The major topics discussed were: action on recommendations of the sixteenth session; main outcomes of the third session of the Scientific Sub-Committee; cooperation in fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) - West African experiences at the national and subregional levels; regional implementation of the Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries; use of subsidies and fiscal policies in marine fisheries; monitoring of high seas resources and strengthening of cooperation between CECAF and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT); regulation of access and management of fishing capacity in the CECAF area including a regional review in the implementation of the international plan of action on the management of fishing capacity in sub-Saharan Africa; main thrusts of the technical consultations on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fishing capacity, and on subsidies; and lastly, the fisheries sector project in the framework of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
The meeting discussed recent developments concerning international trade in fishery products; as well as considering specific issues relating to international trade and sustainable fisheries development including: the safety and quality of fishery products, traceability and labelling of fishery products, the draft Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fish Trade, fish trade and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, harmonisation of catch documentation, fish trade and small-scale fisheries, fish trade and food security, rehabilitation and reconstruction of fisheries in tsunami-affected countries.