A critical input into the proceedings of this Expert Consultation were two discussion papers and 12 cases studies, contained in this document. The first discussion paper addresses the basic requirements and principles for successful management of shared fish stocks derived from game theoretical considerations and practical experiences. The second discussion paper presents the legal aspects of the management of shared fish stock.
This document contains the report of the Expert Consultation on the Development of a Comprehensive Global Record of Fishing Vessels, which was held at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, from 25 to 28 February 2008. The Director-General of FAO convened the Expert Consultation to provide guidance to FAO regarding the future development of a comprehensive Global Record (including guidance on the scope of the record, criteria for inclusion in the record, goals of the record, the sources of data and how to obtain accurate, comprehensive and current data, the need for a unique vessel identifier, the special needs of developing countries, and any special considerations), and to identify appropriate next steps, including how technical development should progress. The experts expressed both a sense of urgency about the need for this tool and their belief that market forces could spur compliance prior to any mandatory legal requirement imposed on countries to provide information. The Expert Consultation noted that the Global Record would be an essential tool to ensure the effectiveness of port State measures. Links to other databases were foreseen. The experts raised concerns about how to best convince countries to provide the needed data. In addition to providing information to fisheries enforcement agencies, the Global Record could: improve the traceability of vessels and products regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) detection; enhance transparency of vessel information and operation; strengthen risk assessment for both governments and industry at all levels; and support decision-making on a broad range of topics including fleet capacity, management, safety, pollution, security, statistics and related issues. Further analysis into the viability of the Global Record is likely to occur during the remainder of 2008. In March 2009, proposals regarding its further advancement will be put before the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI). In the event that the COFI endorses the proposals, development and implementation of the Global Record will remain conditional on the availability of the significant funds required to ensure viability of the project. Funds will also be required and employed to assist some countries in the development of their national registries/records.
The Expert Consultation was convened by FAO with a view to facilitating the implementation of the 2001 FAO International Plan of Action to Deter, Prevent and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IPOA-IUU). Experts for this Consultation were selected because of their experience with open registries and in the field of fisheries. The Experts focused on the effects of IUU fishing on global fishery resources and on lessons that might be learned from the experiences of flag states that have already implemented tighter control over the activities of their fishing vessels. Background papers and three case studies from selected open registry countries were presented.--Publisher's description.
This consultation was held to elaborate guidelines for catch documentation schemes. It covered illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing-related risks, transparency of the supply chain and the use of secure electronic systems to reduce falsification.
Conclusions of the 25th session of the Committee included: the need for a strategy to improve information on capture fisheries; reaffirmation of the need for global implementation of measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing; the importance of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and its related International Plans of Action (IPOAs) in promoting long-term sustainable development of fisheries; and identification of key priority work areas for 2004-05.
The papers comprise background information and discussion guidelines by the FAO Secretariat; a thorough and exhaustive review of the concepts that have been used to define fishery subsidies; a review of the published assessment of the public sector subsidies to the fishery sector and their impact on trade of fish and fish products and fishery resource sustainability; and a review of methodologies used to assess the trade-distorting impact of subsidies to the fishery sector.
