| Abstrakt: |
The Meeting of the Parties to the PSMA, in its third meeting, recognized the importance of information sharing for the implementation of the Agreement and more widely for combatting IUU fishing. Parties recognized the importance of the availability of information related to the national contact points and designated ports (DPs) for the Agreement in the PSMA application and called for all those Parties not having done so yet, to provide updated information. Parties welcomed the prototype of the GIES and agreed that GIES enter a pilot phase and encouraged its use by Parties to allow for complete familiarization with the data upload and information sharing functions, and other features. The Parties stressed the importance of data protection and confidentiality, and ensuring the system is practical and user friendly, including making it as interoperable as possible with existing systems to minimize unnecessary burdens on Parties. Parties requested technical and operational matters related to the GIES to be discussed at TWG-IE meeting in 2022. With regard to the pilot phase of the GIES, TWG-IE made specific recommendations on improvements and future developments of the GIES, whilst stressing the need for the system to remain sustainable and that the development of new features does not postpone the operationalization of the system. The TWG-IE recommended that a deadline be set for all Parties to share technical comments on the GIES system and recommended the operationalization of the GIES in 2023 following the approval of Parties at their fourth meeting. The TWG-IE noted the importance of defining how long reports published within the GIES should be retained. The TWG-IE considered that the IMO (International Maritime Organization) number should be made mandatory in the GIES if the vessel has an IMO number, whilst recommending that other identifiers such as the international radio call sign, the external marking usually referring to national registration numbers, the regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) identifiers and the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) should be considered for vessels without IMO numbers. The TWG-IE reiterated the importance that all Parties submit information on NCPs and DPs and keep this information updated. The TWG-IE highlighted the importance of ensuring that all DPs under the PSMA, have been attributed a UN/LOCODE, when possible. The TWG-IE recognized the need for the terms of reference for the working group. The TWG-IE made further recommendations in relation to: considerations in cases of Force Majeure in relation to the GIES; the importance of security in the GIES; the importance of RFBs in supporting information exchange; and the importance of materials and trainings to guide GIES users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
