Major Programme 2.3: Fisheries

Distribution of Resources by Strategic Objectives

Major Programme 2.3

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

2.3.1

Fisheries Information

2.3.2

Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture

2.3.3

Fisheries Exploitation and Utilisation

2.3.4

Fisheries Policy

Legend

Greater than zero, less than US$ 1 million

US$ 1 million to 2 million

US$ 2 million to 4 million

More than US$ 4 million

Main Substantive Thrusts and Priorities

468. The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, the recently-developed International Plans of Action, together with other international fisheries instruments, provide the framework for national policies aiming at responsible, long-term development in fisheries and aquaculture. The major programme facilitates the implementation of these instruments and provides assistance in the management, development, marketing and use of the fisheries and aquaculture resources. Most of the activities are multi-disciplinary and often involve cross-sectoral cooperation with other programmes in the Organization as well as national and international institutions, centres of excellence and the private sector. In addition, where relevant, activities specifically address the enhancement of women's contributions to the development of the sector, and safety of all involved in the fisheries industry.

469. The need for more responsible and environment-friendly fisheries is recognised globally and the major programme will contribute to: conservation of all exploited ecosystems, with focus on those particularly at risk; rehabilitation of those already damaged; and promotion of environmentally sound, sustainable development. The major programme will also support the use of technology needed to reduce discards and any negative impact on the environment from fishing activity. Principles and guidance for ecosystem-based fishery management will be further developed and promoted with policy-makers.

470. The major programme reflects the significant role of fisheries in combating food insecurity. This includes priority work to develop sustainable rural livelihoods in small-scale fishing communities and activities to improve emergencies preparedness to lessen their adverse impact on fisheries and aquaculture. Major outputs in several programme entities also address sustainable increases in food supply through enhancing the contribution of aquaculture and inland fisheries to food security, and supporting the development of small-scale fisheries and fishery-dependent communities.

471. Major Programme 2.3 will promote the participation of developing countries in international trade, including through the enhancement of fish quality and safety systems, as well as the use of under-utilised resources and lower-value species. It will assist in the formulation of national strategies for quality and safety in handling and marketing of fish and fish products, as well as government policies to enhance safe consumption and fair trade, including training to improve compliance with the provisions of World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements.

472. Monitoring and coordination of the implementation of the Code of Conduct are important aspects of reinforced policy and regulatory frameworks. Assisting Members in building the foundations of good fisheries management; an effective legal framework; institutional capacity; and efficient monitoring, control and surveillance arrangements, are essential elements of successful implementation. Policy work includes assistance in the coordination and implementation of effective fisheries management and strengthening of regional fisheries bodies. Specific attention will be given to monitoring and analysis of subsidies in fisheries and to management of fishing capacity.

473. The major programme aims to improve the quality of, and access to, information of strategic value for fisheries managers, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), funding institutions and the public at large. The development of a Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS) will be completed in 2003. This will be a unique, integrated, policy-oriented information resource base to aid in the development of global, regional and national statistical and information systems and in the monitoring and analysis of data and trends. Other fisheries information products, such as the State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2002 (SOFIA) and the CD-ROM Atlas on World Fisheries, will be completed. There will be due emphasis on improving the quality and timeliness of information and statistics.

474. Attention to gender issues will include, in particular, new databases on employment in primary production and fish processing with gender disaggregation; guidelines for small-scale aquaculture with gender dimensions; support to regional networks of women working in fisheries; and assessment of the role of women in fisheries in selected countries.

Resources

475. Programme 2.3.1, Fisheries Information, is to benefit most in relative terms (nearly 9.0 percent) from the net increase in resources for the entire major programme.

476. Proposed staffing changes include: two new posts of statisticians (one for Asia and the Pacific); one of technical editor; and several other new professional posts to fill critical gaps, e.g. dealing with aquaculture economics, fisheries resources, and aquaculture development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Most of these posts are at junior grade levels.

477. Besides the reinforcement of the two programme entities related to fisheries information (231A1 and 231P1), this strengthening of expertise translates into higher resources for a number of other entities, e.g. 232A3 and 232A5, and 232S1 dealing inter alia with advisory services on aquaculture.

478. Worthy of note are also the incremental activities on food safety and processing technology under technical project (TP) 233A4 and active support to the implementation of the FAO-sponsored International Plans of Action (IPOAs) under continuing programme activity (CP) 234P3. Greater attention to enhanced language coverage in both meetings and publications activities is also facilitated by the net increase in resources under the pertinent entities.

479. The decrease under entity 232A2 reflects transfers of resources to 232A1 (because of the demand for better aquaculture management with lower environmental impacts), 232P1 (to improve the contribution to SOFIA and global monitoring), and 232S1 (in support of the field programme and countries' requests for assistance). The change also reflects a shift of emphasis from production to management, as a consequence of the negative environmental impacts of aquaculture in some areas (mangrove deforestation, diseases outbursts, etc.) and the bad image this important food producing sector was consequently acquiring.

Programme 2.3.1: Fisheries Information

480. This programme provides comprehensive information and statistics on fisheries and aquaculture, in support of analysis, policy-making and planning, to Members and the international community at large. The development of the Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS) will continue under 231A1, relying extensively on extra-budgetary funds. This work will build on efforts to improve access to existing fisheries information and statistics, and make available current information on the status and trends of fishery resources, the latter in partnership with regional fisheries bodies. The programme also covers the development of norms and standards for collection and exchange of fisheries information and statistics; technical advice and assistance on information and statistics collection, processing and exchange programmes of Members and regional fisheries bodies.

231A1 - Development of the Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS)

481. Objective: to improve access to, and disseminate, good quality and timely information for governments, policy-makers and other users in support of responsible fisheries, aquaculture and trade.

482. Approach: this TP is to use leading edge technology, in conformity with World Agricultural Information Centre (WAICENT) norms, to further integrate Fisheries Department (FI) databases and information, and make this integrated information readily accessible. Additional information on status and trends of fishery resources will be provided in partnership with regional fisheries bodies. In order to enhance contents, common standards, classifications, formats and protocols will be developed.

231P1 - Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics

483. Objective: to provide to Members and users at large, verified global fishery, aquaculture, aquatic sciences and fisheries information and statistics and related standards.

484. Approach: collation, verification, analysis and dissemination of information and statistics will continue, with due emphasis on improving quality and timeliness through the increased use of computerised data submission and screening tools. In close cooperation with Members, a plan will be developed to rehabilitate and improve the collection, analysis and reporting of information on the status and trends of fisheries, so as to enhance and streamline reporting at the national, regional and global levels. In this connection, norms, standards, definitions and classifications will be developed.

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

485. This entity is to cover direct advice, methodological guidelines, operational tools and training to improve national fisheries information and statistics collection, processing, dissemination and exchange. Capacity building for Members and regional fisheries bodies will be continued, also through regional workshops as a cost-effective mechanism.

Impact of ZRG Resource Levels
The effort envisaged for enhanced collection and dissemination of fisheries statistics, would be undermined by the deletion of the proposed new post of Fisheries Statistician for the Asia and Pacific Region, which could not be established under ZRG resource levels.

Extra-budgetary Resources

486. Under 231A1, it is expected that donors will support the development of the FIGIS system during the biennium. Other extra-budgetary resources are being sought, to develop the FIRMS sub-system of FIGIS.

Programme 2.3.2: Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture

487. The programme assists Members in ensuring the sustainable contributions of marine and inland water fisheries and aquaculture to food supplies, food security and general economic growth, and aims at conserving the ecosystems on which these contributions are based. This is to be achieved through advice to Members on improved management practices in marine and inland fisheries and aquaculture, including conservation and rehabilitation of inland and coastal habitats and resources. Further, the programme provides technical advice for the sustainable development of under-utilised marine fisheries resources, where appropriate. Advice is also provided on the expansion of sustainable aquaculture (particularly in food-deficit countries) through efficient use of resources, sustainable intensification, and integration with agricultural programmes. Programme 2.3.2 will continue to provide strategic data on, and analysis of the performance, trends, principal issues and potentials of marine, inland fisheries and aquaculture sub-sectors. Attention is given to ecosystem problems in the marine environment, a necessary condition for fisheries sustainability. The work programme comprises five technical projects, one continuing programme activity covering FAO's monitoring responsibilities, and one technical services agreement.

232A1 - Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

488. Objective: to promote the sustainable use of fisheries resources and reduce environmental and biodiversity impacts from inland fisheries and aquaculture.

489. Approach: this TP will carry out studies and produce methodologies on conservation, management and rehabilitation of inland water habitats, genetic resources, sustainable use of land, water, feed and seed inputs in aquaculture. Technical guidelines will also be prepared on implementation of the Code of Conduct as regards inland fisheries and aquaculture, and regional and international norms will be developed.

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

490. Objective: to assist countries in increasing aquatic production in inland and coastal areas through sustainable development of aquaculture and inland fisheries for national food security and rural development.

491. Approach: major outputs will include studies and methodologies on the efficient use of resources and health management; and farming systems and practices for the integration of aquaculture with agriculture and rural development, particularly for integrated small-scale rural development. The TP will also promote regional and inter-regional cooperation in rural development, and assist with strategies for inland fisheries and aquaculture in semi-arid and arid countries.

232A3 - Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata

492. Objective: to provide information on species, stock data of potentially or actually exploited marine species and fisheries and advice on composition of stock and catches.

493. Approach: this TP maintains an electronic archive of drawings, photographs, distribution maps and data on species for dissemination through the FAO website and other systems. Other activities include preparation of guides and catalogues of marine resources and the improvement of the Population Dynamic Database (POPDYN) and related software.

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

494. Objective: to satisfy member countries' and stakeholders' need for summaries of trends and events in world fishery resources, including concerns about impact of human activities on marine production, habitats and ecosystems.

495. Approach: the TP includes studies of the ecosystem effects of fishing and of ecosystem variation on fisheries and fishery resources. Main outputs will be publications on the state of world fishery resources and related fisheries-environmental interaction and Reviews of World Marine Fishery Resources.

232A5 - Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources

496. Objective: to promote appropriate policies and technologies to encourage effective resource management and enhance national capacity.

497. Approach: this TP covers methodology development and publications on appropriate, cost-effective resource management and risk assessment and management practices. It includes the determination of Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and effort capacity. The use of methodologies and related constraints at national level will be regularly assessed, and an international consultation on risk assessment and management in fisheries will be convened.

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

498. Objective: to assist governments, development agencies, the private sector and the NGO community in decision making for sustainable development of inland fisheries and aquaculture.

499. Approach: regional studies will address priority areas for research while methodologies will be developed to promote the participatory approach in extension. Training materials will deal with the recognition and support of women's role in the sub-sector. Publications will include: feed and nutrient atlas, a review of aquaculture information systems, reviews of the state of aquaculture and inland fisheries, culture-based fisheries and stock enhancement, evaluation of genetic resource use, and the FAO Aquaculture Newsletter. Guidelines on sustainability criteria and indicators will be prepared and disseminated.

232S1 - Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues and Aquaculture Development

500. This entity is to provide direct advice and training on management of marine fishery resources and on inland fisheries and aquaculture, including gender-specific technical advice. Technical backstopping to field projects is also covered.

Impact of ZRG Resource Levels
This programme would not benefit from the expected important technical contributions of two proposed new specialist posts dealing with marine resources and aquaculture (in the Latin America and Caribbean region) and attendant non-staff resources. Accordingly, entity 232S1 covering advisory services to countries would need to be reduced, as well as several outputs under other entities .

Extra-budgetary Resources

501. Under entity 232A1, extra-budgetary resources are anticipated in order to support the first meeting of the COFI Sub-committee on Aquaculture and the development of an information system on aquatic animal diversity.

502. Several projects are supporting the general thrust of the programme, of which a few are worth mentioning. For instance, the ADRIAMED¹⁵ project, which originated from a request by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), is designed to parallel activities carried out in the Western Central Mediterranean by the sub-regional project COPEMED¹⁶, while focusing on the Adriatic ecosystem. This project interacts with entities 232A5 and 232S1, as it encompasses activities concerning the implementation of the Code of Conduct, and GFCM's recommendations in the field of resources assessment and monitoring.

503. Another regional project (MedSudMed) is to develop methodologies and tools of major relevance to entities 232A4 and 232S1. The well-established Nansen programme, making use of ship-borne surveys to determine fish abundance and distribution (supported by the Government of Norway), is at present active in the Southeast and Northwest Atlantic Oceans. Its activities contribute directly to entities 232A4, 232A5 and 232S1. Another major project in West Africa is being supported by the Government of the United Kingdom.

Programme 2.3.3: Fisheries Exploitation and Utilisation

504. This programme supports improved fish production, utilisation and trade within the framework of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Emphasis is given to investigations to reduce negative environmental impacts of fishing operations, promotion of by-catch reduction technologies and increased utilisation of under-exploited resources. These activities will reduce wastage in fisheries, supporting rebuilding of stocks and biodiversity.

505. Assistance to the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries will contribute to food security and employment in coastal areas. The programme also supports building of national and regional capacity in fish inspection, quality assurance and value addition technology, as well as promoting nutritional and health benefits of fish consumption. For trade promotion, accent is placed on improving the access of developing countries to timely marketing information, analysis and forecasts and the organisation of trade events, in cooperation with INFONetwork (FAO-supported Fish Marketing Information Services).

233A1 - Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries

506. Objective: to monitor the extent of the bycatch problem both qualitatively and quantitatively, and promote new bycatch reduction technologies.

507. Approach: technical documents will be prepared on bycatch reduction options, and manuals for the design, installation and use of bycatch reduction devices. Methodologies and guidelines on handling, processing and marketing of unavoidable bycatch will be issued. Management methods will be developed for reducing discards and the environmental impacts from fisheries, together with methodology to estimate discard rates. The TP also provides assistance to national Plans of Action for the avoidance of incidental catch of seabirds and follow-up of their implementation.

233A2 - Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries

508. Objective: to enhance the contribution of small-scale fisheries to food security and employment, promote appropriate technologies, commercial practices, related methods and approaches, and to foster capacity building and institutional strengthening.

509. Approach: the TP supports training on the development and management of artisanal ports and co-management of fish resources to be accompanied by manuals on participatory extension methods. Technical guidance is provided on diversification of effort from coastal to offshore waters, including measures to store and preserve catch. Other planned outputs will be: publications on improved safety at sea; guidelines leading to national safety programmes and for vessel surveyors; analyses, guidelines and participatory training materials for the integration of small-scale fisheries in coastal area management, fish utilisation, coastal zone monitoring and control systems, access to credit and mutual insurance; case studies on market opportunities; and plans for disaster preparedness.

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

510. Objective: to provide advice on policy changes to increase production from under-utilised resources and to enhance value and utilisation for human consumption of low-value catches.

511. Approach: the TP will provide updated policy options and legal instruments to promote the contribution of under-utilised species to food security. Appropriate technologies will be identified and promoted to sustainably intensify production. Technical papers will be prepared for vessel and gear design, and on-board handling for harvesting selected under-utilised species.

233A4 - Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products

512. Objective: to improve safety and quality of fish products traded internationally and domestically.

513. Approach: major activities are the formulation of international guidelines on hazards and risk assessment and training programmes on fish safety and quality. The TP also assists with the implementation of quality and safety assurance systems, integrating Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), risk analysis and cost effectiveness. Internet-based data will be widely disseminated on hazards, risks and standards. An international meeting on hazards and risks associated with fish and fishery products will be organised. Field trials and storage and acceptability testing of fish oil products will be conducted.

233A5 - Promotion of International Fish Trade

514. Objective: to facilitate the positions of governments in international trade negotiations through better access to timely marketing information, analysis and forecasts; and to promote developing countries' participation in international trade, including use and active membership of INFONetwork.

515. Approach: the TP will support the global network for information and provide technical advice related to international fish trade. It will organise conferences on specific commodity and trade issues and ensure on-going technical support to regional fish marketing information organizations. The TP also covers secretariat services for COFI Sub-committee on Fish Trade.

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

516. This entity covers technical support services to field operations and support and advice to Members and other organizations, including fisheries technology and training institutions and regional fisheries bodies. Issues of fish quality and safety will be adequately addressed. An information base of fishing fleets and gear and related technological developments is maintained and international undertakings reflecting the interests of the fishing industry are supported. Advice to regional agricultural credit associations on provision of credit for small and medium-scale fisheries enterprises is also covered.

Impact of ZRG Resource Levels
Planned work on the development of seafood-related information systems, particularly on food safety, nutrition, processing technology and trade would need to be reduced (projects 233A4, Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products, and 233A5, Promotion of International Fish Trade), as well as work on the environmental impact of fishing operations (project 233A1, Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries).

Extra-budgetary Resources

517. A contribution from GEF (regarding tropical shrimp trawling, the fishing operation with the highest rate of discards) is expected to extend activities on the reduction of bycatch and environmental impact from fishing activities, complementing planned work under entity 233A1. Eleven countries around the globe will participate in the project. Extra-budgetary support is also expected to be provided for activities under 233A5, specifically for the COFI Sub-committee on Fish Trade (by the host government) and for services in the field of international trade in fish and fishery products, as may be specified in future agreements (by GLOBEFISH¹⁷ partners).

Programme 2.3.4: Fisheries Policy

518. This programme addresses the social and economic aspects of capture fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the analysis of policies and management strategies for the fishery and aquaculture sectors. It involves economic interpretation of global information on production, technology development, status of aquatic resources, preservation, processing, trade and consumption. The influence of international economic and social developments as well as the natural factors affecting fisheries resources are analysed. The Programme includes medium and long-term projections of demand and supply of fish and fish products, as well as the maintenance of databases on fishery management and essential fishery issues. Policies and strategies are examined in the context of the management and measurement of fishing capacity, monitoring, control and surveillance of fisheries, as well as the economic and social implications of alternative fisheries management approaches, including the use of subsidies.

519. The programme plays a key role in fostering international cooperation in fisheries, in particular as focal point for supporting regional fisheries bodies and for enhanced cooperation and collaboration with other organizations. The Fishery Policy and Planning Division (FIP) provides secretariat functions to the Committee on Fisheries, the Advisory Committee on Fisheries Research (ACFR) and those FAO regional fisheries bodies serviced by Headquarters.

520. The programme comprises three technical projects, complemented by two continuing programme activities to cover important, ongoing analytical work for the benefit of the membership, and one technical services agreement to support regional fisheries bodies and the field programme.

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

521. Objective: to assist with national policies and strategies in fisheries and aquaculture, and improved management plans leading to the restoration of depleted fish stocks.

522. Approach: this TP will elaborate technical guidelines and other materials for the effective implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, and related International Plans of Action (IPOAs). It will carry out regular assessment of likely future patterns of global fisheries management and aquaculture development and disseminate policy-related data on the role of men and women in the fisheries sector. Reports on the implementation of the Code will be prepared.

234A4 - Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management

523. Objective: to assist stakeholders (fisheries and fishworkers, fisher communities, small-scale and semi-industrial fishing sector, governmental agencies) to achieve a sustainable balance in the harvest of coastal fish resources.

524. Approach: the major activity is to assist fishery-dependent communities in developing methodologies through which they will be able to effectively elaborate participatory fishery management plans and identify associated management instruments.

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

525. Objective: to promote increased consumption of, and trade in, culture fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

526. Approach: the TP will promote the conclusions and recommendation of an FAO Technical Consultation on Legal Frameworks and Economic Policy Instruments for Sustainable Commercial Aquaculture through national seminars to identify constraints to the development of sustainable commercial aquaculture and foster discussions of policy options to counter constraints.

234P2 - Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture.

527. Objective: to provide a factual information base on fisheries and aquaculture for decision making by governments and other interested parties on matters of both national and international concern.

528. Approach: the main activity is the FAO flagship publication, the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA). This entity will also maintain the web-based Fisheries Atlas and produce a CD-ROM version. It will continue work on the projection of future fish consumption, including international trade in fish products.

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

529. Objective: to assist with more effective policies and management in both fisheries and aquaculture.

530. Approach: this CP is essentially to provide information and analysis to foster international understanding on issues such as: the use of economic incentives, how to manage shared fish stocks, how to assist fishing communities in the transition from unsustainable to sustainable fisheries. It will provide assistance, information and training in support of implementation of four IPOAs supporting the Code of Conduct.

234S1 - Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements and Field Programme Support

531. This entity ensures the organisation of, and secretariat services to, the Committee on Fisheries and FAO regional fisheries bodies and arrangements, and supports field activities related to fisheries policy and planning. This involves advice to Members related to the implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, especially on investment in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, management planning, economic incentives, participatory approaches and control of capacity. Advisory services are given to field projects with focus on economic and social aspects of fisheries. A directory of regional fishery management organizations is to be published, while fisheries agreements and mandates of regional fisheries bodies will be updated, as required.

Impact of ZRG Resource Levels
Lower resources availability would be felt principally in terms of much reduced support to the International Plans of Action endorsed by COFI under entity 234P3, Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management, and associated services under entity 234S1, Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements and Field Programme Support.

Extra-budgetary Resources

532. During the biennium, normative work on economic and social analysis of policies and management for fisheries and aquaculture is expected to be strengthened by extra-budgetary funding. This will be used particularly for the study of factors leading to unsustainability and over-exploitation of capture fisheries and in support of the FISHCODE initiative (programme of global partnerships to promote responsible fisheries).

Programme 2.3.9: Programme Management

533. 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.