Convention as well as scientific, statistical and other data relating to the fisheries for the fish stocks covered by this Convention, ensuring confidentiality in conformity with the provisions of Article XXII of this Convention;(j) perform such other functions and tasks as may be assigned to it.Article XIVBudget1. The Commission shall adopt each year its budget for the following year, in accordance with Article IX(3) of this Convention. In determining the size of the budget, the Commission shall give due consideration to the principle of cost effectiveness.2. The Director shall submit to the Commission for consideration a detailed draft annual budget that shall identify the disbursements to be made from contributions referred to in Article XV(1), and those referred to in Article XV(3), of this Convention.3. The Commission shall maintain separate accounts for the activities carried out under this Convention and under the AIDCP. The services to be provided to the AIDCP and the corresponding estimated costs shall be specified in the Commission’s budget. The Director shall provide to the Meeting of the Parties to the AIDCP for its approval, and prior to the year in which the services are to be provided, estimates of services and their costs corresponding to the tasks to be carried out pursuant to that Agreement.4. The accounts of the Commission shall be subjected to an annual independent financial audit.Article XVContributions1. The amount of the contribution of each member of the Commission to the budget shall be determined in accordance with the scheme which the Commission shall adopt, and amend, as required, in accordance with Article IX(3), of this Convention. The scheme adopted by the Commission shall be transparent and equitable for all members and shall be set out in the financial regulations of the Commission.2. The contributions agreed pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article shall enable the operation of the Commission and cover in a timely manner the annual budget adopted in accordance with Article XIV(1), of this Convention.3. The Commission shall establish a fund to receive voluntary contributions for research on and conservation of the fish stocks covered by this Convention and, as appropriate, associated or dependent species, and for the conservation of the marine environment.4. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article IX of this Convention, unless the Commission decides otherwise, if a member of the Commission is in arrears in the payment of its contributions by an amount equal to or greater than the total of the contributions due from it for the preceding twenty-four (24) months, that member shall not have the right to participate in decision-making in the Commission until it has fulfilled its obligations pursuant to this Article.5. Each member of the Commission shall meet its own expenses arising from attendance at meetings of the Commission and of its subsidiary bodies.Article XVITransparency1. The Commission shall promote transparency in the implementation of this Convention in its decision-making processes and other activities, inter alia, through:(a) the public dissemination of pertinent non-confidential information; and(b) as appropriate, facilitating consultations with, and the effective participation of, non-governmental organizations, representatives of the fishing industry, particularly the fishing fleet, and other interested bodies and individuals.2. Representatives of non-Parties, relevant intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations, including environmental organizations with recognized experience in matters pertaining to the Commission and the tuna industry of any of the members of the Commission operating in the Convention Area, particularly the tuna fishing fleet, shall be afforded the opportunity to take part in the meetings of the Commission and of its subsidiary organs, as observers or otherwise, as appropriate, in accordance with the principles and criteria established in Annex 2 of this Convention as well as others that the Commission may adopt. Such participants shall have timely access to relevant information, subject to the rules of procedure and of confidentiality on access to such information that the Commission may adopt.PART IVRIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONArticle XVIIRights of StatesNo provision of this Convention may be interpreted in such a way as to prejudice or undermine the sovereignty, sovereign rights, or jurisdiction exercised by any State in accordance with international law, as well as its position or views with regard to matters relating to the Law of the Sea.Article XVIIIImplementation, compliance and enforcement by parties1. Each Party shall take the measures necessary to ensure the implementation of and compliance with this Convention and any conservation and management measures adopted pursuant thereto, including the adoption of the necessary laws and regulations.2. Each Party shall provide to the Commission all the information that may be required for the fulfillment of the objective of this Convention, including statistical and biological information and information concerning its fishing activities in the Convention Area, and shall provide to the Commission information regarding actions taken to implement the measures adopted in accordance with this Convention, whenever required by the Commission and as appropriate, subject to the provisions of Article XXII of this Convention and in accordance with the rules of procedure to be developed and adopted by the Commission.3. Each Party shall promptly, through the Director, inform the Committee for