluefin tuna transferred. Where video footage is available, officials shall gain access to, verify the quantities transferred as observed by the video footage and verify that the video footage respects the minimum standards for video recording procedures as defined in Annex 9 to ICCAT Recommendation 12-03.

Officials shall systematically verify during all inspections:

1. (1)

   that the fishing vessels are authorised to operate (markings, identity, licence, fishing authorisation and ICCAT lists);

2. (2)

   compliance with the vessel documentation requirements;

3. (3)

   that the fishing vessels are equipped with an operational VMS and that requirements on VMS transmission are respected;

4. (4)

   fishing vessels are not operating inside close areas and are respecting the closure of fishing seasons;

5. (5)

   respect of quotas and by-catch limitations;

6. (6)

   the size composition of catches on board;

7. (7)

   the physical quantities of catches on board, and their presentation;

8. (8)

   the fishing gear on board;

9. (9)

   the presence of an observer where it is relevant.

Officials shall sight and report on IUU fishing activities, and on the use of spotting aircrafts or helicopters.