Scope
83. The scope of the Ad Hoc Working Group is the sustainable development of moored FAD fishing in the Lesser Antilles. In undertaking its work, the Working Group will pay due attention to the conservation and management of large pelagic fisheries in the WECAFC Region and related or interacting species or fisheries.
84. The working group will take a multidisciplinary approach to the sustainable development of moored FAD fishing for large pelagics.
85. The goal of the Working Group will be to contribute to the sustainable development and management of large pelagic fisheries associated with moored FAD.
86. In pursuing this goal the Working Group will contribute to the fulfilment of national and regional responsibilities for shared pelagic fish stock management under the code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Particular attention will be paid to Article 8.11: “Artificial reef and fish aggregation devices”.
87. Large pelagic fish is a shared resource and therefore the Terms of Reference may apply at regional and/or national levels as appropriate.
88. The Working Group with the support of FAO, WECAFC Secretariat and Ifremer will act in an advisory capacity to guide and facilitate the sustainable development of moored FAD fishing in the Lesser Antilles.
89. Specifically, the Working Group will:
(a) Use the best available scientific information, review periodically and report on the magnitude and state of moored FAD fishing in the Lesser Antilles;
(b) Promote and facilitate national and regional monitoring and research programmes on FAD fishing, including the harmonization of methodologies;
(c) Collect data and information on moored FAD fishing which can be used for the large pelagic fisheries assessment and management in the WECAFC Region (e.g. biological, environmental, socio-economic);
(d) Review periodically the economic and social situation of the moored FAD fishing at national and regional levels;
(e) Evaluate when necessary the impact of national and regional management measures on the economic and social aspects of these fisheries;
(f) Integrate moored FAD fishing in national fisheries management plans;
(g) Formulate projects and programmes as necessary;
(h) Promote the sharing of information and expertise;
(i) Promote and coordinate acquisition of international aid in support of its activities;
(j) Promote an extensive exchange of ideas and experiences regarding moored FAD fishing, including appropriate technologies;
(k) Submit reports on its intersessional activities for consideration by the WECAFC;
(l) Organize any other relevant studies requested by the Commission.
90. Initially the group will focus its attention on the following species associated with FAD due to their importance: yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dolphinfish, bigeye tuna, albacore, bluefin tuna, marlin, swordfish, shark, kingfish, blackfin tuna, skipjack, barracuda, and triggerfish.
Mode of Operation
Role of Countries
91. The members of the Working Group will play a leading role in its activities through the following activities and commitments:
Participating in agreed activities of the Working Group, and ensuring the participation of appropriate experts.
Implementing, at the National level, the work identified in the agreed work plan of the Group.
Playing the role of host country for Working Group meetings on a rotational (periodic) basis.
92. It is suggested that countries should commit to the activities of the Working Group for a period of five years in the first instance.
Role of FAO
93. The FAO/WECAFC Secretariat will play a supporting role in the activities of the Working Group by:
coordinating the activities of the Working Group (including facilitate procurement of funding);
providing a technical secretary and technical backstopping;
providing technical assistance and support to research;
facilitating training and seek the collaboration of subregional training institutions, such as IRPM (Institut regional de pêche et de marine), UWI (University of the West Indies), UAG (University of French Antilles and Guyana) and, in Trinidad, CFTDI (Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute), in this regard.
Role of Subregional Organizations (e.g. CARICOM (Caribbbean Community), OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States))
94. Subregional organizations have an important role to play in assisting their member countries to participate fully in the activities of the Working Group by:
providing expertise;
facilitating funding;
collaborating with the WECAFC Secretariat and Ifremer in coordinating the Working Group and
facilitating the decision-making process at the subregional level.
95. A mechanism for ongoing communication among Working Group members (e.g. internet) is essential to ensure that the work of the group is sustained between meetings. It must include all Working Group members.
96. The successful functioning of the Working Group also requires that each member country identify a national focal point through which communications will be directed.
97. The outputs of the Working Group will be communicated through Working Group reports to WECAFC and national fishery administrations via the Secretariat.
98. The Working Group should meet once a year or every two years. The meetings should be of three to five days duration, and the Meetings should use cost-effective accommodations and institutional facilities.
