Review Panel issues ruling in first ever proceedings under South Pacific Ocean Fisheries Convention

On 5 July 2013, a Review Panel established under the Convention for the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean (entry into force on 24 August 2012) (“Convention”) issued its Findings and Recommendations on the Russian Federation’s objection to the Conservation and Management Measure for Trachurus murphyi(Chilean jack mackerel) for 2013 adopted by the Commission established under the Convention. These were the first proceedings of their kind under the Convention. The PCA provided full registry support to the Review Panel and participants in the proceedings. A hearing was held in the Peace Palace on 1 July 2013.

The Convention establishes the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (“Organisation”), an inter-governmental organisation committed to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the fishery resources of the South Pacific Ocean. The Organisation consists of a Commission with the following members: Australia, Belize, Republic of Chile, People’s Republic of China, Cook Islands, Republic of Cuba, European Union, Kingdom of Denmark in respect of the Faroe Islands, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russian Federation, and Chinese Taipei. Pursuant to Article 17 and Annex II of the Convention, Commission members may have their objections to Commission decisions reviewed by a Review Panel within established time limits.

Further information on these proceedings, including the Review Panel’s Findings and Recommendations and other documents, can be found at: https://www.pcacases.com/web/view/33.