The Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC), has concluded its 37^th Session with reviews and recommendations on aquaculture and capture fisheries regarding the world’s largest regional fishing industry, which feeds hundreds of millions of people and provides sustainable livelihoods for hundreds of millions of others.

The 37^th APFIC, was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Government of China, from 13 to 15 June 2023. The Session was attended by delegates from 15 APFIC Member Nations, one non-APFIC FAO member and four regional observer organizations. During the Session, the Commission deliberated on two substantive technical activities, which were conducted under the work plan of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, and made an important decision on the future of the Commission.

Strong affirmation for legally binding and voluntary commitments in fisheries

The Commission reviewed the interventions of the Member Nations, which highlighted the significance of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors to the APFIC Member Nations. There was a strong affirmation regarding their commitment to the international frameworks, including the legally binding international agreements, and voluntary agreements. The Members reiterated their commitment to sustainability, achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and responsible fisheries. They provided comprehensive insights into their respective national policies and legislation that are being put into place. These included the establishment of national regulatory frameworks to address zoning, fleet capacity management, combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the effective integration of the small-scale fishery (SSF) into fisheries management. The collective efforts aim to ensure the successful fulfilment of their national commitments.

Asia-Pacific fisheries commitment to achieving the SDGs, while protecting fish stocks

Highlighting the relevance to reporting on Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) and the recent World Trade organization (WTO) agreement on fishing subsidies, the Commission highlighted the importance of understanding the status of fish stocks in the region and requested FAO support capacity building in stock assessment through its regular and field programmes. The support would focus on addressing the challenges related to multi-species and multi-gear assessments.

Ensuring sustainable aquaculture development for food security, livelihoods, economic development

The APFIC Member Nations also emphasized the crucial role of sustainable aquaculture development as part of their policies in ensuring food security, supporting livelihoods and, fostering economic development, both in terms of the export market and the domestic food supply. They have established ambitious targets for the expansion of aquaculture for both finfish as well as seaweed production, with a focus on sustainability, environmental performance, carbon footprint reduction, and increased economic value. The Commission highlighted the emerging role of mariculture development. The Commission made a request to FAO for the continued technical assistance and advice to the APFIC Members on promoting mariculture development, and aquaculture innovation and investment.

The Commission welcomed the outcomes of the high-level consultations between FAO and the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), recognizing it as a significant milestone in engaging governments, the private sector, and investment bodies. It was agreed that there is a need to raise awareness regarding investment and innovation opportunities for aquaculture development in the region. The Commission recommended taking priority action on climate change (under Target 2 of the White Paper) by enhancing the resilience of aquaculture to climate change impacts and developing a regional investment pipeline to stimulate innovation and investment in low-carbon aquaculture. To facilitate these initiatives, the Commission requested support from FAO and NACA in developing guidance for the National Innovation and Investment Plans, as well as guidance on policies, strategies, and partnerships for upscaling innovation and investment.

APFIC - A legacy of 75 years’ of regional fisheries’ consultation

The Commission appreciated the contribution of APFIC in promoting regional cooperation and providing advice to its Member Nations throughout its 75-year history. The Commission acknowledged the legacy of APFIC in supporting the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture in the region. The Commission expressed gratitude to FAO for its support through its programmes and Secretariat functions. They recognized that the emergence of competent Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs) and Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs) effectively covers the geographical and technical thematic scope of APFIC at regional and sub-regional levels. However, the Commission emphasized that there remains a strong need for regional cooperation in fishery management, governance, and sustainable aquaculture development. It noted the strong commitment expressed by the APFIC Member Nations in these areas.

The Commission acknowledged the limitations and constraints that affect its effectiveness, and, through a consensus, adopted a resolution to suspend the activities of the Commission for a period of five years. It further emphasized that the suspension of the activities should not be interpreted as undermining the ongoing efforts of FAO and the APFIC Member Nations to enhance cooperation in the fisheries sector in Asia and the Pacific region, including those related to relevant FAO programmes.