MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay imposes strict controls on foreign flagged fishing vessels

Uruguay has increased controls on third countries flagged fishing vessels arriving in Montevideo. The decision follows the commitment of Uruguay's National Directorate of Aquatic Resources Director Daniel Montiel at FAO Fisheries Committee meeting celebrated last year in Rome.

The increased controls and inspections which had already been intensified following on recommendations issued by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna, ICCAT, and the International Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Live Resources, CCAMLR, will become effective on all fishing fleets operating from Montevideo including jiggers, trawlers and longliners.

One of the requirements foreign vessels with catches to unload must comply with, is mandatory notification to Uruguay's fisheries authorities at least 48 hours before their arrival in Montevideo.

Furthermore to have landings authorized, companies and agencies must submit a copy of the fishing licence granted by the flag country, a letter by the skipper stating no illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing has been carried out, a statement specifying volume and species of the catch and a statement on the FAO zone where the catch comes from.

In a second stage Uruguayan authorities will demand foreign vessels to have a satellite monitoring system, VMS, under surveillance from the flag country, as is the rule now for vessels licenced to catch toothfish.

The measures which are under implementation in Montevideo in accordance with FAO Responsible Fishing Conduct Code have caused certain unease among local agents and operators. (FIS/MP).-