ICNAF Convention

ICNAF did not originally have regulatory authority in Areas 0 and 6

Canada, Denmark, Iceland, the UK and the USA were the initial signatories to the Convention.

Signatories in 1978

Article I defined the bounds of the Convention area and divided it into five Subareas later extended southward to include Subarea 6, northward to Statistical Area 0. Incorporating boundaries established by its predecessor NACFI, these divisions were designed to correspond to distribution of the important commercial species.

Article II defined the composition, roles and responsibilities of the Commission as the body that would execute the Convention. Each country was allocated one vote; decisions of the Commission were taken by a two-thirds majority.

Article III described the supporting body for the Commission work, namely the Secretariat.

Article IV stipulated the establishment of a Panel for each of the Subareas.

Article V allowed for the institution of advisory committees and public hearings.

Article VI laid out Commission responsibilities, primarily determination the status of stocks. The Commission established a number of publica­tion series to communicate their work.

Article VII specified how the Panels operate within the framework the Commission by making recommendations to the Commission on such matters as regulatory measures, studies and investigations and alterations of Subareas.

Article VIII, was the basis for ICNAFs regulatory power autho­rizing the Commission to adopt regulatory measures such as a) open and closed seasons, b) area closures, c) size limits for fish, d) prohibiting particular fishing gear, and e) over-all catch limit for any species.

Article IX allowed for countries to become involved in the business of ICNAF, by invitation. This was not invoked during the time of ICNAF but a similar Article was used later by NAFO when it dealt with provision of advice for stocks that straddled the 200 mile limit of Canada.

Article X sought to establish working arrangements with the FAO and ICES. Both played an important part in the early years of ICNAF. ICNAF also interacted with other bodies The Executive Secretary of ICNAF had a very busy schedule of travel.

The remaining Articles XI through XVII dealt with administrative procedures and financial matters. Throughout the years, many amendments were made to the Convention and these are described in the Annual Reports of ICNAF.

Convention

The ICNAF Conventions were originally published in the Handbook. During ICNAF times editions were published in 1960, 1965, 1969 and 1974.

In general, the Handbook contained several parts: the text of the International Convention for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries signed at Washington, D. C., 8 February 1949, and the Rules of Procedure and Financial Regulations for the Commission. Early versions also contained the ICNAF Regulations and the Panel Memberships. There was also, in some cases, information about Annual Meetings and other topical information. Regulatory Measures later became a separate publication through the Commissioners' Document series.

Signatories to International Convention for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Commission (as of 1978)