COFI/2001/10





COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES

Twenty-fourth Session

Rome, Italy, 26 February - 2 March 2001

MEDIUM-TERM PLAN FOR MAJOR PROGRAMME 2.3 FISHERIES 2002-2007


Table of Contents


1. Following the approval of The Strategic Framework for FAO 2000 � 2015, by the FAO Conference in November 1999, the Medium Term Plan 2002 � 2007 (MTP) was prepared to translate the broad longer-term strategies into a focused set of substantive priorities and programme activities for a six-year period. It is recalled that the medium-term plan is of a "rolling" nature, to be updated every two years to reflect evolving contexts. The first Programme of Work and Budget (PWB) to be formulated in the context of the Medium Term Plan 2002 � 2007 will cover the biennium 2002 � 2003 and provide a more detailed description of the outputs planned for this two-year period and the required resources. This PWB will be presented to the FAO Conference for approval in November 2001.

2. While the MTP has already been considered by the FAO Council in November 2000, it is the expectation of the Council that the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) review and make recommendations on the fisheries programme priorities in the document, which would also be taken into account in the formulation of the PWB 2002-2003.

3. Accordingly, an extract from the MTP document, dealing with Major Programme 2.3 Fisheries, is reproduced below. The introductory text and tables at the beginning of each programme establish the links of the MTP proposals with the Corporate Strategies and Strategic Objectives in the FAO Strategic Framework 2000-2015.

4. In accordance with the new programming model endorsed by the FAO Conference, each programme consists of a number of "entities". These entities are of three types: time-bound technical projects, continuing programme activities and technical services. Within each technical project, besides the rationale and objective, a number of "major outputs" are identified over its lifetime, and the same for continuing programme activities. They will translate into more detailed biennial "outputs" in the Programme of Work and Budget. As a major innovation, indicators of achievements are also provided.

5. In comparison with the Programme of Work and Budget 2000-2001, it may be noted that the fisheries programmes in the MTP are divided into fewer programme entities, which focus on the following priorities that are highlighted in the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

6. The entire MTP document, is available by consulting FAO�s Internet Web-site at the following address: http://www.fao.org/mtp/

SUGGESTED ACTION BY THE COMMITTEE

7. The Committee is invited to review and make recommendations on the fisheries programme priorities in the document which would also be taken into account in the formulation of the Programme of Work and Budget 2002-2003.


MAJOR PROGRAMME 2.3: FISHERIES

79. The major programme aims to facilitate and ensure the long-term sustainable development and utilisation of the world's fisheries and aquaculture. This is to be done with due recognition to the social and economic role of fisheries in meeting global and national sustainable food security goals, providing livelihoods for fishing communities, thus alleviating poverty and slowing the migration from rural areas to the cities. Fisheries also makes a significant contribution to national and international trade and to the generation of national income.

80. The policy framework and specific actions required from countries to secure long-term sustainable development in fisheries and aquaculture, and cope with expected supply-demand gaps in the future, are embedded in the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and International Plans of Action, as well as other international fishery instruments. Countries are facing the challenge to implement the necessary changes to national fisheries management policies and legislation. The major programme will provide a medium-term response to that challenge.

81. In shaping FAO's medium-term programme in fisheries, due account is also taken of the priorities for the fisheries sector, as expressed by COFI and the regional fishery bodies, through a combination of time-bound technical projects, technical services, and some continuing activities, as well as contributions to inter-disciplinary work.

82. The major programme is to contribute to all Corporate Strategies approved by the FAO Conference in the Strategic Framework 2000-2015, as illustrated below.

83. Under Strategy A, within on-going efforts to eradicate food insecurity and rural poverty in coastal areas and main watersheds, two main priorities are to develop sustainable livelihoods in fisheries-based rural economies in Central and Western Africa, and to improve forecasting capabilities and preparedness in order to mitigate the impact of emergencies and natural disasters on fisheries and aquaculture.

84. As regards Strategy B, work on policy and regulatory frameworks will be distinguished by: support to coordination and monitoring of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures; global fishery coordination and the strengthening of regional fishery bodies and arrangements; and as a third priority, support to international and national policy formulation, to further promote the safe use and fair trade of fish and fish products.

85. Several priority lines of action are particularly relevant to Strategy C: to improve efficiency and adaptability in production, processing and marketing, the major programme will continue to promote the adoption of technologies needed for intensified production, bearing in mind the development of the small-scale fisheries sector and promote sustainable aquaculture development at national and regional levels; it will pursue work to reduce discards and the environmental impact of fisheries, while aiming to increase production from under-utilised fishery resources, including low-value species.

86. Core activities in support of Strategy D include management of genetic resources, the management of fisheries in coastal and watershed production systems integrated with the management of land, water and forest resources. The major programme will, through the promotion of ecosystem and environmental management and the strengthening of marine resource assessment, contribute to the conservation, rehabilitation and development of environments at risk.

87. Of direct relevance to Corporate Strategy E, are further efforts to improve the quality, timeliness and access to fisheries information, including statistics development at the national level. The major programme's contribution to an integrated policy-oriented information resource base is epitomised by the development of a Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS). This will be buttressed by improved global, regional and national fisheries and aquaculture statistical and information systems and related products such as yearbooks and statistical software (e.g. FishStat). The major programme will pursue FAO's well-established role in regular monitoring and analysis of global trends and outlook studies on fisheries and aquaculture sectors, including aspects such as environment, resources, production, management and products.

Programme 2.3.1: Fisheries Information

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

231A1

TP

Development of the Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS)

                 

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231P1

CP

Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics

                 

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231S1

TS

Advice and Technical Support to Member Nations and Regional Fisheries Bodies

                 

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Legend

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Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million


231A1

Development of the Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS)

Timeframe: 2002 - 2003

Resources: US$ 682,000

Rationale
Objective

To improve access to, and disseminate widely and in a timely manner, information to meet the needs of a variety of users.

Major Outputs
  1. Operational, Internet-based software tools compatible with WAICENT.
  2. Support to networks of information providers and partners (with associated manuals and partnership agreements).
  3. Comprehensive global regional fishery statistical databases, accessible through the Internet.
  4. GIS-based information modules on fisheries and aquaculture (comprising data on species distribution and biology, marine fishery resources, major fish stocks, tuna catch distributions, inland fishery resources, aquaculture, species introductions and transfers, fish market information, record of vessels fishing on the high seas, fishery country profiles and fisheries management systems).
Indicators

231P1

Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics

Timeframe: continuing programme activity

Resources: US$ 16,997,000

Rationale
Objective

To improve/enhance the quality and consistency of, and access by a variety of users to aquatic sciences and fisheries information, as well as fishery and aquaculture statistics.

Major Outputs
  1. Norms, standards and procedures for collection, storage, dissemination and sharing of fisheries information.
  2. Information and library services.
  3. Norms and standards for collation, analysis and dissemination of global and regional fisheries statistics.
Indicators

231S1

Advice and Technical Support to Member Nations and Regional Fisheries Bodies

Timeframe: technical services on demand

Resources: US$ 2,529,000

This technical service agreement entity covers the usual range of services to countries in respect of fisheries statistical development.

Programme 2.3.2: Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

232A1

TP

Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

     

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232A2

TP

Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security

           

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232A3

TP

Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata

                 

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232A4

TP

Monitoring and Reporting on Global Marine Resources and Relevant Environmental and Ecological Changes

                   

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232A5

TP

Resources Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources

     

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232P1

CP

Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

       

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232S1

TS

Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues and Aquaculture Development

     

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Legend

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Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million


232A1

Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 4,527,000

Rationale
Objective

To promote the sustainable use of fisheries resources, including aquatic genetic resources, and the reduction of adverse environmental and biodiversity impact from inland fisheries and aquaculture activities.

Major Outputs
  1. Methodologies for management and conservation of resources used in aquaculture and inland fisheries.
  2. Technical guidelines for implementation of Article 9 and other relevant provisions of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
  3. International norms for responsible management of aquaculture and inland fisheries.
Indicators

232A2

Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 3,741,000

Rationale
Objective

To provide and promote best practices to increase aquatic production through sustainable development of aquaculture and inland fisheries, thereby contributing to national food security and rural development.

Major Outputs
  1. Studies and methodologies for improved efficiency and intensification of aquaculture and inland fisheries production systems.
  2. Promotion of tested integrated aquaculture-agriculture farming practices for enhanced and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Indicators

232A3

Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 3,422,000

Rationale
Objective

To provide reliable elements for species identification and essential biological and ecological data of potentially exploited marine species.

Major Outputs
  1. World, regional and national guides and catalogues of living marine resources.
  2. Development of a Global Resource Information System (as component of FIGIS).
  3. Support to collection of information on resources and related collaborative network.
Indicators

232A4

Monitoring and Reporting on Global Marine Resources and Relevant Environmental and Ecological Changes

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 3,855,000

Rationale
Objective

To foster awareness by governments, NGOs and the fishing industry of major trends and events relative to world fishery resources, including impact of human activities on the marine fishery production system and habitat.

Major Outputs
  1. Assessments and Indicators of the state of fisheries ecosystems.
  2. Regularly updated Reviews of World Marine Fisheries Resources.
  3. Contributions to the SOFIA review, FIGIS, and other analyses relevant to the state of world and regional fish stocks and fisheries.
Indicators

232A5

Resources Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 2,850,000

Rationale
Objective

To provide the policy framework which will assist Members in implementing appropriate fisheries management practices through strategy formulation and improvement of national capacities.

Major Outputs
  1. Development and promotion of Stock Assessment and Management Technologies (including review of constraints in countries, dissemination of methods in various resource management situations, testing of risk management practices, as well as exchange of information among countries).
Indicators

232P1

Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

Timeframe: continuing programme activity

Resources: US$ 6,903,000

Rationale
Objective

To facilitate decision-making by governments, development agencies, the private sector and the NGO community at global, regional, national and local levels towards sustainable development of inland fisheries and aquaculture.

Major Outputs
  1. Development of architecture for global information systems and databases on inland fisheries and aquaculture.
  2. Reviews and analyses of important aspects and issues of aquaculture and inland fisheries (including issuance of FAO's aquaculture newsletter).
  3. Support to regional bodies in relation to aquaculture and inland fisheries and promotion of partnership and information exchange.
  4. Studies on applied research and participatory extension services in aquaculture and inland fisheries in selected countries.
Indicators

232S1

Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues and Aquaculture Development

Timeframe: technical services on demand

Resources: US$ 6,584,000

This entity covers both technical advice to countries (with a training dimension) and backstopping services to projects.

Programme 2.3.3: Fisheries Exploitation and Utilization

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

233A1

TP

Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries

       

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233A2

TP

Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries

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233A3

TP

Increased Production from Under-utilised Aquatic Resources and Low-value Catches

       

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233A4

TP

Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products

       

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233A5

TP

Promotion of International Fish Trade

     

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233S1

TS

Support and Advice in Fishing Technology, Fish Utilisation and Trade

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Legend

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Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million


233A1

Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 2,618,000

Rationale
Objective

To promote new bycatch reduction technologies, while monitoring the extent of the problem in both qualitative and quantitative terms.

Major Outputs
  1. Assessment of environmental impact of fishing operations (including methodologies to estimate discard rates and information on physical impact of fishing gears) on the ecosystem.
  2. Promotion of effective measures to reduce bycatch.
  3. Technical assistance and monitoring of the implementation of the International Plan of Action to reduce the Incidental Catch of Seabirds.
  4. Guidelines and methodologies for increased bycatch utilisation.
  5. Development of and assistance in Legal Management Frameworks.
Indicators

233A2

Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 3,529,000

Rationale
Objective

To enhance the contribution of the small-scale fisheries sector to food security and employment, by promoting appropriate technologies, commercial practices, related methods and approaches, and also by implementing capacity-building, and institutional strengthening.

Major Outputs
  1. Participatory methods and approaches (including manuals and distance-learning courses).
  2. Technical guidance on diversification of fishing effort from coastal to offshore waters.
  3. Guidelines on increased safety at sea for small fishing vessels.
  4. Support to institutional development within small-scale fishing communities.
  5. Methodologies and measures for increased efficiency in small-scale fisheries post-harvest systems.
  6. Case studies and guidance on improved market opportunities and promotion of export of products from small-scale fisheries.
  7. Analysis and options for improved disaster preparedness within fishing communities.
Indicators

233A3

Increased Production from Under-utilised Aquatic Resources and Low-value Catches

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 2,160,000

Rationale
Objective

To formulate options and generate policy changes in Member Nations through tailored technical advice aimed at increased production from under-utilised aquatic resources and increased utilisation for human consumption of low-value catches.

Major Outputs
  1. Cost-effective fishing technologies and vessel and equipment design.
  2. Policy and legal frameworks for increasing production from selected under-utilised species and low-value catches.
  3. Policy options and support to institutional measures to improve efficiency and adaptability in production, processing and marketing systems, and meeting the changing needs of producers and consumers for selected under-utilised species and low-value catches.
  4. Guidelines on the handling and processing technologies.
Indicators

233A4

Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products

Timeframe: 2002 - 2005

Resources: US$ 1,270,000

Rationale
Objective

To assist countries in meeting international and national requirements for improved safety and quality of fish products.

Major Outputs
  1. Reference database on hazards, risks and standards associated with fish products.
  2. Guidelines, training and information-sharing (through consultations) following testing of the concept of hazard identification, risk assessment, design of control strategies and fish safety economics at plant level in developing countries.
  3. Technologies and products with potential for expansion from pilot experiments.
Indicators

233A5

Promotion of International Fish Trade

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 6,045,000

Rationale
Objective

To facilitate international fish trade, in particular to promote increased participation of developing countries, including through their use and active membership of the FAO-supported Fish Marketing Information Services (INFONetwork).

Major Outputs
  1. Maintenance and expansion of the GLOBEFISH databank.
  2. Coordination and strengthening of the FISH INFONetwork (including backstopping of EASTFISH and INFOYU).
  3. GLOBEFISH-related publications and Internet Web page.
  4. Facilitation of exchanges on fisheries commodities and trade (through physical consultations and e-mail conferences) and cooperation with the CFC (Common Fund for Commodities).
  5. Servicing of the COFI Sub-committee on Fish Trade.
Indicators

233S1

Support and Advice in Fishing Technology, Fish Utilisation and Trade

Timeframe: technical services on demand

Resources: US$ 8,978,000

This entity covers support to field activities falling under Programme 2.3.3, advice to UN system and other organizations, and direct assistance to countries not otherwise addressed by the preceding entities.

Programme 2.3.4: Fisheries Policy

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

234A1

TP

Coordination and Monitoring of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

 

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234A4

TP

Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management

             

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234A5

TP

Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development

         

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234P2

CP

Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture

                   

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234P3

CP

Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management

     

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234S1

TS

Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements and Field Programme Support

 

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Legend

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Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million


234A1

Coordination and Monitoring of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 3,361,000

Rationale
Objective

To coordinate the translation of provisions in the Code into coherent policies at national and international levels.

Major Outputs
  1. Monitoring of progress and regular reporting to COFI and the United Nations General Assembly.
  2. Dissemination of the Code, associated technical guidelines and International Plans of Action formulated within the framework of the Code.
  3. Promotion of sustainable livelihood approaches in fishing communities based on provisions of the Code.
Indicators

234A4

Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 2,463,000

Rationale
Objective

To assist concerned stakeholders (fishers, fishing communities, small-scale and semi-industrial fishing sector, governmental agencies) to achieve a sustainable balance in the harvest of coastal fish resources.

Major Outputs
  1. Analyses of existing coastal fisheries management approaches in selected countries (in cooperation with local stakeholders) and collaborative development of plans to improve the management regime.
  2. Validation of specific improvements in coastal fisheries management systems (including pilot implementation of participatory management schemes).
  3. Global dissemination of lessons learned and methodologies (information-sharing and training).
Indicators

234A5

Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development

Timeframe: 2002 - 2007

Resources: US$ 1,846,000

Rationale
Objective

To promote policies and strategies for sustainable increased production and consumption of, and trade in, cultured fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

Major Outputs
  1. Reports on economic viability and sustainability of commercial culture of main fish species in the regions, including marketing options.
  2. National seminars to examine policy instruments and legal frameworks for enhancement of aquaculture.
  3. Major assessment/report on the diverse impacts of expanded aquaculture.
Indicators

234P2

Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture

Timeframe: continuing programme activity

Resources: US$ 3,687,000

Rationale
Objective

To support policy formulation in countries by providing current, accurate and Objective analysis of major trends and developments in world fisheries and aquaculture.

Major Outputs
  1. Regular issuance of SOFIA (State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture).
  2. Projections of fish consumption by country in 2020.
  3. Analyses of emerging issues with implications for fisheries and aquaculture at global, regional and national levels, and dissemination of findings.
Indicators

234P3

Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management

Timeframe: continuing programme activity

Resources: US$ 4,503,000

Rationale
Objective

To facilitate more effective policies and management of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Major Outputs
  1. International instruments and guidelines (e.g. on the use of economic incentives in fisheries management and good management practices in shrimp aquaculture).
  2. Support to national policy formulation (using a combination of direct advisory services, workshops, pilot case studies).
Indicators

234S1

Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements and Field Programme Support

Timeframe: technical services on demand

Resources: US$ 16,060,000

As its title indicates, this technical service agreement entity covers substantial servicing activities of FAO Bodies, as well as support to non-FAO Bodies.