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Major Programme 2.3: Fisheries

(All amounts in US$ 000)

 

Programme

2002-03 Programme of Work

RG Programme Change

RG 2004-05 Programme of Work

ZRG Programme Change

ZRG 2004-05 Programme of Work

231

Fisheries Information

6,450

290

6,740

(422)

6,318

232

Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture

10,427

971

11,398

(1,222)

10,176

233

Fisheries Exploitation and Utilisation

8,240

457

8,697

(305)

8,392

234

Fisheries Policy

9,448

899

10,347

(545)

9,802

239

Programme Management

5,042

(26)

5,016

(26)

4,990

Total

 

39,607

2,591

42,198

(2,520)

39,678

Main Substantive Thrusts and Priorities

176. The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the International Plans of Action (IPOAs) fostered by FAO, together with other international fisheries instruments, support national efforts for the long-term sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture. Major Programme 2.3 contributes to, and facilitates the implementation of these major initiatives and provides assistance in the management, development, marketing and use of fisheries and aquaculture resources. Most of the activities are multi-disciplinary, often involving cross-sectoral cooperation with other programmes of the Organization, as well as with partners (national and international institutions, centres of excellence and the private sector).

177. Responsible and environment-friendly fisheries requires due attention to the maintenance of the productivity of all exploited ecosystems, with a focus on those particularly at risk, the rehabilitation of those already damaged, and the promotion of environmentally-sound and sustainable technologies. One dimension of this effort is the development and application of principles and guidelines for an eco-system approach to fisheries, including promotion of the concept with policy makers, lead administrators and the industry.

178. The Plan of Implementation adopted by the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in September 2002 recognised the highly important role of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and related instruments. It highlighted several priority areas, most of them already identified by COFI25: the development and implementation of the IPOAs on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and on Fishing Capacity, as well as the implementation of an ecosystem approach to fisheries, restoration of depleted stocks and the establishment of representative networks of marine protected areas. The latter area will require careful evaluation. Directly linked to the WSSD Plan of Implementation, is the growing demand from countries in such important fields as inter alia, policy advice, support to small-scale fisheries, the strengthening of regional fisheries bodies, national capacity building and institutional strengthening.

179. Many programme entities, in effect, are designed to contribute to sustainable increases in the food supply from fisheries, in particular aquaculture and inland fisheries, and the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries and fishing communities (Strategic objective C2). Major Programme 2.3 will also promote the use of under-utilised resources and lower-value species (Strategic objectives C1 and C2); assist with national strategies for quality and safety in the handling and marketing of fish products (Strategic objective B2); and support technologies to reduce discards and any negative impact on the environment from fishing activity (Strategic objective D1). It will also support greater preparedness for emergencies to combat food insecurity by lessening their adverse impact on fisheries and aquaculture (Strategic objective A3). In addition, where relevant, several entities address the enhancement of the contribution of women to the development of the fisheries sector and to safety issues in the industry.

180. Within the overall framework of the Code of Conduct and in response to Strategic objective B1, policy-related activities include: assistance in the coordination and implementation of effective fisheries management; the strengthening of regional fisheries bodies; policies to enhance both safe consumption and fair trade, including training to enhance Members' capacity to comply with the provisions of WTO agreements; close cooperation with international instruments such as the Conventions on Biological Diversity (CBD) and International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

181. Finally addressing Strategic objectives E1 and E2, the major programme will continue to seek improved quality of, and access to information of strategic value for policy-makers, fisheries managers, NGOs26, funding institutions and the public at large. Following the completion of the FIGIS27 project, as a fully integrated, policy-oriented information resource base, emphasis will be directed towards building partnerships with regional fisheries bodies and national centres of excellence in a mutually beneficial collaboration of information exchange through FIGIS. Other major fisheries information products are: SOFIA28 to keep policy makers informed of current issues and developments in the fisheries sector and the CD-ROM Atlas on World Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Changes in Resources

182. The established major thrusts have been maintained, while other emerging priority areas have been incorporated within the existing programme structure. It should be pointed out, however, that the WSSD Plan of Implementation implies a wide range of activities with firm deadlines, which cannot be fully accommodated, even within the proposed real growth (RG) budget level.

183. Proposed staffing changes include three new posts: one Senior Fisheries Resources Officer, to respond to growing demand for ecosystem management considerations in fisheries; one Regional Fishery Statistician to improve fishery statistics for the Asia and Pacific region; and one Regional Aquaculture Officer (in Latin America and the Caribbean) to fill the critical gap for sustainable development of aquaculture and inland fisheries in the Region.

184. This strengthening of expertise translates into higher resources for a number of entities under Programmes 2.3.1 and 2.3.2. Active support is to be provided to the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and IPOAs (234A1), to inland fisheries and poverty alleviation under technical project 232A2, and to CITES (232A4). Furthermore, additional resources are provided to ensure the viability of the COFI Sub-committees on Aquaculture (232P1) and Fish Trade (233A5), for small-scale fisheries work (233A2) as well as for the enhanced provision of fisheries information and statistics (231P1). Also benefiting from additional resources is work on aquaculture (234A5) and the reduction of discards (233A1).

185. While limited additional voluntary contributions are expected to support statistical enhancement work under entity 231P1, very substantial ones are likely to continue to support work under 233A1, especially the GEF-funded project on Reduction of Environmental Impact from Tropical Shrimp Trawling, aiming at the introduction of by-catch reduction technologies and changes of management practices. Limited extra-budgetary contributions will also be forthcoming for GLOBEFISH under entity 233A5, and from various donors to expand work under 234A1 and 234P3. Subject to the adoption of the FAO Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries, extra-budgetary funds may accrue to FAO, under entity 231P1.

Programme 2.3.1: Fisheries Information

(All amounts in US$ 000)

 

Programme Entity

2002-03 Programme of Work

RG Programme Change

RG 2004-05 Programme of Work

ZRG Programme Change

ZRG 2004-05 Programme of Work

231A1

Development of the Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS)

828

(828)

0

0

0

231A2

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

0

857

857

(4)

853

231P1

Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics

4,598

99

4,697

(254)

4,443

231S1

Advice and Technical Support to Member Nations and Regional Fisheries Bodies

1,024

162

1,186

(164)

1,022

Total

 

6,450

290

6,740

(422)

6,318

231A2 - Development of Partnerships for the Fisheries Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS) of FIGIS
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
231P1 - Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
231S1 - Advice and Technical Support to Member Nations and Regional Fisheries Bodies
Objective

Access of Member Governments and the International Community to aquatic sciences and fisheries information and knowledge and to verified global fishery and aquaculture statistics for analyses of trends in the status of exploitation of aquatic living resources, of trends in the industries based on their exploitation and production, on contribution of fish and fishery products to food security as well as the contribution of fish to overall diets, particularly in terms of protein. Improved fishery statistics collection, processing, dissemination and utilisation in member countries. Improved quality of national, regional and global fishery statistics.

Biennial Outputs

Impact of ZRG resource levels

The inability to establish a post of fishery statistician in RAP would hinder needed efforts to improve fishery statistics in the Asia and Pacific region, which remains a longstanding priority area, as it is the world's most important fish producing region. More generally, insufficient resource allocations under 231P1 could directly impact on the quality of FAO fishery statistics and hence accurate reporting to members on the status and trends of fisheries and aquaculture.

Programme 2.3.2: Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture

(All amounts in US$ 000)

 

Programme Entity

2002-03 Programme of Work

RG Programme Change

RG 2004-05 Programme of Work

ZRG Programme Change

ZRG 2004-05 Programme of Work

232A1

Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

1,764

(11)

1,753

(32)

1,721

232A2

Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security

816

226

1,042

(225)

817

232A3

Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata

988

11

999

(163)

836

232A4

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

1,088

236

1,324

(301)

1,023

232A5

Resources Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources

1,024

140

1,164

(80)

1,084

232P1

Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

2,084

34

2,118

(193)

1,925

232S1

Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues

2,663

(1,333)

1,330

(95)

1,235

232S2

Advice on Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development

0

1,668

1,668

(133)

1,535

Total

 

10,427

971

11,398

(1,222)

10,176

232A1 - Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
232A2 - Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
232A3 - Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
232A4 - Monitoring and Reporting on Global Marine Resources and Relevant Environmental and Ecological Changes
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
232A5 - Resources Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
232P1 - Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
232S1 - Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues
Objective

Satisfy needs of governments, NGOs and the fishing industry for an authoritative and neutral source of advice in support of improved and more sustainable use of fishery resources.

Biennial Outputs
232S2 - Advice on Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development
Objective

To assist the Members and other related public sectors through providing technical advice/backstopping and field project formulation / implementation in the field of aquaculture and inland fisheries.

Biennial Outputs

Impact of ZRG resource levels

Insufficient resources would prevent FAO from adequately supporting inland fisheries and their role in poverty alleviation. They would also prevent the establishment of the much needed senior position in ecosystem based management, a field which following the successful Reykjavik Conference in 2001, requires substantial analytical capacity. Furthermore, the vulnerability of the newly established Sub-Committee on Aquaculture would continue under the ZRG scenario. Finally, it will be impossible to establish a post for aquaculture and inland fisheries in RLC, which is a priority for this region.

Programme 2.3.3: Fisheries Exploitation and Utilisation

(All amounts in US$ 000)

 

Programme Entity

2002-03 Programme of Work

RG Programme Change

RG 2004-05 Programme of Work

ZRG Programme Change

ZRG 2004-05 Programme of Work

233A1

Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries

997

289

1,286

(4)

1,282

233A2

Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries

1,370

87

1,457

(68)

1,389

233A3

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

579

(1)

578

(13)

565

233A4

Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products

1,169

(126)

1,043

(3)

1,040

233A5

Promotion of International Fish Trade

1,240

386

1,626

(196)

1,430

233S1

Support and Advice in Fishing Technology, Fish Utilisation and Trade

2,885

(178)

2,707

(21)

2,686

Total

 

8,240

457

8,697

(305)

8,392

233A1 - Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
233A2 - Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
233A3 - Increased Production from Under-utilised Aquatic Resources and Low-value Catches
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
233A4 - Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
233A5 - Promotion of International Fish Trade
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
233S1 - Support and Advice in Fishing Technology, Fish Utilisation and Trade
Objective

Improved skills will increase efficiency of fishing operations and improved handling, processing and marketing.

Biennial Outputs

Impact of ZRG resource levels

Although it has been possible to maintain budget allocations under Programme 2.3.3 above those of 2002-03, ZRG would curtail expanded activities related to small scale fisheries and support to the COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade, both priority areas under this programme.

Programme 2.3.4: Fisheries Policy

(All amounts in US$ 000)

 

Programme Entity

2002-03 Programme of Work

RG Programme Change

RG 2004-05 Programme of Work

ZRG Programme Change

ZRG 2004-05 Programme of Work

234A1

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

1,083

299

1,382

(324)

1,058

234A4

Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management

1,017

(6)

1,011

(71)

940

234A5

Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development

659

178

837

(26)

811

234P2

Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture

1,231

61

1,292

(20)

1,272

234P3

Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management

1,375

165

1,540

(76)

1,464

234S1

Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements

4,083

(681)

3,402

22

3,424

234S2

Direct Support to Countries in Fisheries Policy and Management

0

883

883

(50)

833

Total

 

9,448

899

10,347

(545)

9,802

234A1 - Coordination and Monitoring of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
234A4 - Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management
Objective

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

Biennial Outputs
234A5 - Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
234P2 - Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
234P3 - Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management
Objective

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.

Biennial Outputs
234S1 - Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements
Objective

To improve fisheries management efficiency.

Biennial Outputs
234S2 - Direct Support to Countries in Fisheries Policy and Management
Objective

The secondary users will have access to a detailed assessment of policy issues and to suggestions for how they should be tackled, formulated by experienced analysts. Local analysts will have an understanding of the procedures and judgements which have gone into the formulation of the policy recommendations. This will facilitate acceptance of new policies by national policy making bodies.

Biennial Outputs

Impact of ZRG resource levels

Resources for several programme entities, in particular 234A1 for the Code of Conduct, would have to be reduced. This is unfortunate at a time when the WSSD 2002 Plan of Implementation makes specific reference to the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and its related International Plans of Actions. Therefore, the programme would not be able to address the growing demands from member countries which are directly linked to the WSSD 2002 Plan of Implementation in such important fields as policy advice, support to small scale fisheries, as well as strengthening of regional fishery bodies.

Programme 2.3.9: Programme Management

(All amounts in US$ 000)

 

Programme Entity

2002-03 Programme of Work

RG Programme Change

RG 2004-05 Programme of Work

ZRG Programme Change

ZRG 2004-05 Programme of Work

239S1

Departmental Direction

2,162

97

2,259

(17)

2,242

239S2

Divisional Direction

1,686

43

1,729

(7)

1,722

239S3

Regional and Sub-regional Direction

1,194

(166)

1,028

(2)

1,026

Total

 

5,042

(26)

5,016

(26)

4,990

186. This programme covers the immediate Office of Assistant Director-General (FID), including the Programme Coordination Unit (FIDP), the offices of the division directors and those parts of Regional Office direction attributable to fisheries activities. The increase in programme management under 239S1 results from a technical adjustment in the distribution of the Management Support Service (MSS) of AFD.



25 Committee on Fisheries

26 Non-governmental Organizations

27 Fisheries Global Information System

28 State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture

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