Article 77 VME encounters

where a VME encounter is suspected based on the available information, in particular where significant quantities of VME indicator organisms are present in the catch, the vessels shall quantify catch of VME indicator organisms. Observers deployed in accordance with Article 74 shall identify corals, sponges and any other VME organisms to the lowest possible taxonomical level and apply the Exploratory Bottom Fisheries Protocol as provided for in Article 74(2) and SEAFO catch sampling forms. Observers shall submit SEAFO trip summary reports to flag Member States which without delay shall forward the information to the SEAFO Secretariat via the Commission;

where a VME encounter is confirmed, on the basis of measures taken under point (a), the vessel master shall:

1. (i)

   report the incident to the flag Member State, which without delay shall forward the information to the Commission and the SEAFO Executive Secretary. The Commission shall immediately request Member States to alert all Community vessels authorised to operate in the SEAFO Regulatory Area,

2. (ii)

   cease fishing, haul the gear, and move away at least two nautical miles from the endpoint of the tow/set in the direction least likely to result in further encounters based on all available sources of information. Any further tows or sets shall be parallel to the tow/set when the encounter was made.