FRANCE: R/V CORWITH CRAMER RESEARCH CLEARANCE REQUEST:

UNCLAS PARIS 006721 SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO OES/OA LIZ TIRPAK AND ROBERTA BARNES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TPHY KRVC EWWT FR SUBJECT: FRANCE: R/V CORWITH CRAMER RESEARCH CLEARANCE REQUEST: OCTOBER 12 THROUGH NOVEMBER 19, 2006 REF: (A) STATE DEPARTMENT FILE NO.: 2006 - 040 (B) SECSTATE 65280 ¶1. (U) Embassy received research clearance for the subject vessel (Reftel A) from the MFA under cover of diplomatic note number 1202/AME dated 11 October 2006. The note states that the French authorities have no objection to the research campaign of the Corwith Cramer in the French waters of the Guadeloupe and Martinique from 12 October 2006 to 19 November 2006. The note further states that local authorities have been informed. ¶2. (U) 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 the place within the 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. ¶3. (U) The note also states that the ship must inform French authorities of its entrance into and exit from the French waters (info to be sent to: Bureau Emploi Mer/Emia; Tel: 00 33 (0) 5 96 39 51 64 - Fax: 00 33 (0) 5 96 39 51 65),and inform them should buoys be deployed for measurements (position, GDH)). ¶4. (U) Finally, the MFA requests three/three copies of both the preliminary and post cruise report. STAPLETON