WORKING GROUPS ON TRADE, LEGAL AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Trade

44. The group identified and prioritised several obstacles to trade. Actions to address the identified obstacles were suggested. It was suggested that the most urgent issue was the harmonization of legislation on fish quality, safety and trade.

Legal

45. The legal group emphasised the need for legal practices and legal issues to be integrated into the management and trade areas under consideration. The group suggested a number of measures aimed at implementing the SADC Protocol on Fisheries and strengthening legal capacity within the region.

46. The group emphasised discussion, information sharing and capacity building in:

• MCS: it was felt that permanent committees should be established for implementation measures (particularly “Lacey” type measures), effective penalties, and alternative measures.

• Trade: linkages had to be made to trade commissions established to implement the SADC Trade Protocol and further examination of individual countries’ legislation with regard to trade and fisheries issues. This should be followed by regional meetings on this issue.

• Implementation of international agreements.

• Integration of legal consideration and approaches into fisheries management.

Management

47. A detailed list of issues that had been prioritised according to the best elements of fisheries management in the region was presented. These were followed by a list of actions that are included in the draft action plan. Appendix H details the discussions of this sub-group.