44. The Secretariat introduced agenda item 6 on the basis of document CIFA/XII/2002/4. The document assessed which agreements are applicable to the responsible use of alien and genetically improved aquatic species in African fisheries and aquaculture. It identified the ICES codes of practice on introductions and transfers of marine organisms as a key mechanism to assist in making decisions on the introduction of alien species, and elaborated on the implementation of these codes.
45. Although the introduction of an alien species always bears some risk, the ICES codes were identified as providing a framework for decision-making and represented a precautionary approach to species introductions. Furthermore they were endorsed in the FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries 2: Precautionary Approach to Capture Fisheries and Species Introductions.
46. The Committee was invited to review the issues and suggestions highlighted in the paper, and to provide guidance to members and FAO, as well as other organizations on how to facilitate the implementation of international codes of practice and guidelines for responsible use of alien and genetically improved aquatic species in CIFA countries.
47. The Committee acknowledged the complicated nature of the topic of alien species and genetically improved or genetically altered species, and congratulated the Secretariat for the clarity of the presentation. Several delegates described their experiences with introduced species, with both positive and negative results. Alien species were acknowledged to represent an opportunity to improve production and profit from aquaculture, but they also represented a threat to aquatic biodiversity and the people that depended on that diversity. Thus, the Committee agreed that it will be important to achieve a balance in managing the use of alien species and genotypes in aquaculture and fishery development. The delegates further agreed that codes of practice, international conventions and guidelines would be important in achieving such a balance. Risk/benefit analysis would be key feature in deciding when to use alien species and genotypes in fisheries and aquaculture.
48. Several delegates pointed out that codes and guidelines should not become technical barriers to trade and were worried that following the codes would impose undue time and financial burdens on the development of the industry and increasing food security. The Secretariat pointed out that although many introductions have had positive social and economic benefits, some introductions have had severe negative impacts on trade and devastating impacts on the aquaculture industry. Thus, careful application of the codes is in the long-term interest of the aquaculture sector. The Secretariat also noted that often the codes could be applied easily in the case of certain introductions and that the first introduction of an alien species required the most rigorous examination, whereas further introductions as part of ongoing practices do not need to go through the same process. There was general agreement that efforts be made to streamline the process of applying the codes. This should be done without sacrificing the efficacy of the codes to protect aquatic biodiversity.
49. The scope of the codes was briefly discussed. Some delegates stated that genetically altered organisms and introduced species should be dealt with in separate codes. However it was pointed out that both types of introductions have similar risks to native biodiversity and therefore need to be addressed by the same code, as is done in the ICES codes. Likewise, it was acknowledged that the ornamental fishery sector, which had traditionally not been regulated by international codes, be included, as it too presented benefits and risks to aquatic biodiversity and the people that use aquatic resources.
50. There was unanimous agreement that Africa possesses a wealth of aquatic biodiversity that must be used sustainably and protected. Several delegates acknowledged that there was a lack of research and knowledge on many indigenous African species. The development of such species for aquaculture would serve as a viable alternative to the introduction of alien species. Furthermore, it was noted that work on domestication, genetic improvement and brood stock management will be needed to turn wild African aquatic resources into viable resources for sustainable aquaculture. The Committee highlighted the need for additional research on African species that might have aquaculture potential.
51. The Committee realized that, in assessing the potential risks of alien species, we often did not have complete information on the biodiversity and ecological impact of a potential introduction. Thus, a precautionary approach and additional research to fill the information gaps were proposed.
52. An observer noted that international guidelines could serve as useful models for national legislation. The past work of FAO was appreciated in this regard and there was further scope for assistance in helping Members develop national legislation that was consistent with and complimentary to international instruments on the responsible use of alien species and genotypes.
53. The Committee acknowledged that accurate information on the history of previous introductions, on the biological characteristics of introduced species, including associated pathogens, and on the environment that the alien species might have had access to, would be an important tool in risk/benefit analysis. Information sources existed that might be applied to this impact assessment, such as the FAO Database on Introductions of Aquatic Species, Fishbase and, especially relevant for Africa, the African Water Resources Database.
54. Delegates also admitted that inappropriate introductions in the past had led to current fishery management problems and asked for advice on how to manage or eradicate such introductions. Although it was generally agreed that reversing the impacts of an introduction was difficult, there were strategies that could be used, such as biological control and mechanical removal of the pest species. However, these remedial procedures could be costly and might not be totally effective at alleviating the problem. Hence the importance of rigorous analysis before an introduction was allowed.
55. In light of the above discussions, the Committee recommended that:
Relevant codes of practice, guidelines and conventions be adapted and applied for future introductions as a precautionary measure to prevent potential negative impacts;
Indigenous species with proven aquaculture potential should be genetically improved through research and domesticated with proven capacity for brood stock management;
Countries should incorporate and adapt relevant international guidelines and codes of practice for responsible introductions into their national legislation with technical guidance from FAO and other international organisations.
|
[1] Alien organisms are defined
as organisms that are moved by human assistance to an area outside of the
organisms’ natural range. |
