Limitation of fishing capacity of vessels fishing in the IOTC Area of Competence
Article 23
1. The maximum number of Union fishing vessels fishing for tropical tunas in the IOTC Area of Competence and the corresponding capacity in gross tonnage shall be as set out in point 1 of Annex VI. 2. The maximum number of Union fishing vessels fishing for swordfish ( Xiphias gladius ) and albacore ( Thunnus alalunga ) in the IOTC Area of Competence and the corresponding capacity in gross tonnage shall be as set out in point 2 of Annex VI. 3. Member States may re-allocate vessels assigned to one of the two fisheries referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 to the other fishery, provided that they can demonstrate to the Commission that this change does not lead to an increase of fishing effort on the fish stocks involved. 4. Member States shall ensure that, where there is a proposed transfer of capacity to their fleet, vessels to be transferred are on the IOTC Record of Vessels or on the record of vessels of other tuna RFMOs. Furthermore, no vessels featuring on the list of vessels engaged in IUU fishing activities of any RFMO may be transferred. 5. Member States may only increase their fishing capacity beyond the ceilings referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 within the limits set out in the development plans submitted to the IOTC.