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title: "The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and the Albatross and Petrel Agreement renew their Memorandum of Understanding"
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# The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission and the Albatross and Petrel Agreement renew their Memorandum of Understanding

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission ([IOTC](http://www.iotc.org)) has been holding its [19th Session](http://www.iotc.org/meetings/19th-session-indian-ocean-tuna-commission-s19) in Busan, Korea this week.  Among the matters discussed was a proposal to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Commission and the Albatross and Petrel Agreement ([click here](http://www.iotc.org/documents/renewal-memorandum-understanding-mou-between-iotc-and-secretariat-agreement-conservation)).

 The original MoU between the IOTC and ACAP came into force on 3 April 2009 at the 13th Meeting of the Commission to last for a period of five years ([click here](http://www.acap.aq/en/documents/instruments/1064-mou-between-acap-secretariat-and-iotc/file)), and has thus expired.  Following intersessional discussion by the IOTC Members a slightly revised version has been adopted in Busan for a further five-year period.

 The new MoU will continue to facilitate cooperation between the IOTC and the ACAP Secretariat with a view to supporting efforts to minimise the incidental bycatch of albatrosses and petrels listed in Annex 1 of the Agreement within the IOTC area of competence.

 ![](https://acap.aq/images/stories/acap/Birds/Albatrosses/A/Amsterdam/Amsterdam Albatross off Amsterdam Island 9  Kirk Zufelt s.jpg)

 Amsterdam Albatross, an Indian Ocean endemic, photograph by Kirk Zufelt 

 The following text is taken from the MoU adopted at the IOTC meeting:

 “Both sides may establish and maintain consultation, co-operation and collaboration in respect of matters of common interest to both sides for the:

 a) development of systems for collecting and analysing data, and exchanging information concerning the incidental bycatch of seabirds in the area of competence of the IOTC;

 b) exchange of information regarding management approaches relevant to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels;

 c) implementation of education and awareness programmes for fishers who operate in areas where albatrosses and petrels may be encountered;

 d) design, testing and implementation of seabird bycatch mitigation measures relevant to fishing operations in the area of competence of the IOTC;

 e) development of training programs on conservation techniques and measures to mitigate threats affecting albatrosses and petrels; and

 f) exchange of expertise, techniques and knowledge relevant to the conservation of albatrosses and petrels in the area of competence of the IOTC; and

 g) reciprocal participation with observer status at the relevant meetings of each organisation.”

 *John Cooper, ACAP Information Officer, 01 May 2015*