Incidences of gillnet fishing in the Convention Area reported through the Scheme of International Scientific Observation

Observers deployed in terms of the CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific Observation are required to record incidences of IUU fishing. Since the CCAMLR 2003/4 season 15 reports of IUU activity have been reported from seven cruises by South African Observers deployed in the BANZARE Bank and Prydz Bay region. Recent observer reports indicate that there is an increase in gillnet fishing activity on some of the fishing grounds in this area. These reports are supported by both photographic evidence of vessels hauling gillnets and sections of gillnet retrieved by licensed longliners.