10. Mr Doulman introduced the presentation noting that the IPOA-IUU had been concluded within the framework of the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. He provided information relating to the Code of Conduct in terms of its:
11. Mr Doulman pointed out that the effective implementation of the Code of Conduct provided a challenge for countries in their efforts to devise appropriate fisheries policies and measures that would promote responsible behaviour and long-term sustainability. The presentation traced the origins of the Code of Conduct and the development of the concept of “responsible fisheries” As a soft law instrument it was noted that the Code of Conduct had six substantive articles dealing with general principles, fisheries management, fishing operations, aquaculture development, the integration of fisheries into coastal area management, post-harvest practices and trade and fishery research. Mr Doulman stated that the Code of Conduct was closely related to a number of other international fisheries instruments which all sought to promote long-term sustainability in fisheries. The presentation reviewed measures by FAO to support implementation of the Code of Conduct as well as those initiatives at the regional and national levels. The paper on which the presentation was based is attached in Appendix E.
12. During and following the presentation a number of issues were raised in discussion including the role of inclusive and exclusive approaches to fisheries management; the importance of, and need for, capacity building in order for developing countries to implement the Code of Conduct; the practical problems associated with identifying stakeholders in small-scale fisheries; ways and means of involving fishers in capacity reduction programmes, and follow-up to the recommendations of the 2003 Workshop on the Implementation of the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in the Pacific Islands; a Call to Action especially with respect to the appointment of focal points in Pacific Island countries to encourage the wider implementation of the Code of Conduct.
13. Participants noted the importance of disseminating information about the Code of Conduct in simple language. It was recalled that the simple language document “What is the Code of Conduct?” had been translated into nine local languages in the Pacific Islands region. FAO had undertaken this work in association with the University of the South Pacific in 2001. Some participants were unaware that this document had been produced and disseminated and they requested that FAO made copies available to them after they returned to their countries. Mr Izumi agreed to do this upon his return to Samoa.
