R/V CLEARANCE GRANTED - RV KA'IMIMOANA

UNCLAS PARIS 005186 SIPDIS OES/OA FOR ETIRPAK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: FR KRVC KSCA TPHY SUBJECT: R/V CLEARANCE GRANTED - RV KA'IMIMOANA REF: A. PARIS DIP NOTE 56 ¶B. STATE DEPARTMENT FILE NO. 2005-016 ¶1. Embassy received research clearance for the subject vessel (reftel A) from the MFA under cover of diplomatic note number 1029/AME dated 21 July, 2005. The note states that the French authorities have no objection to the research campaign of the R/V Ka'Imimoana in the French waters of the Marquesas Islands from 1 August to 30 November, 2005, on condition that the Captain and his crew follow current customs and transborder regulations. The note further states that local authorities have been informed. ¶2. The note also states that the ship must inform French authorities of its entrance into and exit from the French Polynesian waters (info to be sent to: (mrccpapeete@mail.pf). ¶3. The note further indicates that the French authorities do not wish that "heavy seismic operations" be conducted during the research program. The note also underscores the necessity for the research vessel, throughout its program, to pay specific attention not to harm fishing equipment left in place within French waters by professional fishermen. This equipment (cages, nets, long-lines) is marked according to current regulations by round red buoys but can also be indicated by other various floating markers. ¶4. Finally, the MFA requests three/three copies of both the preliminary and post cruise report. STAPLETON