IMPLEMENTING PROTOCOL to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Gabonese Republic and the European Community (2021-2026)
PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1
Definitions
Article 2
Objective and period of application
Article 3
Field of application
Article 4
Relationship between the Protocol and the Agreement
Article 5
Relationship between the Protocol and other agreements and legal instruments
Article 6
Access to the allowable catch surplus and access based on a scientific opinion
Article 7
Economic cooperation and exploitation
PART II
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
Article 8
Authorised access for Union vessels
Article 9
Compliance with Gabonese legislation
Article 10
Non-discrimination and transparency
Article 11
Data processing and confidentiality
Article 12
Exclusivity
Article 13
Financial contribution
Article 14
Payments
PART III
SUPPORT FOR RESPONSIBLE FISHING
Article 15
Sectoral support
Article 16
Scientific cooperation to ensure responsible fishing
Article 17
Scientific opinion, revision of access opportunities and conditions for fishing
Article 18
Exploratory fishing and new fishing opportunities
PART IV
PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE INSTITUTIONS
Article 19
Functioning and prerogatives of the Joint Committee
Article 20
Electronic exchange of information
PART V
FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 21
Dispute resolution
Article 22
Suspension
Article 23
Termination
Article 24
Provisional application
Article 25
Continuation of the partnership
Article 26
Entry into force
Article 27
Authentic texts
ANNEX
CONDITIONS GOVERNING FISHING ACTIVITIES BY UNION VESSELS IN THE GABONESE FISHING ZONE
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. DESIGNATION OF THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY
2. GABONESE FISHING ZONE — ZONES CLOSED TO NAVIGATION AND FISHING
3. ACTIVITIES OF SUPPORT VESSELS
4. APPOINTMENT OF A LOCAL AGENT
5. BANK ACCOUNT FOR PAYMENTS BY VESSEL OWNERS
CHAPTER II
FISHING LICENCES
1. CONDITIONS FOR OBTAINING A FISHING LICENCE – ELIGIBLE VESSELS
2. LICENCE APPLICATION
3. FEES
4. LIST OF VESSELS AUTHORISED TO FISH
5. ISSUE OF THE LICENCE — TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENTS
6. LICENCE VALIDITY PERIOD
7. DOCUMENTS TO BE KEPT ON BOARD
8. SUPPORT VESSEL AUTHORISATIONS
9. IMPLEMENTATION OF AN AUTOMATED ELECTRONIC LICENCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
CHAPTER III
TECHNICAL MEASURES
CHAPTER IV
CATCH MONITORING AND REPORTING
SECTION 1
Recording and reporting of catches until the ERS is used
SECTION 2
Electronic fishing logbook — ERS recording and reporting
SECTION 3
Aggregate catch data
CHAPTER V
CALCULATION AND PAYMENT OF CATCH
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RELATED FEES AND CONTRIBUTIONS
CHAPTER VI
TRANSSHIPMENTS AND LANDINGS IN GABON
1. FISHERIES SECTOR DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES – INCENTIVES
2. MARKET SUPPLY OBJECTIVE
3. PROCEDURE FOR LANDING AND TRANSHIPMENT
CHAPTER VII
CONTROL
1. ENTERING AND EXITING THE FISHING ZONE
2. INSPECTIONS AT SEA OR IN PORT
3. PARTICIPATORY MONITORING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST IUU FISHING
CHAPTER VIII
SATELLITE-BASED VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM (VMS)
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
2. VMS DATA
3. COMMUNICATION TO GABON OF POSITION MESSAGES
4. MALFUNCTION OF THE VMS
CHAPTER IX
INFRINGEMENTS
1. DETECTION AND HANDLING OF INFRINGEMENTS
2. DETENTION OF VESSELS – INFORMATION MEETING
3. PENALTIES FOR INFRINGEMENTS – SETTLEMENT PROCEDURE
4. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS – BANK GUARANTEE
5. RELEASE OF THE VESSEL AND THE CREW
CHAPTER X
SIGNING-ON OF SAILORS
CHAPTER XI
OBSERVERS
1. OBSERVATION OF FISHING ACTIVITIES
2. DESIGNATED VESSELS AND OBSERVERS – THE OBSERVER’S BOARDING AND LEAVING THE VESSEL
3. FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION BY THE VESSEL OWNERS
4. EMBARCATION CONDITIONS
5. OBLIGATIONS OF THE OBSERVER
6. TASKS OF THE OBSERVER
7. REPORT BY THE OBSERVER
APPENDICES
Appendix 1
Coordinates of the Gabonese fishing zone - Areas closed to fishing
Latitude |
Longitude |
0.69 |
9,164 |
0,373 |
9,124 |
0,27 |
9,075 |
-0,137 |
8,813 |
-0,659 |
8,48 |
-1,163 |
8,451 |
-1,637 |
8,639 |
-1,976 |
8,859 |
-2,565 |
8,957 |
-3,237 |
9,633 |
-4,281 |
10,88 |
-4,734 |
10,535 |
-5,031 |
10,22 |
-5,68 |
9,541 |
-6,358 |
8,849 |
-6,004 |
8,499 |
-5,896 |
8,411 |
-5,225 |
7,74 |
-4,813 |
7,328 |
-4,781 |
7,306 |
-4,49 |
7,044 |
-4,089 |
7,142 |
-3,682 |
7,231 |
-3,273 |
7,29 |
-2,31 |
7,386 |
-2,073 |
7,372 |
-1,623 |
7,313 |
-1,485 |
7,284 |
-0,884 |
7,481 |
- 0.432 |
7,636 |
- 0.298 |
7,697 |
- 0.006 |
7,848 |
0.564 |
8,195 |
0.616 |
8,202 |
0.69 |
9,164 |
Appendix 2
Technical data sheets Access conditions for Union vessels: fees, target species and technical measures
Type of vessel |
Freezer seiners |
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Number of authorised vessels |
27 |
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Gear and mesh size authorised |
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Fees (per tonne fished) |
The amount of the fee applicable to operators changes on 1 January 2022. |
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Flat-rate advance and tonnage covered |
Flat-rate advance.
Tonnage covered: 450 t per vessel. The licence shall be issued for the period from 1 January to 31 December and the annual amount shall be due irrespective of the actual fishing period. |
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Observers |
Fee: EUR 2 500 per vessel for the duration of the licence, to be paid when applying for the annual licence. |
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Target species |
Tuna and other highly migratory fish species: species set out in Annex 1 to UNCLOS, with the exception of species prohibited by the ICCAT or by Gabonese legislation. |
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Type of vessel |
Support vessels |
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Number of authorised vessels |
Maximum 4 (see Chapter I, point 3, of the Annex to the Protocol) |
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Area of activity |
Gabonese fishing zone, unless specific operations are required (see Chapter III, point 3, of the Annex to the Protocol)) |
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Fees |
EUR 7 500 per vessel per year |
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Observers |
Fee: EUR 2 500 per vessel for the duration of the authorisation, to be paid when making the annual application |
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Specific obligations |
According to ICCAT recommendations Transmission of the FAD logbook |
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Type of vessel |
Pole-and-line vessels |
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Number of authorised vessels |
6 |
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Gear and mesh size authorised |
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Fees |
The amount of the fee applicable to operators changes on 1 January 2022. |
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Flat-rate advance and tonnage covered |
Flat-rate advance
Tonnage covered: 32 t per vessel. The licence shall be issued for the period from 1 January to 31 December and the annual amount shall be due irrespective of the actual fishing period. |
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Target species |
Tuna and other highly migratory fish species: species set out in Annex 1 to UNCLOS, with the exception of species prohibited by the ICCAT or by Gabonese legislation. |
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Specific obligations |
According to ICCAT recommendations. |
Type of vessel |
Freezer trawler |
Fishing area |
Beyond 12 nautical miles from the baselines, and in the area defined in Appendix 1. |
Number of authorised vessels |
4 |
Gear, mesh size and devices authorised |
Standard otter trawl; other selective gears may be authorised. Minimum authorised mesh size: 50 mm. Outriggers are permitted. In the case of all fishing gear, no methods or devices may be used to seek to obstruct the mesh of the nets or reduce their selective effect. However, in the interests of reducing wear or damage, protective aprons of netting or other material may be attached, but only to the underside of the codend of a bottom trawl. Such aprons must be attached only to the forward and lateral edges of the codend of the trawl. Protective devices may be used for the top of the trawl, but these must consist of a single section of net of the same material as the codend, with the mesh measuring at least 300 millimetres when stretched out. Doubling of the codend’s netting yarn, whether single or multiple, is prohibited. |
Target species |
Deep-sea crustaceans (species to be specified based on the results of exploratory fishing). |
By-catches (2): |
No more than 15 % cephalopods and 70 % fish of the total catches in the Gabonese fishing zone on board at the end of the trip. Any by-catch in excess of these authorised limits will lead to penalties under Gabonese legislation. |
Prohibited species |
Trawlers shall comply with the provisions of Order No 12 of 8 October 2019 on the classification of aquatic animal species and Order No 014 regulating sustainable fishing of sharks and rays in Gabon. |
Authorised tonnage (total allowable catches (TAC)) |
0 t |
EUR/tonne fee for crustaceans, cephalopods and demersal fish |
To be decided in the Joint Committee. |
Appendix 3
Contact details of the competent authorities
I.
Gabonese Republic
1. DIRECTION GÉNÉRALE DES PÊCHES ET DE L’AQUACULTURE - DGPA [FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE DIRECTORATE GENERAL]
2. CENTRE DE SURVEILLANCE DES PÊCHES CSP-GABON [FISHERIES MONITORING CENTRE]
Bands |
Vessel emission frequency |
Vessel reception frequency |
8 |
8285 kHz |
8809 kHz |
12 |
12245 kHz |
13092 kHz |
16 |
16393 kHz |
17275 kHz |
3. CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE ET TECHNOLOGIQUE - CENAREST [NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH]
II.
European Union
Appendix 4
Fishing licence application form or support vessel authorisation application form
I – APPLICANT
II-VESSEL, IDENTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATION DATA
III — TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND EQUIPMENT
Appendix 5
FAD activity log (ICCAT template)
FAD marking |
Buoy No |
FAD type |
Type of inspection |
Date |
Time |
Position |
Estimated catches |
By-catches |
Comments |
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Latitude |
Longitude |
SKJ |
YFT |
BET |
Taxonomic group |
Estimated catches |
Unit |
Specimen released alive |
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(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
(5) |
(6) |
(7) |
(7) |
(8) |
(8) |
(8) |
(9) |
(10) |
(11) |
(12) |
(13) |
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Appendix 6
Catch declaration format
DÉPART / SALIDA / DEPARTURE |
ARRIVEE / LLEGADA / ARRIVAL |
NAVIRE / BARCO / VESSEL |
PATRON / PATRON / MASTER |
FEUILLE/HOJA/SHEET N° |
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PORT / PUERTO / PORT DATE / FECHA / DATE ☐ HEURE / HORA / HOUR |
PORT / PUERTO / PORT DATE / FECHA / DATE ☐ HEURE / HORA / HOUR |
NOM / NOMBRE / NAME ☐ INDICATIF / INDICATIVO / CALLSIGN ☐ PAVILLON / BANDERA / FLAG |
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DATE FECHA DATE |
POSITION / POSICION / POSITION |
CALÉE / LANCE / SET |
CAPTURE ESTIMÉE / ESTIMACION DE LA CAPTURA / ESTIMATED CATCH |
ASSOCIATION ASSOCIACIÓN ASSOCIATION |
COMMENTAIRES OBSERVACIONES COMMENTS |
T° Mer / Mar / Sea |
COURANT / CORRIENTE / CURRENT |
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Latitude [DD MM.MM] |
Longitude [DD MM.MM] |
No Calée / No Lance / No Set |
Portant / Positivo / Successful |
Nul / Nulo / Nil |
Heure / Hora / Time UTC |
N° Cuve / Cuba / Well |
ALBACORE RABIL YELLOWFIN [YFT] |
LISTAO LISTADO SKIPJACK [SKJ] |
PATUDO BIGEYE [BET] |
GERMON ATÚN BLANCO ALBACORE [ALB] |
AUTRE ESPÈCE ☐ préciser le/les nom(s) ☐ OTRA ESPECIE ☐ dar el/los nombre(s) ☐ OTHER SPECIES ☐ give name(s) |
REJETS ☐ préciser le/les nom(s) ☐ DESCARTES ☐ dar el/los nombre(s) ☐ DISCARDS ☐ give name(s) |
Banc libre/Banco libre/Free school |
Epave / Objeto / Log ☐ N (naturelle/natural), A (artificielle/artificial) |
Bateau d'assistance Barco de apoyo / Supply vessel |
Balise / Baliza / Beacon |
Requin Baleine Tiburon Ballena / Shark Wale |
Baleine / Ballena / Whale |
Problèmes divers, type d'épave, prise accessoire, taille du banc, autres associations, …☐ Problemas varios, tipo de objeto, captura accesoria, talla del banco, otras asociaciones, …☐ Miscellaneous problems, log type), by catch, school size, other associations, … |
Direction / Dirección / Direction |
Vitesse / Velocidad / Speed Nœuds / Nudos / Knots |
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Taille Talla Size |
Capture Captura Catch |
Taille Talla Size |
Capture Captura Catch |
Taille Talla Size |
Capture Captura Catch |
Taille Talla Size |
Capture Captura Catch |
Nom Nombre Name [FAO] |
Taille Talla Size |
Capture Captura Catch |
Nom Nombre Name [FAO] |
Taille Talla Size |
Capture Captura ☐ Catch |
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TM |
Number |
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Une calée par ligne / Uno lance cada línea / One set by line |
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Appendix 7
Use of the UN/FLUX standard and the EU/FLUX network
Appendix 8
Entry and exit declaration format
Fishing vessel: |
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Company: |
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Telephone: |
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E-mail: |
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Telex: |
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Sender: |
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Consignee: |
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Date: |
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Message type: |
ENTRY REPORT |
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Name of vessel: |
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Radio call sign: |
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Licence No: |
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ENTRY INTO THE GABONESE EEZ |
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Date: |
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Time (UTC): |
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Position: |
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TOTAL CATCH ON BOARD WHEN ENTERING THE GABONESE EEZ |
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Yellowfin (YFT) |
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00 kg |
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Skipjack (SKJ) |
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00 kg |
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Bigeye tuna (BET) |
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00 kg |
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Frigate tuna (FRI) |
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00 kg |
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Little tunny (LTA) |
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00 kg |
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Other (to be specified) |
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TOTAL |
00 kg |
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Indicate the catches on board at the time of entry into the Gabonese EEZ |
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Sharks |
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00 kg |
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Skates |
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00 kg |
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TOTAL |
00 kg |
Fishing vessel: |
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Company: |
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Telephone: |
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E-mail: |
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Telex: |
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Sender: |
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Consignee: |
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Date: |
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Message type: |
EXIT REPORT |
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Name of vessel |
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Radio call sign |
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Licence No: |
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EXIT FROM THE GABONESE EEZ |
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Date: |
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Time (UTC): |
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Position: |
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TOTAL CATCH ON BOARD ON EXIT FROM THE GABONESE EEZ |
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Yellowfin (YFT) |
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00 kg |
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Skipjack (SKJ) |
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00 kg |
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Bigeye tuna (BET) |
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00 kg |
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Frigate tuna (FRI) |
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00 kg |
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Little tunny (LTA) |
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00 kg |
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Other (to be specified) |
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00 kg |
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TOTAL |
00 kg |
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CATCHES FISHED IN THE GABONESE EEZ |
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Yellowfin (YFT) |
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00 kg |
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Skipjack (SKJ) |
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00 kg |
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Bigeye tuna (BET) |
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00 kg |
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Frigate tuna (FRI) |
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00 kg |
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Little tunny (LTA) |
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00 kg |
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Other (to be specified) |
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TOTAL |
00 kg |
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Indicate any incidental catches kept on board at the time of exit from the Gabonese EEZ |
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Sharks |
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00 kg |
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Skates |
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00 kg |
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TOTAL |
00 kg |
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Appendix 9
VMS transmission format
Data |
Comments |
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Addressee |
Message detail — Addressee Alpha-3 country code (ISO-3166) Note: part of the FLUX TL envelope |
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From |
Message detail — Sender Alpha-3 country code (ISO-3166) |
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Unique message identifier |
UUID in accordance with RFC 4122 defined by IETF |
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Date and time of transmission |
Date and time when the message was created in UTC in accordance with ISO 8601, using the format YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss [.000000]Z(13) |
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Flag State |
Message detail – Flag of flag State, Alpha-3 country code (ISO-3166) |
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Type of message |
Message detail – Type of message The following codes are to be used:
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Radio call sign |
Vessel detail – Vessel international radio call sign (IRCS) |
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Contracting party internal reference number |
Vessel detail – Unique contracting party vessel identifier |
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External Registration Number |
Vessel detail – Number on side of vessel (ISO 8859.1) |
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Latitude |
Vessel position detail – Position in degrees and decimal degrees DD.ddd (WGS-84) Positive coordinates for positions north of the equator; Negative coordinates for positions south of the equator. |
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Longitude |
Vessel position detail – Position in degrees and decimals DD.ddd (WGS-84) Positive coordinates east of the Greenwich meridian; Negative coordinates west of the Greenwich meridian. |
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Course |
Vessel course 360° scale |
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Speed |
Vessel speed in knots |
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Date and time |
Vessel position detail – date and time of recording of the position in UTC in accordance with ISO 8601, using the format YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss[.000000]Z(13) |