Report Of The Workshop On The Implementation Of The 1995 Fao Code Of Conduct For Responsible Fisheries In The Pacific Islands

This publication contains the report of the workshop, held in Fiji in October 2003. Issues discussed include: the 1995 FAO Code and its framework, legal considerations and issues; responsible fisheries management and post-harvest practices; aquaculture and inland fisheries; and the integration of fisheries into coastal area management.

The purpose of the Workshop was to assist countries in the Pacific Islands subregion to develop capacity to elaborate national plans of action to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (NPOAs-IUU). The Workshop addressed issues relating to: the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the 2001 International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IPOA-IUU) and FAO Fisheries Technical Guidelines No. 9 that have been developed to support the implementation of the IPOA-IUU; concepts of planning and the elaboration of action plans; decision-making about IUU fishing; and skills enhancement through the identification of key issues relating to the elaboration of NPOAs-IUU, the primary vehicle by which the IPOA- IUU will be implemented by countries.

The workshop referred closely to the results of a first workshop held in Bangkok in 2002 (The International Workshop on Factors Contributing to Unsustainability and Overexploitation in Fisheries) but aimed more specifically at answering the following three major questions: What are the major obstacles to the implementation of major legal instruments? What are the main lessons learned and the possible paths to solutions for improved implementation? What are the possible gaps that may exist in these instruments to guide the international community in improving the management of marine fisheries? The workshop was based on a review of eleven case studies, each relating to one of the following categories of fishery: large volume small pelagics; tuna and tuna-like species; large volume demersals; and coastal fisheries. This publication contains the report of the Workshop, discussion papers containing case studies and notes submitted by participants. The document, and in particular the conclusions adopted by workshop participants, will serve as a basis for further analytical work aimed at improved fisheries management and a more effective implementation of major international fisheries instruments.

The aim of the workshop was to develop national capacity and promote regional co-ordination to strengthen and harmonise port State measures and meet the requirements of relevant FAO plans of action to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Topics addressed include: the role of the port State in combating IUU fishing and promoting long-term sustainability in fisheries; the FAO Model Scheme; international developments; issues relating to port State measures at the regional level; regional issues and priorities of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).

This publication contains the report of the workshop, held in Fiji in October 2003. Issues discussed include: the 1995 FAO Code and its framework, legal considerations and issues; responsible fisheries management and post-harvest practices; aquaculture and inland fisheries; and the integration of fisheries into coastal area management.

On cover and title page: FAO/Japan Government Cooperative Programme.