EIFAC/XXII/2002/4

Strengthening of EIFAC: Proposal for performance assessment

The Second Meeting of the FAO and Non-FAO Regional Fishery Bodies or Arrangements, held in Rome, 20-21 February 2001, discussed the possibilities to measure the performance of Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs) in sustainable fisheries and environmental management. It noted that in view of the wide differences in the mandates and roles of RFBs and the varying degree of their evolution, no specific recommendations could be given for such a task. Still, in cases where a performance assessment was to be conducted, the definition of appropriate indicators and reference points would be helpful, although such indicators might not be applicable to all RFBs.

As its name states, the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission is a regional fisheries body with primarily advisory functions. The Commission was established under Article VI, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution of FAO following the adoption of Resolution No. 2/26 by the FAO Council at its Twenty-sixth Session (Madrid, June 1957). The objectives and functions of EIFAC have been defined as follows (EIFAC/XVIII/94/Inf.3):

«The objectives and purposes of the Commission shall be to promote improvements in inland fisheries and to advise member Governments and FAO on inland fishery matters;

The functions of the Commission shall be:

(a) to assist in the collection and dissemination of pertinent information;

(b) to propose and assist in the organization of appropriate symposia;

(c) to promote liaison and cooperation among governmental organizations;

(d) to advise on the evolution of an organized approach among interested governments of this region toward the development of inland fisheries as may seem desirable and feasible, and

(e) to advise on any other matters appropriate to the promotion of the development and utilization of the inland fisheries within the competence of the Organization.»

This makes it clear that EIFAC, lacking any regulatory function, cannot be evaluated by the same criteria as are applied to regional fishery bodies with regulatory function and enforcement power.

Since its foundation in 1957, EIFAC has operated along the following lines in order to meet its objectives:

· elaboration and publication of scientific and technical reports on a large variety of topics concerning freshwater fisheries and aquaculture, and related environmental issues. Such reports have usually been produced upon the suggestion by EIFAC Member Countries. These reports are distributed worldwide and have proven to be of high interest also in developing countries;

· organisation of international symposia on freshwater fisheries and aquaculture, and on related environmental aspects. Symposium themes have usually been proposed by EIFAC Member Countries, or by one of the Sub-Commissions of EIFAC. The symposia are regularly attended by research workers from outside the EIFAC region;

· providing further advice to Member Countries on specific topics and issues by supplying literature and contact addresses of experts. EIFAC has thereby adjusted to changing needs, e.g., by establishing a Sub-Commission on social and economic issues, and

· networking: EIFAC has always been a forum for the exchange of views and ideas and for establishing contacts among fisheries scientists, managers and administrators, primarily but not exclusively on a European scale.

It may thus appear at first sight that EIFAC has achieved its main objectives. However, a more thorough assessment of its role and achievements has never been undertaken. In view of the changes that freshwater fisheries and aquaculture in Europe are undergoing, it appears both timely and opportune to have a closer look at EIFAC's role, tasks and modus operandi. It is hoped that such an exercise will result in a set of guidelines that would allow EIFAC to better position itself in the European freshwater fishery scene, thereby fulfilling its role in an even more specific, "customer-oriented" and pro-active way.

To this end, it is recommended that a small Working Group be established to carry out such a performance assessment. While an evaluation of the work accomplished in the past would prove helpful, the focus should be on how future activities of EIFAC can be optimised to meet the requirements of Member Countries, and how emerging issues can specifically be dealt with at an early stage. The tentative Terms of Reference of this Working Group are thus to:

1. compile and appraise a list of documents and reports prepared and published by the Commission since its foundation, including a synopsis of related activities (symposia, etc.);

2. identify potential obstacles impeding the work of the Commission, to elaborate measures for alleviating these difficulties, and to identify ways and procedures that will help the Commission to improve its performance, and

3. work out guidelines that will facilitate the identification of relevant emerging issues, and that will allow their prompt and adequate handling.

The Working Group should work primarily by correspondence and report to the next EIFAC Session.