1. The second APFIC RCFM was held at the Ritzy Hotel in Manado, Indonesia from 6 to 9 August 2008. The meeting was attended by 92 participants from 17 countries and representatives from 15 organizations. The meeting was hosted by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC). The overall goal of the biennial RCFM was to provide a forum to synthesize, analyse and agree on actions needed to reshape fisheries and aquaculture in Asia and the Pacific region for future generations. The forum was requested to develop and agree on ways of implementing policies and action plans developed to address major issues for the region. Based on a review of the biennial status publication, reports of action plans of APFIC regional consultative workshops and presentations by member countries and regional organizations, the RCFM considered the major issues outlined in the agenda and developed a report and recommendations to inform the APFIC session.
2. The second APFIC RCFM was held to precede the thirtieth session of APFIC. The commission believed the RCFM and the linked thirtieth session would assist in strengthening APFIC’s role as a coordinating body by transferring and exchanging information and experiences to assist Members to address emerging issues in fisheries and aquaculture in the region. Members worked together to develop and agree on ways of implementing policies and action plans to address these issues. The outcomes of the RCFM were to be used to inform the direction of the thirtieth session of APFIC.
3. The specific objectives were to:
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(i) |
provide a background on the status, trends and potential of Asia-Pacific fisheries and aquaculture; |
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(ii) |
develop policy and action plans to address major issues that constrain reaching the potential of fisheries and aquaculture in the region; |
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(iii) |
discuss the ecosystem approach and the challenge of improving livelihoods of fishers and fish farmers as two emerging issues for the region; and |
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(iv) |
address some of the broader policy challenges facing all Members such as implementing the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF); the challenges of implementation of action to combat IUU fishing and manage fishing capacity; the opportunities and benefits presented by certification in fisheries and aquaculture; integrating fisheries management into broader large marine ecosystem management; and provide a forum for members to share experiences pertaining to their main policy directives. |
