Written Statement by the Director of Fisheries
SGSSI Fishery – Notice of Action Taken in Respect of Fishery Non-Compliances
The Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) has become aware of information relating to the conduct of one of the fishing vessels licensed to fish in the South Georgia Maritime Zone for the 2016 and 2017 fishing seasons. The matters of conduct include two counts of unlicensed fishing activity outside of the South Georgia Maritime Zone.
The Director of Fisheries has given careful consideration as to what action should be taken in relation to the conduct of the vessel. These considerations included the nature and seriousness of the non-compliances and the steps taken by the Charterer in response to them. The Director of Fisheries also considered the implication of these matters in relation to the effectiveness of the Charterer’s corporate oversight of fishery operations and due diligence, and in relation to the good management of the fishery.
Following careful consideration of all the circumstances of the conduct of the vessel, and the steps that the Charterer has taken in response to these matters, the Director of Fisheries has permitted the vessel to continue fishing in the South Georgia Maritime Zone for the remainder of the 2017 season subject to additional licence conditions. These conditions, which have been accepted by the Charterer, seek to maintain the high standards of operation, stewardship and sustainability in place within the South Georgia Maritime Zone.
The Director of Fisheries has additionally written to the vessel’s Flag State seeking their assurances as to the future good conduct of the vessel in the South Georgia Maritime Zone.
