The Consultation was held in Suva from 9 to 13 February 2004. The meeting was called to order by Mr Malakai Tuiloa, Deputy Director of the Fiji Fisheries Department. He extended a greeting to overseas participants and welcomed the participants to the Consultation. Mr Tuiloa thanked FAO and SPC for taking the initiative to sponsor the meeting and indicated that, due to the large loss of life, it was timely to have such a meeting focused on small fishing boats.
The Chairman of the consultation, Mr Ian Cartwright, was introduced. He explained that most individuals attending the meeting were doing so in their personal capacities. This was followed by a self-introduction of the participants. There was special acknowledgement of the representative of the International Maritime Organization. The 32 participants and their contact details are given in Appendix B.
Mr Jeremy Turner, Chief, Fishing Technology Service, FAO, addressed the meeting on behalf of the Director General of FAO. He welcomed participants and explained that the Fisheries Department of FAO has been working in the field of fishermen's safety for 50 years. During that period the Organization had acquired considerable global experience on the causes of sea safety accidents and the effectiveness of interventions to prevent such accidents. The current emphasis of the work at FAO related to safety is on raising global awareness of the problem, of its magnitude and of the causes, and is aimed primarily at administrations and policy makers. In the Pacific Islands area, FAO commissioned studies on sea safety in 1991 and in 2003. The more recent study identified four important issues which are crucial to improving sea safety. Mr Turner explained that, due to its breadth of participation, the Consultation has at its disposal the dimensions, experience and expertise to address these four important issues in a holistic manner and subsequently improve safety in the region. The present challenge to develop political will and commitment to deal effectively with sea safety issues was highlighted.
Mr Tim Adams, Director of SPC's Marine Resources Division, spoke to the meeting. He endorsed the sentiments expressed by Mr Turner and indicated that within the Pacific Islands region, the issue of sea safety on small fishing vessels suffered from lack of attention due to gaps in institutional mandates. SPC needed direction from the consultation on priorities in sea safety. Mr Adams indicated that there is potential for SPC to highlight the problem of sea safety at regional meetings, draw the attention of the international community and interest donors in contributing to solutions.
