MAJOR PROGRAMME 2.3: FISHERIES

491. Major Programme 2.3 will continue to give due prominence to the implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the International Plans of Action (IPOAs) endorsed by COFI¹⁰³ and other international instruments which provide the framework for national policies to pursue responsible and sustainable development in fisheries and aquaculture. The major programme covers a broad range of advisory services related to the management, development, marketing and use of fisheries and aquaculture resources.

492. In the 2004-09 period, additional activities are contemplated to better address ecosystem considerations in marine fisheries (with focus on control of fishing capacity), inland fisheries (with focus on proper valuation in regards to food security and rural livelihoods) and aquaculture (with focus on environmental management).

493. Relatively few changes have been introduced to the programme structure. These include:

1. a new TP 231A2, Development of Partnerships for the Fisheries Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS) of FIGIS¹⁰⁴, established under Programme 2.3.1, reflecting the completion of FIGIS and a shift in emphasis to building partnerships with regional fisheries bodies and national centres of excellence for the contribution of information to FIGIS;
2. the current TS entity 232S1, Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues, which deals with two distinct work areas, has been split into two separate technical service entities covering: on the one hand, inland fisheries and aquaculture resources, and on the other, marine resources; environmental issues are covered in both entities;
3. in like vein, the current entity 234S1, has been split into two separate TS entities entitled: Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements (234S1) and Direct Support to Countries in Fisheries Policy and Management (234S2).

494. Substantive highlights of the component programmes of Major Programme 2.3 are provided after the respective summary tables below.

Programme 2.3.1: Fisheries Information

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

231A2

TP

Development of Partnerships for the Fisheries Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS) of FIGIS

231P1

CP

Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics

231S1

TS

Advice and Technical Support to Member Nations and Regional Fisheries Bodies

Legend

Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million

495. This programme provides Members and the international community at large with comprehensive information and statistics on fisheries and aquaculture in support of status and trends monitoring and analysis, as well as for policy making and planning. The technical development of FIGIS, expected to be completed in 2003, will allow pursuit of expanding partnerships with regional fisheries bodies and national centres of excellence for the contribution of information to the FIGIS module on FIRMS. This in turn will lead to systematic assembly of consistent and reliable information on status and trends of fishery resources. The programme will also seek to motivate development partner agencies to support capacity building. In addition, it covers the development of norms and standards for collection and exchange of fisheries information and statistics.

496. The lower than expected resources in 2002-03, led to curtailed work on improved quality of global fishery information and statistics. The failure to establish a post of fishery statistician at RAP¹⁰⁵ would continue to hinder efforts to improve fishery statistics in the Asia and Pacific region, which is the world's most important fish producing region.

Rationale

497. Development problem to be addressed: in the context of the globalisation of issues related to governance and trade in natural resources, there is a deficit of reliable information. Comprehensive, objective and timely information and the resulting increased awareness would facilitate and stimulate more effective policy making, sectoral planning, management and, consequently, fishing practices.

498. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: direct involvement of, and improved coordination between information owners (national and regional centres of excellence) in the development and maintenance of an integrated worldwide information system is a guarantee of better quality information. The newly available information technology, together with the development of communication standards for information exchange, will facilitate the needed partnerships.

499. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: the international community (producers, processors, traders, consumers, support industries and the public at large) are the ultimate beneficiaries. The intended benefits are effective policy making, sectoral planning and fisheries management which result in sustainable use of fishery resources.

Objective(s)

500. Increased awareness of key fisheries issues and trends and their inter-relationship with other aspects of integrated natural resource management; better informed public debate in support of sustainable management of fisheries resources at the national and international levels, based on improved international fishery information standards and quality.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of use of information contained in the FIGIS' and FIRMS' Web site to inform public debate on policy issues affecting sustainable use of fisheries.
2. User feedback on the use, content and usefulness of the statistics and other data.

Major Output(s)

1. Enhanced FIGIS functionalities compatible with WAICENT, and modules and workflows for the integration and updating of data.
2. Coordination, technical and other support to the FIGIS/FIRMS Partnership and to information provider partners.
3. Comprehensive multi-disciplinary Geographical Information System (GIS)-based database on fisheries integrated in FIGIS.

Rationale

501. Development problem to be addressed: Members require current, comprehensive, and accurate fisheries information and statistics for policy making, sectoral planning and management, but often fisheries information is lacking, unreliable, incomplete or outdated. As a result, many fisheries policies and practices are not compatible with sustainable use.

502. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: the availability and use of comprehensive and standardised fishery information and statistics will facilitate more effective policy making, sectoral planning and management in support of sustainable fisheries use, resulting in improved practices at national and international levels.

503. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: increased and sustainable fishery production, utilisation and livelihoods, sustainable ecosystems and protection of the environment will benefit key international stakeholders including producers, processors, traders, support industries and consumers as well as the public at large.

Objective(s)

504. Availability of comprehensive, standardised global fisheries information and statistics and wide use by governments and other stakeholders to promote awareness of key fisheries issues and trends, as well as serve policy formulation in the sector.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of FAO's fishery statistics cited and/or utilised in national and international policy debate.
2. Use and usefulness of FAO's fisheries statistics, information and publications in advocating sustainable fisheries management.

Major Output(s)

1. Development of norms, standards, guidelines, arrangements and procedures for enhanced collection, storage, dissemination and sharing of fisheries information.
2. Fisheries information and library services.
3. Development and promotion of norms, standards, arrangements and procedures for enhanced collection, storage, processing, dissemination and sharing of fishery statistics.
4. Collation, analysis and dissemination of global and regional fishery statistics.

505. This entity covers services to countries in respect of fisheries information and statistical development.

Programme 2.3.2: Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

232A1

TP

Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

232A2

TP

Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security

232A3

TP

Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata

232A4

TP

Monitoring and Reporting on Global Marine Resources and Relevant Environmental and Ecological Changes

232A5

TP

Resources Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources

232P1

CP

Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

232S1

TS

Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues

232S2

TS

Advice on Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development

Legend

Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million

506. The Programme aims at ensuring the sustainable contribution of marine and inland fisheries and aquaculture to food supplies, food security and general economic growth, including the maintenance of the resource base and productive ecosystems. Major means of action over the medium term remain:

1. technical and scientific information on the resources and the ecosystem (e.g. taxonomy, ecology, distribution, potential);
2. resource assessment methodologies (e.g. software, manuals);
3. monitoring (current situation, main impacts, outlook);
4. management practices and advice, including for improved conservation and rehabilitation;
5. development of under-used resources, where appropriate; and
6. development of aquaculture (particularly in food deficit countries) through sustainable intensification, and integration with agriculture or coastal areas management.

507. Following the 2001 Reykjavik Conference, attention will be progressively devoted to ecosystem considerations leading to the development of an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries and Aquaculture.

508. The lower effective allocation in 2002-2003 compared to the planned amount in the Medium Term Plan 2002-2007, resulted in delays in establishing sufficient capacity to deal with ecosystem-based fisheries management, as well as a negative impact on language balance in the production of outputs.

Rationale

509. Development problem to be addressed: significant challenges exist in most countries as to the sustainability of inland fisheries and aquaculture. There is a broad need for technical assistance and stakeholder cooperation for improving resource use efficiency and management, as well as protection of the resources and environments on which these sectors are based.

510. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: greater national and international awareness, improved national policy environments and adequate technical capacities for sustainable inland fishery and aquaculture practices, in particular in relation to the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, should lead to overall sound sustainable management and conservation of these resources.

511. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: more sustainable resource use and efficient management of inland fisheries and aquaculture will benefit governments, investors and other economic actors, vulnerable groups whose livelihoods depend on this sector, as well as consumers.

Objective(s)

512. Enhanced awareness at national and international levels; promotion in national policies of the sustainable use of inland fisheries and aquaculture resources, as well as greater technical capacity of groups operating in the sector, such as civil society and producer organizations and NGOs, to manage resources according to these principles.

Indicator(s)

1. Evidence of adoption by government agencies, NGOs and other private sector actors of practices and policies, as advocated by FAO, for sustainable development of aquaculture and inland fisheries.

Major Output(s)

1. Methodology for management and conservation of resources used by aquaculture and inland fisheries.
2. Technical guidelines for implementation of Article 9 and other provisions of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries relevant to aquaculture and inland fisheries.
3. International norms for responsible management of aquaculture and inland fisheries.

Rationale

513. Development problem to be addressed: increased fish production through aquaculture and inland fisheries is important for food security in developing countries, but realising its significant potential in a sustainable manner requires appropriate technologies and methodologies.

514. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: Improved local, national and regional capacity to implement practices for the sustainable intensification of production systems in aquaculture and inland fisheries should result in a substantial increase in fish supplies.

515. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: achievement of sustainable increases in production of fish and the induced rural development in inland and coastal areas will benefit principally those vulnerable groups, such as low-income households, dependent on inland fisheries and aquaculture resources for their livelihoods.

Objective(s)

516. Improved capacity of developing countries at the local, national and regional levels to implement efficient practices for sustainable intensification of production systems for aquaculture and inland fisheries.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of methodologies and practices, developed by FAO, in use by government agencies, international organizations, civil society organizations and farmer/producer organizations.
2. Examples of increased aquaculture and inland fishery production using FAO technologies and methodologies

Major Output(s)

1. Studies and methodologies for improved efficiency and intensification of aquaculture and inland fisheries production systems.
2. Development of integrated aquaculture-agriculture farming practices for sustainable rural livelihoods.

Rationale

517. Development problem to be addressed: in developing countries, decision makers often lack reliable information to facilitate species identification as well as essential biological and ecological data of exploited marine species, which are essential elements to the development of the fisheries sector and the conservation and sustainable management of resources.

518. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: access to, and use of improved data and statistics on exploited marine species by national governments, regional and international fisheries bodies and other key stakeholders in a position to impact on relevant policies and practices, should result in a more sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources.

519. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: more sustainable management of fisheries and rationalisation of fishery-related activities will provide economic and social benefits to populations depending on them.

Objective(s)

520. National policy makers of developing countries, international and regional fisheries bodies, and other key stakeholders active in the development of the fisheries sector, will make use of a more reliable information base and improved tools for species identification and essential biological and ecological data of potentially exploited marine species.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of use of FAO's statistics and tools in national government planning processes, regional and international accords and fishery management practices.

Major Output(s)

1. Interactive electronic archive of geographical distribution and data on marine species of commercial importance.
2. World, regional and national guides and catalogues on living marine resources.
3. Inputs to global resources information systems and FIGIS.

Rationale

521. Development problem to be addressed: if they are to pursue sound policies and practices, key stakeholders involved in managing and exploiting marine fisheries resources worldwide require regularly updated, standardised reporting on the state of these resources, as well as improved information on the impact of environmental and ecosystem changes on exploited resources and the marine habitat.

522. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: increased capacity of public and commercial stakeholders to identify fisheries resources practices and formulate policies which explicitly take into account long-term trends and environmental and ecosystem concerns, should result in sustainable management and more efficient commercial exploitation practices.

523. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: Improved fisheries management, exploitation and conservation practices will provide an economic and environmental benefit to countries which pursue these practices, as well as to their populations.

Objective(s)

524. National planners and policy makers, international and regional bodies and key commercial concerns enabled to pursue policies and practices for sustainable use and exploitation of fisheries resources based on knowledge of underlying trends and understanding of environmental interactions.

Indicator(s)

1. Reference to FAO's fisheries outlook studies in national and/or international planning processes and accords and management practices that support sustainable management of fisheries.

Major Output(s)

1. Indicators for measuring ecosystem effects on fishery resources.
2. Biennial review of the State of Marine Fishery Resources.

Rationale

525. Development problem to be addressed: most developing countries have insufficient capacity to identify fisheries management practices that take into account local resource characteristics and environmental factors and explicitly address the objectives and risk preferences of policy makers and other key stakeholders.

526. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: increased national capacity, particularly in developing countries, to identify and implement fisheries management strategies tailored to their particular requirements should lead to more satisfactory policy environment and resource use.

527. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: fisheries management and conservation practices adapted to local resource conditions and stakeholder preferences will benefit all key actors in the sector, including national governments, industry, and consumers.

Objective(s)

528. Increased national capacity, particularly in developing countries, to identify and implement operational management strategies, policies and practices for fisheries that take into account local resource and environmental profiles and accurately reflect key stakeholder goals and preferences.

Indicator(s)

1. Number/examples of countries making policy and strategy adjustments, using FAO methodologies, and explicitly considering local resource conditions and national goals.

Major Output(s)

1. Stock assessment, alternative resource management and risk assessment methodologies.

Rationale

529. Development problem to be addressed: information on inland fisheries and aquaculture resource status and development trends, as well as national, regional and international cooperation of key stakeholders must be improved if sustainable use of these resources is to be achieved.

530. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: improved national capacity for policy formulation based on solid information and analysis, and better cooperation of major stakeholders at local, national and regional levels to develop and promote sustainable inland fishery and aquaculture practices, should lead to overall sustainable management and conservation of these resources.

531. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: analytical work and promotion of partnership will benefit governments, investors and vulnerable groups whose livelihoods depend on the sector.

Objective(s)

532. Improved national capacity to identify and pursue policies and management practices promoting sustainable development of inland fisheries, as well as enhanced regional and international coordination toward this goal.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of improved national policy and practices of civil society and/or private sector organizations in support of sustainable development of inland fisheries and aquaculture.
2. Evidence of enhanced regional and international cooperation in promoting sustainable development of inland fisheries and aquaculture.

Major Output(s)

1. Development of architecture for global information systems and database on inland fisheries and aquaculture.
2. Studies, reviews and analyses of various aspects and issues of aquaculture and inland fisheries.
3. Support to regional fisheries and aquaculture bodies in relation to aquaculture and inland fisheries and promotion of partnership, cooperation and information exchange.
4. Studies and analyses on applied research and participatory extension services in aquaculture and inland fisheries in selected countries.

533. As 232S1 used to cover technical services relating to both marine resources and inland fisheries and aquaculture, for the sake of clarity, it has been divided into two entities.

Programme 2.3.3: Fisheries Exploitation and Utilisation

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

233A1

TP

Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries

233A2

TP

Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries

233A3

TP

Increased Production from Under-utilised Aquatic Resources and Low-value Catches

233A4

TP

Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products

233A5

TP

Promotion of International Fish Trade

233S1

TS

Support and Advice in Fishing Technology, Fish Utilisation and Trade

Legend

Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million

534. This programme supports enhanced fish production, utilisation and trade within the framework of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. It will need to stay abreast of developments regarding safety and quality of fishery products, and how they relate to international trade. Besides substantial training in this area, a major initiative is to establish an Internet-based knowledge system, FishPort, within the more global EcoPort which operates under the auspices of FAO. Reducing the negative effects of fishing operations on the environment is also a priority area, including contributing to a GEF¹⁰⁶-funded project aiming at tropical shrimp fisheries.

Rationale

535. Development problem to be addressed: current world fishery practices create an unacceptably high volume of discards from catches, while certain methods negatively impact the environment with consequent effect on biodiversity. COFI has called for determined global efforts to reduce discarding of bycatch and incidental capture of non-target species during fishing operations.

536. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: improved national practices and policy environment in support of reduced discards should lead to sustainable increases in fish production from capture fisheries and reduced negative environmental impact caused by fishing operations.

537. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: sustainable increases in fish food production, conservation of aquatic resources and reduced negative effects on biodiversity and the environment will benefit governments, fishing industry and consumers as well as vulnerable groups whose livelihood and food security depend on these resources.

Objective(s)

538. Improved national management practices, technologies and policy environment in support of the reduction of discards and adverse environmental impact from fisheries, as well as an enhanced international awareness and enriched debate on the importance of the issue.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of countries using new technologies and policies promoted by FAO to support reduction of discards and reduce adverse environmental impact from fisheries.

Major Output(s)

1. Methodologies for the assessment of, and studies on the environmental impact of fishing operations.
2. Technical guidelines for introducing and evaluating measures to reduce bycatch in tropical shrimp trawl fisheries (execution of the GEF funded project).
3. Technical assistance and monitoring of the implementation of the International Plan of Action to reduce the Incidental Catch of Seabirds.
4. Methodologies and guidelines for increased bycatch utilisation.
5. Reports and management methods to support the establishment of national frameworks.

Rationale

539. Development problem to be addressed: artisanal fisheries can be very efficient while providing high levels of employment and contributing to food security. However, in many countries, a range of constraints prevents the sector from fully achieving its economic and social potential.

540. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: building national and local capacity to develop and manage more efficiently and sustainably small-scale fisheries will permit this sector to better realise its potential in contributing to food security and employment.

541. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: Increased income and better access to food through development of small-scale fisheries will benefit fishing communities and local fisher groups.

Objective(s)

542. Improved national and local capacities from both a management and technical perspective, and a regulatory environment that supports the efficient and sustainable management of small-scale fisheries, including in the aftermath of natural disasters.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples of improved local and regional practices supporting the development and more efficient and sustainable management of small-scale fisheries.

Major Output(s)

1. Participatory methods and approaches for application in small-scale fishing communities.
2. Training and technical materials on improved safety and efficiency of small-scale fishing operations.
3. Tools, guidelines and methodologies for improved efficiency in small-scale fisheries post-harvest systems.
4. Case studies, guidelines and approaches in improved disaster preparedness and impact assessment in fishing communities.

Rationale

543. Development problem to be addressed: the production of food fish from conventional species in capture fisheries has peaked, but there remain under-utilised species and low-value catches that can contribute to increased food supplies and sectoral employment.

544. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: a supportive policy environment and improved fisheries management practices in harvesting, processing and marketing of under-utilised species will lead to an overall increase in food production and better utilisation of resources.

545. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: a more rational utilisation of aquatic resources and sustainable increases in food fish production, increased income from the sector and reduced negative effects on the environment will benefit governments, fishing industry and consumers, and particularly vulnerable groups whose livelihoods and food security depend on these resources.

Objective(s)

546. Increased emphasis on and improved public and private management practices, policies and investment supporting harvesting, processing and marketing of under-utilised aquatic resources and low-value catches.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of countries where policies, technologies and approaches are adopted to support increased harvesting, processing and marketing of under-utilised aquatic resources.

Major Output(s)

1. Technical papers on cost-effective fishing technologies and vessel and equipment design.
2. Policy and legal framework for increasing production from selected under-utilised species and low-value catches.
3. Guidelines and methodologies for improved efficiency and adaptability in processing and marketing systems.

Rationale

547. Development problem to be addressed: increased demand, greater safety requirements from markets and consumers and the globalisation of fish trade has made safety and quality of fish products a key issue, and developing countries and regions need assistance if they are to comply with international trade requirements and standards. In addition, there is an insufficient exploitation of the nutritional benefit of low-value resources such as fish oil.

548. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: improved national fish safety and quality assurance programmes, infrastructure and organisation will assist in meeting quality requirements of the international markets, making fish safer, reducing post-harvest losses, rejections and detentions.

549. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: developing countries will be able to maintain and strengthen their market shares, and fish consumers will have safe and good quality fish at affordable prices. Health and intellectual development of infants will be increased.

Objective(s)

550. Improved national capacity and programmes, infrastructure and organisation for safety and quality assurance of fish products that comply with international trade and food standard agreements; increased consumption of fish oil, particularly by pregnant women.

Indicator(s)

1. Increase in number of countries with established (accredited) fish inspection and quality services.
2. Examples of national policies, commercial practices which facilitate and promote the consumption of fish oil by pregnant women.

Major Output(s)

1. Development and maintenance of the fish safety information system (FishPort).
2. Planning and supervision of a substantial trial on the health impact of fish oil in Southern Africa.
3. Training and technical assistance for strengthening fish inspection services.
4. Support to the work of Codex on fish safety and quality.
5. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) implementation in the fish industry.
6. Support to the implementation of the SPS/TBT agreements of the WTO.

Rationale

551. Development problem to be addressed: the importance of net export revenue from fish trade, particularly to developing countries, is increasing, and these countries need assistance in ensuring that fish trade is compatible with environmental protection and adequately treated in international regulatory frameworks.

552. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: improved sharing of information and enhanced national capacity of developing countries to pursue trade opportunities that more effectively defend national interests should lead to better international trade negotiation outcomes and increased fish exports.

553. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: increased exports will benefit national fisheries sectors, including small-scale operators, create jobs and raise incomes for poor people and contribute to overall food security, with a particular benefit derived by women, many of whom work in fish processing and food distribution.

Objective(s)

554. Increased collaboration and exchange of information on key fisheries trade issues and an improved capacity of analysts, policy makers and negotiators of developing countries to identify and effectively pursue in international fora, trade opportunities that defend and promote their economic interests and enhance food security.

Indicator(s)

1. Evidence and examples of increased participation of developing countries in fish trade processes and agreements.

Major Output(s)

1. Maintenance and dissemination of the Computerized System of Fish Marketing Information (GLOBEFISH) data collection.
2. Coordination and strengthening of the Fish Marketing Information Services (INFONetwork).
3. GLOBEFISH publications and Web page.
4. Conferences on status and issues of specific fishery commodities and trade.
5. Support to supervisory body for CFC-funded projects.
6. Organisation of bi-annual sessions of COFI Sub-committee on Fish Trade.
7. Report on monitoring the impact of fish trade on food security.
8. Support to implementation of WTO agreements.

555. This entity covers advisory services and support to field activities falling under Programme 2.3.3.

Programme 2.3.4: Fisheries Policy

Code

Type

Title

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

234A1

TP

Coordination and Monitoring of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

234A4

TP

Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management

234A5

TP

Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development

234P2

CP

Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture

234P3

CP

Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management

234S1

TS

Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements

234S2

TS

Direct Support to Countries in Fisheries Policy and Management

Legend

Greater than zero, less than US$ 1.5 million

US$ 1.5 million to 3 million

US$ 3 million to 5 million

More than US$ 5 million

556. Only minor modifications are envisaged in the substance under this programme. It will continue as a major priority to provide Members, IGOs¹⁰⁷ and regional fisheries bodies with advice on fisheries policy and fisheries management. This advice is rooted in analytical studies, and ongoing monitoring of the implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. An important dimension is the social and economic analysis of major trends in aquaculture and capture fisheries production, coupled with other normative activities undertaken in interaction with Members.

557. The consequence of the lower level of resources in the PWB 2002-03 than foreseen in the MTP 2002-07, was inadequate support for the implementation of the various IPOAs agreed and strongly supported by COFI. The level of resources proposed to 2004-09 would remedy this.

Rationale

558. Development problem to be addressed: in 1995, the FAO Conference adopted the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries to meet the urgent need to rationalise the fisheries sector. This project spearheads implementation of the Code, which involves, at varying degrees, all units in the Fisheries Department and associated regional teams.

559. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: national and international fisheries policies and management practices that better reflect the principles of the Code of Conduct will lead to an improved and sustainable economic, social and environmental contribution of the fisheries sector.

560. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: the optimisation of the contribution of fisheries to achieving benefits in terms of food, employment, recreation and trade as well as ecosystem and socio-economic well-being will benefit populations throughout the world.

Objective(s)

561. National and international fisheries management practices, policies and legislation better reflect principles and provisions of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, specifically including gender concerns.

Indicator(s)

1. Number and examples of countries adopting the Code and implementing corresponding management practices and legislation reflective of the Code's provisions.

Major Output(s)

1. Regular monitoring and reporting to COFI and the UN General Assembly on progress with the implementation of the Code.
2. Dissemination of the Code, technical guidelines, International Plans of Actions and Strategies concluded within the Code's framework.
3. Support to implementation of approaches for sustainable livelihoods in fishing communities.

Rationale

562. Development problem to be addressed: access to coastal fishing grounds in many countries is uncontrolled, and can often lead to over-exploitation of fish stocks, declining catches, falling incomes and worsening of living standards for fishing communities and for those serving these communities. Management plans for these areas are lacking, and where they exist, often do not prove effective.

563. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: better management practices and controlled access to coastal fishing grounds will lead to a more sustainable exploitation of these resources.

564. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: a sustainable balance in the harvest of coastal fish resources will benefit the environment of concerned countries and lead to improved livelihoods of fisherfolks, their families and related communities.

Objective(s)

565. Countries will adopt methods, practices and management plans that better control access to, and exploitation of their coastal fisheries resources.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of countries implementing or modifying plans for control of access and exploitation of their coastal fisheries resources.

Major Output(s)

1. Analysis of coastal fisheries management approaches.
2. Global dissemination of lessons learned and methods used for planning and implementation of improved coastal fisheries management systems.

Rationale

566. Development problem to be addressed: current quantities of fish and shrimp, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, are insufficient to ensure adequate supplies of animal proteins, and wild fish stocks are already heavily exploited. Aquaculture has the potential to contribute substantially to increasing fish supplies, but past aquaculture development and management efforts by governments have been largely ineffective.

567. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: favourable policies and a supportive commercial and trade environment will stimulate national and international concerns to invest in the large-scale, modern aquaculture enterprises needed to achieve a significant and rapid boost to fish supplies.

568. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: access to increased supplies of fish, shellfish and molluscs, as well as increased employment in aquaculture and associated industries and services will benefit communities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective(s)

569. Improved national policies, strategies and legal and economic instruments in support of commercial aquaculture investment, development and trade that is sustainable in environmental and social terms.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of countries adopting policies that specifically promote sustainable commercial aquaculture development and trade.

Major Output(s)

1. Reports on sustainable commercial aquaculture.
2. Workshops for promotion of sustainable commercial aquaculture.
3. Report on impacts of commercial aquaculture.

Rationale

570. Development problem to be addressed: continued long-term investment in the capture fisheries and aquaculture sectors is essential to ensure sustained food production levels and their economic viability. The success or failure of investment decisions largely depend upon the accuracy of information used to gauge sectoral trends and future prospects. Developing countries in particular lack sufficient resources to develop this information by themselves.

571. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: improved identification and funding of services and productive assets for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development by public and private sector stakeholders and enhanced international and regional collaboration will lead to increased production capacity.

572. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: enhanced capture fisheries and aquaculture activities and institutions through better direction of investment will benefit fisherfolks' livelihoods, as well as consumers through increased fish availability.

Objective(s)

573. Improved identification and funding of services and productive assets by public sector administrations and private sector enterprises for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development; enhanced international and regional collaboration based on a more accurate and common understanding of long-term trends and emerging issues.

Indicator(s)

1. Examples and success stories of improved resource allocation and investment decisions of public and private stakeholders using FAO's outlook studies and analyses.
2. Examples of emerging consensus on fisheries issues and policies at the international and/or regional levels based on the use of, or citing FAO studies.

Major Output(s)

1. State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA).
2. Projection of world fish consumption by country in 2020.
3. Monitoring and analysis of emerging issues with implications for fisheries and aquaculture at global, regional and national levels.

Rationale

574. Development problem to be addressed: exploitation of aquatic resources in many areas of the world is unsustainable, threatening long-term availability of fish supplies and sectoral employment. In order to reduce and prevent current excessive use of fish stocks, Members require assistance in developing, implementing and enforcing binding agreements and regulations to impose restraint on the part of fishers.

575. Proposed contribution to problem resolution: international fisheries policies and instruments and appropriate national fisheries management plans, institutions and regulations will lead to increased sustainability of capture fisheries and growth of economically-viable, environmentally-safe aquaculture.

576. Intended end beneficiaries and benefits: more sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources will benefit consumers, through more secure, affordable access to fish and optimised public expenditure on fish products, as well as fishers and others deriving livelihoods or economic benefits from the sector.

Objective(s)

577. Improved fisheries policies and instruments in support of the sustainable use of internationally shared resources and implementation of national fisheries management plans, institutions and regulations consistent with international instruments and reflecting local social and economic concerns.

Indicator(s)

1. Number of countries implementing specific fisheries management plans and related institutions and regulations.
2. Number of international fishery instruments adopted in support of the sustainable use of fishery resources.

Major Output(s)

1. International instruments and guidelines concerning fisheries management and policy issues.
2. Consultations, workshops, and case studies in support of national policy development.
3. Economic and institutional policies for ecosystem-based fisheries management.

578. The above two entities, hitherto merged into one TS, are now shown separately for the sake of clarity, distinguishing between support to fisheries bodies and advisory services falling under Programme 2.3.4.

¹⁰³ Committee on Fisheries

¹⁰⁴ Fisheries Global Information System

¹⁰⁵ Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

¹⁰⁶ Global Environment Facility

¹⁰⁷ Intergovernmental Organizations