70. To reinforce the concepts and information presented in the Workshop concerning the Code and to encourage participants to interpret and apply them, two role-plays were included in the Workshop. The outlines of these role-plays are attached as Appendix N.
71. The Case 1 role-play demonstrated a clear understanding by the participants of the complex and sensitive issues relating to inshore fisheries management. Arguments presented in support of measures to remedy the conflict were realistic, centering on community-based approaches to management. It was noted that in order to obtain a lasting solution that would be supported by both village groups, it would have to be seen as being fair and equitable. The sensitive nature of these types of disputes were underscored and the need for tact and diplomacy by officials in dealing with villagers was of the utmost importance. The Workshop noted that the issues and solutions raised in the role-play were addressed in the Code of Conduct. In this regard, it was pointed out that the Code and particularly its Technical Guidelines could be of considerable assistance to officials and stakeholders in arriving at decisions concerning resource use conflicts.
72. Case 2 role-play, a realistic situation encountered in many Pacific Island countries, provided an opportunity for participants to demonstrate their awareness of a range of issues germane to responsible fisheries management. In particular, the role-play demonstrated a clear awareness of the:
need for consultation by decision-makers with stakeholders;
need to have appropriate policy and legislation in place to facilitate effective fisheries management and decision-making;
need for adequate preparation of cases to ensure effective presentation to convince decision-makers;
need for arguments and decisions to be supported by adequate information, particularly scientific advice and arguments that properly address the implications of different decision options;
need to allow adequate time to collate information about the fishery prior to making important management decisions;
importance of considering existing fishery management plans;
need to promote the development of a domestic fishing industry and the potential obstacles to such development by foreign fishers;
need to understand local circumstances, particularly the dependence of fishing communities on adjacent resources;
need to consider local realities and/or limitations;
value of learning from regional and international experiences;
need to be sensitive to gender issues if they are of importance;
value of being sensitive to political considerations and to present options that are attractive politically but at the same time promoting sustainable utilisation of the resource, and
lack of capacity and lack of information in many fisheries administrations and the need to address these problems.
73. The role-plays and ensuing discussions indicated that the participants had a good grasp of the principles contained in the Code of Conduct and how they could be used in an applied context.
