APPENDIXES

Appendix A: AGENDA AND TIMETABLE

Appendix B: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION

ALBANIA

AUSTRIA

Kainz, Erich
Institute for Water Ecology, Fisheries and Lake Research
Ministry of Agriculture
Scharfling 18
A-5310 Mondsee
Tel: (+43) 6232 344716
Fax: (+43) 6232 344733
E-mail: [email protected]

BELGIUM

BULGARIA

CROATIA

CYPRUS

CZECH REPUBLIC

DENMARK

ESTONIA

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

FINLAND

Auvinen, Heikki
Finnish Game and Fisheries Research
Institute
Laasalantie, 9
FI-58175 Enonkoski
Tel: (+358) 205 751 616
Fax: (+358) 205 751 609
E-mail: [email protected]

Eskelinen, Unto
Aquaculture Director
Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute
Vilppulantic 415
41360 Valkola
Tel: (+358-205) 751513
Mobile: (+358-40_ 5660471
Fax: (+358-205) 751519
E-mail: [email protected]

Heinimaa, Petri
Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute
Saarikostentic, 8
99870 Inari
Tel: (+358-205) 751480
Fax: (+358-205) 751469
E-mail: [email protected]

Sipponen, Matti
Employment and Economic
Development Centre for
Central Finland
P.O. Box 44
FIN-40101 Jyväskylä
Tel: (+358-14) 4104718
Fax: (+358-14) 4104747
E-mail: [email protected]

FRANCE

Allardi, Jean
Ministère de l’écologie du développement durable
20 Avenue de Ségur
75007 Paris
Tel: (+33-01) 42191314
Fax:: (+33-01) 42191333
E-mail: [email protected]

Breton, Bernard
Union de la pêche en France
Fédération de pêche
9B rue Nationale
94500 Champigny
Tel.: (33-1) 30399456
Fax: (33-1) 30399473
E-mail: [email protected]

Castelnaud, Gérard
CEMAGREF, Unité RAC
50, Avenue de Verdun
F033612 Cestas
Tel: (+33-5) 57890803
Fax: (+33-5) 57890801
E-mail: [email protected]

Guernalec, Cyrille
Comité national des pêches maritimes et des élevages marins
134, Avenue de Milakoff
75116 Paris
Tel: (+33-1) 72711800
Fax: (+33-1) 77711850
E-mail: [email protected]

Proteau, Jean-Pierre
SS Commission Aquaculture
CEMAGREF
361 rue J.F. Breton
34196 Montpellier Cédex 5
E-mail: [email protected]

Vilaine, Louis
Comité national des pêches maritimes et des élevages marins “La Croix”
44380 St Viaud
Tel: (+33-2) 40276014
Fax: (+33-2) 240276014
E-mail: [email protected]

GERMANY

Hilge, Volker
BFA für Fischerei
Institut für Fischereiökologie
Wulfsdorfer Weg 204
D-22926 Ahrensburg
Tel: (+49-4102) 51128
Fax: (+49-4102) 898207
E-mail: [email protected]

Brenner, Tomas
Ministerium fur Umvelt und Forsten
Rheinland-Pfalz
55116 Mainz
Kaiser-Friedrich-Straße 1
Tel: (+49-61) 31 165441
Fax: (+49-61) 31 164469
E-mail: [email protected]

GREECE

HUNGARY

Pintér, Karoly
Ministry of Agriculture and Regional Development
Kossuth Lajos tér 11
H-1055 Budapest
Tel: (+36-1) 3014180
Fax: (+36-1) 3014781
E-mail: [email protected]

Varadi, Laszlo
Research Institute for Fisheries,
Aquaculture and Irrigation
P.O.Box 47
H-5541, Szarvas
Tel: (+36-66) 515302
Fax: (+36-66) 312142
E-mail: [email protected]
web: www.haki.hu

ICELAND

IRELAND

Caffrey, Joe
Central Fisheries Board
Mobhi Road
Glasnevin
Dublin 9
Tel (+353-1) 8842600
Fax: (+353-1) 8360060
E-mail: [email protected]

Poole, Russell
Marine Institute
Newport
Co. Mayo
Tel: (+353) 98 42300
Fax: (+353) 98 42340
E-mail: [email protected]

ISRAEL

ITALY

Ciccotti, Eleonora
Dipartimento di Biologia
Università “Tor Vergata”
Via della Ricerca Scientifica
00133 Rome
E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: (+39-06) 72595969
Fax: (+39-06) 72595965

LATVIA

LITHUANIA

LUXEMBOURG

NETHERLANDS

Raat, Alexander (A.J.P.)
Organization for the Improvement of Inland Fisheries (OVB)
Buxtehudelaan 1, P.O.Box 433
NL-3430 AK Nieuwegein
Tel: (+31-30) 6058411
E-mail: [email protected]

Dekker, Willem
RIVO
P.O. Box 68
1570 ABI Ymuiden
Tel: (+31-255) 564712
Fax: (+31-255) 564644
E-mail: [email protected]

NORWAY

Walsö, Öyvind
Norwegian Directorate for Nature
Management
N-7485 Trondheim
Tel: (+47) 73580755/90955027
Fax: (+47) 73580501
E-mail: [email protected]

POLAND

Stachowiak, Piotr
Department of Fisheries
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development
Ul. Wspo lna 30
00930 Warsaw
Tel: (+48) 6231106
Fax: (+48) 6232204
E-mail: [email protected]

Wolos, Arkadiusz
Inland Fisheries Institute
ul. M. Oczapowskiego 10
10-719 Olstyn
Tel: (+48-89) 5240158
Fax: (+48-89) 5240505
E-mail: [email protected]

PORTUGAL

Bochechas, Jorge
Inland Fisheries Division
Direcç?o Geral dos Recursos Florestais
Avenida 5 Outubro 52- 6? D
1050-058 Lisboa
Tel: (+351) 213138201
Fax: (+351) 213138206
E-mail: jorge.bochechas@ dgf.min-agricultura.pt

ROMANIA

SLOVAKIA

SPAIN

SWEDEN

Bengtsson, Bo
National Board of Fisheries
P.O. Box 423
SE-401 26 Göteborg
Tel: (+46-31) 7430300
Fax: (+46-31) 7430444
E-mail: [email protected]

SWITZERLAND

Mûller, Rudolf
Limnological Research Center
Swiss Federal Institute for Environmental
Science and Technology
Seestrasse 79
CH-6047 Kastanienbaum
Tel: (+41-41) 3492130/2111
Fax: (+41-41) 3492162
E-mail: [email protected]
www.eawag.ch

Staub, Erich
Office fédéral de l'environnement, des forêts et du paysage
Division écologie et pêche
Casse Postale
CH-3003 Berne
Tel: (+41-31) 3229377
Fax: (+41-31) 3230371
E-mail: [email protected]

TURKEY

Okumus, Ibrahim
Department of Fisheries
Faculty of Marine Science
Karadeniz Techncial University
61530 Camburnu
Trabzon
Tel: (+90-462) 7522805/125
Fax: (+90-462) 7522158
E-mail: [email protected]

Deniz, Hayri
Director of Mariculture Section
Aquaculture Department,
General Directorate of Agricultural
Production and Development
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Milli Müdafaa Cad. No 20 06100 Kýzýlay - Ankara
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Tel: (+90-312) 4194088
Fax: (+90-312) 4170026

UNITED KINGDOM

Hickley, Phil
Environment Agency
Arthur Drive
Hoo Farm Industrial Estate
Worcester Road
Kidderminster DY11 7RA
Tel: (+44-1562) 68975 or 534161
Fax: (+44-1562) 69477
E-mail: [email protected]
www.environment.agency.gov.uk

Cowx, Ian
University of Hull
International Fisheries Institute
Hull HU67R
Tel: (+44-1482) 466421
Fax: (+44-1482) 470129
E-mail: [email protected]

Hudson, Eric
Fish Health Inspectorate
Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Department for Environment, Fisheries
Resources and Agriculture
Weymouth Laboratory
Barrack Road
The Nothe, Weymouth
Dorset DT4 8UB
Tel: (+44) 1305 206672
Fax: (+44) 1305 206602
E-mail: [email protected]
www.cefas.co.uk

OBSERVERS FROM UNITED NATIONS MEMBERS NOT MEMBERS OF FAO

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Chebanov, Mikhail S.
Federal Center for Genetics and Selection in Aquaculture.SB.
Krasnodar Research Institute of Fisheries
Oktjabrskaja Street, 12
Krasnodar 350063
Tel. (+7-8612) 622707
Fax (+70-8612) 622559
E-mail: [email protected]

OBSERVERS FROM NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

EUROPEAN AQUACULTURE SOCIETY

New, Michael
European Aquaculture Society
Wroxton Lodge
25 Institute Road
Marlow
Bucks SL7 1BJ
United Kingdom/Royaume-Uni
Tel/Fax: (+44-1628) 485631
E-mail: [email protected]

IUCN - THE WORLD CONSERVATION UNION

Kutonova, Tamara
IUCN Programme Office for
Central Europe
Ul Wloska4
00-777 Warsaw
Poland/Pologne
Tel: (+48-22) 8410757
Fax: (+48-22) 8518482
Mobile (+48) (0) 508641108
E-mail: [email protected]
www.iucn-ce.org.pl

SECRETARIAT

HOST GOVERNMENT
INLAND FISHERIES INSTITUTE

Czerwinski, Tomasz
Inland Fisheries Institute - Olstyn

Monawski, Henryk
Inland Fisheries Institute - Olstyn

Mioduszewska, Hanna

Inland Fisheries Institute - Olstyn

FAO FISHERIES DEPARTMENT

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome
Italy/Italie

Marmulla, Gerd
Secretary of EIFAC, ad interim
Inland Water Resources and
Aquaculture Service
Fishery Resources Division
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel. (+39-06) 57052944
Fax: (+39-06) 57053020

Barg, Uwe
Inland Water Resources and
Aquaculture Service
Fishery Resources Division
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel. (+39-06) 57053454
Fax: (+39-06) 57053020

van Anrooy, Raymon
Development Planning Service
Fishery Policy and Planning Division
Tel.: (+39-06) 57053031
Fax: (+39-06) 57056500
E-mail: [email protected]

Al-Khafaji, Raschad
Meetings Officer
International Institutions and Liaison
Service
Fishery Policy and Planning Division
Tel: (+39-06) 57055105
Fax: (+39-06) 57056500
E-mail: [email protected]

Defendi, Anne-Marie
Tel.: (+39-06) 57056213
Fax: (+39-06) 57056500
Email: annemarie.defendi@faor

Gonzalez-Villegas, Pilar
Tel.: (+39-06) 57052884
Fax: (+39-06)57053020
E-mail: [email protected]

Welcomme, Robin
Consultant
Long Barn
Soke by Clare
Suffolk CO10 8HJ
United Kingdom/Royaume Uni
Tel: (+44- 01787) 278017
E-mail: [email protected]

INTERPRETERS

Chevalier, Irene
Dreyfus, Karine
Fisher, Beatrice
Pouget, Catherine

Appendix C: LIST OF DOCUMENTS

Appendix D: OPENING ADDRESSES

Address by
Mr Piotr Stachowiak
Head of Inland Fisheries Unit of the Department of Fisheries of Poland.

It is a great honour and privilege to host the twenty-third Session of EIFAC in the Masurian Great Lakes region of Poland. On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development let me welcome you warmly to this region. We have not chosen the place randomly. The inland waters of the Masurian Great Lakes region have always abounded in fish, and formed the basis of their fisheries. It is here, in the waters of thousands of lakes that man had fished long before the Polish State came into being. Numerous tangible traces of that early human activity are exhibited in Polish museums.

As regards historical facts, it is worth remembering that the earliest written records of fish farming in the territory of what is now Poland came from the tenth century AD. Fish ponds for breeding the carp were established as early as the tenth century. Even today some of these facilities are still used for fish breeding, having gone through many stages of modernization. The very first books on fish farming to be written in the Polish language were published in the sixteenth century. In the nineteenth century, Mr Tomasz Dubisz from Silesia introduced a method of carp breeding in ponds that is still used today. We are glad to see that the introduction of extensive fish farming keeps reappearing in EU program documents, drawing upon the Silesian tradition.

The most dynamic advancement in inland fisheries and fish farming in Poland occurred during the years between the First and Second World Wars. The then regulations concerning these human activities were derived from the best solutions in inland fishery management. They do not cease to inspire us today. One good example of such a regulation is the division of flowing waters into fishing areas and, as a consequence, the granting of the right to catch fish that facilitates a reasonable and well-balanced management of inland waters resources and also supports the development of modern inland capture fishery and recreational fisheries and fish farming.

This session is a perfect opportunity to reveal that Poland has one of the best professional staffs trained in the field of the inland fishery. Numerous engineers now operating in the states of Central Europe studied in Poland. Several years ago the Inland Fisheries Institute celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its research activities.

In Poland, the traditions of inland fishery go back for centuries, but this field of activity can by no means can be considered outdated or having limited social, environmental or economic importance. According to recently developed estimates, 11 000 tonnes of rainbow trout and 22 000 tonnes of carp are produced in Poland per year. This is 5 000 tonnes of carp more than in the 14 member states of the European Union before its recent enlargement on 1 May 2004.

Practically speaking, the whole produced amount of carp is sold on the domestic market, which is quite significant. According to the 2002 agriculture census, 10 000 entities and farms dealing with fish cultivation, breeding and catch.

The social and economic importance of recreational fishery can not be under emphasised. According to the data developed by the Inland Fisheries Institute, up to 1 million people practice angling in Poland They catch about 40 000 to 60 000 tonnes of fish in lakes and rivers each year, an amount that is at least ten times higher than the commercial catch in inland waters, done with professional fishing gears. It is estimated that the value of the angling market, together with supporting services, exceeds the value of fish production on fish farms by nearly four times. The fish market in Poland is a receptive one and there are no symptoms of potential overproduction. The balanced development of inland fisheries and aquaculture is both feasible and desirable and only requires proper measures and conditions.

The importance of non-productive functions of earthen fish ponds should be emphasized; they improve the water balance; they provide habitat for rare species of wild plants and animals; they enhance tourist attractiveness of rural areas and they help to preserve biological diversity. In Polish territory, fish ponds alone store as much water as all Polish reservoirs, whose construction consumed public funds, required much engineering effort and in many cases the relocation of villages.

In Poland, we produce large amounts of stocking material of predatory fish, river fish and endangered species. Because of the commitment of researchers and the stocking efforts of fishermen, there are well-balanced populations of the sea trout and Coregonus species, which were formerly regarded as endangered and thus requiring special protection.

Following the enlargement of the European Union, many countries will find it easier to use Poland's long experience in the protection and use of freshwater fish resources. We will be glad to share our experience in a successful restoration of sea trout and salmon, and in maintaining eel and vendace populations. Many generations have contributed to this success. Special respect must be paid to the Inland Fisheries Institute and to the fish farmers who cooperate with the Institute. Thanks to their efforts as well as to the subsidies from the Polish government, 1 200 000 salmon and sea trout smolts are introduced into Polish waters every year.

The volume of fish stocking is expected to increase as a result of amendments to Polish law and the increasing understanding of the necessity to restore wild fish resources. Both Polish fishermen operating on inland waters and researchers are willing to cooperate in this effort. As we live in difficult times, it is still more encouraging to know that 40 percent of the income from fish capture is allocated by the fishermen for fish stocking to improve the resources.

This investment proves that fishermen obey the principles of a well-balanced and reasonable inland fishing economy. It also provides a sound basis for further development of fish farming in Poland. Production of stocking material is an excellent way to increase the profitability of pond fisheries by diversification of the product range on offer: from fry to adult fish. These changes occur naturally, without introducing vast official programs.

Our inland capture fishery has gone through profound transformations in the last decade. Practically, changes in ownership of this sector have been completed. The manner in which river, lake and reservoir waters are exploited has also altered. The best proof in this respect lies in the data on inland fishery catches and economics. Angling for recreation has become not only an interesting hobby, but provides a significant income to inland fishery entities. It creates jobs that facilitate proper management of waters. Jobs are also created to provide various services to anglers and in this way raise the added value of inland fisheries. In this respect Maintaining Equal opportunities have to be maintained for all entities interested in exploiting waters intended for fishing or angling.

Our understanding of the potentially diverse forms of the inland fishing economy in Poland might form our contribution to defining priorities for the Financial Instrument for Fishery Guidance in the European Union. A harmonious development of fish farming, inland capture fishery and recreational fishery is the Polish answer to the question of inland fishery management in Europe. We notice that there is potential for the development of inland fishery by modern organization of the fishery market and in the European Union's structural assistance to the sector. Such development cannot be simply ordered or regulated; in the now enlarged European Union its pace depends on the active participation of all market players.

The aid offered by structural funds is expected to facilitate the funding of new activities. For example, with the financial support of the European Union and Poland's budget we intend to help diadromous fish to migrate up and down rivers which have been dammed. It is possible that the activities will be a starting point for joint international efforts aiming at restoration of the Baltic sturgeon. Fish farmers can expect assistance too. Investments in lake fisheries, construction of new ponds and modernization of existing ones will be offered. This assistance aims at increasing the production capacity and improving the conditions in the fishery economy, including the sector's increased competitiveness and profitability. We are convinced that our membership in the European Union will facilitate the recognition of the importance of the inland fisheries and aquaculture, and current EU regulation will be adjusted accordingly to the needs.

The first steps have already been taken in this direction. Early in December last year, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development presented his critical opinion as concerned the European Union program of management of eel populations. It is certainly impossible to make up for lost time and to eradicate existing limitations within a few days. Taking into account the professional background of Poland's fishermen, the popularity of angling and our countrymen's culinary taste, we are convinced that there is a potential for further and long term development of inland fishery.

Finally, I would like to wish the members of the Commission and participants of the session a rewarding exchange of ideas.

Address by
Mr Gerd Marmulla,
Secretary ad interim of EIFAC

Mr Stachowiak, Representative of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Chairman, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome you, on behalf of the Director-General of FAO, Mr Jacques Diouf, and Mr Ichiro Nomura, Assistant Director-General of the FAO Fisheries Department, to the Twenty-third Session of the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission.

First of all, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Poland for hosting this Session here in Wierzba on the shores of Lake Beldany in the heart of the beautiful Great Mazurian Lakes area. Far away from any disturbing noises and the hectic life of any big city, the Conference Centre here in Wierzba is the ideal location for our “retreat” during which the work achieved during the last intersessional period, as well as important issues for the future, will be discussed.

Globally there is a growing awareness of the economic and social importance of inland fisheries and aquaculture to satisfy nutritional needs and recreational demands. In Europe we can expect a continued growth of recreational fisheries and of aquaculture. However, we must also take into account the use of freshwater resources to meet other human needs as well as the need to protect and preserve the aquatic ecosystems.

EIFAC is active in all fields relevant to inland fisheries and aquaculture. This is reflected in its four Sub-Commissions that cover biology and management, aquaculture, protection of the aquatic resource as well as social and economic issues. In this way, the Commission continues to serve as a forum for exchange of information and for promoting a common approach to inland fisheries in Europe.

The importance of EIFAC as a forum for discussing topics of high interest to both inland fisheries and aquaculture and for disseminating information that is useful not only to its member countries is again mirrored by the number of participants who have shown interest in the Symposium that accompanies this Twenty-third Session. Indeed, over 72 participants from 23 countries have participated in the Symposium on “Aquaculture Development - Partnership between Science and Producer Associations”, a topic discussed so far only among very few experts and now brought to the attention of a wide audience thanks to the courageous proposal to make it the theme of our Symposium this year.

Although most of the European countries are already members of EIFAC, we look forward to the remaining European countries joining the Commission for the benefit of all those dealing with freshwater fisheries and related topics. In this respect, it is a great pleasure to announce that the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina has become member of EIFAC since the Twenty-second Session. We are also glad to welcome, for the second time now, the Russian Federation as observer to a session of the Commission.

I am sure that the present session will be fruitful and help advance inland fisheries and aquaculture in Europe, and even on a global scale. EIFAC, as the other similar statutory Regional Fisheries Bodies of FAO, for example CIFA (the Committee for Inland Fisheries of Africa) and COPESCAL (Comisión de Pesca Continental para América Latina), constitutes an important and useful tool for providing advice to make resource management more sustainable.

Rest assured that we from the Secretariat shall do whatever is possible to facilitate your work during this session as well as EIFAC’s work in the future.

Thank you.

Address by
Mr Rudi Muller
Chairman of EIFAC

Mr Stachowiak, Representative of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Esteemed Delegates, dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Twenty-third Session of the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission in this beautiful Mazurian Great Lakes Area.

On behalf of EIFAC and all the participants, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland for so generously hosting this Session at Wierzba. We have been warmly received and treated with great hospitality, and we appreciate these fine congress facilities. I would like to ask Mr Stachowiak to convey to his Government our appreciation for hosting this EIFAC Session in Poland. I also thank Prof. (Krysztow) Zdanowski, Director of the Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn, for freeing his staff to organise this meeting and to provide the necessary secretarial assistance.

This is already the second time that Poland hosts a Session of EIFAC: 34 years ago, in May 1970, the Sixth Session was held in Krakow, under the Chairmanship of Marcel Huet (Belgium). Ever since Poland joined EIFAC in 1962, this country has been actively involved in the work of the Commission. Let me mention just two of the many Polish fisheries scientists EIFAC has seen. Looking back a long way we find our outstanding colleague Prof. Tadeus Backiel who had been very active for EIFAC from the early 1970s till the mid-1980s, as Chairman of Sub-Commission I, as First Vice-Chairman of EIFAC, and as a wise adviser to us younger people. I heard he is well and still working in fisheries science! And then I would like to mention our dear friend Maria Bninska who had been very actively engaged in the Commission’s work. From 1984 till her tragic passing away in the spring of 2001, Maria first served as Chairperson of Sub-Commission I, then Second and finally First Vice-Chairperson of EIFAC. She will always live in our memories.

Since the first Session of EIFAC held in Dublin, Ireland, in April 1960, membership of the Commission has steadily grown from a small group of 14 countries to a fisheries body encompassing almost all of the European states. As of today, the Commission has 34 members, with the European Community as one of the members.

If I say that membership of EIFAC has grown, then I also have to point out that the array of topics and issues with which the Commission deals has significantly changed over the yeas. In the early years of EIFAC, increasing and securing fish production in inland waters as food for humans was among the most important topics. Since then, the focus has gradually shifted - or rather been enlarged - to cover environmental and conservation aspects relating to fish and crayfish, to habitat restoration, and to the respectful treatment of fish. In the 1960s, fish kills and other severe harm to inland waters, caused by acute water pollution, were of utmost importance to member states and thus to the work of EIFAC. In more recent years, with the gradual clean-up of our rivers and lakes, environmental problems have become more subtle and at the same time more difficult to fight. Chronic pollution by a large variety of man-made substances is suspected to have caused problems in reproduction of some fish. River construction and diversion of flows, to the benefit of the energy sector, have seriously altered habitat for fish. And as another example of an environmental issue related to fisheries and conservation but not to pollution: The swell of bird predation that has swept over Europe as a consequence of the unleashed expansion of an initially endangered bird species. Today, bird predation threatens not only fish farms and prosperous inland fisheries. It also threatens endangered fish species, some of them without any commercial value, in many waters. The need to tackle such difficult problems, where human perception and highly divergent preference play a major role, has led EIFAC some years ago to include social and economic issues in its agenda. These issues have also gained relevance by the growing importance of recreational fishing as an activity far outweighing commercial fishing in inland waters today, both in terms of numbers and economical turnover.

In the past two years since the Twenty-two Session at Windermere, EIFAC has been active in many of its fields of interest. In view of time restriction I will limit myself to just the one or two most prominent achievement in each of the four Sub-Commissions. More complete information, particularly on working parties without or with only little activity, can be found in the respective Sub-Commission Reports that have been made available to the Session.

In Sub-Commission I «Biology and Management», the state and management of the European eel has received great attention. The joint EIFAC/ICES Working Party on Eels (ICES is the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas, [“CIEM = Conseil International pour l’Exploration des Mers”]) met in Spain in October 2003 to discuss, among others, urgent measures needed to prevent the species from further decline. Also in October 2003, the European Commission announced the establishment of an Eel Action Plan, which to a large part would implement the recommendations issued by the Working Party on Eels. However, the most difficult task still lies ahead, i.e. to put the Action Plan into practice. Through its joint working party with ICES, EIFAC will stay focused on this issue.

Another subject of primary interest within Sub-Commission I is the state and management of sturgeon [“esturgeon”]. This joint EIFAC/GFCM Working Party (GFCM is the General Fisheries Council for the Mediterranean, [CGPM = Conseil Général pour les Pêches dans la Mer Méditerranée]) was established in 2002. It has started to set up a network for information exchange among sturgeon experts. The first results have shown to be promising. Members of the Working Party have also been invited to join in the establishment of two regional projects involving sturgeon fisheries management and protection.

One of the major activities of Sub-Commission II “Aquaculture” is the Working Party on Organic Fish Farming. A questionnaire sent out to investigate the present status of organic fish farming showed that organic fish farming was developing slowly in Europe, although these products fetch prices 20%-50% higher than usual market prices. In a comparative study conducted in Germany it was found that ecologically certified rainbow trout farms had the same low pollution output as conventional farms. Furthermore, there was no difference in product quality of rainbow trout reared either on organic feeds or on conventional feeds. Still, freshwater fish from organic production could satisfy a growing consumer interest. Such production should therefore be actively promoted.

I also would like to mention - as one of the major achievements of this Sub-Commission - the successful organisation and holding of last week’s “Symposium on Aquaculture Development - Partnership between Science and Producer Associations”. The Symposium has attracted 72 participants from 24 countries. Its results will be presented to the Session tomorrow afternoon.

The Working Party on Handling of Fishes in Fisheries and Aquaculture, located in Sub-Commission III “Protection of the Aquatic Resource”, undertook to collate information on the current practice of handling of fishes in fisheries and aquaculture. A workshop convened at Utrecht (the Netherlands) in March 2004 explored how new knowledge, guidelines and codes of practice, regulations and legislation might influence inland fisheries, fisheries management, inland fisheries research and aquaculture. It turned out that at present there is no uniform “EIFAC opinion” with regard to this difficult and often emotion-laden issue. Possible recommendations on this topic will be discussed by the Session tomorrow morning.

Under the umbrella of Sub-Commission IV “Social and Economic Issues”, a review of the economic value of recreational fisheries in Nordic countries was carried out between October 1999 and January 2000. The results of this study have recently been published in the journal Fisheries Management and Ecology. The paper represents an important contribution to the way forward for economic assessment of recreational fisheries and could be considered as a framework for similar studies in Europe and elsewhere.

Another important item that needs to be brought forward here is the apparent lack of involvement of social scientists and economists and their fields of study in our work. Efforts should be made to get workers in these fields involved in EIFAC activities, and this will need further discussion during this Session.

Following a recommendation of the twenty-second Session, a document has been drafted by an ad-hoc working group assessing the achievements of EIFAC in general, and more specifically identifying areas where the work of the Commission should be made more pertinent and more effective. I hope that this document, after appropriate review by the Session, will result in a better functioning of EIFAC both in the short and the long run, to the benefit of the member countries.

I had the possibility to represent EIFAC during the Fourth World Fisheries Congress in Vancouver (Canada) in May 2004, and to give a short review on the aims and the work of the Commission.

Last but not least, I would like to thank the Local Organizers: Mr Arek Wolos and his staff from the Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn. They are not only providing us with these unique and superb congress facilities of the Polish Academy of Science here at Wierzba, by the lakeshore and in the middle of the Mazurian Great Lakes area full of pike and bream. They also generously cover the costs for several special events which, I am certain, will make this meeting an unforgettable one (in fact, they have already done so!). Thank you, Arek, for all of this!

Finally, I thank all the Delegates for coming this long way to Wierzba. I have to emphasise that EIFAC depends on your support and active contribution, particularly during the discussions in the Session. So, I am looking forward to a productive and fruitful Session, and I count on your active participation in shaping the way for EIFAC into the next years.

I wish you all a pleasant stay at Wierzba, and I thank you for your attention.

Appendix E: REPORT OF EIFAC SYMPOSIUM ON AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT - PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SCIENCE AND PRODUCER ASSOCIATIONS

INTRODUCTION

A Symposium on Aquaculture Development - Partnership between Science and Producer Associations was organized from 26 May to 29 May 2004 in conjunction with the Twenty-Third Session of EIFAC in Wierzba, Poland. The Symposium was convened by Mr L. Varadi (Hungary) and chaired by Mr K. Goryczko (Poland) and was attended by 72 participants from 23 countries. The Symposium benefited from the participation and experience of the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP^[4]) and the European Aquaculture Society (EAS^[5]). The main documentation comprised five invited papers and 37 experience papers and three posters.

In his introduction to the Symposium, Mr Varadi referred to the objectives and major thematic areas of the Symposium, which were:

(i) To make a broad assessment of the present roles, opportunities and needs of aquaculture producer associations in the EIFAC region.

(ii) To identify the possible contributions by other stakeholders, including in particular, research institutions (natural and social sciences) and government agencies, in support of aquaculture producer associations.

(iii) To propose measures to strengthen participation, activities and positions of aquaculture associations in the management and development of the aquaculture sector.

The major themes were:

• Promotion and definition of research and technology development programmes.

• Human resource development, capacity building and education.

• Promotion of efficient use of resources.

• Comprehensive policies, supportive legal and institutional frameworks based on communication and consultation with the producers as the major stakeholders.

• Enhanced partnership, participation and consultation of all stakeholders in the planning, development and management of aquaculture.

• Development of investment incentives, market studies, product marketing programmes and consumer awareness campaigns.

With specific reference to partnerships between science and producer associations, participants were invited to consider and discuss major issues, experiences, and challenges in such partnerships, as well as opportunities and measures for improvements with a view to formulating findings, conclusions and recommendations by the Symposium.

SESSION 1: INVITED PRESENTATIONS

The activities of the European Union (EU), the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP), the European Aquaculture Society (EAS), the AquaFlow^[6] and AquaTT^[7] programmes and Asian experiences demonstrate the wide range of issues associated with interactions between the scientific and production sectors.

The European Community adopted a strategy for the sustainable development of the European aquaculture industry in September 2002 that is now being implemented. The strategy^[8] aims to maintain the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of the aquaculture sector. It also aims to enlarge the knowledge base of the industry, so appropriate partnerships should be promoted at all levels, particularly between science and industry. Cooperatives, trade associations and producer organizations/associations are essential mechanisms, not only to improve marketing but also to cover R&D costs that many small farms cannot afford.

In the past, the European Commission has contributed to strengthening the links between the aquaculture industry and scientists by promoting participation of the industry in research projects and concerted action to disseminate project results through AquaFlow, and by identifying research needs of the aquaculture sector through PROFET^[9]. The Sixth Framework Research Programme offers new possibilities to scientists and producer associations to improve their partnerships under the specific measures for small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). In addition, the FIFG (Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance) regulation has been modified to allow the financing of small-scale applied research initiatives. The European Commission strongly recommends producers and scientists make use of the instruments that exist at community level.

Targeted research and development programmes have significant benefits for aquaculture producers. The FEAP and its members have benefited from a wide range of research programmes supported by the European Commission. In recent years, initiatives have focused increasingly on broader issues such as food safety and environmental improvement. Collaborative research programmes with strong participation of and ownership by producers are of special interest to the European aquaculture sector, where the producers are often required to contribute financially to research projects. Programmes such as the Sixth Framework Programme, Financial Instruments for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) and the Cooperative Research in Aquaculture and Fisheries Technology (CRAFT) with Industrial Associative Groupings (IAG) can provide support for on-site/on-farm research which is often combined with training and dissemination activities.

The participation of the professional aquaculture sector in RTD programmes is generally driven by its interest in accessing new, economically efficient developments in technology. The main reasons that producers do not participate in such programmes are that they are unaware of the possibilities of such programmes and that they fear administrative complications. Overall, successful partnerships are characterized by good understanding and communication between partners, clear comprehension of their needs and pro-active positions, as well as coherent national and European RTD policies.

The AquaFlow network disseminates information on the results and progress of research and technological development programmes funded by the European Union (EU) and nationally. It provides aquaculture producers, decision-makers, administrators, researchers and producer representatives with concise and up-to-date overviews on aquaculture RTD information. It also encourages use of advanced information technologies, including e-mail and the internet, for the transfer of information and the promotion of contacts. Surveys confirmed the active participation of producers in RTD programmes, the very significant demand for RTD information and the expected benefits, such as technological improvements, increased competitiveness, enhanced personnel skills and improved economic returns.

While information sourcing and translation can be costly, willingness to pay for RTD information is varied. AquaFlow efforts on the identification and dissemination of RTD information are effective but should be enhanced by regional initiatives such as the Professional Needs in Aquaculture Research (PROFET) workshops. It was considered equally important that RTD activities be conducted at national level and in languages appropriate to the region.

Aquaculture Technology and Training (AquaTT), a European network for training and technology transfer in the aquaculture industry, works as an aquaculture industry education and training service provider. One of its major focuses is the recognition and accreditation of European aquaculture qualifications using a competency based approach in the WAVE^[10] (Working in Aquaculture Validation of Experience) initiative. Other activities include promotion of aquaculture to the general public, promotion of the role of women in aquaculture, networking of students and the development of new training materials. Aquamedia is another source of information on European aquaculture.

Surveys of aquaculture producer associations in Asia, conducted by the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA^[11]), showed the wide range of approaches and purposes, and organizational and working patterns adopted by such associations. These also displayed different levels and modes of representativeness, independence, participation and consultation, empowerment and policy influence. Key issues include communication and cooperation with governments, scientific institutions and other parties, as well as supportive legislation and enabling environments facilitating and promoting such associations.

It was recognized that producers, in particular small-scale farmers, should be assisted in the organization of truly representative associations. They should also participate in priority-setting and decision-making processes and be provided with access to information, and training and education to enhance their skills. In some European regions such assistance, including advice and capacity-building in scientific, technical, financial and economic aspects of aquaculture is required. In this context it was noted that the recently established Network of Aquaculture Centers in Eastern Europe (NACEE) now includes research institutes and universities in 12 Eastern European countries.

SESSION 2: PARTNERSHIP EXPERIENCES BETWEEN SCIENCE AND PRODUCER ASSOCIATIONS

Producer associations and producer organizations have existed since early in the nineteenth century and have responded to changing production methods, markets and economic systems that have placed increasing pressure on smaller producers.

Producer associations and organizations are characterized as follows:

• A producer association is a legally constituted group of companies that provides a forum for cooperation and development of opinion.

• A producer organization is a cooperative that controls production and marketing by its members.

The level of organization, representativeness and effectiveness of producer associations varies throughout Europe, where there are strong national associations and regional federations as well as associations which are still growing in membership and influence.

Experiences of partnerships between science and the production sector were generally good, although awareness and communication of issues, problems and solutions can be further enhanced. This can be achieved through regular communication between partners, by formalizing consultations and participative coordination processes. Equally, efforts should be made to create conditions for the successful implementation of the outcomes of partnerships and stakeholder consultations. For the purposes of sectoral management, it can be important that consultation fora are institutionalized in order to facilitate partnerships and enhance involvement of stakeholders in information collection, knowledge building, policy development and decision-making.

Participants gave the following examples of partnerships between producer associations and science:

• provision of information to farmers;

• identification of producers’ research needs;

• formulation of national and pan-European research agendas;

• environmental management and monitoring of shellfish production;

• market chain cooperation;

• restocking of lakes;

• identification of scientifically-sound criteria and parameters;

• provision of the quality of inputs used in aquaculture (e.g. feeds, seed, water, skills) and culture-based fisheries;

• training of producers;

• integrated management of lagoon fisheries and aquaculture;

• development of national aquaculture sector development strategies;

• identification of bottlenecks in policy and regulation and diversification of production;

• genetic strain improvement;

• organic carp production.

Examples of multi-stakeholder partnerships were: the management of lagoon fisheries in France and Italy which involve producers, scientists, processors, sellers and government authorities, a carp production consortium and a multi-functional carp farm in Hungary.

Aquaculture research increasingly addresses social and economic issues. These include financial management, product marketing, food safety, consumer preferences, integration with local area and regional management, and institutional, legal and governance aspects. Social science assessment methodologies are being increasingly applied. They examine interactions among stakeholders, analyze fishery product chains, identify development potentials in local and regional contexts and facilitate stakeholder participation, consensus building and policy formulation and implementation.

In some Eastern European countries and Turkey the willingness of aquaculture producers to adopt new information technology, such as e-mail and internet, is still fairly low; however, projects in some countries such as Russia are currently addressing this gap.

Many aquaculture scientists and individual producers are still production oriented and do not pay enough attention to the financial, marketing and quality aspects of the production processes. Market driven production is still not common in some Eastern European countries and Turkey, but efforts are under way to increase experience and to apply effective farm management for the production of competitive aquaculture products.

Partnerships to establish marketing chains for fishery products can enable producers to respond more effectively to consumer demands. Successful chains require cooperation among producers, their associations, scientists, wholesalers, the processing industry and retailers.

There may be a growing role for producer associations in providing regular technical, economic and financial advice to members, particularly on the economic and technical feasibility of “new” production systems developed by science or others in the industry. Partnerships between associations and science can assist aquaculture producers in: production (stocking density, feeding regimes), technologies (water efficient and environmentally friendly systems), management (to enhance skills in farm and business management), economics (e.g. cost-benefit analyses and economic feasibility studies) and marketing (such as related to low market prices, accessing market information).

New entrants in the aquaculture industry seem to have difficulties in obtaining unbiased and reliable information on production systems. There are still questions as to whether or not a producer association would be the most appropriate place to obtain the essential information for starting a new business in aquaculture and whether a producer association would be interested in assisting new entrants as more entrants would increase competition for the producer associations’ members.

The sometimes limited relationship between science on one hand and producer associations and individual aquaculture producers on the other, raises questions as to whether scientists charge too much for their services, for example water quality measurements, whether scientists do not market their services in the best way or do not respond adequately to the demands of the industry.

In addition to already established partnerships between science and aquaculture producer associations, broader and enhanced partnerships should be developed that include processing, marketing and retail businesses, NGO’s, Governments and other key stakeholders.

SESSION 3: NEW SCIENTIFIC RESULTS FOR PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Consumer and food safety issues were recognized as a major priority for aquaculture producers and scientists. The food safety management model presented highlighted the need and opportunities for proactive and preventative management and communication approaches. Procedures such as HACCP should be introduced at farm level and producer associations may assist producers in their implementation. Consumer awareness of the quality and safety of aquaculture products should be enhanced. Scientists can assist producers in identification of hazards and management measures. Consumers should be made aware of such food safety management measures as are applied in aquaculture.

Production of sturgeon in Russia has increased significantly through aquaculture and culture-based fisheries techniques. This expansion is supported through R&D, stock assessment and monitoring efforts which also include the establishment of a living gene bank and domestic broodstock of eight species and various hybrids, as well as the development and extension of advice on optimal hatchery technologies. Research was conducted in collaboration with producers on the application of diludine in radio contaminated carp in Belarus. This research showed its possible use as an effective agent to remove the effects of radionuclides, as well as to increase productivity, stimulate growth, prevent malformations and reduce mutagenic effects of environmental pollutants, thereby contributing to increase economic efficiency of the farmers’ production.

Experiments on the effects of low stocking densities of grass carp on the pond ecosystem indicated that the use of grass carp might not always be helpful to reduce biomass of aquatic plants and that mechanical control of macrophytes may be preferred for pond management. Comparison of temperature data in carp ponds recorded over 45 years showed fluctuations which may have affected overall carp production. Basic research on a new sturgeon hybrid showed its potential for aquaculture but more research will be needed to confirm its viability and acceptability by consumers. Research on freshwater mullet in Tunisia indicated that the enrichment of mullet fry food with lecithin could be helpful during an acclimation period prior to their introduction in freshwater lakes in order to avoid the death of fry through loss of lipid reserves and to maintain membrane structures in freshwater. Researchers, in collaboration with the Polish Anglers Association, conducted long-term research on restocking of rheophilic cyprinids in Polish rivers, using pond aquaculture methods and artificial spawning technologies. As a result there has been an increase in number of pond farms producing fluvial cyprinids.

Participants discussed the differences between theoretical and applied research and the use of research outputs in practice. There is a need for research results and scientific terminology to be translated into language which can be easily understood by producers. Ideally, every aquaculture research paper should include a simple language summary of its main findings and practical applications.

SESSION 4: AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES

The strong linkages between aquaculture and fisheries are illustrated by the fact that both sectors are involved in enhancement and rehabilitation schemes aimed at monitoring and improving fish stocks in inland waters.

The role of aquaculture is to produce food and generate income. However, some irresponsible aquaculture practices can harm the environment. Management practices have improved and environmental awareness in the sector has grown significantly. This has created the climate for responsible aquaculture. Furthermore, aquaculture is proving beneficial for the conservation and enhancement of endangered stocks (such as sea trout, salmon and anadromous whitefish). Aquaculture may also help increase public awareness of the importance of aquatic resources.

The decrease in aquaculture production in the Romanian Danube delta in the mid 1990’s was attributed to the decrease in state subsidies, an increase in protected bird populations, reed invasion of ponds causing high costs for farmers and market liberalization which have led to a decrease in the demand for the cultivated Chinese carp.

The problem of market liberalization seems to be more of an Eastern European problem due to the fact that species produced are not always the ones demanded by the consumers. The changed market situation is forcing aquaculture producers to look into the possibilities of culture of non-traditional species. Science is assisting the aquaculture producers in this change through applied research.

Governments appear to have difficulties in involving aquaculture producers in planning and policy development if the producers are not organized in associations. The lack of producer associations in some Eastern European countries makes it hard for government and science to find partners that can contribute with new insights to discussions.

Aquaculture producers in some Eastern European countries are having difficulties with accessing credit and investment, as bad experiences of the past influence the willingness of banks to finance new investments in the sector.

The value of the catch by recreational anglers in the inland waters in Poland was estimated to be higher than of both commercial inland capture fisheries and aquaculture together; further research is needed to clarify this. Recreational fisheries is also important in terms of the number of people involved and its financial contribution to restocking activities in Western and Eastern European countries.

The UK, the United States, France, Poland, Ireland and Sweden all provide examples of partnerships and cooperation arrangements between anglers associations and governmental agencies. In some western European countries there is evidence of regular change in the species favoured by recreational anglers, for example, stocking of rainbow trout for fly fishers or carp for coarse anglers.

The construction of hydro-electric dams in major rivers in Turkey caused destruction of sturgeon habitat and led to a decrease in production. This, together with overfishing and insufficient enforcement of regulations is threatening sturgeon stocks with extinction.

Careful monitoring of environmental conditions and activities focused at maintaining genetic diversity should be promoted to assist governments in conservation of stocks, captive breeding and stocking programmes.

Attention was drawn to Aquainnovation^[12], an example of a partnership between science and producer associations and other stakeholders at pan-European level. This new partnership was set up in a project format, aiming to establish a network of stakeholders that should address the gaps in international transfer of technical information that is essential for SMEs.

The large variety of networks, producer associations and organizations described made it very clear that associations should adapt themselves to the local situation and the socio-economic situation of their members.

SESSION 5: RECOMMENDATIONS

The participants reiterated the importance of partnerships in the overall context of promotion of sustainable aquaculture development, in particular in the implementation of the provisions of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries^[13] and the FEAP’s Code of Conduct for European Aquaculture^[14].

More focus is needed on the dissemination of technical information to aquaculture producers. Most scientific publications are not easily accessible to aquaculture producers and the main research findings require translation into accessible language in popular magazines. Another way of disseminating essential information is through workshops, meeting and conferences where private sector aquaculture producers can discuss and exchange experiences with scientists.

Strong professional associations are required to establish and maintain successful partnerships with the scientists. A multidisciplinary approach is required, whereby increasing attention is given to consumer, social and economic issues. Because of this, there is a trend towards broader cooperation and consultation involving multiple stakeholders, including potential investors. There is a need to access professional management and communication skills within the producer associations, a requirement that accompanies sectoral development and new market and consumer demands. Support is needed to develop and consolidate the producer associations in those countries where aquaculture is developing or changing.

Stronger national associations are needed to respond to legislative, market and consumer demands and to be able to respond to the requests for better self-regulation. Achieving this requires partnerships with science and efficient communication and networking. While such circumstances exist and are quite strong at the European level, efforts are needed to improve dissemination and cooperation at the most basic levels.

The symposium recommended that:

• Durable partnerships be promoted at the local, national and international levels, highlighting the requirement for skill development and securing financial resources for the operation of producer associations.

• Awareness of the European Union RTD programmes applicable to SMEs and associative grouping be promoted and their potential application for partnership creation/consolidation be implemented.

• International and intergovernmental organizations, such as EIFAC, FEAP and EAS continue work together to demonstrate the benefits and contributions of partnerships in the promotion of sustainable freshwater aquaculture.

• Core funding be sought to promote networking and to overcome language barriers that limit effective dissemination of results and communication among inland fisheries and aquaculture stakeholders.

• Organizations such as EIFAC address the social and economic influences on the sustainability of inland fisheries and aquaculture.

Scientists and aquaculture producers associations should jointly take into account the consequences that research can have for their future activities, as some research outcomes might negatively affect development of the sector.

The importance of partnerships among producer associations at national level was highlighted and the current restructuring of national federations of associations in France and Denmark were given as examples.

Participation should be sought from stakeholders that represent nature conservation as many partnerships lack a partner representing conservation or environmental approaches.

Participants congratulated EIFAC and the organisers of this symposium for selecting the topic of “aquaculture development-partnership between science and producer associations”. It was concluded that partnerships between science and producer organisations are important not only for the further development of the aquaculture industry but also for the development of inland fisheries. It was recommended that EIFAC continue this approach at future symposia, and even widen the scope of the symposia by including other relevant stakeholders.

It was also recommended that EIFAC consider new ways to stimulate active interaction between the diverse interests represented at the symposium, while keeping focussed on the meeting’s objectives and themes. Future meetings could include parallel sessions and specific workshops, to increase time-effectiveness and the quality of the final recommendations. Such an approach will stimulate contributors to the meeting to better focus on the respective topics.

One of the main challenges for partnerships between science and producer associations is to establish and maintain effective communication. Funding constraints for applied research are common, as some consider that the sector should contribute to its own applied research programmes and activities. Nevertheless, government funding for aquaculture research is still needed.

Some large aquaculture feed producing companies in Europe have established very effective dissemination systems for their applied research and provide information and advice to aquaculture producers on many more issues than feeding regimes.

The use of simple, non-specialist language for the dissemination of aquaculture information from science to aquaculture producers is essential and adds value to newsletters and internet based tools such as, for example, AquaFlow and Aquamedia.

Participants drew attention to the lessons that can be learned from outside the European region. In particular the advances in Asia in co-management and the value of Asian approaches can be valuable for Europe. Because of this interregional exchange of information is also required.

It was also concluded that:

• there are strong linkages between aquaculture and fisheries;

• both are strongly involved in rehabilitation schemes aimed at improving fish stocks in inland waters;

• the changing market situation forces aquaculture producers to look into the possibilities for the culture of other species;

• the large variety of networks and producer associations shows that the local social and economic situation of its members are basic determining factors for the activities of the association; and

• recreational fisheries are important for the development of aquaculture, the rehabilitation of fish stocks and for the economy.

Appendix F: DRAFT PROSPECTUS

HYDROPOWER, FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER ABSTRACTION: IMPLICATIONS FOR FISH AND FISHERIES

BACKGROUND

Modification of flow in rivers and streams by hydropower plants and other water resource development schemes is increasing across Europe. This process is being accelerated by recent trends to promote small hydropower installations in many countries. However, the damming of rivers and the control of water that accompanies the operation of power plants, prevention of flooding, and abstraction of water for agriculture and domestic supply, cause serious damage to the aquatic ecosystem, despite the claims by certain lobby groups that hydropower is a sustainable source of energy. Impoundments upstream of dams may create new fisheries opportunities, but are also associated with environmental impacts on fish through changes in habitat and in hydrology. Serious and lasting impacts are experienced downstream of dams, through changes of the morphology of the rivers and the flow conditions within them, as well as through interruptions to migratory pathways of fish species. Other aspects of concern to EIFAC in this context are the responsible handling of fish and the distribution and spread of fish diseases. Because numerous stakeholders recognize the importance of these issues across Europe, EIFAC will hold a Symposium to explore the issues, problems and mitigation measures to reduce the impact of such activities.

AIMS

The main aim of the Symposium will be to review the impact on fish and fisheries of activities that modify river hydrology, specifically hydropower plants, flood control measures and water abstraction; examine mitigation and rehabilitation practices; and consolidate social, economic and legal issues.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Symposium will be to:

1. Review the scale and diversity of the impact of flow-modifying structures and activities on fish populations.

2. Review ways to avoid or mitigate for the impacts of such structures on fish. These might include: decommissioning of dams; provision of upstream and downstream fish passage facilities; the setting of environmental flow criteria and the provision for releases to maintain fish populations and habitat.

3. Advise on guidelines to avoid or minimize the negative impacts of such structures on fish and to ensure equitable allocation of water among fisheries and other users.

4. Develop information for policy- and decision-makers to increase awareness of the impacts of such structures.

5. Facilitate dialogue between decision makers, engineers and fisheries interests on the operating of such structures.

THEMES

1. To assess the scale and distribution, current locations and local characteristics of hydropower generating structures in Europe with respect to their impacts on fisheries.

2. To assess dam removal, the distribution and efficiency of fish passes, fish guidance systems and of management measures for minimizing effects of such structures on fish populations and fisheries.

3. To examine the methodology and approaches for setting ecological flows for fish, especially potamodromous, diadromous and threatened species.

4. To assess social and economic evaluations of the balance between power generation and other flow related activities as against fishery-based livelihoods and ecological resources.

5. To evaluate existing and proposed guidelines and legal mechanisms that regulate the interface between fisheries and activities that impact on river hydrology.

PARTICIPATION

The Symposium is intended to attract environmental and fishery scientists, those involved in policy- and decision-making on the allocation of water, engineers and representatives of the water and power generating industries. Contributions are sought from the Member Countries of EIFAC, other international and stakeholder organisations, and other countries with experience and interest in these problems.

ORGANIZATION

The Symposium will be organized in six sessions. Each Session will begin with a 30 minute review paper by the session leader synthesising the material presented. This will be followed by 15 minute presentations of selected experience papers. The oral presentations will be supplemented by posters as appropriate.

SESSIONS

Session 1: Assessment of issues and impacts

The session will review the scale and diversity of the interactions between power generation, flood control and water abstractions with fish and fisheries. Contributions should address present and planned activities in the EIFAC member countries that have significant effects on river hydrology.

Session 2: Rehabilitating and mitigating mechanisms

This session will consider strategies for the mitigation of the effects of river and flow regulation. These may include, among others, passes for upstream and downstream movements of fish, maintenance of spawning substrates, rehabilitation of channel diversity, reconnection of floodplains and decommissioning of dams.

Session 3: Environmental flow criteria; methodology and practice

This session will examine current methodologies for the assessment of flow criteria for the conservation of fish and fisheries. It will also accept case studies that evaluate the successes and shortcomings of existing methods, and that explore the scientific basis for environmental flow criteria. Flow issues should also consider drawdown in impoundments as well as hydropeaking and other flow patterns in rivers.

Session 4: Social, economic and conservation issues

This session will attempt to place value on the balance between power generation and other flow-modifying activities as against fishery-based livelihoods and ecological resources. It will also explore the social and conservation implications of changes in fisheries and river structure arising from flow alterations.

Session 5: Guidelines, regulations and legal aspects

This session will review current and planned guidelines, regulations and legal approaches with a view to advising decision makers on the effectiveness of such mechanisms in the equitable allocation of water between fisheries and the various flow modifying human activities.

Session 6: Conclusions and recommendations

This session will draw conclusions and formulate recommendations from the material presented at the symposium.

STEERING COMMITTEE