13Bottom fishing in certain parts of Convention Area

13 Bottom fishing in certain parts of Convention Area

13.1 A person using a boat in the relevant Convention Area must not engage in bottom fishing activities otherwise than in accordance with CCAMLR Conservation Measures 22‑06 and 22‑07. 13.2 In the absence of site‑specific or other conservation measures to prevent significant adverse impact on vulnerable marine ecosystems, a person using a boat in the relevant Convention Area for fishing must: (a) cease bottom fishing activities in any location in which the person encounters evidence of a vulnerable marine ecosystem in the course of fishing operations; and (b) report the encounter to the person’s flag State. 13.3 A person using a boat in the relevant Convention Area for bottom fishing activities must ensure that there is at least 1 CCAMLR‑designated scientific observer on the boat to collect data. 13.4 This clause applies to: (a) all areas in the Convention Area south of 60° S; and (aa) the area of Statistical Division 58.4.1 north of 60° S; and (b) any other area in the Convention Area other than an area mentioned in subclause 13.5. 13.5 This clause does not apply to any Statistical Subarea or Statistical Division of the Convention Area in which an established fishery: (a) was in place in the 2006/07 fishing season; and (b) had a catch limit greater than zero. 13.6 In this clause:

bottom fishing activities includes the use of any gear that interacts with the bottom of the sea.

relevant Convention Area means the areas of the Convention Area to which this clause applies under subclauses 13.4 and 13.5.

vulnerable marine ecosystem includes seamounts, hydrothermal vents, cold water corals and sponge fields.