(g) prepare for approval by the Commission scientific, administrative and other reports of the 

 Commission and its subsidiary bodies. * * * 



The Commission itself is entrusted with the following functions: 



(a) Study the populations of tuna and tuna-like fisheries and such other species of fish exploited in 

 tuna fishing in the Convention area as are not under investigation by some other international 

 organization. The study shall include research on fishery abundance, biometry and ecology of the fish, 

 the oceanography of their environment; and the effects of natural and human factors upon their 

 abundance.'^' 



The methods of the study shall include: (i) collecting and analyzing statistical information relating to 

 the current conditions and trends of the tuna fishery resources of the Convention area; (ii) studying and 

 appraising information concerning measures and methods to insure maintenance of the populations of 

 tuna and tuna-like fishes in the Convention area at levels which will permit the maximum sustainable 

 catch and which will insure the effective exploitation of these fishes in a manner consistent with this 

 catch; (iii) reconmiending studies and investigations to the States Parties; and (iv) publishing and 

 otherwise disseminating reports of its findings and statistical, biological and other scientific information 

 relative to the tuna fisheries of the Convention area.'** 



In conducting these studies, the Commission shall utilize the technical and scientific services of and 

 information from official agencies of the Parties and may, when desirable, utilize the available services 

 and information of any public or private organization or individual. However, it may also undertake, 

 within the Umits of its budget, independent research to supplement the research work being done by 

 governments, national institutions or other international organizations.' *' 



(b) Establish Panels on the basis of species, groups of species or geographic areas, to be responsible 

 for (i) keeping under review the species, groups of species, or geographical area under its purview, and 

 for collecting scientific and other information relating thereto; (ii) proposing to the Commission, upon 

 the basis of scientific investigations, reconmiendations for joint action by the Parties; and (iii) 

 recommending to the Commission studies and investigations necessary to obtain information regarding 

 its species, groups of species, or geographic area, as well as measures to coordinate the programs of 

 investigations by the Parties."" 



(c) On the basis of scientific evidence, make recommendations designed to maintain the populations 

 of tuna and tuna-hke fishes that may be taken in the Convention area at levels which wiU permit 

 maximum sustainable catches.' '' These recommendations shall be made (i) at the initiative of the 

 Commission if an appropriate Panel has not been estabUshed or with the approval of at least two-thirds 

 of all Parties if an appropriate Panel has been estabUshed; (ii) at the initiative of an appropriate Panel if 

 such a Panel has been estabUshed; or (ui) at the initiative of the appropriate Panels if the 

 recommendation in question relates to more than one geographic area, species or group of species.' '^ 



Each Commission recommendation shall become effective for all Parties six months after the date of 

 the notification from the Commission transmitting the recorrmiendation to the Parties."^ But a 

 procedure is laid down under which any Party may object to a recommendation and not have the 

 recommendation bind it.' ''' Furthermore, if objections are presented by a majority of the Parties, the 



'"/Wd 

 '"W., Art. IV. 

 '**M, Art. V. 

 '*V, ArtllV. 

 ''V, Art. VI. 

 '^'/rf., Art. VIII. 

 '"'^W., Art. VIII (1) (b). 

 '■'^/d., Art. VIII (2). 

 '''''m, Art. VIII (3). 



VIII-128 



