35. Experts of each participating country presented their national reports on the respective species evaluated by the Ad Hoc Working Group and which were in document WECAFC/B-G/I/3 and WECAFC/B-G/I/4. The results of the analyses conducted by the Ad Hoc Working Group and their management recommendations and implications were highlighted. The regional reviews, introduced by the Secretariat under Agenda Item 5, contained a summary of these national results.
36. The industry representatives had specific questions on the results and the management recommendations presented by the national experts. These were answered by the experts and contributed to the dialogue. The presentations and questions stimulated a lively exchange of information and experiences that involved all interested parties, especially among representatives of the industry.
37. The comments, observations and discussions were centered mainly on the appropriateness, implications and ability to implement and enforce the management recommendations presented by the national experts of the participating countries. Even though opposing views were expressed and defended with respect to some of the proposed management measures, the participants agreed that actions have to be taken now to arrest the declining trends in production.
38. The Conference agreed that these management options must be discussed among the interested parties, at the national level, with a view to taking management decisions at this level. Management decisions should take into account the information generated by the Ad Hoc Working Group and which has been shared with all the countries of the subregion. The Conference suggested that the subject be discussed further in a working group.
39. The Conference highly appreciated the technical work performed by the Ad Hoc Working Group and recommended that it should be continued. The Conference was of the view that technical inputs from the Ad Hoc Working Group were essential for the success of meetings like this one. The fishing industry representatives agreed in principle to support the work of the Ad Hoc Working Group.
