ANNEX 1

TRAVEL ITINERARY

17 June: Tehran

18 June: Tehran: Meeting in Shilat (Government Fisheries Organization) and visit to the UNDP Office

19 June: Tehran - Bandar Anzali (by car)

20 June: Bandar Anzali (Gilan Province): Visited Fisheries Research Institute and Anzali lagoon

21 June: Bandar Anzali and Gilan Province: Visited Sad-e-Sangar (Dr. Behesty) Fish Farm near Rasht: Siahkal Fish farm; Agricultural Complex Hatchery/ Farm; Jehad Hatchery; two reservoirs near Rasht

22 June: Bandar Anzali and Gilan Province: Visited Astara Lagoon; Darband Reservoir; Abas-Abad Reservoir; Training and Experimental Fish Hatchery/ Farm at Pul-Astaneh

23 June: Bandar Anzali and Gilan Province: Visited Kelardasht Coldwater Fish Farm (Bahoner)

24 June: Sari-Gorgan, Mazandaran Province: Visited Sameskandeh Warmwater fish Farm; Lapu Lake, 20 km from Sameskandeh; Torkaman Fisheries Research Branch; Gorgan Bay

25 June: Gorgan and Mazandaran Province: Visited Vochmgir Barrage; Return to Tehran

26 June: Tehran

27 June: Tehran: Meeting in Fisheries Department; Preparation of Training Programme; draft Project Proposal.

28 June: Tehran: Preparation of Anzali Lagoon Draft Project Proposal

29 June: Tehran: Visited Latian Water Supply Reservoir

30 June: Tehran - Khorramabad (by car)

1 July: Khorrambad - Ahwaz: Visit to Getineh Zadeh Fish Farm (private); Karkheh-Dez canal connection; Salman canal

2 July: Ahvaz and Khuzestan Province: Visited Shadegan marsh; Bayuz Hatchery and Fish Farm site (under construction)

3 July: Ahvaz - Shiraz (by road)

4 July: Shiraz and Fars Province: Visit to Aquaculture Fisheries Branch. Fars Province; Doroudzan reservoir on the Kor River; Marvdasht Coldwater Fish Farm (Martyr Foundation)

5 July: Shiraz - Tehran (by car)

6 July : Tehran: Finalization of the Draft Project Documents (UNDP)

7 July : Tehran: Debriefing in the Department of Fisheries and in UNDP

8 July : Tehran: delay in departure

9 July : Tehran - Rome

ANNEX 2

PERSONS MET

TEHRAN

Fisheries Department (Shilat):

Dr. S. Moini, Deputy Managing Director, Training and Research
Mr. R. Fatemy, Officer-in-Charge of the Research Programmes
Mr. E. Elahi, Inland Water Fisheries Expert
Mr. H. Siahmakoon, Deputy Managing Director, Inland Water Fisheries, Rearing and Production
Mr. Mohri, Acting Deputy Managing Director, Training and Research
Mr. H. Emadi, Deputy Managing Director, Production and Utilization

UNDP:

Mr. Dar, Resident Representative
Mr. M. v.d. Schulenburg, Deputy Resident Representative
Mr. Pournik, Programme Officer

GILAN PROVINCE

Bandar Anzali Fisheries Research Institute:

Mr. A. Shariati, Director, Bandar Anzali Research Institute
Mr. Kouchikian, Biological Laboratory
Mr. Gorouhi, Inland Waters Laboratory
Mr. Behfar, Microbiology and Fish Diseases Laboratory
Mr. Shayegan, Limnology, Physico-Chemical Laboratory
Mr. Sahily, Fishing Gear and Technology Laboratory
Mr. Ashouri, Experimental Hatchery/Fish Farm

Other persons met in the Gilan Province:

Mr. Adib, Director-General of the Gilan Province Fisheries Branch
Mr. Rastegar, Manager, San-e-Sangar (Dr. Beheshti)Fish Farm
Mr. Jalili, Laboratory Manager, San-e-Sangar (Dr. Beheshti) Fish Farm
Mr. Ghardash Khani, Technical Deputy to the Director General of the Gilan Province Fisheries Branch
Mr. Hoseini, Manager, Training and Experimental Fish Farm at Pul-Astaneh
Mr. Miar, Manager, Kelardasht Cold Water Fish Farm (Bahoner)

MAZANDARAN PROVINCE

Mr. Amiri, Manager, Sameskandeh (Shahid Rajaee) Warm-water Fish Farm
Mr. Abbas Moradi, Director, Torkaman Fisheries Research Branch
Mr. B. Maghsoodi, Fishery Biologist, Torkaman Fisheries Research Branch

KHUZESTAN PROVINCE

Mr. Rezaie, Manager, Aquaculture Branch, Ahvaz
Mr. M. Tavassoli, Fish Culture Expert, Aquaculture Branch, Ahvaz

FARS PROVINCE

Mr. Ghasem Zadeh, Fish Culture Expert, Aquaculture Fisheries Branch, Shiraz
Mr. Raiis Zadeh, Manager, Marvdasht Coldwater Fish Farm, (Martyr Foundation)

ANNEX 3

DRAFT PROJECT DOCUMENT

1. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

The rapid development of fish hatcheries for production of carp fingerlings for stocking purposes has led to production of a sufficient number of seed not only for stocking of fish ponds, but also for stocking a variety of reservoirs and lakes throughout the country. Chinese carp and common carp have been disseminated in this way with the objective of rapidly increasing fish protein supply. However, at present, there is little understanding of numerous factors which may influence the growth and production of stocked fish in the great diversity of Iran impoundments and other water bodies. While some of these water bodies may have characteristics which will allow a significant increase in fish production through stocking practices, others may have a poor carrying capacity, and high stocking rates may not result in any substantial increase in fish production. There is a need for Iranian specialists working in the field of fish culture, inland fishery development and other related fields, to better understand the factors determining reservoir and lake aquatic productivity, interactions between physico-chemical factors, and between biological and physico-chemical factors. Conditions determining the natural fish food productivity need to be explained, and the possible interactions between fish species, especially the endemic and the stocked ones, need to be highlighted. The different geographical areas of Iran with different environmental and ecological characteristics of inland water bodies demand different stocking and harvesting strategies. Maximizing fish production from inland waters has also to be performed in the multiple-use context of aquatic resources, which places a special demand on managerial decisions. Because the use of water for hydroelectricity production, irrigation, and domestic water supply can cause the water level to rise and drop rapidly, special approaches such as the use of extensive aquaculture through cage culture may be required. Harvesting of large reservoirs is chronically difficult. In the future, stocking of fish may also be applied to derelict (usually saline) waters and to swamps. Stocking of rivers will also continue where migratory stocks have ceased to reach spawning and nursery areas due to dam construction and water uptake.

The main goals of the training course are:

• to increase the knowledge of Iran's inland waters with fisheries development potential;

• to explain physico-chemical and biological background of fish production, and to use this knowledge for estimating fish stocking rates for various Iranian waters;

• to discuss harvesting methods;

• to assess other approaches for increasing inland water fish production, such as extensive aquaculture, etc.;

• to assess the potential of river floodplains, marshes, backwaters, mangroves and derelict waters for fish production.

II. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE

To organize and execute a six-week course in inland fisheries development using fish stocking as a major tool for increasing fish production from a great diversity of water bodies.

Venue: Sad-e-Sangar, near Rasht, plus one week in the field.

Duration: six weeks - 1988

The maximum number of participants: 25

III. WORK PLAN

The Shilat will:

• select the trainees;

• nominate the Director of the course and interpreters;

• arrange for lodging, catering, transport, lecture room, and one lecturer;

• assemble the trainees for the period of the course;

• arrange for the necessary equipment for practical classes and field work;

• ensure discipline is maintained during the period of the course;

• the Director, together with the lecturer will arrange the field work and transport, etc.;

• arrange medical facilities in accordance with the law in Iran.

At the end of the course the Shilat will issue certificates to the successful participants.

The Iranian lecturer will cover topics as agreed between him and the Senior Lecturer.

IV. INPUTS TO BE PROVIDED BY FAO

Four lecturers, i.e.:

• One Senior Consultant Lecturer with good theoretical and practical knowledge of limnology and reservoir fisheries management in countries of western Asia, including Iran - 6 weeks.

• One Consultant Lecturer with good theoretical and practical knowledge of fish biology, ecology, zoogeography and stock assessment - 3 weeks.

• One Consultant Lecturer with good theoretical and practical knowledge of extensive aquaculture practices such as the use of cages, fish pens, and their construction; also integrated aquaculture - 3 weeks.

• One Consultant Lecturer on the use of floodplains, mangroves, lagoons and derelict waters for fishery development - 3 weeks.

Duty Station: Sad-e-Sangar Fish Farm, near Rasht.

V. REPORTING

At the end of the course, the FAO Senior Consultant will prepare a Terminal Statement and a short report on the training course with recommendations for further action. He will also edit or arrange for editing of the lectures presented during the training course, and submit them for publication as a FAO Fisheries Department document, to be produced in sufficient number of copies for wide distribution. It is understood that the same publication will be translated into Farsi and published independently by Shilat.

VI. GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION

• nominate the Director, Lecturer and Interpreters for the course;

• select a maximum of 25 suitable trainees, either with a university degree or medium level in one of the following subjects: fish biology, fisheries, freshwater biology (marine biology), fish culture, limnology;

• provide lodging, catering and necessary medical coverage for the trainees, both in the place of the course and during their field work: the same for the Director, Iranian lecturer and interpreters, if required;

• provide necessary stationery for the trainees and lecturers;

• provide transport for the trainees and lecturers for the field work;

• provide a lecture room and laboratory for practical work;

• provide the necessary laboratory and field equipment;

• provide accommodation (at their own expense) for the consultant lecturers.

VII. PROJECT BUDGET COVERING EXTERNAL INPUTS (IN US$)

TRAINING COURSE IN INLAND FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT

Syllabus of lectures

1. Types of inland waters; their distribution in western Asia and their annual rhythm.

2. Physico-chemical and biological characteristics of inland waters: lakes, reservoirs, rivers and their floodplains; floodplain lakes; derelict waters; mangroves.

3. Fish species of Iran; biology, ecology, zoogeography, stocks composition; introduced species.

4. Inland fisheries of Iran - a review: Caspian Sea Basin - sea fisheries; river fish stocks; lagoons, reservoirs, lakes, floodplains. Persian Gulf Basin - rivers, lakes, swamps, reservoirs, lakes, mangroves.

5. Fish stock assessment; fishing effort; data collection; statistics.

6. Estimates of inland water productivity: primary, secondary (nonfish)

7. The significance of aquatic macrophytes for fish and fisheries.

8. Estimates of potential fish production.

9. Review of suitable fish species for stocking.

10. Stocking strategies for enhancement of inland fisheries; criteria for classification of water bodies for stocking; selection of suitable fish species for stocking.

11. Transfer of fish species; exotic fish species introductions; Code of Practice for introduction of new species; dangers of uncontrolled transfers; eradication difficulties.

12. Factors to be considered in a successful stocking programme: water quality; stocking densities; predator/prey relationships; size of stocked fish; transfer of fingerlings from hatcheries to water bodies; position of hatcheries.

13. Extensive and semi-extensive aquaculture methods for fish production enhancement: cages, pens, enclosures.

14. Fish food and fish feed.

15. Integrated fish farming methods; fertilizing reservoirs and lakes; eurtophication; fertilizer inputs from agriculture.

16. River and floodplain fisheries: Importance of the natural rhythm of rivers for fish reproduction; migrations.

17. Irrigation canals and their potential for fish production.

18. Harvesting fish from inland water bodies.

19. Inland water bodies as environment manipulated by multiple-use practices; how can the fisheries optimize fish production under constraints.

20. Mangrove use for fish production; aquaculture versus capture fisheries.

21. Rice cum fish culture.

22. Non-fish production from inland water bodies; major organisms, their economic importance; crayfish, penaeid prawns, freshwater prawns, molluscs.

23. Use of remote sensing in inland water, fisheries development and management.

24. Major fish and crayfish diseases.

ANNEX 4

DRAFT PROJECT PROPOSAL

1. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

Anzali Mordab (lagoon) is situated in northern Iran, Gilan Province. This lagoon is connected with the Caspian Sea, and until some years ago it was an important source of fish. Its present surface area is estimated at less than 35 km², and it continues shrinking in size. The reason for this could be seen in the uptake of water for irrigation from some of the seven inflowing rivers, with the result that such regulated flow leads to a more rapid growth of aquatic plants (emergent reeds, dominated by Phragmites australis, submersed plants dominated by Myriophyllum, and floating plants dominated by Trapa natans) and their encroachment onto the open water areas.

In the 1950s this lagoon was yielding up to 5 000 t of fish per year, predominantly the migratory kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum). This was followed by a gradual decline in catches of this highly valued and priced fish species, as well as other fish species, and at present there is no significant finfish fishery in this lagoon. In June 1987, an intensive fishery for crayfish Astacus leptodactylus was initiated, which has yielded about 12 t of crayfish in the first 20 days of trapping. The number of baited traps used is 10 000. Most of the crayfish are exported to turkey, in refrigerated trucks, but part of the catch is used for stocking selected reservoirs and lakes. Such stocking must be considered at present as being experimental, as little is known about the habitat requirements of this organism. Inevitably, for lack of this knowledge, the crayfish are also stocked into unsuitable habitats and this results in their high mortality and failure to establish themselves in some water bodies.

The knowledge of the current fish stocks in the lagoon is meagre. There is a great need for studies of biology and ecology of individual fish species. Monitoring the impact of heavy commercial exploitation of crayfish on its environment, including finfish, is essential for understanding any eventual changes in this ecosystem. Anzali lagoon is an important breeding and nursery ground for a number of fish species, but little is known of the current fish species composition and on the use of this lagoon by migratory fish species. The lagoon is connected with the sea, but the impact of the Caspian Sea on the lagoon is probably minimal as the sea has hardly any tides. However, some impact could be expected from the gradual rise in the sea level of about 110 cm since 1977. If this rise is to continue, the lagoon will soon flood the lowlying pastures, currently only some 20–30 cm above the sea level. Such flooding would further enhance the lagoon's fish stocks. The connection between the lagoon and the sea is of importance for migratory fish species. This connection is represented by a narrow mouth, built up on both banks for a distance of some 1 km, and there is some pollution entering the canal mouth. The extent of this pollution is not known, but if it were to exceed certain limits, it could effectively function as a barrier for the migrants and prevent them from entering or leaving the lagoon.

Apart from being an important finfish and crayfish nursery and grow-out habitat, the Anzali lagoon serves as an important bird nesting and wintering ground. It is among the internationally listed protected wetlands because of its importance for migratory birds.

Two major man-made impacts seem to disturb at present the ecological equilibrium of this lagoon: (i) the regulation of the incoming waters by their uptake for irrigation, with the presence of dams and weir-type structures blocking the migratory path of economically important fish, especially kutum; (ii) the attempt to speed up the through-flow of floodwaters by digging canals, which would have led to an increased drainage rate of the lagoon water during the dry periods. This amelioration attempt has stopped, and if it had not been halted it would have resulted in dewatering of major parts of the lagoon. The attempt to ameliorate the lagoon shows the conflict of interests in increasing the area of arable land by drainage, and the wildlife conservation and fishery interest in maintaining or even enlarging the water surface area.

The situation as at present demands an urgent effort to study the lagoon to clarify its importance for fish, both resident and migratory, and to safeguard a proper environment, both for the fish and for crayfish. Studies on fish and crayfish stocks of all kinds are needed, as well as studies of factors determining the suitability of Anzali lagoon as a habitat for commercially important species.

The main goals of the project are:

• assessment of the lagoon's importance as breeding, feeding and habitat for economically important fish and crayfish, especially the following species: Rutilus frisii kutum, Stizostedion lucioperca, Astacus leptodactylus;

• collection of baseline information on fish stocks-related water quality parameters, such as annual range in water temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, water inputs and outputs, types and quantities of aquatic plants, etc.;

• in the mouth of the lagoon, mapping of organic and other types of pollution, salt water penetration, aquatic plants distribution;

• monitoring of fish species composition and fish stocks through experimental fishing, their growth rates, food, breeding periods, and migration movements where such take place;

• monitoring crayfish densities under the impact of intensive fishing pressure and close monitoring of crayfish health, provision of timely advice on possible impacts (such as populations becoming highly dominated by young animals as a result of the fishing pressure), and timely introduction of regulatory measures;

• assessment of changes in the crayfish-finfish relationships under fishing pressure;

• monitoring the impact of the changing in the Caspian Sea level on the lagoon;

• assessment of frog species composition, reproduction rate, their stocks and evaluation of their economic importance, as well as their possible impact on fish eggs/fry;

• liaison with the Government Environmental Agency, which should become involved in the assessment of the lagoon for non-fishery uses, such as the importance of the lagoon for bird nesting and wintering, recreation (including boating, recreational fishing, picnicking), etc.;

The project should conclude with recommendations on the feasibility of the rehabilitation of fish stocks of especially Rutilus frisii kutum through fingerling stocking, and of any other commercially important fish, including the possibility of introducing a limited number of grass carp for control (limited) of the submersed aquatic plants, thus reducing the siltation rate and encroachment of reeds. It should also provide advice on the rational exploitation of crayfish for sustained yield.

This project is to become the first in-depth inland water fisheries-related study in Iran. It should serve as a model case study for similar problems faced by some other water bodies in Iran. Also, it should provide much needed on-the-job training in up-to-date field and laboratory techniques and in evaluation of the data on which to base future fishery development strategies.

II. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE

1. To evaluate the aquatic environment of Anzali lagoon for its significance for commercially important fish and crayfish stocks; to put forward proposals for rehabilitation of finfish stocks in the lagoon, with the major objective of re-establishing stocks of kutum, pike perch and some other fish.

2. To study the biology of crayfish and to monitor changes in their population structure under the impact of intensive fishing; to give timely advice on any measures needed for protection of this resource and for maintaining its high sustained yield and health standard.

3. To train Iranian experts in the scientific approach to fishery management of inland freshwater bodies, especially lagoons and lakes.

III. WORK PLAN

The project will be coordinated by a Technical Adviser (TA). The TA will fully participate in research work and evaluation of the data, as well as provide on-the-job training to the counterparts. During his absence, two qualified Iranian counterparts will be fully responsible for the data collection, through field and laboratory work, and for smooth running of all facets of the project.

The Shilat will select the counterparts who should be available from the beginning of the project. They will participate in all joint research activities and they are also expected to develop their own lines of research within the project's major goals as given above. In their activities they will be guided and advised by the TA, but they will share the responsibility for the project execution as they will be in charge of the project for 15 out of 24 months of its duration.

The approximate timetable for activities will be:

IV. INPUTS TO BE PROVIDED BY FAO

One expatriate Technical Adviser with at least 7 years of expertise in the field of inland fish stocks assessment, fish biology and limnology, physicochemical water analysis using modern methods, and a proven expertise in evaluation and synthesis of the collected information. Experience in formulating recommendations, in guiding and training other technical personnel and in advising the Government on selected aspects of inland fisheries development is also required.

Duration: 9 months; Duty Station: Bandar Anzali.

LIST OF EQUIPMENT

1. Limnological equipment for field water quality observations and measurements.

2. Collecting equipment for water and plankton samples and for fish larvae/fry.

3. Experimental fishing gear, i.e. nets, traps, markers, floats, buoys, etc.

4. One fibreglass work boat and one outboard motor.

5. Limnological laboratory equipment for routine analysis of water chemistry, using up-to-date methods and analytical equipment.

6. Laboratory equipment for analysis of biological samples, this to include balances, scales, drying oven, microscopes, microscope lamps, laboratory glass and chemicals, dissection instruments, containers, preservation fluids, etc.

7. Personal computer for the storage and evaluation of the data; printer and the necessary software.

V. REPORTING

The TA should report in 6 monthly intervals on the progress of the work to the FAO Fisheries Department, with a copy to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran; the final report to be provided by the end of the duration of the project. The TA will also prepare a Terminal Statement for FAO on the completion of his assignment.

VI. GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION AND SUPPORTING ARRANGMENTS

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, through Shilat will:

• nominate two fully qualified counterparts, each with at least five years of experience in aquatic ecology, field data collection, laboratory analysis (biological and chemical) and data evaluation, to be fully responsible for the smooth running of the project during the absence of the Technical Adviser;

• provide laboratory building with the necessary furniture;

• provide accommodation for the counterparts, and accommodation at reasonable cost for the TA and the UN Volunteer;

• provide one vehicle for field work, a pick-up type or similar for transport of staff, gear and equipment to and from the area of investigations;

• assist with the importation of one duty-free outboard motor, personal computer and any other required duty-free items;

• make available workshop facilities for repairs of equipment, outboard motor, construction of additional experimental gear, etc., as needed;

• provide fuel at no cost for the vehicle and outboard motor, as well as free of charge repairs for the same;

• arrange for the necessary entry and exit visas for the TA and UNV;

• provide inland transportation cost for the official meetings and discussion attendance by the TA and counterparts, when required to be present in areas distant from their duty station;

• provide one part-time secretary/typist for three days/week, one typewriter, stationery, as well as office furniture;

• provide one casual worker for field work, for cleaning and maintenance of the laboratory;

• cleaning material, i.e. brooms, rags, detergents, toilet paper, etc.

VII. PROJECT BUDGET COVERING DONOR'S INPUTS (IN US$)

ANNEX 5

DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR AN INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON THE
CASPIAN BASIN FISHERIES RESOURCES

Purpose of the meeting:

To clarify the present situation and to discuss ways for optimizing the Caspian Sea fisheries and fisheries for semi-migratory fish. To stimulate future collaboration on enhancement of the Caspian Sea basin fisheries between the riparian countries.

Justification:

Climatic changes over the last 50 years have led to considerable decrease in the Caspian Sea water level, which, since 1977, has been followed up by a gradual water rise. Manipulations of watersheds mainly by damming and irreversible water abstractions, have led to reduced water inputs into the Caspian Sea. Many rivers have lost the flood cycle in their lower reaches, thus making fish spawning, nursing and growth on floodplains impossible. In all, fish stocks of Iran and the USSR have suffered, and fish catches have been declining. To counteract this decline, measures have been taken, over a number of years, by both riparian countries to regularly stock the Caspian Sea and rivers with young fish produced in hatcheries/fingerling farms. While this appears to have halted the decline in sturgeon stocks, and has even led to an increase in catch, less success has been reported with the semi-migratory riverine fish. There the situation remains critical, with some rivers (e.g., the Atrak) and the adjacent sea area having very poor or no fish stocks. The quantity of water to be abstracted largely for irrigation is going to further increase and this will aggravate even more the already critical situation.

A review of current management measures for maintaining healthy fish stocks is needed. This could be done through an international meeting, with Iran and USSR participation, and also scientists from other countries directly involved with special topics, such as sturgeon propagation, genetics and possibly others.

The following are some topics which could be included in the technical discussion:

• the Caspian Sea water level changes in the past, and the predicted future changes: how this affects the fish stocks;

• river flow modifications and irreversible water uptake in the USSR and Iran and their implication for fisheriers;

• commercial fish landings from the Caspian Sea: (i) USSR, (ii) Iran;

• historical overview of fish stock enhancement measures and a critical account of their success or failure: (i) USSR, (ii) Iran

• sturgeon fishery and current fish stock enhancement practices: (i) USSR, (ii) Iran;

• semi-migratory fish stocks and fish landings from such fisheries: (i) Iran, (ii) USSR;

• fish food base situation: impact of enhancement measures through transfer of aquatic invertebrates;

• present fish stocking strategies and stocking rates: species and their seed hatchery production, stocking rates, mortalities;

• areas in need of international collaboration: the Iran viewpoint, the USSR viewpoint;

• outlook for the future of the Caspian Sea fisheries and for fisheries for semi-migratory species: (i) Iran, (ii) USSR;

• Recommendations for future activities.

The meeting should also discuss the ways of improving technical cooperation in the fisheries of the Caspian Basin, especially that concerning research, exchange of information, application of innovations in hatcheries/nursery techniques, and training.

Organization of the meeting:

This international meeting is to be organized either in Iran or in the USSR, subject to the outcome and agreement of preliminary discussions. In Iran, the Bandar Anzali Caspian Sea Research Institute is a suitable venue for the meeting. Accommodation is relatively easily available, and visits to rivers, hatchery/ fingerling production farms and, if in season, to sturgeon fishery activities can be arranged.

The FAO Fisheries Department, if requested, could offer to assist with arrangements for the meeting, especially with channelling the organizational correspondence and providing a Technical Secretary who would work closely with the country's organizing committee, and assist in the running of the meeting. He would also assist with the editing (English) of the proceedings of this meeting. FAO offers to publish such proceedings in its series of technical papers produced by the Fisheries Department.

Preliminary timetable for the organization of the meeting: