The following broad steps needed to develop and implement NPOAs-IUU were agreed at the Workshop. It was noted that more detailed actions were provided in the working groups’ reports, which included the range of Ministries/Departments/entities that needed to be involved, constraints, solutions and timing for elaborating NPOAs-IUU (Appendix L).
Actions to be undertaken by States
60. The Workshop agreed that States should take action:
to undertake reviews of national policy, legislation and applicable bilateral and multilateral agreements, and modify and strengthen, as appropriate (especially resolve conflicting policy objectives both within and among Ministries/entities).
to encourage States to adopt and comply with international fisheries instruments.
to develop/strengthen institutional arrangements to build linkages among Ministries, stakeholders, as well as other States in the region.
to mobilize funds to support the planning process.
to provide training and other human resource development activities to build capacity of key players.
to conduct evaluations of the nature and extent of IUU fishing.
to promote the importance of the impact of IUU fishing through education and awareness, especially consultation with stakeholders (including other Ministries/entities, NGOs, fishery associations, other countries that have implemented NPOAs-IUU).
under the direction of a lead agency, to undertake participatory (including inter-agency) strategic planning to develop NPOAs-IUU, based on priority issues and actions. This should include gaining endorsement and ownership from stakeholders.
to encourage sharing of NPOAs-IUU and experiences in the development of these plans of action.
in parallel, to conduct planning and to formulate measures to reduce fishing over-capacity and to combat IUU fishing through reducing negative economic incentives.
to convince and request budgets from governments to implement NPOAs-IUU.
to develop/strengthen domestic and regional MCS networks.
to develop regional plans of action for disputed areas and to seek to settle claims through diplomatic channels.
to conduct regular reviews and revisions of NPOAs-IUU.
Action by FAO and other regional fishery bodies (RFBs)
61. The Workshop recommended that FAO and other RFBs:
assist in developing national and regional guidelines for NPOAs-IUU (e.g. standardize definitions);
provide technical assistance and expertise in developing NPOAs-IUU including communication/working accessories (e.g. computers, visual aids for use in workshops, etc.);
hold follow-up workshops to share experiences with developing NPOAs-IUU, and
investigate the possibility of developing a regional project for developing and implementing NPOAs-IUU.
