COFI/2001/10  |
| 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 |
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.
- Maintaining the contribution made by fisheries and aquaculture to food security, employment, national economic development, and recreation.
- Strengthening the base for fisheries management and aquaculture development through improved data collection and scientific assessment so that decisions concerning management and development options could be more rationally based and informed.
- Improving governance and more effective conflicts resolution.
- Facilitating greater transparency in fisheries sector decision-making at all levels through greater stakeholder participation in national and regional processes.
- Improving access to, and the dissemination of, good quality and timely information in the most appropriate formats, in support of responsible fisheries and aquaculture, and trade.
- Reducing of by-catch and discards through the use of more selective gear and fishing operations, and innovative and value-added processing and market development for species currently discarded and expanding and promoting of uniform quality criteria for internationally traded fish and fish products.
- Promoting cooperation in fish trade with a view to avoiding disputes and imposition of sanctions; minimizing of the impact on international fish trade on those groups most vulnerable to food insecurity; and
- Integrating coastal area planning and management more effectively.
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)
231P1
CP
Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics
231S1
TS
Advice and Technical Support to Member Nations and Regional Fisheries Bodies
Legend
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
- Great stress on most major fisheries resources, globalisation of trade in fish and fishery products, complex provisions of international fisheries agreements, and growing risks of misinformation call for comprehensive, integrated, reliable and timely information.
- This technical project covers the final stage of development of FIGIS, initiated in 1999.
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
- Operational, Internet-based software tools compatible with WAICENT.
- Support to networks of information providers and partners (with associated manuals and partnership agreements).
- Comprehensive global regional fishery statistical databases, accessible through the Internet.
- 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
- Project should lead to significantly increased requests for information, and "hits" to Website.
- Growth in partnership agreements and data provided by the partners.
231P1
Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics
Timeframe: continuing programme activity
Resources: US$ 16,997,000
Rationale
- Economic development depends on the creation and use of knowledge based on science and technology. Therefore, FAO Members require the capacity to generate, collate, organise, access and use information. Central to FAO's mandate is the collation, analysis and dissemination of information.
- Need for international standards to ensure comparability of data.
- Substantial requirements for assistance in strengthening national systems.
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
- Norms, standards and procedures for collection, storage, dissemination and sharing of fisheries information.
- Information and library services.
- Norms and standards for collation, analysis and dissemination of global and regional fisheries statistics.
Indicators
- Information on use made of Website and FIGIS.
- Requests for specific information and publications.
- Results of user surveys.
- Citations of FAO's information and statistical products in authoritative reports and literature.
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
232A2
TP
Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security
232A3
TP
Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata
232A4
TP
Monitoring and Reporting on Global Marine Resources and Relevant Environmental and Ecological Changes
232A5
TP
Resources Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources
232P1
CP
Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
232S1
TS
Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues and Aquaculture Development
Legend
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
- Broad need to improve resource use efficiency and management of inland fisheries and aquaculture sectors, in line with the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
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
- Methodologies for management and conservation of resources used in aquaculture and inland fisheries.
- Technical guidelines for implementation of Article 9 and other relevant provisions of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
- International norms for responsible management of aquaculture and inland fisheries.
Indicators
- Acceptance and adoption by government agencies and CSO/private sector actors concerned of the guidelines and best practices for responsible aquaculture and inland fisheries.
- Endorsement in technical/professional literature and media.
- Adoption and use of the guidelines and best practices by other international organizations.
- Adoption of these outputs by farmer/producer organizations.
232A2
Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security
Timeframe: 2002 - 2007
Resources: US$ 3,741,000
Rationale
- Significant potential for aquaculture and inland fisheries production growth to meet increased demand for fish.
- Need for appropriate technologies to proceed on a sustainable basis.
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
- Studies and methodologies for improved efficiency and intensification of aquaculture and inland fisheries production systems.
- Promotion of tested integrated aquaculture-agriculture farming practices for enhanced and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Indicators
- Uptake of methodologies/practices by government agencies, international organizations and CSO/private sector actors concerned.
- References in literature and media.
- Adoption of the guidelines and best practices by farmer/producer organizations.
232A3
Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata
Timeframe: 2002 - 2007
Resources: US$ 3,422,000
Rationale
- There are substantial difficulties in identifying species and providing basic information on biology, ecology and fisheries, particularly in developing regions.
- Connected to other information on fleets and stocks, correct identification is a primary element to expedite fishery management decisions and to rationalise fishery related activities.
Objective
To provide reliable elements for species identification and essential biological and ecological data of potentially exploited marine species.
Major Outputs
- World, regional and national guides and catalogues of living marine resources.
- Development of a Global Resource Information System (as component of FIGIS).
- Support to collection of information on resources and related collaborative network.
Indicators
- Effective demand and use made by individual experts and national and international institutions of the outputs of the project, including databases and other information products.
- Active participation of partners in networks.
232A4
Monitoring and Reporting on Global Marine Resources and Relevant Environmental and Ecological Changes
Timeframe: 2002 - 2007
Resources: US$ 3,855,000
Rationale
- Need for regularly updated reviews of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources.
- Demand for improved information especially on the impact on exploited resources and the marine habitat of environmental and ecosystem changes.
- Need to make greater use of inputs from sources outside FAO.
- Need to standardise reporting formats to facilitate international collaboration and exchange of information.
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
- Assessments and Indicators of the state of fisheries ecosystems.
- Regularly updated Reviews of World Marine Fisheries Resources.
- Contributions to the SOFIA review, FIGIS, and other analyses relevant to the state of world and regional fish stocks and fisheries.
Indicators
- Demand for the above outputs.
- Evidence of satisfaction and use, including citations and cross referencing in specialised and non-specialised publications.
232A5
Resources Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources
Timeframe: 2002 - 2007
Resources: US$ 2,850,000
Rationale
- Need for international norms and technical standards for countries to make policy adjustment in fisheries.
- Need to strengthen capacity to undertake efficient operational fisheries management and to adapt management principles to local circumstances.
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
- 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
- Observed adoption of recommended practices by countries and compliance with relevant sections of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
232P1
Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
Timeframe: continuing programme activity
Resources: US$ 6,903,000
Rationale
- High demand for strategic information on the status of resources, levels of production, and development trends and prospects in inland fisheries and aquaculture.
- Need for assistance by many countries in improving their information frameworks on inland fisheries and aquaculture, building on their own information collections and analytical capacities.
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
- Development of architecture for global information systems and databases on inland fisheries and aquaculture.
- Reviews and analyses of important aspects and issues of aquaculture and inland fisheries (including issuance of FAO's aquaculture newsletter).
- Support to regional bodies in relation to aquaculture and inland fisheries and promotion of partnership and information exchange.
- Studies on applied research and participatory extension services in aquaculture and inland fisheries in selected countries.
Indicators
- Use of information and data.
- Acceptance and adoption of FAO's advice by governments, CSOs, private sector and international organizations.
- Interest in themes and issues, by governments, CSOs, private sector, and other stakeholder organizations, at FAO and other intergovernmental bodies.
- Press coverage, significant evidence for uptake and innovation, as well as references/citations in trade or other specialised journals.
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
233A2
TP
Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries
233A3
TP
Increased Production from Under-utilised Aquatic Resources and Low-value Catches
233A4
TP
Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products
233A5
TP
Promotion of International Fish Trade
233S1
TS
Support and Advice in Fishing Technology, Fish Utilisation and Trade
Legend
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
- Unacceptably high volume of discards from catches, and attendant waste of valuable resources.
- COFI's call for determined global efforts to reduce discarding of bycatch and incidental capture of non-target species during fishing operations.
Objective
To promote new bycatch reduction technologies, while monitoring the extent of the problem in both qualitative and quantitative terms.
Major Outputs
- Assessment of environmental impact of fishing operations (including methodologies to estimate discard rates and information on physical impact of fishing gears) on the ecosystem.
- Promotion of effective measures to reduce bycatch.
- Technical assistance and monitoring of the implementation of the International Plan of Action to reduce the Incidental Catch of Seabirds.
- Guidelines and methodologies for increased bycatch utilisation.
- Development of and assistance in Legal Management Frameworks.
Indicators
- Uptake of technologies by governments, NGOs, international organizations and other stakeholders, as assessed through country reports to COFI or locally.
- References in scientific literature.
- Requests for specific assistance from countries.
233A2
Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries
Timeframe: 2002 - 2007
Resources: US$ 3,529,000
Rationale
- Prevailing constraints to artisanal fisheries sector which prevent it from achieving its full potential for income generation and its contribution to food security.
- Members' expressed needs for technical assistance, training materials, guidelines, and participatory methodologies which can be locally applied to develop and manage artisanal fish production and processing on both a profitable and sustainable basis.
- In meeting these needs, this technical project will support national implementation of sections of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries dealing with artisanal fisheries both inland and marine, as well as provide guidelines and technical advice pertinent to the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) programme of action.
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
- Participatory methods and approaches (including manuals and distance-learning courses).
- Technical guidance on diversification of fishing effort from coastal to offshore waters.
- Guidelines on increased safety at sea for small fishing vessels.
- Support to institutional development within small-scale fishing communities.
- Methodologies and measures for increased efficiency in small-scale fisheries post-harvest systems.
- Case studies and guidance on improved market opportunities and promotion of export of products from small-scale fisheries.
- Analysis and options for improved disaster preparedness within fishing communities.
Indicators
- Evidence of application of methodologies and guidelines and their contribution to food security and employment.
- Specific requests for assistance.
- Feedback from users.
- Field testing.
233A3
Increased Production from Under-utilised Aquatic Resources and Low-value Catches
Timeframe: 2002 - 2007
Resources: US$ 2,160,000
Rationale
- While production from capture fisheries has been stagnating, there are under-utilised resources, as well as low-value catches, which can contribute to food security and employment and, therefore, meet increased demand for aquatic products.
- Together with entity 233A1 dealing with the reduction of discards, this technical project is to spearhead support for the full utilisation of the world's aquatic resources for food and animal feed on a sustainable basis.
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
- Cost-effective fishing technologies and vessel and equipment design.
- Policy and legal frameworks for increasing production from selected under-utilised species and low-value catches.
- 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.
- Guidelines on the handling and processing technologies.
Indicators
- Adoption of recommended technologies, approaches and policy measures.
- Policy changes, as may be verifiable in governments' plans and programmes.
233A4
Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products
Timeframe: 2002 - 2005
Resources: US$ 1,270,000
Rationale
- Growing importance of quality and safety aspects for many countries, in the light of increased demand, limited supply and the globalisation of fish trade.
- Substantial requirements for assistance by many countries which are increasing their share of markets and need to comply with new complex regulations for the benefit of consumers and to avoid losses due to detention and rejection.
- Potential of fish oil to be produced from low-value resources in the fishing industry and incorporated into food products to improve diets of vulnerable groups.
Objective
To assist countries in meeting international and national requirements for improved safety and quality of fish products.
Major Outputs
- Reference database on hazards, risks and standards associated with fish products.
- 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.
- Technologies and products with potential for expansion from pilot experiments.
Indicators
- Use of databases and guidelines, through surveys and usage statistics.
- Requests from fish inspection services, research institutes and fish processors.
- Number of beneficiaries of training.
- Innovative fish and fish oil-based products.
233A5
Promotion of International Fish Trade
Timeframe: 2002 - 2007
Resources: US$ 6,045,000
Rationale
- Growing importance of net export revenue from fish trade, particularly to developing countries.
- Need to ensure that fish trade is compatible with environmental protection and adequately treated in international regulatory frameworks.
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
- Maintenance and expansion of the GLOBEFISH databank.
- Coordination and strengthening of the FISH INFONetwork (including backstopping of EASTFISH and INFOYU).
- GLOBEFISH-related publications and Internet Web page.
- Facilitation of exchanges on fisheries commodities and trade (through physical consultations and e-mail conferences) and cooperation with the CFC (Common Fund for Commodities).
- Servicing of the COFI Sub-committee on Fish Trade.
Indicators
- Effective use of information products generated.
- Participation (governments and industry) in FAO-supported networks and consultations.
- Evidence of increased participation of developing countries in fish trade.
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
234A4
TP
Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management
234A5
TP
Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development
234P2
CP
Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture
234P3
CP
Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management
234S1
TS
Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements and Field Programme Support
Legend
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
- In 1995, the FAO Conference adopted the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries to meet the urgent needs to rationalise the fisheries sector.
- The Code is thus an internationally accepted tool to optimise the contribution of fisheries to achieving sustainable benefits in terms of food, employment, recreation and trade as well as ecosystem and socio-economic well-being of people throughout the world.
- This project spearheads implementation of the Code, which involves to varying degrees all units in the Fisheries Department and associated regional teams.
Objective
To coordinate the translation of provisions in the Code into coherent policies at national and international levels.
Major Outputs
- Monitoring of progress and regular reporting to COFI and the United Nations General Assembly.
- Dissemination of the Code, associated technical guidelines and International Plans of Action formulated within the framework of the Code.
- Promotion of sustainable livelihood approaches in fishing communities based on provisions of the Code.
Indicators
- Rate of adoption of the Code evidenced through responses to questionnaires sent to countries.
- Increase in regional and national fisheries management plans or in national fisheries legislation.
234A4
Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management
Timeframe: 2002 - 2007
Resources: US$ 2,463,000
Rationale
- Need for countries to enact responsible coastal fisheries management plans to protect often heavily exploited resources.
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
- 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.
- Validation of specific improvements in coastal fisheries management systems (including pilot implementation of participatory management schemes).
- Global dissemination of lessons learned and methodologies (information-sharing and training).
Indicators
- Number of countries which have introduced, and communities which participate in, co-management regimes and rights-based schemes management.
- Participation in information-sharing networks.
234A5
Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development
Timeframe: 2002 - 2007
Resources: US$ 1,846,000
Rationale
- Despite aquaculture's widely recognised potential to contribute substantial additional amounts of fish needed to maintain per caput consumption at present levels, past efforts by governments both to develop and manage aquaculture have often been ineffective.
- Need of relevant decision-makers in the public and private sectors, for accurate, balanced and relevant information on the implications of alternative aquaculture strategies, thereby facilitating the implementation of effective national and regional aquaculture policies.
- Work to focus initially on selected regions of South Asia and Africa, where aquaculture is still largely undeveloped.
Objective
To promote policies and strategies for sustainable increased production and consumption of, and trade in, cultured fish, crustaceans and molluscs.
Major Outputs
- Reports on economic viability and sustainability of commercial culture of main fish species in the regions, including marketing options.
- National seminars to examine policy instruments and legal frameworks for enhancement of aquaculture.
- Major assessment/report on the diverse impacts of expanded aquaculture.
Indicators
- Uptake of recommendations in countries.
- Acceptance, by the decision-makers and professional peers, of recommended measures and approaches.
234P2
Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture
Timeframe: continuing programme activity
Resources: US$ 3,687,000
Rationale
- Decision-makers in both the public and the private sector need reliable, unbiased and regularly updated assessments of global future trends, emerging issues in the fast-evolving social and economic factors affecting the performance of the fisheries sector.
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
- Regular issuance of SOFIA (State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture).
- Projections of fish consumption by country in 2020.
- Analyses of emerging issues with implications for fisheries and aquaculture at global, regional and national levels, and dissemination of findings.
Indicators
- Evidence of use and application of the assessments generated, by selective monitoring of citations and references.
- Use of Web-based information on global scenarios.
- Readership surveys.
234P3
Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management
Timeframe: continuing programme activity
Resources: US$ 4,503,000
Rationale
- Need to support with adequate analysis, many international instruments to deal with sustainability of the fisheries sector, including the relevant sections of Agenda 21, the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the UN Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, the International Plans of Action (IPOA) on: 1) the management of fishing capacity; 2) the management and conservation of sharks; 3) the reduction of the incidental catch of sea birds in longline fisheries, and a future IPOA to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries, as requested by the 1999 Ministerial Meeting on Fisheries.
- Policies and regulatory measures for managing and protecting fisheries resources and associated aquatic habitats need to be based on sound economic and social analyses, especially regarding: 1) the use of economic incentives/disincentives to guide the behaviour of private industry towards optimal resources exploitation; 2) economic and social implications of alternative management approaches and techniques and development paths; and 3) required institutional changes.
- The requirement for an unbiased approach to the assembly, interpretation and analysis of the relevant facts and to have neutral negotiation platforms that facilitate international and national policy formulation.
Objective
To facilitate more effective policies and management of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Major Outputs
- International instruments and guidelines (e.g. on the use of economic incentives in fisheries management and good management practices in shrimp aquaculture).
- Support to national policy formulation (using a combination of direct advisory services, workshops, pilot case studies).
Indicators
- Uptake of recommendations in guidelines and codes, as captured through country progress reports.
- Evidence of more effective policies and management of the sector.
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.
