18. Benedict Satia introduced this agenda item by pointing out that the CCRF is a coherent set of principles, rules, ethics and standards that should be considered by nations and regional fishery organizations and arrangements, NGOs and industries as well as other stakeholders of the fisher sector in relation to the conservation, management and development of all fisheries on a sustainable basis. It was adopted by FAO members in October 1995 against a background of widespread international concern over the serious problems confronting fisheries and aquaculture around the world.
19. Constraints to the implementation of the CCRF include: (i) inadequate institutional and technical capacity; inadequate funding; (ii) a lack of information and inadequate access to information, including public education programmes, underutilization of the media, etc.; (iii) inadequate participation of all stakeholders; (iv) inappropriate legislative framework; (iv) the socio-economic implications of reducing fishing effort; and (v) the difficulties of implementing such concepts as the precautionary approach in the context of reduced human and financial resources in developing countries.
20. Some suggested solutions to better implementation include: the need for more educational outreach; the active involvement of stakeholders through the adoption of participatory approaches in fisheries management; the presentation of the Code at major national and international fishing and aquaculture industry events; emphasis on training and capacity building at all levels; improvement in the legislative framework by incorporating provisions of the Code; the translation of the Code in local languages, and the increased use of audiovisual aids.
21. A comparison of the SLA and the CCRF was summarized. It was stressed that there are differences and similarities in terms of goals, immediate objectives, principles, strategies and entry points. The SLA is generally wider in terms of aims and perspective, more bottom-up and non-specific to the fisheries sector. However, the Code is also concerned with poverty and livelihoods. The combined application of the SLA and the CCRF can be expected to result in a number of favourable outcomes and results.
