Fishing vessel replacement in exploratory fisheries
Article 19
1. Notwithstanding Articles 17 and 18, Member States may authorise fishing in an exploratory fishery by a vessel flying their flag which is not identified in the Fisheries Operation Plan if a Union fishing vessel identified in the Fisheries Operation Plan is prevented from fishing on account of legitimate operational or force majeure reasons. In such circumstances, the Member State concerned shall inform the Commission without delay and provide: (a) full details of the intended replacement vessel; (b) a comprehensive account of the reasons for the replacement and any relevant supporting evidence; (c) specifications and a full description of the types of fishing gear to be used by the replacement vessel. 2. The Commission shall transmit that information to the SPRFMO Secretariat without delay.