Major Programme 2.3: Fisheries

Distribution of Resources by Strategic Objectives

Main Substantive Thrusts and Priorities

458. The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) and the International Plans of Action (IPOAs) promoted by FAO, together with other international fisheries instruments, support national efforts for the long-term sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture. Major Programme 2.3 contributes to, and facilitates the implementation of these major initiatives and provides assistance in the management, development, marketing and use of fisheries and aquaculture resources. Most of the activities are multi-disciplinary, often involving cross-sectoral cooperation with other programmes of the Organization, as well as with partners (national and international institutions, centres of excellence and the private sector).

459. Responsible and environment-friendly fisheries requires due attention to the maintenance of the productivity of all exploited ecosystems, with a focus on those particularly at risk, the rehabilitation of those already damaged, and the promotion of environmentally-sound and sustainable technologies. One dimension of this effort is the development and application of principles and guidelines for an eco-system approach to fisheries, including promotion of the concept with policy makers, lead administrators and the industry.

460. The Plan of Implementation adopted by the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in September 2002 recognised the highly important role of the CCRF and related instruments. It highlighted several priority areas, most of them already identified by the Committee on Fisheries (COFI): the development and implementation of the IPOAs on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and on Fishing Capacity, as well as the implementation of an ecosystem approach to fisheries, restoration of depleted stocks and the establishment of representative networks of marine protected areas. Directly linked to the WSSD Plan of Implementation, is the growing demand from countries in such important fields as inter alia, policy advice, support to small-scale fisheries, the strengthening of regional fisheries bodies, national capacity building and institutional strengthening.

461. Many programme entities, in effect, are designed to contribute to sustainable increases in the food supply from fisheries, in particular aquaculture and inland fisheries, and the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries and fishing communities. Major Programme 2.3 will also promote the use of under-utilised resources and lower-value species; assist with national strategies for quality and safety in the handling and marketing of fish products; and support technologies to reduce discards and any negative impact on the environment from fishing activity. It will also address preparedness for emergencies to combat food insecurity by lessening their adverse impact on fisheries and aquaculture. In addition, where relevant, several entities address the enhancement of the contribution of women to the development of the fisheries sector and to safety issues in the industry.

462. Within the overall framework of the CCRF, policy-related activities include: assistance in the coordination and implementation of effective fisheries management; promotion of responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture; the strengthening of regional fisheries bodies; policies to enhance both safe consumption and fair trade, including training to enhance Members' capacity to comply with the provisions of World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements; close cooperation with international instruments such as the Conventions on Biological Diversity (CBD) and International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

463. Finally, the major programme will continue to seek improved quality of, and access to information of strategic value for policy-makers, fisheries managers, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), funding institutions and the public at large. Following the completion of the Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS) project, as a fully integrated, policy-oriented information resource base, emphasis will be directed towards building partnerships with regional fisheries bodies and national centres of excellence in a mutually beneficial collaboration of information exchange through FIGIS. Other major fisheries information products are: State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) to keep policy makers informed of current issues and developments in the fisheries sector and the CD-ROM Atlas on World Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Changes in Resources

464. The established major thrusts have been maintained, while other emerging priority areas have been incorporated within the existing programme structure. It should be pointed out, however, that the WSSD Plan of Implementation implies a wide range of activities with firm deadlines, which cannot be fully accommodated, even within the proposed real growth (RG) budget level.

465. Proposed staffing changes include three new posts: one Senior Fisheries Resources Officer, to respond to growing demand for ecosystem management considerations in fisheries; one Regional Fishery Statistician to improve fishery statistics for the Asia and Pacific region; and one Regional Aquaculture Officer (in Latin America and the Caribbean) to fill the critical gap for sustainable development of aquaculture and inland fisheries in the Region.

466. This strengthening of expertise translates into higher resources for a number of entities under Programmes 2.3.1 and 2.3.2. Active support is to be provided to the Implementation of the CCRF and the IPOAs (234A1), to inland fisheries and poverty alleviation under technical project (232A2) and to CITES (232A4). Furthermore, additional resources (even under ZRG conditions) are provided to ensure the viability of the COFI Sub-committees on Aquaculture (232P1) and Fish Trade (233A5). Also benefiting from additional resources is work on aquaculture (234A5) and the reduction of discards (233A1).

Programme 2.3.1: Fisheries Information

467. This programme provides comprehensive information and statistics on fisheries and aquaculture to Members and the international community at large, in support of analysis, policy-making and planning. Following the completion of the FIGIS development project, as a fully integrated, policy-oriented information resource base, emphasis will be directed towards building mutually beneficial partnerships with regional fisheries bodies and national centres of excellence, for information exchange through FIGIS. The programme will further seek to improve access to existing fisheries information and statistics, and make available current information on the status and trends of fishery resources, the latter in partnership with regional fisheries bodies. It will pursue the development of norms and standards for collection and exchange of fisheries information and statistics; technical advice and assistance on information and statistics collection, processing and exchange programmes of Members and regional fisheries bodies. A major effort will be directed towards implementation of the Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries, mainly effected through use of extra-budgetary funds.

231A2 - Development of Partnerships for the Fisheries Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS) of FIGIS

468. Objective: increased awareness of key fisheries issues and trends and their inter-relationship with other aspects of integrated natural resource management; better informed public debate in support of sustainable management of fisheries resources at the national and international levels, based on improved international fishery information standards and quality.

Biennial Outputs

• Full version of the FIGIS statistical working system module
• Full version of the FIGIS reference table maintenance system
• Fishery statistical module integrated with FAOSTAT2, with quality assurance, estimation, audit trail and traceability features
• Workflow systems developed for more systematically assembling inventories on fisheries and fishery resources and information on status and trends of fishery resources, including a facility to prepare an offline (CD ROM) version of FIRMS
• Workflow systems for more systematic exchange of high seas vessel information between FAO, countries supplying vessel data, and RFBs
• Workflow systems for more systematic input/exchange of information on other FIGIS knowledge bases, and data bases including glossary, mediabase, documents, maps, and Fishery ontology
• Coordinated provision of information to FIRMS according to agreed procedures and formats
• Technical support to Partners including training
• One or two meetings of the FIRMS Steering Committe (FSC)
• FIRMS extended further worldwide with additional RFB and national partners having joined the partnership
• FIGIS partnership with ASFA, GLOBEFISH, SIPAM and AAPQIS based on enhanced protocols for data exchange
• Fishers, Food balance sheet, and 2 regional capture production time series integrated in FIGIS
• Inventory of world marine fish stocks and fisheries expanded, using accurate georeferencing systems
• Initiation of data base of small scale fisheries, including inland fisheries
• Knowledge base on marine species expanded, and establishment of knowledge base on cultivated species
• Knowledge base on Fishery country profiles, including a focus on aquaculture sector, and georeferenced features
• Knowledge base on trade, fish handling, and fish quality and safety initiated, based on data exchange with suppliers of information (FII, Fishport, Globefish)
• GIS layers on sub-administrative boundaries, hydrology, watersheds, cities, geomorphology, geographical salient features, integrated in FIGIS

231P1 - Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics

469. Objective: availability of comprehensive, standardised global fisheries information and statistics and wide use by governments and other stakeholders to promote awareness of key fisheries issues and trends, as well as serve policy formulation in the sector.

Biennial Outputs

• Contribution of FAO bibliographic references to the ASFA bibliographic database
• Coordination of the international network of ASFA partners, increasing the geographical and subject matter coverage of ASFA and organization of ASFA Advisory Board Meetings
• Training courses for new ASFA partners and follow-up support
• Maintenance of ASFA input software (www-ISIS-ASFA)
• Maintenance of the ASFIS Reference Series (i.e. guidelines, authority lists, procedures for ASFA data input)
• Enhanced access to ASFA information products to Low-income, Food-deficit Countries (LIFDCs)
• Training and guidelines on standard ASFIS methodologies for information management and exchange in fisheries institutions
• Support to fisheries libraries and information networks in developing countries in collaboration with IAMSLIC and other agencies
• Fisheries information disseminated through library services, literature searches, current awareness services and targetted dissemination
• Development and maintenance of comprehensive and up-to-date information in the Fisheries Department web site and its convergence with FIGIS
• Coordination and maintenance of information in FIGIS and the FI Atlas
• Regional workshops on most appropriate methodologies for data collection on small-scale fisheries and for the improvement of routine collection methods of capture fisheries and aquaculture data
• Secretariat's support to the Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics
• Support to the implementation of the Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Fisheries (Reduced in ZRG)
• Analysis of data needs arising from ecosystem-based management techniques
• Twenty-first session of the CWP and CWP inter-sessional meeting
• Plans and Guidelines for collection of aquaculture production statistics
• Updated Handbook on Fishery Statistical Standards
• Publication of ASFIS Aquatic Species Classification
• Fishery ontology (concepts, reference terms, and their relationships) expanded (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Updated fishery statistics in FIGIS and FAOSTAT
• Analysis of trends in fisheries and aquaculture for SOFIA 2004, for SOFA 2004 and 2005 and other studies
• Releases of the global and regional databases in Fishstat on the Internet and on CD-ROM
• Publication of 2 Yearbooks of Fishery Statistics: Capture Production
• Publication of 2 Yearbooks of Fishery Statistics: Aquaculture Production (Reduced in ZRG)
• Publication of 2 Yearbooks of Fishery Statistics: Commodities
• Publication of Bulletin of Fishery Statistics: Apparent Fish Consumption
• Publication of Bulletin of Fishery Statistics: Fishing Fleets (Reduced in ZRG)
• Publication of Circular on Numbers of Fishers (Reduced in ZRG)
• Publication of Circular on Trade Flows
• Studies of problematical national statistics
• Publication of time serie of aquaculture structural statistics for selected countries (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Maintenance and development of high seas vessel authorization database (HSVAR) to better monitor fishing capacity (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Publication of long-term supply and demand projections of fishery commodities based on food balance sheet data (Eliminated in ZRG)
• More detailed nutritional indicators through the incorporation of regional data and micro-nutrients into FAOSTAT2 and the inclusion of aquatic plants (Eliminated in ZRG)

231S1 - Advice and Technical Support to Member Nations and Regional Fisheries Bodies

470. Objective: access of Member Governments and the International Community to aquatic sciences and fisheries information and knowledge and to verified global fishery and aquaculture statistics for analyses of trends in the status of exploitation of aquatic living resources, of trends in the industries based on their exploitation and production, on contribution of fish and fishery products to food security as well as the contribution of fish to overall diets, particularly in terms of protein. Improved fishery statistics collection, processing, dissemination and utilisation in member countries. Improved quality of national, regional and global fishery statistics.

Biennial Outputs

• Technical advice to Members and support to the formulation and implementation of projects for the improvement of national fishery statistical and information systems (Reduced in ZRG)
• Support to global activities for improved information on status and trends of fisheries as a component of FISHCODE, subject to donor funding, and projects such as the tuna fishing capacity monitoring project (Reduced in ZRG)
• and technical support to regional fishery bodies on development of fishery statistics and information programmes (Reduced in ZRG)
• Technical assistance to Members on collection of data on small scale fisheries, including inland and subsistence fisheries

Impact of ZRG Resource Levels

The inability to establish a post of fishery statistician in the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) would hinder needed efforts to improve fishery statistics in the Asia and Pacific region, which remains a longstanding priority area, as it is the world's most important fish producing region. More generally, insufficient resource allocations under 231P1 could directly impact on the quality of FAO fishery statistics and hence accurate reporting to members on the status and trends of fisheries and aquaculture.

Extra-budgetary Resources

471. Extra-budgetary resources are expected from various donors for a project proposal entitled Improving Collection and Processing of Data and Information on the Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries. The latter is directly related to Programme Entity 231P1 – Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics.

Programme 2.3.2: Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture

472. This programme provides comprehensive information on the identification, assessment and management of world marine and inland fisheries and aquaculture resources and their ecosystem. It develops knowledge bases on resources taxonomy and bio-ecology. It elaborates manuals and software for resources assessment and modelling, focussing on the needs of data-poor areas in the developing world. It plays a key role in monitoring of the state of world resources both in the marine, inland, and aquaculture sub-sectors. In so doing, it also contributes to the implementation of the Strategy for Improving Information on the Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries, and is deeply involved in a parallel effort in aquaculture. In close collaboration with other programmes, as well as with regional fisheries and aquaculture organizations, it supports the responsible development and management of the three sub-sectors through elaboration of information systems, normative documents, and direct advice to Members through the Field Programme.

232A1 - Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

473. Objective: enhanced awareness at national and international levels; promotion in national policies of the sustainable use of inland fisheries and aquaculture resources, as well as greater technical capacity of groups operating in the sector, such as civil society and producer organizations and NGOs, to manage resources according to these principles.

Biennial Outputs

• Prevention of habitat degradation and rehabilitation of inland fish habitats & migration; comparison of fish passes
• Regional Workshops on the development of extension materials for small scale aquaculture in rice-based farming
• Studies and analyses on utilized aquatic biodiversity and alien species
• Assistance for rehabilitation of inland fish habitats
• GESAMP / GMA Report on the State of the Marine Environment
• Support to Environmental Risk Assessment for aquaculture
• Methodology on environmental risk assessment for coastal aquaculture
• Review of the effects of dams on fisheries and the aquatic environment
• Promotion of radio telemetry in developing countries (including a training course)
• Technical guidelines and publication on good on-farm feeds and feeding management
• Guidelines on genetic resources management in aquaculture and inland fisheries (Reduced in ZRG)
• Reporting on implementation of the CCRF - Aquaculture Relevant Provisions by member countries (Reduced in ZRG)
• Guidelines on responsible use of alien species
• Guidelines on genetics in fishery management and aquaculture (FAO/MRC joint activity)
• Guidelines on sustainable coastal aquaculture development
• Study on environmental costs of aquaculture production in comparation with other food production sectors
• Methodology and technical guidelines on safety and quality of aquaculture products
• Technical guidelines on environmental sustainability in aquaculture development

232A2 - Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security

474. Objective: improved capacity of developing countries at the local, national and regional levels to implement efficient practices for sustainable intensification of production systems for aquaculture and inland fisheries.

Biennial Outputs

• Organization of workshop and development of guidelines on micro-credit and insurance in support of responsible inland capture fisheries in Asia (joint activity with 233A2)
• Policy Framework for Commercial Aquaculture Development
• Genetic technology in aquaculture and inland fisheries
• Methodologies for mariculture seed production (Reduced in ZRG)
• Support to inland fisheries and poverty alleviation programmes (Eliminated in ZRG)
• Study on use of wild fish/fishery resources for aquaculture production
• Study on use of fish to feed cultured fish and its implications on food security and poverty alleviation
• Review of the use of irrigation systems for fish production
• Regional Workshop on the development of extension materials for small scale aquaculture in rice-based farming
• Studies and analyses on Integrated and Organic Fish Farming (Reduced in ZRG)

232A3 - Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata

475. Objective: national policy makers of developing countries, international and regional fisheries bodies, and other key stakeholders active in the development of the fisheries sector, will make use of a more reliable information base and improved tools for species identification and essential biological and ecological data of potentially exploited marine species.

Biennial Outputs

• Production of scientific illustrations and maps of marine species of commercial importance
• Maintenance and updating of archives of drawings, photographs, maps of marine species of commercial importance
• Design and testing of electronic archives (Reduced in ZRG)
• Preparation of guides and catalogues (1 guide for the EC Atlantic, 1 field guide and 4 catalogue volumes, of sharks (last volume), batoids (first volume), flatfishes and cephalopods (last volume)) (Reduced in ZRG)
• Electronic fact sheets of selected species (Reduced in ZRG)
• Stock and resources databases for research and management purposes
• Updated inputs to FIGIS and other regional and global databases (Reduced in ZRG)

232A4 - Monitoring and Reporting on Global Marine Resources and Relevant Environmental and Ecological Changes

476. Objective: national planners and policy makers, international and regional bodies and key commercial concerns enabled to pursue policies and practices for sustainable use and exploitation of fisheries resources based on knowledge of underlying trends and understanding of environmental interactions.

Biennial Outputs

• Study of long-term environmental variability and climate change impacts on marine fisheries
• Support to GOOS/COOP and other Large Marine Ecosystems initiatives (Reduced in ZRG)
• ENSO and other environmental impacts on marine fisheries (Reduced in ZRG)
• Ecosystem analyses and monitoring in support of EAF (Reduced in ZRG)
• Contribution to the UN ATLAS of the Ocean
• Updated Review of World Marine Fishery Resources (Reduced in ZRG)
• Regional reviews on the state of marine fisheries and fishery resources (Reduced in ZRG)
• Global and regional reviews of tuna and tuna-like fisheries and fishery resources

232A5 - Resources Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources

477. Objective: increased national capacity, particularly in developing countries, to identify and implement operational management strategies, policies and practices for fisheries that take into account local resource and environmental profiles and accurately reflect key stakeholder goals and preferences.

Biennial Outputs

• Development and use of indicators and reference points for assessing and monitoring the status of marine fishery resources and related ecosystems (Reduced in ZRG)
• Technical guidelines and handbooks on fish stock assessment, fisheries management and ecosystem approaches to fisheries management (Reduced in ZRG)
• Development and application of fish stock and marine ecosystem modelling, assessment and monitoring methods and techniques
• Assessment and management of deep water fishery resources (Reduced in ZRG)

232P1 - Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

478. Objective: improved national capacity to identify and pursue policies and management practices promoting sustainable development of inland fisheries, as well as enhanced regional and international coordination toward this goal.

Biennial Outputs

• FIGIS-Aquaculture Component
• Development of National Aquaculture Sector Overview (NASO) (Reduced in ZRG)
• Development of Aquaculture Glossary (Reduced in ZRG)
• Development of Aquaculture Species Fact Sheets (Reduced in ZRG)
• Developemnt of architecture for Inland fisheries and aquaculture information systems
• Fishery Information Network on Genetic Resources (FINGER)
• Database on water resources for aquaculture in Africa (Reduced in ZRG)
• Global Gateway to GIS, Remote Sensing and Mapping for Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries (Reduced in ZRG)
• Land and water use in aquaculture (Reduced in ZRG)
• Review of World Inland Fisheries Resources (Fisheries Circular 942 - Rev. 2)
• Study and analysis on national aquaculture development plans of selected countries (Reduced in ZRG)
• FAO Aquaculture Newsletter (3 issues)
• Improvement of status and trends reporting in aquaculture (Reduced in ZRG)
• Study and analysis on land and water use in aquaculture (Reduced in ZRG)
• Secretariat support to EIFAC 23 Session and its Sub-Commissions and Symposium
• Technical support and inputs to related UN inter-agency working groups (GESAMP, etc)
• Secretariat of the 3rd Session of COFI Sub-Committee on Aquaculture
• Secretariat support to GFCM-Committee on Aquaculture
• Technical support to Regional Bodies
• Technical support to GFCM Aquaculture network
• Study on possibilities of a NACA type arrangement in the Americas (Reduced in ZRG)
• Promotion of inter-regional cooperation in aquaculture development between Asia and Africa (Reduced in ZRG)

232S1 - Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues

479. Objective: satisfy needs of governments, NGOs and the fishing industry for an authoritative and neutral source of advice in support of improved and more sustainable use of fishery resources.

Biennial Outputs

• Provision of technical advice, support and information on stock assessment, fisheries management and ecosystem monitoring (Reduced in ZRG)
• Technical support to field programme and project backstopping (Reduced in ZRG)

232S2 - Advice on Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development

480. Objective: to assist the Members and other related public sectors through providing technical advice / backstopping and field project formulation / implementation in the field of aquaculture and inland fisheries.

Biennial Outputs

• Technical information, advice and training to member countries (Reduced in ZRG)
• Technical support and backstopping to field projects in aquaculture and inland fisheries (average 70 projects annually) (Reduced in ZRG)

Impact of ZRG Resource Levels

Insufficient resources would prevent FAO from adequately supporting inland fisheries and their role in poverty alleviation. They would also prevent the establishment of the much needed senior position in ecosystem based management, a field which following the successful Reykjavik Conference in 2001, requires substantial analytical capacity. Although additional resources would still be available for the newly established Sub-Committee on Aquaculture, this would not be sufficient to carry out all related activities, including in follow-up to conclusions.

Extra-budgetary Resources

481. Several ongoing trust fund projects permit to extend the outreach of entity 232S1 – Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues. The most important projects are: Scientific Cooperation to Support Responsible Fisheries in the Adriatic Sea (GCP/RER/010/ITA-Adriamed); Assessment and Monitoring of the Fishery Resources and the Ecosystems in the Straits of Sicily (GCP/RER/010/ITA –Module 2-MedSudMed); Scientific Basis for Ecosystem-Based Management in the Lesser Antilles (GCP/RLA/140/JPN); and Management of Tuna Fishing Capacity: Conservation and Socio-Economics (GCP/INT/851/JPN).

Programme 2.3.3: Fisheries Exploitation and Utilization

482. This programme supports improved fish production, utilization and trade within the framework of the CCRF. Emphasis is given to investigations to reduce negative environmental impacts of fishing operations, promotion of by-catch reduction technologies and increased utilisation for human consumption of under-exploited resources. These activities will reduce wastage in fisheries, support rebuilding of stocks and biodiversity. Assistance to the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries will contribute to food security and employment in coastal areas. The programme also supports building of national and regional capacity in fish inspection, quality assurance and value addition technology, as well as promoting fish consumption for nutritional and food security. For trade promotion, accent is placed on improving the access of developing countries to timely marketing information, analysis and forecasts and the organisation of trade events, in cooperation with INFONetwork (FAO-supported Fish Marketing Information Services), as well as building capacity of developing countries to meet their obligations under the WTO agreement and to improve their negotiating positions and skills.

233A1 - Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries

483. Objective: improved national management practices, technologies and policy environment in support of the reduction of discards and adverse environmental impact from fisheries, as well as an enhanced international awareness and enriched debate on the importance of the issue.

Biennial Outputs

• Methodology for global estimation of discards
• Publication of discard figures from selected fisheries
• Studies on physical impact of fishing gears on sea beds
• Global study on the status of shrimp trawling
• Guidelines for introduction of by-catch reduction devices in shrimp trawls
• Training material for by-catch reduction devices
• Updated guidelines to avoid incidental catch of seabirds
• Regional meetings of countries requiring support in drawing up National Plans of Action (Seabirds)
• of fisheries regulations and legal frameworks related to by-catch and discards
• Studies on the economic and social impact of discards in specific fisheries

233A2 - Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries

484. Objective: improved national and local capacities from both a management and technical perspective, and a regulatory environment that supports the efficient and sustainable management of small-scale fisheries, including in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Biennial Outputs

• Studies on participatory methods and approaches in fisheries extension services and training institutes (Reduced in ZRG)
• Case studies on technical support and provision of services to small-scale fishers (Reduced in ZRG)
• Case studies and workshop on the collection and use of demographic information related to coastal fishing communities in Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean
• Case studies, workshop and guidelines on micro-credit and insurance in support of responsible inland capture fisheries in Asia
• Database on fishing gear and methods in inland water fisheries
• Publication on the design of small longliners
• Regional meetings on fishing vessel safety
• Case studies on energy optimisation with particular reference to specific fish stock harvesting options
• Guidelines for improving efficiency in small-scale fisheries post-harvest systems
• Database of global fishery products
• Guidelines for improved disaster preparedness and impact assessment in small-scale fisheries

233A3 - Increased Production from Under-utilised Aquatic Resources and Low-value Catches

485. Objective: increased emphasis on and improved public and private management practices, policies and investment supporting harvesting, processing and marketing of under-utilised aquatic resources and low-value catches.

Biennial Outputs

• Adaptation of fishing technology and vessel equipment for harvesting laternfish resources (Reduced in ZRG)
• Paper on technologies to catch and utilise Antarctic krill
• Support to introduction of an appropriate management system for laternfish resources
• Publication on improved on-board handling of small fish for small and medium vessels
• Regional workshop for Latin America on the promotion of small pelagics for direct human consumption
• Dissemination of the South East Asian experience in the utilization and marketing of by-catch and low value fishes for human consumption

233A4 - Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products

486. Objective: improved national capacity and programmes, infrastructure and organisation for safety and quality assurance of fish products that comply with international trade and food standard agreements; increased consumption of fish oil, particularly by pregnant women.

Biennial Outputs

• Workshops for the Fishport editors and gatekeepers
• Development and Maintenance of the Fishport system
• Workshops on fish inspection and quality assurance
• Assistance for strengthening the legislative and organizational framework for fish inspection and quality assurance in selected member countries
• Organization of the 6th World Congress on fish inspection and quality control
• Contribution to the work of the Codex committee on food hygiene and the Codex Committee on fish and fishery products
• Contribution to the FAO/WHO work on microbiological risk assessment pertaining to fish and fishery products
• Workshops on the implementation of HACCP in the fish industry, with particular emphasis on aquaculture
• Preparation of technical guidelines for HACCP implementation, auditing and verification
• Workshops on the application of HACCP auditing and verification in the fish industry
• Training on the implementation of SPS/TBT agreements in the fish industry
• Technical support for the implementation of SPS/TBT agreements in the fish industry

233A5 - Promotion of International Fish Trade

487. Objective: increased collaboration and exchange of information on key fisheries trade issues and an improved capacity of analysts, policy makers and negotiators of developing countries to identify and effectively pursue in international fora, trade opportunities that defend and promote their economic interests and enhance food security.

Biennial Outputs

• Configuration and maintenance of the FIN website
• Maintenance of the Globefish databank
• Organization of the meeting of the FIN directors
• Support to the organization of the FIN Governing Council meetings
• Publication of the Globefish marketing reports (MMR, GH, CU, EPR)
• Studies on issues relevant to fish trade (traceability, eco-labelling, globalization) (Reduced in ZRG)
• Support to the organization of four fishery commodities trade conferences (Tuna, organic aquaculture, shrimp and small pelagics)
• Supervision of the implementation of CFC funded projects
• Organization of the 9th session of the COFI Subcommittee on fish trade (Reduced in ZRG)
• Follow up on the recommendation of the 9th COFI Subcommittee on fish trade (Reduced in ZRG)
• Country case studies on the impact of fish trade on food security
• Organization of an Expert consultation on fish trade and food security
• Technical guidelines on the impact of fish trade on food security in the frame of the CCRF
• Support to building capacity of fish trade policymakers on the impact of fish trade on food security
• Case studies on the impact of subsidies on fish trade
• Training on the implication of the WTO agreements on fish trade
• Assistance to developing countries in fish-related multilateral trade negotiations

233S1 - Support and Advice in Fishing Technology, Fish Utilisation and Trade

488. Objective: improved skills will increase efficiency of fishing operations and improved handling, processing and marketing

Biennial Outputs

• Support to field operations, advice to other UN organizations, NGOs, regional fisheries bodies
• Information base on fishing fleets and gear and related technological developments
• Support to fisheries technology and training institutes, and international undertakings reflecting the interests of the fishing industry
• Advice to regional agricultural credit associations on credit for small- and medium-scale fisheries enterprises
• Project identification, design/formulation, technical appraisal, backstopping and monitoring in fish technology and marketing (Reduced in ZRG)
• Training material and support to extension services in post-harvest fisheries

Impact of ZRG Resource Levels

Although it has been possible to maintain the overall budget allocations above those in the PWB 2002-03, ZRG would curtail planned expanded activities related to small scale fisheries. Despite additional funds being available to support the COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade, these would not be sufficient to carry out satisfactorily all related activities (analysis and follow-up).

Extra-budgetary Resources

489. Extra-budgetary resources under programme 233 derive mainly from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project entitled “Reduction of Environmental Impact from Tropical Shrimp Trawling, through the Introduction of By-catch Reduction Technologies and Change of Management”. Activities undertaken by this project are closely linked to entity 233A1 – Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries. Extra-budgetary contributions will also be obtained for the FAO “Umbrella II Capacity Building Programme for Fisheries and Multi-lateral Trade Negotiations in West Africa”.

Programme 2.3.4: Fisheries Policy

490. This programme addresses the social and economic aspects of capture fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the analysis of policies and management strategies for the fishery and aquaculture sectors. It involves economic interpretation of global information on production, technology development, status of aquatic resources, preservation, processing, trade and consumption. The influence of international economic and social developments as well as the natural factors affecting fisheries resources are analysed. The Programme includes medium and long-term projections of demand and supply of fish and fish products, as well as the maintenance of databases on fishery management and essential fishery issues. Policies and strategies are examined in the context of the management and measurement of fishing capacity, monitoring, control and surveillance of fisheries, as well as the economic and social implications of alternative fisheries management approaches, including the use of subsidies.

491. The programme plays a key role in fostering international cooperation in fisheries, in particular as focal point for supporting regional fisheries bodies and for enhanced cooperation and collaboration with other organizations. There is strong emphasis on assessing and reporting of international developments in fisheries and promoting the acceptance and effective implementation of international fishery instruments. The Fishery Policy and Planning Division (FIP) provides secretariat functions to COFI, the Advisory Committee on Fisheries Research (ACFR) and those FAO regional fisheries bodies serviced by Headquarters.

234A1 - Coordination and Monitoring of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

492. Objective: national and international fisheries management practices, policies and legislation better reflect principles and provisions of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, specifically including gender concerns.

Biennial Outputs

• Reports to the UNGA and the Twenty-sixth Session of COFI
• Wide dissemination of the Code, the technical guidelines and the IPOAs (Reduced in ZRG)
• Dissemination of training materials on the Code and related instruments (Reduced in ZRG)
• Production of two guidelines on sustainable livelihoods (Reduced in ZRG)
• Report on effects of HIV/AIDS on small-scale fishing communities (Reduced in ZRG)

234A4 - Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management

493. Objective: countries will adopt methods, practices and management plans that better control access to, and exploitation of their coastal fisheries resources.

Biennial Outputs

• Regional Workshops on improving access limitations in small scale fisheries (Reduced in ZRG)
• Gobal Review of policies and methodologies to support the Johannesburg Summit (WSSD) agreement on fisheries.

234A5 - Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development

494. Objective: improved national policies, strategies and legal and economic instruments in support of commercial aquaculture investment, development and trade that is sustainable in environmental and social terms.

Biennial Outputs

• Reports on the contribution of commercial aquaculture to food security, poverty alleviation and economic growth in Sub-saharan Africa, Latin America and Asia
• Report on international competitiveness of actual and potential species produced by aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America (Reduced in ZRG)
• Policies and strategies for sustainable aquaculture expansion and consolidation in Sub-Saharan Africa

234P2 - Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture

495. Objective: improved identification and funding of services and productive assets by public sector administrations and private sector enterprises for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development; enhanced international and regional collaboration based on a more accurate and common understanding of long-term trends and emerging issues.

Biennial Outputs

• Publication of the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2004
• Updating of the Web-based Fisheries Atlas
• Publication of eighth regional reviews on fisheries and aquaculture (Reduced in ZRG)
• Updating of 85 fishery country profiles

234P3 - Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management

496. Objective: improved fisheries policies and instruments in support of the sustainable use of internationally shared resources and implementation of national fisheries management plans, institutions and regulations consistent with international instruments and reflecting local social and economic concerns.

Biennial Outputs

• Technical guidelines on increasing the contribution of small-scale fisheries to food security and poverty alleviation (Reduced in ZRG)
• Technical consultation on subsidies in fisheries
• Expert consultation on economic and social components of ecosystem considerations for fisheries management
• Technical consultation on fish product certification and labelling
• Expert consultation on low-cost fisheries management including cost-recovery (Reduced in ZRG)

234S1 - Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements

497. Objective: to improve fisheries management efficiency.

Biennial Outputs

• Report of the Twenty-sixth Session of COFI
• Report of nine sessions of regional fishery bodies (GFCM, CECAF, CIFA, APFIC, COPESCAL, WECAFC, RECOFI, EIFAC and IOTC)
• Reports of studies and reviews
• Report of the Fifth Session of ACFR
• Technical papers on international instruments (IUU, strengthening of regional fishery bodies)
• Technical paper on the role of regional fishery bodies in international fisheries
• Technical paper on decision-making process within regional fishery bodies
• Report of the Fourth Session of RFBs meeting
• Technical papers on the effective implementation of the Code
• Technical papers on human capacity building and institutional strengthening for the implementation of the Code

234S2 - Direct Support to Countries in Fisheries Policy and Management

498. Objective: the secondary users will have access to a detailed assessment of policy issues and to suggestions for how they should be tackled, formulated by experienced analysts. Local analysts will have an understanding of the procedures and judgements which have gone into the formulation of the policy recommendations. This will facilitate acceptance of new policies by national policy making bodies.

Biennial Outputs

• Country specific advice on sustainable fisheries (Reduced in ZRG)

Impact of ZRG Resource Levels

Resources for several programme entities, in particular 234A1 for the CCRF, would have to be reduced. This is unfortunate at a time when the WSSD 2002 Plan of Implementation makes specific reference to the CCRF and its related IPOAs. Therefore, the programme would not be able to address the growing demands from member countries which are directly linked to the WSSD 2002 Plan of Implementation in such important fields as policy advice, support to small scale fisheries, as well as strengthening of regional fishery bodies.

Extra-budgetary Resources

499. Significant extra-budgetary contributions come from the Sustainable Fisheries Livelihoods Programme which operates in 25 West African countries (GCP/INT/735/JPN). Other extra-budgetary projects are grouped under the “Umbrella project for Implementation of the CCRF: FISHCODE”. Furthermore, extra-budgetary resources are expected for a project proposal related to “Interdisciplinary Support for Global Implementation of WSSD objectives”, aimed at strengthening normative activities undertaken by entity 234P3 Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management.

Programme 2.3.9: Programme Management

500. This programme covers the immediate Office of Assistant Director-General (FID), including the Programme Coordination Unit (FIDP), the offices of the Division Directors and those parts of Regional Office direction attributable to fisheries activities. The increase in programme management under 239S1 results from a technical adjustment in the distribution of the Management Support Service (MSS) of AFD.