Artikel 4

1. If the nationals of two or more States are engaged in fishing the same stock or stocks of fish or other living marine resources in any area or areas of the high seas, these States shall, at the request of any of them, enter into negotiations with a view to prescribing by agreement for their nationals the necessary measures for the conservation of the living resources affected.
2. If the States concerned do not reach agreement within twelve months, any of the parties may initiate the procedure contemplated by article 9.