ARTICLE 38: ENTRY INTO FORCE
SPRFMO Convention Signature and Ratification
In accordance with Article 36 paragraph 1 the Convention closed for signature on 31 January 2011.
Article 36 paragraph 2 provides that the Convention is subject to ratification, acceptance or approval by the signatories and Article 36 paragraph 3 provides that instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with the Depositary.
Accession
Article 37 paragraph 1 provides that the Convention shall be open for accession, after its closure for signature, by any State, regional economic integration organisation or other entity referred to in Article 36 paragraph 1, and by any other State or any other entity referred to in Article 1 paragraph 2 (b) having an interest in fishery resources.
Article 37 paragraph 2 provides that instruments of accession shall be deposited with the Depositary.
Entry into force
Pursuant to Article 38, the Convention entered into force on 24 August 2012.
Current status of the Convention 1
1 On 24 August 2012 a representative of Chinese Taipei deposited an instrument in accordance with Annex IV paragraph 1 of the Convention. The commitment in this instrument became effective on 23 September 2012. [Annex IV paragraph 1 provides that after the entry into force of this Convention any Fishing Entity whose vessels fish or intend to fish for fishery resources may, by a written instrument delivered to the Depositary, express its firm commitment to abide by the terms of the Convention and comply with any conservation and management measures adopted pursuant to it.]
2 Belize's first instrument of accession was deposited on 11/05/2011, and its withdrawal was effective on 01/05/2016.
States, regional economic integration organisation and entities that wish to deposit instruments of ratification, accession, acceptance or approval in relation to the Convention should contact the Legal Division of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, MFAT, to make the relevant arrangements.1 For more detailed information about the status of the Convention see the Depositary webpage at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the following link.
The contact for MFAT is:
E: [email protected]