15. A presentation was made by Dr Doulman entitled "1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries: Background, Purpose, Content and Role". The presentation reviewed the background to the development of the Code of Conduct, its purpose, content and intended role in facilitating long-term, sustainable resources use in the fisheries sector. The presentation also discussed the manner in which the Code was elaborated. Its structure was outlined and a number of global, regional and national initiatives aimed at its implementation were addressed. The importance of the Code's Technical Guidelines was highlighted because they not only provided detailed and practical guidance to support the implementation of the Code but they also served as concise reference documents for policy development on a range of fisheries issues. The presentation concluded that there was a need to focus more intensively on implementation and to address past shortcomings if fisheries were to be better utilized in future and if the global contribution of fisheries to food security was at least to be maintained, if not increased. A copy of the paper on which the presentation was based is attached as Appendix G.
16. In discussion, some participants reported on recent changes in national fishery regulations, particularly those changes related to resource management. Most of the changes reflected the directions encouraged in the Code of Conduct although a direct reference to the Code was made in only one case.
17. Participants referred to a number of problems being encountered with the implementation of the Code. Moreover, the need for technical assistance to support the implementation of the Code, as foreseen in article 5, was raised by several participants. Examples of past FAO assistance to countries were indicated and the Secretariat responded that, in principle, FAO technical assistance was possible subject to the nature of the request and the availability of funds. Only through a specific request was it possible to ascertain the availability of such technical assistance which could be delivered through individual consultancies, specific projects or components of wider fisheries projects.
18. The Workshop recognized the value of the Technical Guidelines that had been prepared by FAO to assist countries and stakeholders implement the Code of Conduct. However, it was noted, with disappointment, that there was no Guideline for the management of small-scale fisheries. The Workshop urged FAO to elaborate such a Guideline.
19. The Workshop agreed that to assess progress with the implementation of the Code and to test the effectiveness of measures adopted to promote implementation, participants were of the opinion that the Code could serve as a benchmark to elaborate indicators for evaluating progress.
