APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A
Agenda

1. Opening of the Meeting

2. Adoption of the Agenda and Meeting arrangements

3. Progress with regards to the establishment of the RECOFI Regional Aquaculture Information System

4. Progress with regards to the finalization of the project proposal to strengthen the legal and policy framework of aquaculture in the RECOFI region

5. Introduction of exotic species in the RECOFI region

6. Proposal for the regional workshop on marine stock enhancement and artificial reefs

7. Nomination of the RECOFI Working Group on Aquaculture Focal Points and Alternates Focal Points

8. Other matters

9. Date and place of the third meeting of the RECOFI Working Group on Aquaculture

10. Adoption of the Report

APPENDIX B
List of participants

MEMBERS OF RECOFI

BAHRAIN

Abdul Redha J. SHAMS
Directorate of Marine Resources
Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife
PO Box 20071, Manama
Tel.: +973 17840499
Mob.: +973 39626696
Fax: +973 17840294
E-mail: [email protected]

Adly ALANSARI
Directorate of Marine Resources
Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife
PO Box 20071, Manama
Tel.: +973 17840499
Mob.: +973 39448458
Fax: +973 17840294
E-mail: [email protected]

IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF)

Shapour KAKOOLAKI
Extension and Training Department
Iranian Fisheries Organization
West Fatemi Avenue No. 250, Tehran
Tel.: +98 21 66943854
Fax: +98 21 66944444
E-mail: [email protected]

IRAQ

Basim J. HUSSIN
State Board for Fisheries
Ministry of Agriculture
Bagdad
Tel.: +964 790 1661734
E-mail: [email protected]

KUWAIT

Soud Abdul Aziz HUSSAIN
Director of Fisheries Development Division
Public Authority of Agricultural and Fisheries Resources
PO Box 21422
Safat, Kuwait City
Tel.: +965 6005575
Fax: +965 4725789
E-mail: [email protected]

OMAN

Ahmed Hareb AL-HOSNI
Assistant Director-General
Fisheries Research and Extension
Directorate General of Fisheries
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
PO Box 467, Muscat 113
Tel.: +968 24 696300
Fax: +968 24 605634
E-mail: [email protected]

Dawood Suleiman AL-YAHYAI
Marine Sciences and Fisheries Centre
Directorate General of Fisheries
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
PO Box 467, Muscat 113
Tel.: +968 24 736449
Mob.: +968 99350730
Fax: +968 24 740159
E-mail: [email protected]

Ismail Ibrahim AL-FARSI
Aquaculture Laboratory
Directorate General of Fisheries
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
PO Box 467, Muscat 113
Tel.: +968 24 736449
Mob.: +968 95133423
Fax: +968 24 740159
E-mail: [email protected]

QATAR

Mohammed I. AL-QAYED
Fisheries Department
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture
PO Box 446
Doha
Tel.: +974 4675934
Mob.: +974 5508411
Fax: +974 4364212
E-mail: [email protected]

Khalid AL-KHALAF
Aquaculture Unit
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture
PO Box 5513
Doha
Tel.: +974 4861643
Mob.: +974 5364004
Fax: +974 4364212
E-mail: [email protected]

SAUDI ARABIA (KINGDOM OF)

Salem Ayedh AL-THOBAITI
Fish Farming Center
Ministry of Agriculture
PO Box 9612
Jeddah 21423
Tel.: +966 2 2342282
Mob.: +966 555667270
Fax: +966 2 2341943
E-mail: [email protected]

Abdullah Aziz AL-MUTAIRI
Aquaculture Department
Ministry of Agriculture
PO Box 123140
Riyadh 11471
Tel.: +966 1 4016666 / 2234
Mob.: +966 55304303505
Fax: +976 1 4031635
E-mail: [email protected]

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Mustafa Abdulqader AL-SHAER
Marine Resources Research Center
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
PO Box 21
Umm Al-Qaiwain
Tel.: +971 6 7655881
Mob.: +971 6593953
Fax: +971 6 7655581
E-mail: [email protected]

OBSERVER COUNTRY

YEMEN

Abdulla Salem ABDULLA THABET
Aquaculture Research Centre
Al-Mansoura, Block 36, Hse # 100, 1^st Flr.
Aden
Tel.: +967 2 353283 / 377915
Fax: +967 2 231223
E-mail: [email protected]

RECOFI SECRETARIAT

Alessandro LOVATELLI
Fishery Resources Officer (Aquaculture)
Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service
Fishery Resources Division
FAO Fisheries Department
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy
Tel.: +39 06 57056448
Fax: +39 06 57053020
E-mail: [email protected]

Mohammad SAIF ABDULLAH
Senior Fisheries Officer
RECOFI Secretary
FAO Regional Office for the Near East
11 Al Eslah El Zerai Street
PO Box 2223, Cairo, Egypt
Tel: +20 2 3316141 / 3316000
Fax: +20 2 7495981 / 3373419
Mob: +20 10 1772192
Email: [email protected]

APPENDIX C
List of documents

APPENDIX D
Opening statement

by
Dr Ahmed Hareb Al-Hosni

Assistant Director-General Fisheries Research and Extension
Directorate General of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Sultanate of Oman

Distinguished FAO experts, delegates from RECOFI Member countries and Yemen: A'Salaam Alaikumm.

At the very outset, on behalf of the Government of Sultanate of Oman, I would like to welcome all delegates of the RECOFI Member countries participating in this meeting. I would like to also convey to you the regards from H.E. Salim bin Hilal Al-Khalili, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. He wishes you all a very successful meeting.

Aquaculture is recognized as an important and growing sector which provides food, income and job opportunities. RECOFI Member countries fully realize the importance and are committed to develop this sector in a sustainable manner. The total aquaculture production in the RECOFI region increased from 32234 tonnes in 1994 to over 106400 tonnes in 2003 with a value increase from US$77.2 million to US$283 million in the same period.

The development of aquaculture in the RECOFI area varies from one member country to another in terms of commercial production and research. Therefore, the Commission at its Second session held here in Muscat in 2003 approved the establishment of this Working Group on Aquaculture (WGA) so as to play a vital role in increasing the cooperation between members in the field of aquaculture.

This was reflected at the First meeting of the WGA in the Kingdom of Bahrain in April 2004, where two important projects were proposed. These were the establishment of Regional Aquaculture Information System (RAIS) and a project on strengthening the legal and policy framework of aquaculture in the RECOFI area. We hope this meeting in Muscat will finalize these important projects which will significantly add to the development process of the sector.

The WGA provides opportunities for aquaculture officers from RECOFI members to meet regularly and discuss joint issues and obstacles facing the development of aquaculture in the area and sharing information and experiences.

Distinguished delegates, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, while hosting this meeting, wishes you all fruitful discussions and the deliberation of appropriate recommendations to ensure an increasing regional cooperation in the aquaculture sector. It is expected that this industry will play its role in developing the economics of the RECOFI members and in contributing towards food security in the region.

Finally, both personally and on behalf of my colleagues in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, we wish you a good stay in Oman and good wishes for a successful meeting.

Thank you.

APPENDIX E
Decisions and recommendations of the third session of the Regional Commission for Fisheries

(Doha, Qatar, 9–11 May 2005)

CAPTURE FISHERY STATISTICS IN THE RECOFI AREA

1. The Commission stressed the need for continuing improvement of the disaggregation by species of capture reported data.

2. The Commission stressed the need for continuing technical assistance from FAO to enable standards of data collection and reporting within the Commission region to be raised.

3. The Commission recalled that the deadline to submit the calendar year data is the end of August of the subsequent year.

4. Several delegates requested FAO to help in improving the quality of fisheries data that are collected through development of harmonized methods.

AQUACULTURE IN THE RECOFI AREA

5. The RECOFI Aquaculture Information System (RAIS) format was accepted and the Commission strongly recommended going ahead with this project.

6. The Country hosting the RAIS Regional Centre would provide the budget required for the development of the system.

7. Regarding hosting, Kuwait is requested to take a final decision not later than the end of July 2005. In case of a negative decision it was agreed that the Islamic Republic of Iran would host and fund the system.

8. The Commission agreed that RECOFI RAIS should be developed by FAO as soon as the necessary funds would be made available by the country hosting the Regional Centre.

9. Regarding the project proposal to strengthen the legal and policy framework for aquaculture in the RECOFI area, it was agreed that all RECOFI members will submit their comments and suggestions to FAO through the Secretariat within one month following the Session, after which FAO will finalize the project proposal.

10. The Commission acknowledged the offer made by Oman to host the regional workshop referred to in the project proposal.

11. The Member countries were invited to explore other possibilities of funding the project.

12. The Commission decided to refer the issue of the introduction of exotic species by individual countries to the WGA for further study and discussion.

REGIONAL ISSUES OF CONCERN

13. The Commission agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation with regards to aquaculture development in the region. The Commission agreed that the issues related to marine stock enhancement and artificial reefs should be further discussed within the terms of references of the WGA.

14. The Commission welcomed the proposal of Bahrain to host an ad hoc meeting of WGA. The Commission noted that the presence of international experts should be appropriated.

15. The delegate of UNEP noted the concerns of his organization with regard to the health of the marine habitats and ecosystems and stated that UNEP is ready to assist with any regional action programme to be developed.

16. The Commission agreed to have country reports prepared with concepts relating to regional issues and to be presented at the sessions of RECOFI.

PROGRAMME OF WORK AND BUDGET

17. The Commission agreed to adopt the estimated budget of Programme of Work.

18. The Secretary is requested to update the budget continuously (each three month) and inform all Member countries on any changes.

19. The Commission agreed that, for future, the Secretary should prepare a full and comprehensive financial report including statement from the previous biennium.

ANY OTHER MATTERS

20. The Commission supported the initiative for the developments of the National Aquaculture Sector Overviews (NASOs) and the Prospective Analysis of Future Aquaculture Development (PAFADs).

21. Member countries agreed to submit by the 31 July 2005 information on the national aquaculture sector according to the distributed Terms of Reference.

22. The Commission welcomed the proposal of organizing a regional workshop to review and discuss this information. The workshop should be held back-to-back with the next meeting of the Working Group on Aquaculture.

23. The Commission agreed that Working Groups could meet more during the intersessional period.

24. The Commission agreed that the next WGA meeting will be held at the end of November 2005.

25. The Commission requested the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to confirm its interest on hosting the next WGA meeting before the end of May 2005. In case a positive confirmation is not received the meeting will be hosted by Oman.

26. All members are requested to confirm the WGA Focal Point and to nominate an alternate to replace the Focal Point when absent.

DATE AND VENUE OF THE FOURTH SESSION

27. The Commission agreed to hold the fourth session of RECOFI in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the second week of May 2007.

APPENDIX F
Estimated cost and timeframe for the development of RAIS

The present document (sent to the RECOFI Secretary on 4 July 2005) was prepared following a request from the RAIS hosting country on details of the proposed budget expenditures for the development of the information system.

Personnel Services (US$30 000)

FAO-FIRI contribution

Aquaculture Information Officer - The FAO FIRI Aquaculture Information Officer will be the Focal Point between the RECOFI Member countries and the Web developers. He will coordinate the work, assisting the Regional Centre in validating the documents to be sent by the RAIS Focal Points (FAO's contribution - not included in the amount indicated).

Contribution by the RAIS funding country

Task force team - The development ofRAISwill require:

• 2 Web developers for three (3) months
  Estimated budget: US$3000/month/person.Total: US$18000

• 1 database administrator for one (1) month
  Estimated budget: US$2000/month/person

• 1 Web designer for one (1) month
  Estimated budget: US$4000/month/person

• Preparation of detailed training material and technical documentation
  Estimated budget: US$3000

Contribution by the RECOFI Secretariat

Official travel - Duty travel of one developer to Kuwait. He will present the RAIS Web site and will assist the Regional Centre in understanding all the functionalities and technical characteristics of the information system. Travel costs and per diem will be covered by the RECOFI Secretariat in Cairo, Egypt.

Training of the staff of the Regional Centre in Kuwait on the structure/architecture of the RAIS Web site; Web server access procedures; administration procedures, etc. Three days training (estimated cost: US$3000).

Installation - Domain registration and installation in a local server (not included in the costs). The domain registration should be done by the Regional Centre in a local server in Kuwait. Detailed technical characteristics needed for the Web site hosting are provided below.

RAIS SERVER - General features

Accessibility Internet/Software, general:

Accessibility:

Fireline band (connectivity)
Band (band used by consume)

These vary according to the forecasted flux of users, more is the number of accesses and more powerful the band is.

Software
A strong FIREWALL and an efficient ANTIVIRUS, is suggested.

APPENDIX G
Contents of the RAIS

The following items will be developed and included in the RAIS Web site architecture. The system will include ad hoc ASP submission forms that will allow users to immediately forward new information to the RAIS administrators at the Regional Centre who will validate and place the information on-line.

1. The entry page should be attractive as much as possible using a visible and rational Web design (e.g. colours, font, logo). An introductive page will be prepared to explain the scope and activities of the network and the role of the information system.
   To be prepared by the Secretariat

2. A page with the RAIS components and locations will be developed. In this page the list of the RECOFI Member countries, national centres details, focal point names and addresses, and regional centre team and address will be provided¹.
   To be provided by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

3. Directory of National Aquaculture Sector Overview (NASO) for each country. NASO is a concise and comprehensive product that gives a general overview of the aquaculture and culture based fisheries aspects in the country.
   To be provided by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

4. Directory on annual aquaculture statistics (total production volume, in tonnes and value in US$), grouped under species, farming system and areas (marine, brackishwater, freshwater). The statistics will be provided by each Member country in form of excel tables to the Regional Centre.
   To be provided by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

5. Directory of aquaculture experts includes the list of regional experts by country with their address and field of expertise.
   To be provided by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

6. Directory of production centres provides the list of all producer companies (from public or private sector) in each country with the name, address, cultured species, technology and type of products produced.
   To be provided by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

7. Directory of suppliers of equipment for aquaculture: the list of all supplier companies (from public or private sector) in each country with the name, address and speciality of supplier (e.g. feeding equipment, cages, nets, chemical analysis).
   To be provided by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

8. Directory of research institutions contains an exhaustive and updated list of the existing research institutions in the region. Name, specialization, main research activities and address are provided.
   To be provided by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

9. Directory on aquaculture laws and regulations contains comparative national overviews (template already provided) of laws and regulations that are relevant to aquaculture.
   To be provided by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

10. Research and development programmes. A directory in which all the past and ongoing research and development projects dealing with aquaculture in the region are stored. For each project a half page summary will be provided including: title, objectives, expected outputs (if ongoing) or main results (if closed).
    To be provided by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

11. Photo gallery. A photo gallery will be developed for storing and searching high quality and relevant photos of regional aquaculture.
    Photos to be provided by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

12. A virtual library will be developed for storing and providing rapid online search of relevant documents (in PDF; .doc; html) on aquaculture.
    Documents to be provided or suggested by the RECOF WGA Focal Points

13. The page “Links” provides useful national and international links dealing with aquaculture. Private sector Web site addresses will be included in a separate page.
    Links to be provided and suggested by the RECOFI WGA Focal Points

14. Viewers' inputs page. Through online submission forms users may submit information relevant to the RECOFI area for inclusion in the RAIS Web site particularly new items, suggested Web links, publications, photographs, names of aquaculture experts, names of aquaculture suppliers, aquaculture production centres and research institutions. All items will be cleared by RAIS Regional Centre before they are posted on the Web site.
    Information to be continuously provided by the WGA Focal Points and external users

¹ The following information is to be provided by the WGA Focal Points: Name of the Institute (Name of the institute where the WGA Focal Point is based); Photo of the Institute; Full mailing address of the Institute (name, street, zip code, city, country); Names and addresses of the WGA Focal Points and Alternative Focal Points; Location (Describe where the institute is located and how to reach it form the main airport; Overview (Describe the mandate of the Institute and main ongoing activities); Staff (Numbers and profile of people working at the Institute - e.g. scientific, technical, administrative personnel); Facilities (Description of the main facilities of the institute-e.g. hatcheries, laboratories, vessels).

APPENDIX H
RECOFI legal and policy framework project proposal

I. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

By Agreement of 11 November 1999, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Iraq, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates established the Regional Commission for Fisheries (“RECOFI” or “the Commission”) within the framework of FAO. One aim of the Commission is to promote the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Gulf, being the water resource shared by all the RECOFI member countries. In addition, marine aquaculture is conducted in the Red Sea (Saudi Arabia) and the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (Oman).

Recognizing the growing importance of aquaculture in the region, the Commission - during its Second Session from 18to 21May2003 in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman - established the Working Group on Aquaculture (WGA) with a mandate focusing on marine and brackish water aquaculture. The Commission identified the collection of laws and regulations from all RECOFI Member countries and a comparison of the degree of development among the countries as priority activities for the WGA. The aim is for an external evaluation of the existing legislation, highlight improvement areas, where needed, and make recommendations on common regulations that could be adopted at a regional level. During its first meeting from 18 to 20 April 2004 in Manama, Bahrain, the WGA further discussed the level of development of aquaculture legislation among the RECOFI Member countries. Upon recommendation of the WGA, a preparatory mission was conducted in March 2005 with the assistance from FAO to Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia with the objective of developing a regional Technical Cooperation Project (TCP).

There are currently more than 120 million people living in the sub-region, with Iran (Islamic Republic of) accounting for over 67 million, Iraq for over 23 million and Saudi Arabia for over 22 million people. Whereas the total production from capture fisheries in the RECOFI Member countries has been relatively constant over the last decade at around 680000 (tonnes) per year, aquaculture production has increased rapidly from a total production of 39870 (tonnes) in 1999 to 108 059 (tonnes) in 2003, representing an average annual increase of 28.3percent. Although inland production accounts for over 80 percent of the total aquaculture production, the fastest growing sector is the mariculture sector, accounting for nearly 20 percent of aquaculture production in 2003. The large majority of this production consists of Indian white prawn (Penaeus indicus) with Saudi Arabia and Iran (Islamic Republic of) being the major producers. In addition, mariculture production of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and the native sobaity seabream (Sparus hasta) has increased in recent years, with more countries in the region reporting production.

At present, the aquaculture sector still only represents 13.6percent of the overall fish production in the sub-region compared to the average 31.9 percent for global aquaculture production². In many countries, however, there are good opportunities for marine aquaculture and, accordingly, governments have placed priority on the development of this sector. Due to population growth and local stocks coming under pressure from both changing environmental conditions and overexploitation, some countries are primarily interested in supplementing local supplies from capture fisheries. Attracted by the increasing price of fish and shrimp, others are also interested in exporting farmed products. The growing sector also provides new employment opportunities. Private investment is encouraged in some countries and many applications to set up and operate aquaculture farms are currently under review of the relevant authorities, in particular in Oman and Saudi Arabia.

² Including fish, crustaceans and molluscs but excluding aquatic plants, of which there is no production in the RECOFI member countries.

With few exceptions, the existing legislative arrangements for marine aquaculture in the region are uncertain and inappropriate, which seriously hinders the sustainable development of the sector. There is a general need to streamline authorization processes for the establishment and operation of aquaculture farms, including specification of standard terms and conditions related to submission and reporting of information, payment, duration, suspension and renewal of authorizations, as well as other rights and obligations of authorization holders. Streamlining authorization processes also includes identification of sites suitable for marine and brackish water aquaculture and integration of the sector into resource and development planning.

There is increasing concern in the sub-region about the environmental impacts of marine and brackish water aquaculture. This includes the discharge of wastewater and the increasing use of chemicals and drugs in the industry causing pollution and contamination of the aquatic environment. Another potentially serious effect on the environment is the introduction of exotic or non-indigenous species by individual countries, which could impact the entire region. Closely related to the introduction of exotic species is the introduction and use of aquatic GMOs. Although some countries require an environmental impact assessment to be carried out as a precondition before setting up and operating major development projects, there are no specific procedures and guidelines available for the establishment and operation of aquaculture farms.

There is a need to introduce and harmonize legislation dealing with aquatic animal health certification and quarantine measures to facilitate regional trade in living aquatic animals, while minimising the risk of spreading diseases. An effective system of health certification and quarantine measures based on risk analysis will also increase protection of surrounding resources, in particular protection of the environment and native faunas from the deleterious impacts of exotic species or diseases. In addition, legislation should be developed to control the spread of infectious diseases within the countries. This includes, inter alia, provisions to regulate the movement of living aquatic animals between farms, disease reporting requirements, installation of surveillance systems, contingency planning and approval of chemicals and veterinary drugs to be used in aquaculture.

The quality and safety of aquaculture products is another area of concern. Some countries in the region have adopted specific standards, including the introduction of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, for products intended for export to the European Union, amongst others. In other instances, however, adequate quality and safety standards and requirements related to food hygiene, labelling, additives and residues of chemicals and veterinary drugs are virtually non-existent. Additionally, there are no specific restrictions upon the kinds and amounts of feed that may be used in aquaculture. Introduction and harmonization of quality and safety standards across the region would not only increase the quality and safety of aquaculture products but also facilitate regional trade.

Effective monitoring and law enforcement is critical if aquaculture management objectives are to be achieved. To this end, the RECOFI Member countries are required to establish appropriate monitoring procedures and introduce measures to sanction infringement of relevant laws and regulations. At present, however, monitoring and enforcement is a weak link in all countries. Although in many instances this is also due to budget restraints and insufficient staff, monitoring and enforcement provisions are often inadequate and should be improved. This includes the obligation of the farmer to keep records and submit periodic monitoring reports, as well as having adequate sanctions in place, including fines and/or imprisonment, suspension or revocation of licenses, temporary or permanent closure of aquaculture facilities and payment of compensation for damage caused to the environment.

Aquaculture is traditionally affected by a variety of issues and hence regulated under a wide range of legislation that is not necessarily specific to aquaculture. Varying from country to country, aquaculture can be affected by land and water laws, environmental legislation, regulations on chemicals and veterinary drugs, animal health legislation and food safety laws, amongst others. Another complicating factor is that the applicable laws and regulations are often administered and enforced by different government departments and agencies. Despite these limitations, however, aquaculture legislation across the globe has developed some commonality in terms of approach and the required minimum elements for its sound management. Increasingly, issues such as authorization and access, planning and management and the many environmental impacts of aquaculture are dealt with in a more consistent manner and captured in a single aquaculture law or regulation.

In other parts of the world, the rapid and largely unregulated expansion of marine and brackish water aquaculture has already led to serious health, environmental and social problems. With the sector in the region still being in an early start-up phase, the development and circulation of a basic set of model aquaculture legislation will help anticipate these problems in time and provide the necessary legal basis for the implementation of aquaculture policies and the application of best management practices. The basic set of legislation will lay down the required minimum elements for sound aquaculture management, while taking into account and building on the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and other relevant international instruments. A regional approach towards strengthening the legal framework for aquaculture is particularly opportune since it will lead to harmonization of laws and regulations across the region, and thus facilitate regional trade in living aquatic animals and aquaculture products. Moreover, in the present environment of shrinking resources not all countries in the region have similar access to the international and individualized advice and consultation that is required in order to independently update their national legal frameworks.

Although there is great value to the development and circulation of a basic set of model aquaculture legislation, it will, however, still require work at the national level to tailor the model to national circumstances, especially where the aquaculture area is rife with overlaps and gaps among responsible authorities. In order to facilitate implementation of the proposed legislation at the national level, the project includes the preparation of a set of drafting guidelines or explanatory notes, recommendations towards enhancing aquaculture policy/planning and management, as well as technical assistance on issues that require a harmonized approach, including the establishment of aquatic animal health certification and quarantine inspection systems and the development of procedures for the quality and safety of aquaculture products. On conclusion of the project, the Governments will consider follow-up projects and seek further support for implementation of the proposed legislation leading to the achievement of the project objectives.

The Governments of the participating countries fully recognize the urgent need to strengthen their aquaculture legal framework to ensure that the sector develops in a sustainable manner. Through this project FAO, which is well known for having a strong record in strengthening aquaculture legal frameworks across the globe, will help addressing this urgent need and contribute to the sustainable development of aquaculture in the region, in accordance with the widely accepted FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Although the focus of the project will be on developing legislation for marine and brackish water aquaculture, coverage of inland water aquaculture issues of regional concern will not be excluded since elements of the proposed legislation will be applicable to inland aquaculture as well. By assisting the participating Governments in developing and implementing aquaculture legislation, the project will serve as a catalyst for aquaculture sector development in the region and help increase the future contribution of the sector to the economy and food security. The project will also encourage the Governments to strengthen regional cooperation and establish links with ongoing initiatives in regional organizations, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) with a view to ensure synergies and establish a basis for concerted follow-up actions.

II. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE

The overall objective of the assistance is to strengthen the aquaculture sector of the participating countries and to increase its contribution to the economy and food security by providing a basic set of model aquaculture legislation, including drafting guidelines and other technical assistance and support for its implementation at the national level. This will enable the Governments of the participating countries to develop and manage aquaculture in a sustainable manner.

III. PROJECT OUTPUTS

The project outputs are the following:

1. A systematic and comparative review and analysis of existing aquaculture legislation of the participating countries.

2. A basic set of model aquaculture legislation, including, as appropriate, regulations.

3. Drafting guidelines for implementation of the proposed legislation at the national level.

4. Recommendations towards enhancing aquaculture policy/planning and management.

5. Increase the capacity of the participating countries' institutions responsible for aquaculture management to develop and implement aquaculture policy and legislation.

6. Improved awareness and better understanding by aquaculture staff and other stakeholders of aquaculture policy, management and legislation through public consultations and a regional workshop.

7. Publication of the basic set of model aquaculture legislation and the drafting guidelines as a FAO publication for wider distribution and use.

IV. WORK PLAN

The expected time frame for project implementation is 18 months. It is essential that the project starts not before 1 January 2006 since Ramadan (i.e. the ninth month on the Islamic calendar during which Muslims fast) takes places from 4 October to 3 November 2005 and many government staff are on leave in the period thereafter. An additional advantage of this time frame is that the first mission under the project will be carried out during winter/spring 2006 and the regional workshop will take place during winter/spring 2007 when temperatures in the region are generally pleasant.

At the start of the project, the following proposed work plan will be reviewed by the Team Leader and updated as necessary:

Month 1:

• Identification and recruitment of the project experts, and identification of the National Project Coordinators.

Month 2:

• National Project Coordinators of Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates start collecting relevant documents and other information related to aquaculture policy, management and legislation.

Months 3–4:

• First mission by the Legal Expert, the Aquaculture Expert and the Aquaculture Policy Expert to Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to review existing aquaculture legislation, functions and structures of aquaculture management institutions, existing aquaculture policies and development plans, and the overall national development objectives. Discussions will be held with representatives of relevant ministries and government authorities, as well as the private sector, NGOs and other aquaculture interest groups, if appropriate³.

³ Relevant documentation and information has already been collected and reviewed, and discussions with relevant stakeholders have already been held, in Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia during the preparatory mission in March 2005. A separate report contains the findings and conclusions of the preparatory mission.

Months 5–6:

• The Legal Expert, the Aquaculture Expert and the Aquaculture Policy Expert will prepare a report with the review's findings and conclusions, taking into account and integrating the findings and conclusions of the preparatory mission.

• The Legal Expert will make a systematic and comparative review and analysis of existing aquaculture legislation of the participating countries and a basic set of model aquaculture legislation, including regulations, as appropriate, as well as drafting guidelines for implementation of the legislation at the national level.

Months 7–10:

• The experts' report, the basic set of legislation and the drafting guidelines will be circulated for review and comments through the National Project Coordinators of each participating country among all concerned institutions/stakeholders, and among the other project experts involved.

Months 11–14:

• A one-week regional workshop will be prepared by the project experts and officers from LEGN, FIRI and FIPP.

Months 15–16:

• The project experts will prepare a report based on the conclusions and recommendations of the workshop.

• The Legal Expert will finalize the basic set of model aquaculture legislation and the drafting guidelines, and prepare, in consultation with the other project experts, a final report with the technical outputs of the project.

Months 17–18:

• The model legislation and the drafting guidelines will be published as an FAO publication.

Description of the workshop

A one-week regional workshop will be organized by the project experts in [Country hosting the regional workshop] to discuss the legal review and the basic set of model aquaculture legislation with a view to its implementation at the national level. In addition, the workshop will provide recommendations towards enhancing aquaculture policy/planning and management as well as technical assistance on issues that require a harmonized approach, i.e. the establishment of aquatic animal health certification and quarantine inspection systems and the development of procedures for the quality and safety of aquaculture products.

The workshop will be held with up to [40] participants, including the project experts and officers from LEGN, FIRI and FIPP. The workshop will be attended by the National Coordinators and by at least [2] senior Government officials from each participating country who have specific expertise in or are responsible for aquaculture policy, management and legislation. Those officials that participate and benefit from the workshop will guarantee to disseminate the information and knowledge obtained to other government staff where relevant.

In addition, relevant NGOs, private sector or industry and other interest groups will be invited to attend the workshop. Invitations will also be sent to relevant regional organizations, including, inter alia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME), the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia and Pacific (NACA).

V. CAPACITY BUILDING

The project will strengthen the capacity of the participating countries to develop and implement aquaculture policy and legislation. The contributions of the project experts will provide an opportunity to evaluate and compare aquaculture policy, management and law approaches, in both the participating countries and other relevant countries. At the end of the project, countries will be better positioned to face the challenges created by their expanding aquaculture sectors.

VI. INPUTS TO BE PROVIDED BY FAO

1. Personnel

   International consultants:

   • One Legal Expert/Team Leader (eight weeks in two missions, including work at home base) - TOR in Annex 1

   • One Aquaculture Expert (six weeks in two missions, including work at home base) - TOR in Annex 2

   • One Aquaculture Policy Expert (six weeks in two missions, including work at home base) - TOR in Annex 3

   • One Expert on Aquatic Animal Health Certification and Quarantine Inspection (two weeks in one mission, including work at home base) - TOR in Annex 4

   • One Expert on Quality and Safety of Aquaculture Products and HACCP (two weeks in one mission, including work at home base) - TOR in Annex 5

   FAO Advisory Technical Services (ATS):

   • One LEGN Technical Backstopping Officer (two weeks in one mission, including work at FAO Headquarters) - TOR in Annex 6

   • One FIRI Technical Backstopping Officer (two weeks in one mission, including work at FAO Headquarters) - TOR in Annex 7

   • One FIPP Technical Backstopping Officer (two weeks in one mission, including work at FAO Headquarters) - TOR in Annex 8

2. Duty travel

   Provision for official travel of consultants and FAO staff within the participating countries in connection with the project activities.

3. General operating expenses

   General operating expenses to cover miscellaneous expenses required in the field for the operation of the project.

4. Direct operating expenses

   Direct operating expenses to cover miscellaneous expenses at FAO Headquarters connected with the implementation of the project.

5. Training

   One-week regional workshop in [Country hosting the regional workshop].

VII. REPORTING

The project experts and the Technical Backstopping Officers of LEGN, FIRI and FIPP will prepare mission reports in accordance with their respective terms of reference. At the end of the project, the basic set of model aquaculture legislation and the drafting guidelines will be published as a FAO publication for wider distribution and use.

VIII. GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION AND SUPPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The Governments of the participating countries, through their Ministries responsible for fisheries/aquaculture, will be responsible for the project execution.

The Governments of all participating countries will:

• appoint, at no cost to the project, National Project Coordinators (TOR in Annex 9) in each country for the coordination of project activities;

• cover travel costs and other allowances of the National Projects Coordinators and other Government officials participating to the regional workshop.

• make available to the project experts and FAO staff all the relevant documentation and other information on aquaculture policy/planning and legislation and provide for a summary of this documentation and information in English.

In addition, the Governments of Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and [Country hosting the regional workshop] will:

• provide office accommodation and other secretarial/clerical/logistical support to the project experts and FAO staff while on mission in the countries;

• provide any permits necessary for the importation and, where appropriate, the subsequent exportation, of equipment, materials and supplies required for use in connection with the project and exemption from the payment of all customs duties or other levies or charges relating to such importation or exportation;

• exempt from the payment of sales or other tax on local purchases of equipment, materials and supplies for use in connection with the project;

• pay transport costs within the country, including handling, storage, insurance ad all other related costs, with respect to equipment, materials and supplies for use in connection with the project;

• provide for the prompt issuance, free of charge, of any visas or permits required;

• provide any permits necessary for the importation of property belonging to and intended for the personal use of the project experts and FAO staff, and for the subsequent exportation of such property;

• provide prompt customs clearance of equipment, materials, supplies and property referred to above;

• assist the project experts and FAO staff, to the extent possible, in obtaining suitable accommodation.

In addition, the Government of [Country hosting the regional workshop] will:

• host the one-week regional workshop and in this connection provide meeting rooms and operational equipment.

The Governments of all participating countries will, on the conclusion of the project, take the necessary measures to ensure that the basis set of model aquaculture legislation is processed in an effective and expeditious manner with a view to its implementation at the national level. The Governments will consider preparation of an implementation programme of the legislation and seek support for implementation as appropriate.

IX. PROJECT BUDGET COVERING FAO INPUTS (in US Dollars)

The following costs are an estimation of the required budget covering FAO inputs. These costs may be lower if FAO decides to fund the TCP and use can be made of retired FAO experts in some instances.

Annex 1

TERMS OF REFERENCE

LEGAL EXPERT (INTERNATIONAL LEGAL CONSULTANT/TEAM LEADER)

Under the general supervision of the Office of the Regional Representative for the Near East (FAORNE) and the technical supervision of the Chief of the Development Law Service (LEGN), and in close collaboration with the Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service (FIRI) and the Fisheries Development and Planning Service (FIPP), the relevant national authorities and the other project experts, the Legal Expert will:

First mission:

• Visit Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates and hold, in collaboration with the Aquaculture Expert and the Aquaculture Policy Expert, discussions with representatives of the relevant ministries and government authorities as well as the private sector, NGOs and other aquaculture interest groups, if appropriate.

• Collect, review and analyse first hand information on the legal framework for aquaculture, make a preliminary evaluation of its adequacy and effectiveness for the sustainable development and management of aquaculture and identify the principal needs and priorities regarding legislative change.

• Consider comments and views expressed by stakeholders and evaluate the best options for handling each of them.

• Based on the foregoing, in collaboration with the Aquaculture Expert and the Aquaculture Policy Expert, prepare and submit to FAO a report with findings and conclusions, taking into account and integrating the report on the preparatory mission to Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The report includes:

  1. a systematic and comparative review of existing aquaculture legislation of all participating countries;

  2. a draft basic set of model aquaculture legislation, including, as appropriate, regulations, as well as drafting guidelines for its implementation at the national level.

Second mission:

• Assist in the preparation and lead the conduct of the regional workshop and act as a resource person.

• Make a presentation on the findings of the legislative review and the components of the proposed basic set of model aquaculture legislation, including the drafting guidelines for its implementation at the national level.

• Based on the conclusions and recommendations of the regional workshop, finalize the proposed set of model aquaculture legislation, including the drafting guidelines.

• In collaboration with the project experts, prepare and submit to FAO:

  1. a final report with all the technical outputs of the project;

  2. the model legislation and the drafting guidelines for publication.

Duration:

8 weeks (first mission of two weeks, second mission of one week and five weeks at home base).

Duty station:

Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, [Country hosting the regional workshop] and home base.

Qualifications:

• Law degree.

• Experience in legal drafting.

• Excellent knowledge of fisheries/aquaculture law and related issues, in particular in the RECOFI area.

• Excellent command of English language.

Annex 2

TERMS OF REFERENCE

AQUACULTURE EXPERT

Under the general supervision of the Office of the Regional Representative for the Near East (FAORNE) and the technical supervision of the Chief of the Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service (FIRI), and in close collaboration with the Development Law Service (LEGN) and the Fisheries Development and Planning Service (FIPP), the relevant national authorities and the other project experts, the Aquaculture Expert will:

First mission:

• Visit Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and hold, in collaboration with the Legal Expert and the Aquaculture Policy Expert, discussions with representatives of the relevant ministries and government authorities as well as the private sector, NGOs and other aquaculture interest groups, if appropriate.

• Review and analyze current fisheries/aquaculture management structures and objectives and ongoing aquaculture programmes under the overall national development policies and goals, identify management approaches and mechanisms to be incorporated into the basic set of model aquaculture legislation and contribute as required to the legal advice under the technical assistance.

• Consider comments and views expressed by stakeholders and evaluate the best options for handling each of them.

• Based on the foregoing, in collaboration with the Legal Expert and the Aquaculture Policy Expert, prepare and submit to FAO a report with findings and conclusions, taking into account and integrating the report on the preparatory mission to Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Second mission:

• Assist in the preparation and lead the conduct of the regional workshop and act as a resource person.

• Make a presentation on management approaches taken in RECOFI Member countries and other relevant countries and recommend appropriate actions and enhanced practices to achieve sustainable aquaculture management.

• Based on the conclusions and recommendations of the workshop, prepare and submit to FAO a report with findings and conclusions.

• Contribute to the preparation of the final report with all the technical outputs of the project and to the model legislation and drafting guidelines for publication.

Duration:

6 weeks (first mission of two weeks, second mission of one week and three weeks at home base).

Duty station:

Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, [Country hosting the regional workshop] and home base.

Qualifications:

• Degree in fisheries/aquaculture or natural resource management.

• Excellent knowledge of fisheries/aquaculture management issues, in particular in the RECOFI area.

• Excellent command of English language.

Annex 3

TERMS OF REFERENCE

AQUACULTURE POLICY EXPERT

Under the general supervision of the Office of the Regional Representative for the Near East (FAORNE) and the technical supervision of the Chief of the Fisheries Development and Planning Service (FIPP), and in close collaboration with the Development Law Service (LEGN) and the Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service (FIRI), the relevant national authorities and the other project experts, the Aquaculture Policy Expert will:

First mission:

• Visit Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and hold, in collaboration with the Legal Expert and the Aquaculture Expert, discussions with representatives of the relevant ministries and government authorities as well as the private sector, NGOs and other aquaculture interest groups, if appropriate.

• Review and analyse current fisheries/aquaculture policies/plans, the overall national development policies and goals, identify policy approaches to be incorporated into or implemented by the basic set of model aquaculture legislation and contribute as required to the policy advice under the technical assistance.

• Consider comments and views expressed by stakeholders and evaluate the best options for handling each of them.

• Based on the foregoing, in collaboration with the Legal Expert and the Aquaculture Expert, prepare and submit to FAO a report with findings and conclusions, taking into account and integrating the report on the preparatory mission to Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Second mission:

• Assist in the preparation and lead the conduct of the regional workshop and act as a resource person.

• Make a presentation on policy/planning approaches taken in RECOFI Member countries and other relevant countries and make recommendations towards enhancing aquaculture policy/planning.

• Based on the conclusions and recommendations of the workshop, prepare and submit to FAO a report with findings and conclusions.

• Contribute to the preparation of the final report with all the technical outputs of the project and to the model legislation and drafting guidelines for publication.

Duration:

6 weeks (first mission of two weeks, second mission of one week and three weeks at home base).

Duty station:

Iran (Islamic Republic of), Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, [Country hosting the regional workshop] and home base.

Qualifications:

• Degree in fisheries/aquaculture policy.

• Excellent knowledge of fisheries/aquaculture policy issues, in particular in the RECOFI area.

• Excellent command of English language.

Annex 4

TERMS OF REFERENCE

EXPERT ON AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH CERTIFICATION AND QUARANTINE INSPECTION

Under the general supervision of the Office of the Regional Representative for the Near East (FAORNE) and the technical supervision of the Chief of the Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service (FIRI), and in close collaboration with the Development Law Service (LEGN) and the Fisheries Development and Planning Service (FIPP), the relevant national authorities and the other project experts, the Expert on Aquatic Animal Health Certification and Quarantine Inspection will:

• Assist in the preparation and lead the conduct of the regional workshop and act as a resource person.

• Make a presentation on issues related to the establishment of aquatic animal health certification and quarantine inspection systems for the safe introduction and movement of living aquatic animals, including strategies and approaches taken in other relevant countries.

• Based on the conclusions and recommendations of the workshop, prepare and submit to FAO a report with findings and conclusions.

• Contribute advice generally and technical advice related to the establishment of aquatic animal health certification and quarantine inspection systems for the finalization of the basic set of aquaculture legislation.

• Contribute to the preparation of the final report with all the technical outputs of the project. and to the model legislation and drafting guidelines for publication.

Duration:

2 weeks (one mission of one week and one week at home base).

Duty station:

[Country hosting the regional workshop] and home base.

Qualifications:

• Degree in fisheries/aquaculture or natural resource management.

• Excellent knowledge of aquatic animal health certification and quarantine inspection issues.

• Excellent command of English language.

Annex 5

TERMS OF REFERENCE

EXPERT ON QUALITY AND SAFETY OF AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS AND HACCP PROCEDURES

Under the general supervision of the Office of the Regional Representative for the Near East (FAORNE) and the technical supervision of the Chief of the Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service (FIRI), and in close collaboration with the Development Law Service (LEGN) and the Fisheries Development and Planning Service (FIPP), the relevant national authorities and the other project experts, the Expert on Quality and Safety of Aquaculture Products and HACCP Procedures will:

• Assist in the preparation and lead the conduct of the regional workshop and act as a resource person.

• Make a presentation on issues related to the development of procedures for the quality and safety of aquaculture products and HACCP, including strategies and approaches taken in other countries.

• Based on the conclusions and recommendations of the workshop, prepare and submit to FAO a report with findings and conclusions.

• Contribute advice generally and technical advice related to the development of procedures for the quality and safety of aquaculture products and HACCP for the finalization of the basic set of aquaculture legislation.

• Contribute to the preparation of the final report with all the technical outputs of the project and to the model legislation and drafting guidelines for publication.

Duration:

2 weeks (one mission of one week and one week at home base).

Duty station:

[Country hosting the regional workshop] and home base.

Qualifications:

• Degree in fisheries/aquaculture or natural resource management.

• Excellent knowledge of fisheries/aquaculture management issues, in particular on quality and safety of aquaculture products and HACCP.

• Excellent command of English language.

Annex 6

TERMS OF REFERENCE

FAO ADVISORY TECHNICAL SERVICES TECHNICAL BACKSTOPPING OFFICER (LEGN)

Under the general supervision of the Office of the Regional Representative for the Near East (FAORNE) and the technical supervision of the Chief of the Development Law Service (LEGN), and in close collaboration with the Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service (FIRI) and the Fisheries Development and Planning Service (FIPP), the relevant national authorities and the project experts, the LEGN Officer will:

• Assist with the identification and recruitment of the project experts.

• Assist in the preparation of a detailed work plan for the project and adjust the experts' terms of reference as appropriate.

• Consult with relevant government counterparts on the planning and preparation of activities under the project.

• Contribute to the review of existing legal frameworks and their adequacy and effectiveness for the sustainable development and management of aquaculture.

• Review the reports of the Legal Expert and assist in the review of the reports of the other project experts and make recommendations and amendments as appropriate.

• Assist in the preparation and conduct of the regional workshop and act as a resource person.

• Prepare a back-to-office report.

• Review the final report of the Legal Expert and finalize the basic set of model aquaculture legislation including the drafting guidelines as appropriate.

• Finalize publication of the model legislation and the drafting guidelines.

• Draft the concluding letter for the project in collaboration with the other Technical Backstopping Officers and the National Project Coordinators.

Duration:

2 weeks (one mission of one week and one week at FAO headquarters).

Duty station:

[Country hosting the regional workshop] and FAO headquarters.

Annex 7

TERMS OF REFERENCE

FAO ADVISORY TECHNICAL SERVICES TECHNICAL BACKSTOPPING OFFICER (FIRI)

Under the general supervision of the Office of the Regional Representative for the Near East (FAORNE) and the technical supervision of the Chief of the Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service (FIRI), and in close collaboration with the Development Law Service (LEGN) and the Fisheries Development and Planning Service (FIPP), the relevant national authorities and the project experts, the FIRI Officer will:

• Assist with the identification and recruitment of the project experts.

• Assist in the preparation of a detailed work plan for the project and adjust the experts'terms of reference as appropriate.

• Consult with relevant government counterparts on the planning and preparation of activities under the project.

• Contribute to the review and analysis of current fisheries/aquaculture management structures and objectives and ongoing aquaculture programmes under the overall national development policies and goals, and the identification of management approaches and mechanisms to be incorporated into the basic set of model aquaculture legislation, and contribute as required to the legal advice under the technical assistance.

• Review the reports of the Aquaculture Expert, the Expert on Aquatic Animal Health Certification and Quarantine Inspection and the Expert on Quality and Safety of Aquaculture Products and HACCP Procedures and make recommendations and amendments as appropriate.

• Assist in the preparation and conduct of the regional workshop and act as a resource person.

• Prepare a back-to-office report.

• Assist in the review of the reports of the other experts and make recommendations and amendments as appropriate.

• Assist in drafting the concluding letter for the project in collaboration with the other Technical Backstopping Officers and the National Project Coordinators.

Duration:

2 weeks (one mission of one week and one week at FAO headquarters).

Duty station:

[Country hosting the regional workshop] and FAO headquarters.

Annex 8

TERMS OF REFERENCE

FAO ADVISORY TECHNICAL SERVICES TECHNICAL BACKSTOPPING OFFICER (FIPP)

Under the general supervision of the Office of the Regional Representative for the Near East (FAORNE) and the technical supervision of the Chief of the Fisheries Development and Planning Service (FIPP), and in close collaboration with the Development Law Service (LEGN) and the Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service (FIRI), the relevant national authorities and the project experts, the FIPP Officer will:

• Assist with the identification and recruitment of the project experts.

• Assist in the preparation of a detailed work plan for the project and adjust the experts'terms of reference as appropriate.

• Consult with relevant government counterparts on the planning and preparation of activities under the project.

• Contribute to the review and analysis of current fisheries/aquaculture policies/plans, the overall national development policies and goals, the identification of policy approaches to be incorporated into or implemented by the basic set of model aquaculture legislation and contribute as required to the policy advice under the technical assistance.

• Review the reports of the Aquaculture Policy Expert and make recommendations and amendments as appropriate.

• Assist in the preparation and conduct of the regional workshop and act as a resource person.

• Prepare a back-to-office report.

• Assist in the review of the reports of the other projects experts and make recommendations and amendments as appropriate.

• Assist in drafting the concluding letter for the project in collaboration with the other Technical Backstopping Officers and the National Project Coordinators.

Duration:

2 weeks (one mission of one week and one week at FAO headquarters).

Duty station:

[Country hosting the regional workshop] and FAO headquarters.

Annex 9

TERMS OF REFERENCE

NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATORS

One coordinator for the project will be designated in each country for the whole duration of the project and at no cost for the project and will be under the operational responsibility of the Office of the Regional Representative for the Near East (FAORNE) to facilitate project implementation and ensure effective liaison and cooperation between the Government and the project team. He/she will:

• Ensure liaison with senior staff in the counterpart Ministry and other national institutions involved.

• Ensure communication and coordination between the countries.

• Ensure that visas for all project experts and FAO staff are issued in a timely manner.

• Ensure the collection of all the essential documentation and information relevant to project implementation and provide for summaries of the documentation and information in English as requested.

• Arrange meetings, visits and interviews for the project experts with representatives of the relevant ministries and government authorities as well as the private sector, NGOs and other aquaculture interest groups.

• Provide other assistance and support to the project experts in carrying out project activities as may be required.

• Identify the participants to the workshop to be conducted under the project.

• Ensure that all travel documents are made available in a timely manner in order to guarantee the participation of Governments officials and other stakeholders to the workshop.

• Organize and facilitate the execution of the workshop, where appropriate, including assisting in organizing accommodation for the participants.

• Assist the FAO Technical Backstopping Officers in drafting the concluding letter for the project.

Duty station: [Country hosting the regional workshop] and home country.

APPENDIX I
Key elements to be included in the Technical Guidelines on Responsible Use and Control of Alien Species

The following elements, drafted at an FAO co-sponsored workshop⁴ and further endorsed at the Thirteenth Session of Committee on Inland Fisheries of Africa (CIFA), were thought to be of major importance and should be included in the Technical Guidelineson Responsible Use and Control of Alien Species.

⁴ FAO/NACA/MRC/UC SeaGrant/AIT/IUCN workshop International Mechanisms for the Control and Responsible Use of Alien Species in Aquatic Ecosystems, held 27–30 August 2003, in Xishuangbanna, People's Republic of China.

• Preamble-This section will describe relevant decisions on aliens' species major international conventions and organizations, e.g. the CBD and CCRF.

• Summary of agreements and other guidelines/codes of practice on alien species - This section will briefly review the various international agreements with a complete listing in the Annex.

• Description of an ICES-like code adapted to developing country conditions-This section will describe the key elements of the ICES code with the addition of new elements appropriate for developing countries.

• Summary of risks and benefits on using alien species in fisheries-This section will describe the dangers and advantages in ecological and social/economic terms.

• Risk assessment procedures including social and economic risks as well as environmental and ecological risks-This section will summarize risk assessment procedures.

• Decision trees-This section will describe how to make informed decisions based on the above ICES codes.

• The development of a set of criteria in order to establish a list of alien species of special concern in the region that could further promote awareness and responsible use-This section will describe what biological characters of a species and what environmental characteristics of a habitat are important in establishing lists of species that should not be imported, could be imported under special circumstances, or that could be imported with no risk.

• Recommendations for national implementation-This section will describe what national actions are needed for responsible use and control.

• Regional coordination-This section will describe various modes and suggestions for coordinated regional action, for an example, but one that will not be in the final guidelines see Annex 3, Memorandum of Cooperation on Alien Species the CIFA Sub-Committee on Lake Tanganyika.

• Recommendations for zoning areas where introductions can or can not be made - This section will describe how geographic areas may be zoned for use by aquaculture and alien species based on a variety of criteria. This will be similar to World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) zoning based on disease status.

• Special procedures for ongoing practices, i.e. the continued use of alien species - This section will describe procedures for the continued use of alien species in areas where they are already present, e.g. stocking programmes, ornamental fish, or aquaculture.

• Monitoring, fish health, and reporting - This section will complement the one above and describe how and what to monitor and report, and the quarantine, diagnostic and treatment procedures necessary.

• Annexes - This section will contain details on many of the general sections in the main body of the Guidelines. For example: List of international instruments, ICES Codes, Opinionnaire.

APPENDIX J
RECOFI logo proposal

LOGO A and B