This review has outlined the course taken by the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission during its development, indicated the successes and weaknesses during its progress and drawn attention to the fundamental problem of funding its activities, which are now largely achieved through working groups or cooperative programmes. These groups rely increasingly on financial support provided directly by several Member Governments to their own nationals serving on the groups or participating in programmes. FAO continues to provide the central secretariat and technical support for meetings and is responsible for the publication of most reports.
The experience gained both in the creation and development of EIFAC and in the achievements of its working parties, symposia and workshops, can be valuable to those regional fisheries bodies which have been established elsewhere although some fundamental differences of both approach and capability are inevitable. It is essential however that if the main achievements of regional bodies are to be worthwhile and attained through working parties as in EIFAC, these must be composed of experienced scientists whether from within or beyond the region.
The main emphasis in most other regions is likely to be placed on the use of fish as a food resource although other means of exploitation is also possible. Lack of detailed bio-logical information on the major species of fish present will initially limit the opportunity for full development of the means of exploitation. It is a fact however that a regional fisheries body might provide the central services for collating and publishing the available information and also provide the stimulus necessary for research and the establishment of academic and technical institutes to study fishery problems.
Natural fish populations may need supplementation to ensure adequate supplies of fish for exploitation and this would encourage the creation of hatcheries and fish farms. The latter could also form the basis of an aquaculture industry. Training programmes sponsored or organized by the regional body could be valuable in managing both natural and reared stocks and in protecting fisheries against both pollution and disease. The technical assistance necessary could be supported both by FAO headquarters staff and by secondment of experts from EIFAC member countries.
EIFAC experience is well documented in its many technical reports which are also valuable to fisheries workers in other regions. Although written primarily on the basis of European species, the fundamental principles involved are applicable to all species and the information can readily be adapted for other areas. The technical expertise available in the EIFAC region could be utilized by others through FAO as the central organization.
