Structure and Process of the 1993-1995 United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks

FAO Fisheries Circular. No.898. Rome, FAO. 1995. 81p.

This paper reviews the structure and process of the United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, convened in New York at United Nations headquarters in April 1993 and concluded in December 1995, in accordance with United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/192. The purpose of the Conference was to secure international agreement, consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the enhanced conservation and management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks. The paper does not attempt a comprehensive analysis of the many complex issues considered by the Conference nor an assessment of the debate. Rather, the paper provides factual information on the proceedings and the outcome of the Conference. By consensus at its sixth session in August 1995, the Conference adopted the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 Relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. The Final Act of the Conference and the Agreement opened for signature on 4 December 1995. On this date 45 States signed the Final Act and 25 States signed the Agreement. It will be open for signature for one year from 4 December 1995. The Agreement will take effect 30days after the receipt of the thirtieth instrument of ratification or accession.