The FAO Conference adopted the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (the Code) in October 1995¹. Awareness of the generally poor state of many of the world’s major fisheries, ineffective conservation and management practices, and the need to ensure long-term sustainable development in the fisheries sector led to the adoption of the Code. The Code is intended to be implemented on a voluntary basis by FAO members, with the assistance of the Organization as and when requested and possible. As a consequence, the Conference called on all countries and those involved in fisheries to collaborate in the fulfillment and implementation of the objectives and principles contained in the Code. Moreover, the Conference requested FAO to make provision in its Programme of Work and Budget to:

• provide advice to developing countries on implementing the Code;
• elaborate an inter-regional programme for external assistance to support the implementation of the Code;
• elaborate technical guidelines in support of the implementation of the Code; and
• monitor and report on the Code’s implementation.

At the same time, the Conference urged FAO to strengthen regional fishery bodies so that they might deal more effectively with fisheries conservation and management, which is the Code’s primary objective.

The resolution of the FAO Conference laid the basis for the FAO Fisheries Department (FAO-FI), with the assistance of the Legal Office, to promote further and assist in the implementation of the Code. To this extent FAO-FI has put in place, directly and indirectly, a range of initiatives to facilitate the creation of an enabling environment at national, sub-regional, regional and global levels, to elicit and facilitate the structural changes required to improve the fisheries sector and its contribution to food security. These initiatives, together with their anticipated results and impact, are considered in subsequent sections of the document.

The Code consists of 12 Articles and two annexes. The last seven Articles lay down the General Principles and address six substantive technical areas covering fisheries management, fishing operations, aquaculture development, integration of fisheries into coastal area management, post-harvest practices and trade and fisheries research. Moreover, the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas (the Compliance Agreement²), approved by the FAO Conference in November 1993³, is an integral component of the Code. Binding in nature, the Agreement will enter into force as from the date of receipt by the Director-General of FAO of the twenty-fifth instrument of acceptance. As at 31 October 1997 the Compliance Agreement has been accepted by Argentina, Canada, Georgia, Madagascar, Myanmar, Norway, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, United States of America and the European Community.

To assist those concerned with the implementation of the Code, technical guidelines are being developed by FAO-FI, as called for by the FAO Conference. The guidelines so far published focus on fishing operations, the precautionary approach to capture fisheries and species introductions, integration of fisheries into coastal area management, fisheries management, and aquaculture development. Other technical guidelines are under preparation.

Article 4 of the Code recognizes, inter alia, FAO Secretariat responsibility to monitor the implementation of the Code and to report to the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) on progress and related developments concerning implementation. It also establishes the possibility for FAO, through its competent bodies, to revise the Code on the basis of developments in fisheries and the reports made to COFI. Consequently, the approach to implementing the Code should be seen as dynamic, and subject to modification as global circumstances in fisheries warrant.

This document sets forth a strategy for FAO-FI to promote the Code's implementation in a coherent, integrated and practical manner. The paper is structured as follows. After general considerations concerning the implementation of the Code, priority issues for its implementation by FAO members are identified, followed by consideration of a rationale for the regional and sectoral adaptation of the Code. Some of the constraints to implementation and their possible solutions are then discussed. Thereafter, the document focuses on the FAO-FI strategy to be followed. The objectives, approach to be taken, and partners involved in implementing the FAO-FI strategy are outlined in the next section. The types of activities to be pursued in implementing the Code are highlighted in terms of field-related or predominately operational activities; regional and sub-regional activities; and headquarters or normative activities. Major thrusts and priority actions are then considered, including global, sub-regional, regional, national and local activities. FAO-FI structural requirements are then reviewed, and expected results and impact together with national reporting requirements for the period 1998 to 2002 are presented. Monitoring, evaluation, follow-up and reporting requirements for the Code's implementation are assessed and the timeframe, resource mobilization and operational arrangements considered.

The FAO-FI strategy as set out here is not an immutable document. Although it is cast in a medium-term setting, the details can be modified, augmented and updated in the light of experience gained.

FAO, as guardian of the Code, has overall responsibility to promote and coordinate its implementation. This responsibility accords with the Organization’s fisheries mandate within the UN System. However, responsibility for the implementation of the Code rests with the countries. FAO-FI’s role is essentially to provide technical support to national initiatives and play a catalytic role at all levels in facilitating implementation.

The Code provides an integrated base from which to address major issues facing the fisheries sector. Given the interrelationships that exist between different fisheries sub-sectors (in terms of exchange of information and impact, e.g. Figure 1), a holistic approach to the implementation of the Code is required. For example, the issue of bycatch is functionally related to a number of other critical fisheries issues including gear selectivity, discards, management, food security, biodiversity, trade, and the production of aquaculture feed. Consequently, in order to deal effectively with bycatch these other issues must also be addressed. At the global level, normative activities in implementing the Code will address all the articles simultaneously and in a systematic and integrated manner.

In accordance with the directions of the FAO Governing Bodies, FAO-FI continues to disseminate information about the Code. This will be improved particularly through:

• the systematic use of FAO’s regional fishery bodies to undertake regional adoption of the Code (including through specific workshops, when necessary) and the collection of information concerning the implementation of the Code by members;
• the organization of training courses for fishers, managers, etc.;
• the Inter-regional Programme for the Implementation of the Code (Inter-regional Programme) as well as other FAO programmes and projects such as the FAO Programme of Fisheries Assistance for Small Island Developing States, supported by extra budgetary funding;
• the direct assistance provided by FAO staff during country missions;
• an integrated information process including publications, academic as well as professional journals, magazines and newspapers, and the production of videos, the State of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) and the Fisheries Digital Atlas;
• the fostering and establishment of partnerships with a range of UN and inter-governmental agencies as well as international and national non-governmental organizations (e.g. CGIAR centres, environmental and fisheries NGOs).

The Code reflects those issues and topics that were considered by FAO Members to be particularly important for responsible fisheries when the Code was elaborated, and these are summarized in Article 6 of the Code: General Principles.

The headings of the articles and sub-articles of the Code provide insight into the diverse areas requiring particular attention (Table 1). Within these areas, the priority activities for FAO-FI action discussed later in this document have been identified by the Department. A common issue considered fundamental to progress towards implementing responsible fisheries practices is that of awareness, education and training. The field experiences of FAO staff have indicated an unacceptably low level of awareness of the Code, its background, and action required amongst those involved in fisheries, particularly of medium and lower levels. This problem requires that considerable emphasis be given to creating awareness and to education.

Article 7 of the Code (Fisheries Management) emphasizes the greater need, in almost all instances, for consultation among stakeholders, greater participation by stakeholders and interest groups in decision-making, and greater transparency in the decision-making process. Hence, participation by interest groups, the use of formal decision-making approaches, and the cooperative development of acceptable and transparent management plans for all fisheries, are stressed as priority issues within this article. Similarly, in Article 11 (Post-harvest Practices and Trade), the need for greater participation by the different interest groups in formulating laws and regulations governing trade is stressed, as is the need for greater transparency in the formulation of measures related to international trade. Within Article 9 (Aquaculture Development), the needs for enhanced collaboration and consideration of the rights of local communities are listed as priorities. Under ICAM/IBAM, with its greater diversity in uses and users, this aspect is given a very strong emphasis.

Also related to decision-making is the call within the Code for the greater use of the ‘best scientific information available’ in any decision-making, as requested by UNCLOS. Arising from this are the priority issues related to the use of sound and relevant biological, economic and social information in fisheries management, which requires the collection of statistically valid data in these and other relevant areas, and their appropriate analysis. This can be greatly facilitated by improved cooperation in data exchange, in turn improved by progress towards comparable and complementary approaches to, and systems of, data collection and analysis. In addition to the obvious need for this in terms of fisheries management, Article 8 (Fishing Operations) stresses dissemination of information on best fishing gear and practices and greater cooperation, and the same theme appears in Article 11 (Post-harvest Practices and Trade). Under Article 9 (Aquaculture Development), there is a reference to the need for the evaluation of the impact of developments on the surrounding environment and resources, and for exchange of information. Within Article 10 (Integrated Management), impact on resources from economic, social and cultural perspectives in decision-making should be considered, clearly requiring suitable information.

A significant feature of the Code is recognition of the potential negative impact that fishing can and does exert in addition to its direct impact on target stocks. This leads to the need to assess and minimize environmental impact; minimize capture of unwanted bycatch species (Article 7: Fisheries Management), prevent destructive fishing practices, and minimize ghost fishing. Similarly, the impact of aquaculture development on the environment needs to be assessed and appropriately minimized (Article 9: Aquaculture Development), while consideration also needs to be given to the implementation of environmentally sound processing, transporting and storage methods (Article 11: Post-harvest Practices).

Obviously, the direct impact of fisheries on the targeted stocks has not been neglected in the Code, and the need for implementation of the precautionary approach, whereby greater caution under greater uncertainty is established as a guiding principle in fisheries management, is emphasized in Article 7 (Fisheries Management).

3.4 Excess Capacity

The problem of excess fishing capacity and the pressure this imposes to maintain high fishing mortality rates independently of the status of the stocks is an important theme in the Code. Arising from this consideration, the need to reduce fleet capacity to appropriate levels is seen as a priority issue, and is closely linked to limitations on entry into fisheries, in turn associated with various forms of property or user rights (Article 7 (Fisheries Management) and Article 10 (Integration of Fisheries into Coastal Area Management, IFCAM)).

It has been widely recognized that inadequate compliance with laws and regulations is a critical concern in many fisheries, and the need to remedy this situation is addressed in the Code. Amongst the priority issues related to promoting compliance is the need for developing appropriate legal and administrative frameworks and effective monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) systems in all fisheries (Article 7: Fisheries Management), education on the Compliance Agreement and promotion of compliance with international conventions (Article 8: Fishing Operations). Moreover, the need for effective regulation of responsible farm and fish health practices, chemical inputs to aquaculture and disposal of wastes are recognized as priorities (Article 9: Aquaculture Development), as is the need for appropriate legal frameworks, and greater public awareness about and compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to integrated management. The importance of a mechanism to promote voluntary adherence to regulations and responsible practices should be stressed in efforts to achieve long-term sustainable fisheries.

In recent decades, the importance and special requirements of fisheries utilizing transboundary stocks have become the focus of considerable attention, including within the Code. The additional requirements for management of these stocks largely relate to the need for improved international cooperation in monitoring and research, determining suitable management measures, implementing management plans, and enforcing regulations, which together add substantial technical and political complexity to the task of achieving responsible fisheries. All the priority issues referred to above are particularly relevant in this case, such as the need for interest-group participation in decision-making; common standards and formats in data collection and analysis; improved data exchange; and cooperation in MCS. There is great need in this issue to improve mechanisms for scientific collaboration at the sub-regional and regional levels.

Finally, the particular situation of developing countries is addressed in Article 5 of the Code which recognizes that some developing countries may lack the capacity to implement all the requirements of the Code, and hence will require assistance from other countries and organizations to make progress in this direction. This issue is reflected as a priority under the Code’s General Principles, and is implicit in many of the priority issues listed under the other articles.

There are several other issues included under the headings and sub-headings of the Code (Table 1), falling outside the major fields considered above, that are regarded as requiring urgent attention from all responsible governments and other agencies concerned with fisheries management and development, if real progress towards responsible fisheries is to be realized. Some of these fields, and some of the issues discussed in the preceding paragraphs, have been identified by FAO-FI for the direct involvement of the Department and are discussed below (see Section 8. Priority Actions and Major Thrusts).

In order to reflect the particular needs and situations of different regions and fisheries, sub-regional, regional and sectoral adaptation of the Code may be desirable in some instances. Such adaptation could foster greater national, sub-regional, and regional acceptance of the Code and further facilitate the implementation of the policy changes necessary in the different fisheries sub-sectors. Adaptation should therefore be encouraged as far as it is consistent with the objectives and principles of the Code⁴.

Following the 1992 Cancún Conference, three years of intensive effort by FAO Members resulted in consensus on a comprehensive text for the Code. During the negotiation process, some local, national, sub-regional and global issues were diluted, or perhaps even avoided in the negotiation process, with a view to finding acceptable global compromises, and ultimately consensus, on a wide range of difficult and controversial issues. Therefore, when considering the implementation of the Code, which must be geared to meet particular national circumstances and requirements, adaptation is likely to be needed in many instances. Such adaptations should not violate the spirit of the Code.

Fisheries may differ widely by region, country and locality within a country, not only from the point of view of resources or harvesting technology but also from a social and economic perspective. In some countries and in some sub-regions and regions, particular fish distribution systems have evolved over a long period of time in order to meet the needs of consumers. These differences affect the level and nature of the contribution that fisheries make to national, sub-regional and regional food security and economies, as well as affecting relative priorities or most appropriate choices of action.

Popular participation in adapting the Code to suit national, sub-regional and regional conditions may lead to enhanced national acceptance of the Code. This is because stakeholders are more likely to regard a locally adapted Code as being ‘home grown’ and somewhat their ‘own’ Moreover, regional adaptation will assist those developing countries that lack the financial and technical capacity to undertake their own national adaptation of the Code.

The initiation of sub-regional and regional activities with respect to adaptation and implementation of the Code accords with FAO’s policy of seeking to strengthen regional fishery bodies (including but not limited to those that fall under the FAO umbrella) and has particular significance for enhancing the management of transboundary stocks.

A useful starting point to commence the process of regional adaptation of the Code is specific sub-regional and/or regional workshops. These workshops could be organized under the aegis of FAO regional fishery bodies in cooperation with FAO regional projects, non-FAO fishery bodies and other FAO partners in order to identify regional priorities, areas of particular relevance, omissions and constraints. The workshops should also provide commentary notes on each of the provisions of the Code so as to ensure that the intent of the provisions is correctly and properly reflected in the respective regionalized provisions. It is stressed that through such a process, adaptation of the Code should not compromise its spirit and intent⁵.

Regional and sub-regional adaptation of the Code is likely to yield the following benefits:

• provision of an intermediate step between a global code and its national implementation, in which countries with similar resources and problems can together identify those problems and look for solutions;
• a sense of direct participation in the Code process, thus facilitating a greater commitment to local and national implementation;
• identification of specific national, sub-regional, and regional problems and priorities, including those relating to different fisheries, gear, and management practices as well as to fisheries enhancement techniques and aquaculture development;
• identification of additional areas which are not specifically or sufficiently covered in the Code but which are important for a sub-region or region;
• identification of major ‘local’ constraints to the implementation of the Code and of approaches needed to address those constraints;
• elaboration of and agreement on sub-regional and regional strategies (including the preparation of technical guidelines) to assist with the implementation of the Code, including its implementation at the national level;
• full utilization of sub-regional and regional expertise, through coordination and elaboration of research and training; Technical Cooperation Among Developing Countries (TCDC); and better coordination of programmes of assistance.

Since the implementation of the Code is intended to improve current practices in all aspects of fisheries activities and to achieve long-term sustainable and responsible fisheries, a range of corrective measures will have to be implemented, principally at the local and national levels. Moreover, taking account of the fact that current practices in harvesting and enhancement technology, aquaculture production, marketing and consumption patterns have historically developed within certain socio-economic parameters, greater emphasis in the adaptation process should be placed on these aspects in order for stakeholders to understand better the need to improve and change their current practices (where appropriate) and the socio-economic implications of such change.

4.4 Sectoral Adaptation

Because of its all-embracing nature, the Code remains insufficiently explicit in some areas. For instance, issues of inland fisheries are not comprehensively addressed in the Code. Inland fisheries are a special case requiring careful interpretation of the articles of the Code directed at conservation of the resource. Most inland waters are controlled by interests other than fisheries, such as power generation, navigation, agriculture or urban demand. This means that much of the policy for allocation of the aquatic resource and its physical context are subject to decisions taken outside the fisheries sector. Under these circumstances, countries aiming at sustainable inland fisheries should take such measures as are necessary to protect them, in conformity with the Code, by enlarging the framework to Integrated Basin Management (IBM). This in turn requires:

• extension of the principles of Article 10 of the Code (Integration of Fisheries into Coastal Area Management), to cover river and lake basins; and
• setting up negotiation mechanisms to protect inland fisheries under multi-purpose use regimes.

Moreover, many inland fisheries, in common with aquaculture, aim at maximizing yields of selected species. This deliberate manipulation of the productivity and composition of the fish stock is apparently at variance with certain provisions of the Code related to ecosystem management and productivity conservation. Consequently, such inland fisheries fall more within the agricultural definition of sustainability, whereby sustainability is a function of the inputs and outputs that can be maintained at no cost to the external environment.

In view of these issues, the strategy of FAO-FI is to:

• elaborate technical guidelines and supporting manuals specific to inland fisheries, in line with the principles of the Code but duly covering specific aspects of these fisheries;
• explore and develop technologies for enhancement that minimize the impact of such fisheries on the environment; and
• disseminate information on rehabilitation of inland fish stocks and environments.

It is expected that the technical guidelines also need to be adapted to specific fisheries, for example, tuna fisheries, temperate trawl fisheries and artisanal fisheries, to meet their particular conditions and requirements. Such adaptations have not been included in the FAO-FI medium-term strategy because it is anticipated that they will be undertaken within the sectoral level. However, within personnel and financial constraints, FAO-FI will respond to requests to assist in such activities.

Governments, international organizations, fishers, ancillary industries and (in some instances) non-fisheries groups are called upon to collaborate in the implementation of the Code. In doing so they may encounter various kinds of constraints. These may be classified as constraints relating to awareness and understanding of the Code; to the availability of resources needed to implement the Code, and to difficulty in accepting some tenets and concepts or prescriptions in the Code.

The lack of awareness and understanding among those who have heard about the Code may stem from not having access to the text, from misconceptions about its contents, and similar problems. The resource constraints include two broad categories: lack of (trained) personnel and funds, and inadequate institutions. The acceptance problem may occur where the rules of conduct laid down in the Code are not consistent with the rules generally applied to solving similar issues in the State concerned or when the social, economic or political costs of the action required appear unacceptable.

It is quite conceivable that virtually all countries will have to address constraints of all three kinds. However, simple lack of awareness and understanding is currently probably the most elementary constraint (and possibly the easiest to solve). In most developed countries the communication infrastructure, resource availability and prevailing paradigms for resolving social conflicts are such that the groups involved in implementing the Code can, within a relatively short period of time, if they so decide, overcome most of the above constraints. In many developing countries, however, and particularly in the least developed countries, the situation is radically different.

In these developing countries, the means to overcome constraints are limited. This means that it will not be enough to simply generate agreement on what is meant by the Code and on how it should, in principle, be best applied. In one form or another, technical and financial resources must be found, internally and externally, to pay for the following three processes: generating the information necessary for the decisions to be taken; arriving at acceptable options and decisions; and implementing (enforcing) those decisions.

However, a systematic and comprehensive review of problems⁶ or constraints may reveal that the agreement has nothing to do with wealth or poverty, and lack of technical and financial resources may not be the only problem, and possibly not even the major problem. There may be, both in government and in the fishing community at large, fundamental differences between the approaches advocated in the Code and those actually employed in the State concerned (a difference which indeed explains the poor state of fisheries in general). These differences may have to do with the relative importance given to natural resources and the environment as compared to economic growth and development or survival. The relative importance given to these factors is linked to the time horizon that individuals take into consideration in their actions⁷, and the rules for decision-making within groups⁸.

These types of constraints must be effectively assessed and addressed⁹, and it will take time and effort to overcome them. However, the time available for the needed change is constrained by the evolving international rules (e.g. for trade) and by the resilience of the resources. A threefold approach for FAO in overcoming these constraints in the countries affected is possible, by:

• assisting in carefully prioritizing the assistance required based on a full-spectrum analysis of constraints, implying that all three categories of constraints (and any others) should be reviewed explicitly;
• assisting in generating external funds on advantageous conditions; and
• monitoring implementation and communicating the results of experiences.

As a rule the first step in assisting a region or State in implementing the Code would be to assist it in "diagnosing" where and how assistance is needed and in what order. That diagnosis should explicitly consider all three kinds of constraints. This means that those who carry it out will be confronted with a formidable analytical task: based on discussions and observations, they will need to generate scenarios with respect to the efforts needed to overcome likely resource and conceptual constraints in an acceptable timeframe.

Once the diagnosis is available, it will in most cases be necessary to mobilize technical and financial resources to support training, education and information generation. This effort may focus on international development banks, major donor countries, larger international and national NGOs and other inter-governmental organizations, and should demonstrate: (i) the need for the resources requested; and (ii) through quantified scenarios, the biological, environmental, social and economic rationale for pursuing them.

Finally, but of equal importance in the struggle to reverse and eliminate the constraints, will be to monitor success and failures rates, and to learn from the process. As work on implementing the Code starts in parallel in all countries, it is likely that there will be savings to be made through applying the successful experiences and avoiding approaches that have failed¹⁰.

The objectives of the FAO-FI strategy in support of implementation of the Code are:

• to promote FAO activities aimed at the implementation of the Code at the local, national, sub-regional and regional levels in a coherent and integrated manner. This should ensure that the major impediments to responsible fisheries are identified and addressed, and that priorities for FAO-FI action are set in accordance with FAO-FI expertise and mandate and through consideration of the impact of such action on progress towards responsible fisheries.
• to facilitate coordination and planning within FAO-FI. The strategy will: help to: ensure that activities are undertaken in accordance with agreed priorities; assist in monitoring progress; and enable evaluation of the degree of success of the activities at the end of the specified period. In particular, the strategy will help in structuring the FAO Programme of Work and Budget.
• to provide a transparent statement on the approach to be taken by FAO-FI over the medium term (1998-2002) in response to the specific instructions given by the FAO Conference, as discussed in the Introduction.

The Code is intended to cover all aspects related to sustainability of fisheries, including aquaculture. Hence, many normative and field activities of FAO-FI can be seen as contributions to the implementation of the Code. However, in order to provide a comprehensive framework and sharp focus for these activities, and to give greater impetus to the implementation of the Code, a clearly defined strategy has been elaborated.

This strategy selectively includes those activities which:

• explicitly refer to, and are driven by, the principles of the Code;
• are deliberately framed within the process of overall execution of responsible fisheries (as opposed to fragmented actions taken in isolation of this context); and
• specifically address recognized weak links in the execution of responsible fisheries as outlined in the Code.

The strategy will be implemented at the following three levels:

• at the global level where FAO-FI activities will be primarily normative in nature and aimed at providing support for policy issues and addressing technical issues of a global nature, as exemplified by the preparation of technical guidelines and the development of information systems. A common methodology for training trainers will also be developed and applied.
• at the sub-regional and regional levels where activities will have two primary thrusts. The first will consist of awareness-raising among groups of countries concerning the importance of, and the need to implement, the Code. The second thrust will be aimed at coordination of management arrangements where there are any, or a combination of, common fisheries resources, common management problems or shared fleets. Other issues, for example, prevention of pathogen transfer, introductions and transfers of alien species, and patterns of aquaculture intensification and expansion, may also be addressed at sub-regional and regional levels. Where a need exists, these issues and activities could be highlighted in regional adaptations of the Code.
• at the local and national levels where activities will primarily involve encouraging and providing support as required for translating the Code into fisheries policy and management measures. This process will require technical and administrative skills and a consultative process with the stakeholders. Different approaches and policies, encompassing the principles of the Code, will be required for different fisheries depending on their particular characteristics (e.g. industrial offshore fisheries and inshore artisanal fisheries, including freshwater fisheries). These could be highlighted in national or sectoral adaptations of the Code.

The approach taken to assist countries to implement the Code will be defined by:

• the partners with whom FAO-FI will be undertaking particular tasks;
• the types of activities that will be used to facilitate implementation of the Code; and
• the FAO-FI mechanisms used in undertaking the different tasks and activities.

Each of these structuring elements is discussed in detail in the following sections.

The implementation of the Code at the national level will require the extensive involvement of stakeholders with a direct interest in facilitating change within the fisheries sector. FAO-FI recognizes that to make better use of scarce resources and to obtain quicker and sustainable gains, there is a need to match complementary skills and collaboration with national agencies (government and non-governmental organizations), regional and international organizations, institutions, individual scientists and technicians, the private sector, consumer advocacy groups and fishing communities.

FAO-FI is also cognizant of the fact that dialogue and peoples’ participation in problem diagnosis and solving, are critical ingredients to sustaining local support. Furthermore, based on past experience, it is known that local knowledge and experience are important for sustaining commitment and ensuring the development of technologies and policies that are consistent with local needs. Consequently, FAO-FI will endeavour, within its own implementation strategy, to promote partnership¹¹ arrangements between governments and all levels of the fisheries and aquaculture industries and their supporting services to ensure a judicious implementation of the Code. The Organization will remain a hands-on actor in the implementation process but will also assign high priority to its dual role of catalyst and facilitator in this domain.

Efforts will also be made to ensure that partnership arrangements are proactive, responsive, flexible, mutually beneficial and based on mutual trust between the parties.

Partnership arrangements will be implemented in a contractual, collaborative or collegial mode, depending on the activity concerned, the type of relationship between FAO and the partner(s), and their capabilities and strengths. Partnership will be particularly sought for activities related to research, teaching, learning or information sharing using training workshops, advisory services, pilot demonstrations, networks, working groups and parties, etc.

The stakeholders, apart from FAO, with direct interest in facilitating the more effective implementation of the Code will include:

• regional fishery bodies, many of which need strengthening to improve the management of fisheries and conservation of resources and environment within their area of jurisdiction;
• inter-governmental organizations and international conventions and secretariats with competence in promoting sustainability in aquatic systems (e.g. other regional organizations, global and regional development banks, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations (UN), the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), and United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UN/DOALOS);
• countries willing to ensure that their resources are used in a sustainable manner, and to improve the nutritional, economic, social, environmental and cultural contribution of fisheries;
• industry, including representatives from industrial and artisanal fleets (including industry and fishing community associations), and aquaculturists and fishers, are essential contributors to sustainability of the sector in order to protect livelihoods of coastal, riverine and inland fisheries communities and all those concerned with the fisheries sector;
• consumer advocacy groups, as they endeavour to ensure that high-quality fisheries products are obtained from sustainably managed fisheries;
• NGOs, and other international and national organizations concerned with the promotion of long-term sustainable fisheries and the environment; and
• bilateral development assistance agencies, including banks, that are prepared to commit funds to facilitate structural adjustment and change in the fisheries sector with a view to promoting sustainable development.

Different types of activities will be necessary at the field, regional and global levels to facilitate the changes required to implement the Code. The nature and scope of these activities will depend on the geographic level of intervention and the nature of the technical changes required in different regions and fisheries. Collaborative arrangements and partnerships will be promoted, as discussed above, according to the type of activities needed.

Project identification: many developing countries continue to lack some of the means and capabilities to undertake the changes required for sound and long-term sustainable fisheries management and development. In close collaboration with donors and financial institutions, FAO-FI will put added emphasis on assisting countries to identify related projects and eventually the provision of support for their implementation.

Identification of financial support: against a trend of decreasing international support for fisheries activities and a growing awareness of management needs, FAO-FI has an important role to play in linking up with donors and financial institutions to facilitate the financing of projects and activities related to the implementation of the Code.

Support to research and training activities: catalytic support to national institutions in areas such as research and education and training will be provided either directly through advisory missions or through the development of specific documentation. In spite of significant progress over the last two decades, many developing countries are still confronted with major constraints in adjusting to new requirements for sustainable development. It is expected that assistance will be particularly needed in planning and designing more appropriate research and training programmes in conjunction with strengthened management frameworks and increased participation in export markets.

Technical assistance: specific advisory services are expected to be a key requirement for enhanced sectoral management in developing countries. This type of support is likely to be particularly needed for sector-wide adjustment (especially with respect to strategic planning and policy development); for the design of specific management schemes in relation to various types of fisheries and aquaculture; and for the adaptation of related policy instruments, including economic, organizational, institutional, and technological adjustments.

Transfer of technology: technologies and techniques are being developed in response to the growing concern for sustainability and responsible fisheries - not only in relation to production per se, but also with respect to research, and monitoring, control and surveillance in fisheries. FAO-FI has an important role to play in adapting these "sustainable" technologies to the needs and means of developing countries and in facilitating their effective transfer.

Assistance with the regional adaptation of the Code: assessments and consultations will be needed to facilitate adaptation (when required). Assessments will relate to the specifics of the resource base and its exploitation, as well as to national and regional specificities and priorities, and the ways and means required for action within each region.

Strengthening of regional fishery bodies: adjustment mandate procedures, structures and technical support, analysis, improved information systems and the preparation of documentation will be required in order to facilitate enhanced fisheries management capability and planning of the development of sustainable aquaculture.

Development of other forms of regional collaboration through networking and workshops: these forms of collaboration will be used extensively to facilitate pooling of research resources, to improve information flows and coordination, and to address effectively common problems and technical issues related to fisheries management and aquaculture.

Technical consultations and workshops: these meetings will be used to address major issues related to sustainable development; to develop appropriate techniques and methods; and to exchange views on major policy options. The meetings may involve experts, policy-makers and stakeholders according to the emphasis and objectives pursued. The strategy will aim at developing consensus in collaboration with other international and regional organizations involved in related activities.

Preparation of technical guidelines and technical documentation: the aforementioned technical consultations and workshops will often lead to the development of guidelines and other guidance and supporting documentation regarding strategies, policies and related technical and policy instruments to be used in support of long-term sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development.

Preparation of technical manuals and related tools: FAO-FI will pursue the development of manuals, software and audiovisuals as a complement to its technical documentation. Emphasis will be given to those tools required to improve fisheries assessments, resource-use planning and analysis in capture fisheries and aquaculture, and to decision-support instruments.

Dissemination of information and integration of information systems: FAO-FI will maintain, upgrade and integrate better its extensive information systems and related databases such as the Aquatic Science and Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA); FISHDAB (statistical databases in the process of integration on fish catches, aquaculture production, production and trade in fisheries commodities, fishing fleets, fish consumption and employment); SPECIESDAB and POPDYN (on the nature and state of marine fisheries resources, respectively); GLOBEFISH (an ‘electronic library’, updated monthly, on all aspects necessary for successful marketing of fisheries products), and FISHBASE (an ICLARM-FAO database on species identification, distribution, ecology and fisheries). More specific information requirements will emerge as the implementation of the Code progresses. Strategic information will be made easily accessible on the Internet and on CD-ROM through, inter alia, the Digital Interactive Atlas on Fisheries (to be integrated later with the Atlas on Agriculture and Forestry).

Identification of research priorities: under the guidance of the newly established Advisory Committee on Fisheries Research (ACFR), and in close collaboration with other leading research institutions, FAO-FI will provide assistance in identifying research priorities and in promoting collaborative research efforts on selected topics of international, regional and sub-regional significance.

Education and training: the collaborative training programme (TRAINFISH), based on the TRAIN-X methodologies widely used in the UN system, and other initiatives will be pursued to support education and training on selected components of the Code.

The issues identified as priorities for action in support of implementation of the Code have been selected according to the following criteria:

• issues for which the Fisheries Department has a direct mandate and responsibility;
• issues of direct relevance to the sustainable use of fisheries resources;
• issues where FAO’s intervention is likely to have the greatest impact in terms of positive changes in the fisheries sector; and
• issues where FAO involvement could have a catalytic effect in promoting such change.

The detailed actions planned by FAO-FI, the activities that will be used to effect them, and the technical issues that will be addressed are shown in Table 2.

The technical guidelines have been identified as important tools in assisting member countries to implement the Code and a high priority is being given by FAO-FI to completing and distributing this series. This will involve the translation of the existing guidelines into the main FAO languages and the production of new technical guidelines in several key areas including: inland fisheries; post-harvest practices and trade; regulation of fishing effort and the problem of over-capacity, and the unique features of artisanal and small-scale fisheries in relation to the Code (Table 2a). A suite of specialized technical guidelines, manuals and codes is also planned under Aquaculture Development (Table 2d). Other additions to the technical guideline series may be identified and produced at a later stage.

In addition to the technical guidelines, information pertinent to progress in fisheries management will be provided through the on-going production of the State of World Marine Resources, the State of World Inland Resources and Fisheries and the State of World Aquaculture as well as the synthesis for COFI on the State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture. In addition, a publication will be prepared that presents and analyzes case studies of fisheries management to identify and compare appropriate systems and approaches for responsible fisheries management under different circumstances (Table 2b). Within the Inter-regional Programme, a series of case studies on fisheries policy, planning and management for both capture fisheries and aquaculture will lead to the publication of supplementary guidelines on these topics. Considerable emphasis will also be placed on provision of information regarding fishing operations, including the production of publications on vessel monitoring systems and fishers’ training and certification, as well as several technical guidelines and manuals on these subjects.

The collection and dissemination at a global level of information on post-harvest practices and trade will also be undertaken, but will be more centred on contributions in fora and direct contacts with the member countries (Table 2f), as will the activities on fisheries research (Table 2g).

FAO-FI is committed to playing a leading role in implementing Article 5 of the Code (Special Requirements for Developing Countries) by mobilizing resources to assist these countries. Proposals for FAO-FI sub-programmes in the Inter-regional Programme have been prepared (see Section 9) and have received commitments for support from some developed countries. Efforts to develop this Programme and also to identify and use other channels to assist in the realization of the goals of Article 5 will continue.

There will also be a strong emphasis on information dissemination at the sub-regional and regional levels, building on and using materials and mechanisms generated at the global level. The technical guidelines, manuals and other materials will be disseminated through regional fishery bodies and similar organizations, supported, where appropriate, by workshops (Tables 2a-g). Where there is an identified need, awareness and acceptance of the Code will be increased by facilitating regional adaptations of the Code to reflect unique regional and sub-regional characteristics (Table 2a), and ensuring that the adaptations do not violate the principles of the Code.

One of the major thrusts in the FAO-FI programme to implement the Code will be the Inter-regional Programme (Section 9). This programme will function principally at the national, sub-regional and regional levels. It will incorporate much of the field activity required by the FAO-FI strategy and facilitate implementation of the Code in the regions and countries selected for the field activities. In addition, it will generate substantial information on problems and constraints, as well as successful approaches in the implementation of the Code. Activities are planned within the areas of fisheries policy, planning and management, provision of scientific advice in fisheries management, MCS and the role of NGOs in sustainable fisheries. Activities may be added in other areas if financial support can be found.

The problems of fisheries concerning shared stocks are frequently regional or sub-regional in nature, and activities are planned to address these problems, such as the provision of advice to countries, on request, in management of such stocks, including in the establishment of shared stocks management arrangements. In addition to the resource aspect, countries within the same region frequently have common problems related to fishing operations of foreign fleets, post-harvest practices and trade, and integration into coastal area or basin management. Several activities are planned in these areas; for example, regional workshops on the management of small-scale fishing ports (Table 2c); aquaculture in the Mediterranean; aquaculture health management in Asia-Pacific (Table 2d); and improving fish utilization (Table 2f).

Within the area of fisheries research, it is planned to develop new, and strengthen existing, regional networks to promote joint programmes and facilitate methodology transfer, and sharing of information and ideas to overcome or alleviate common problems.

Information sources specially designed for the various fisheries stakeholders will be produced and distributed. This material will include pamphlets (Table 2a) and may also include video material. The Internet will also be used, complemented as necessary by other media (including CD-ROM) to increase the presently limited availability of relevant information in many countries.

Inevitably, many activities related to implementation of the Code at the national level will be ad hoc requests for technical assistance and these activities will continue as usual, making use of material and expertise developed. Such activities are anticipated in all the implementation categories.

Finally, as noted above under sub-regional and regional activities, the Inter-regional Programme will include a substantial number of field projects at the national level (Table 2a). These will include projects designed primarily to collect and analyze information on existing fisheries practices, with a view to developing or clarifying principles of responsible fisheries management and practices. However, there will also be activities in which steps will be taken to implement positive changes in provision of advice for fisheries management, including the development of effective MCS systems. In these cases, the existing problems and constraints will be determined and suitable approaches to solve them in a manner consistent with the Code will be identified and implemented. It will be impossible in these field studies to cover all developing countries. However, where the needs are likely to be greatest, they will be undertaken in circumstances where it is considered that substantial progress can be made and where the catalytic effect of FAO-FI involvement is likely to be greatest in terms of both national and regional benefits.

The FAO-FI initiative in support of the implementation of the Code of Conduct will be undertaken within a number of its mechanisms and programmes, which include the following:

• coordination within FAO-FI by the Assistant Director-General through special meetings of the Departmental Senior Staff Meeting (DSSM) involving all Directors and Service Chiefs. This group will meet periodically to receive reports on the different components of the implementation programme, to evaluate these reports and to advise and direct the leaders of the components, as appropriate, to ensure coordination and efficient and effective attainment of the objectives of the overall programme. The Programme Facilitator of the Interregional Programme, the Coordinator of TRAINFISH, and a representative from the Legal Office will be coopted to the DSSM for the special meetings. Other persons may be coopted to these meetings on an ad hoc basis.
• activities undertaken with normative funding from the FAO-FI Regular Programme. In this regard, it should be noted that the COFI Sessions in 1995 and 1997 gave priority to the implementation of the Code, including preparation of technical guidelines and practical initiatives in fisheries management and aquaculture.
• the Inter-regional Programme. This has been established to seek extra budgetary funds to assist developing countries to implement the recommendations of the Code. The Programme consists of 11 sub-programmes, listed below:

A Programme Facilitator, with secretarial support, will be funded under sub-programme L to ensure overall coherence between the various sub-programmes as well as coordination with:

• other related activities being carried out in cooperation with the FAO Field Programme and the work of regional fishery bodies; and
• other HQ-based activities being undertaken with extra-budgetary support from donors, including those of the Aquatic Research Support Unit, and training activities that will, to a great extent in the long term, be coordinated by the cooperative training network TRAINFISH.

Linkages between TRAINFISH and the Inter-regional Programme will ensure that training materials developed by the Programme will be adopted by TRAINFISH, thus ensuring the sustainability and coherence of strategic activities. In addition, the Programme will take account of some field activities undertaken by the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), an instrument that enables FAO to respond speedily to urgent requests for short-term assistance. It will make use of the possibilities offered by improvement of the Technical Cooperation between Developing Countries (TCDC) and the Technical Cooperation between Countries in Transition (TCCT) programmes.

The proposed strategy will involve a substantial increase in the activities of FAO-FI, particularly through the Inter-regional Programme. Included in this will be a dedicated budget that is likely to approach and may exceed US$ 10,000,000, and the recruitment of both full-time and contract staff to implement Programme activities. These staff will be operating both in the field and at headquarters. This will impose substantial operational requirements on the Organization and additional arrangements will be made to cope with this.

The primary objective of the FAO-FI strategy is to facilitate substantial progress towards implementation of the Code by FAO Member and other countries within the next five years. The results expected from the strategy reflect this fundamental objective. The expected results and impact of implementing the strategy in the medium-term period 1998-2002 are outlined below. Table 3 lists some of the indicators that can be used to assess the progress. The results listed below are wide-ranging and ambitious, and reflect progress that can only be made if all those engaged in the fisheries sector within the States, NGOs, and other organizations cooperate in implementing the Code. FAO-FI plans to contribute to achieving these goals, as discussed above, but can be only one participant in what must be a global effort. The strategy put forward here for FAO-FI is dependent on the availability of suitable funding, both Regular Programme and extra budgetary, and changes in the anticipated budget or failure to secure the required extra-budgetary funds will require appropriate modification of the strategy.

In considering expected impact arising from the implementation of the Code, it should be recognized that there is little benchmark information available with which to compare future results. This is because the compilation of such information would be an onerous, if not impossible, task and the implementation of the Code commenced prior to any benchmark assessments having been made, except on the state of living resources. In other fields, the historical information on fisheries and management systems is such that the measurement of progress and results achieved will necessarily be somewhat qualitative in nature.

A further consideration is that with a global strategy of this type, many generalizations must be made. However, through the regional adaptation process, and with the elaboration of national plans and measures to implement the Code, a greater degree of specificity in actions to be taken should be possible.

The general impact will be reflected within the following categories:

• greater acceptance of the Code and its principles as manifested by both an increased awareness of the rationale underlying them, and a measurable increase in the extent of its implementation as seen from national reports to COFI, the press, and the scientific literature.
• changes in laws and regulations relating to fisheries and adjustments in fisheries policy, to bring them in line with the requirements of the Code.
• improved implementation of policies, laws, and regulations as reflected by better enforcement and compliance as well as changes in attitudes and practices within governments, the fisheries sector at all levels, non-governmental organizations and the public at large.
• improvements in the average status of the world’s living aquatic resources and the benefits derived from them. The growth and recovery rates of many aquatic resources are such that there will be lags of several years, extending in some cases to decades, between changes in fisheries levels and methods and the recovery of stocks. Nonetheless, some measurable improvements in the status of the resources and possibly the yields are expected within the five years covered by this strategy. Similarly, the implementation of practices aimed at, for example, reducing waste, improving distribution, improving food safety standards and improving health standards should show results and substantial benefits within this timeframe.
• in food-deficit countries, progress in implementation of the Code should start the trend towards improvements in food security, and poverty alleviation and sustainable development within the period of this strategy. In some case, where fisheries are a minor contributor to the wealth and food production of a nation, such benefits will only be felt at the local level. In cases where fisheries are an important part of the income and food production of a State, benefits should increase proportionately.

Increased dissemination of information on management systems, techniques and tools:

• case studies of fisheries management and comparative analyses identifying best practices;
• better knowledge of benefits and costs associated with fisheries under alternative management strategies and harvesting practices;
• management guidelines at global and regional levels on key issues such as adjustment of fishing capacity; management of small-scale fisheries, multi-species tropical fisheries, and inland fisheries; and user rights for regulating access and effort;
• better knowledge of the biological, economic and social impact of bycatch and discards with emphasis on shrimp fisheries, as well as on fisheries where sharks, birds and mammals are taken incidentally; and guidelines and action plans to reduce the negative impact of such fisheries;
• improved and integrated global databases on stocks, fisheries, production and trade.

Enhanced information and data to guide transparent and participatory decision-making management processes:

• wider collection and multi-disciplinary analysis of biological, ecological, social, economic and institutional data using common standards and formats;
• a reduced level of statistical uncertainty associated with estimates of stock status, biological potential and economic performance of fishing operations;
• guidelines for the development and interpretation of sustainability indicators in fisheries.

An increased number of fisheries where trends in resource abundance and the economic performance of fleets have been reversed through preparation and implementation of transparent and participatory management plans for national and transboundary fisheries:

• wider adoption and application of the precautionary approach;
• rationalized regulatory and economic incentive schemes;
• implementation of capacity reduction programmes, reduced excess fishing capacity and fleet over-investment, in parallel with the promulgation of suitable entry limitations for important commercial fisheries based on property- and user-rights schemes;
• wider participation of interested parties in decision-making within the management planing process and development of various forms of partnership arrangement;
• promotion of more effective management measures, based on comprehensive biological, economic and social assessments in line with management policies and objectives;
• more cost-effective monitoring, control and surveillance policies and programmes, and increased enforcement of fisheries and related regulations;
• wider recognition and reconciliation of traditional and customary rights with management policies and measures;
• decreasing conflicts between competitive segments in the fisheries sector through, inter alia, the enhanced use of allocation schemes and limited-entry systems.

Strengthened policy, institutional, legal and administrative frameworks for fisheries management:

• increased national technical and institutional capacity to address policy, social and economic aspects of fisheries management and to integrate them into management decision-making processes;
• enhancement of fisheries management organizations and arrangements, with particular emphasis on improved structure and functions of regional fishery bodies;
• enhanced coordinating mechanisms among institutions having fisheries management planning-related competencies, at global, regional, sub-regional and national levels, and reduced external and internal externalities.

Monitoring and certification:

• 25 percent of all vessels over 100 tons monitored by Flag States and/or coastal States with VMS systems;
• 75 percent of all vessels over 50 tons required to complete fishing logbooks;
• improved certification and training of fishers, better conditions of work and service for fishers, improved safety of fishing vessels, and safety legislation implemented for smaller fishing vessels, through ratification of existing Conventions of IMO and ILO (presently not in force);
• better exercise of Flag State responsibilities: improved monitoring of their vessels fishing on the high seas or in the waters of other States, as requested by the Compliance Agreement and the UN Fish Stocks Agreement; leading to a decrease in unauthorized fishing activities and increased monitoring of fishing authorizations by FAO.
• implementation of marking of all fishing vessels and 50 percent of all fishing gear using, as appropriate, uniform and internationally recognized systems;
• better exercise of the Port State responsibilities enabling them to assist Flag States in the implementation of the Code.

Fishing practices:

• standard methodologies developed by ICES and FAO-FI for improved fishing gear selectivity, and increased international cooperation in research into gear selectivity;
• better dissemination of information on successful selective devices and strategies and technology transfer; this is expected to lead to a 50-percent reduction in catch of non-target species in shrimp fisheries, and a 20-percent reduction in non-target species in other fisheries;
• guidance given to countries on how to measure destructive fishing activities and ghost fishing.

Environmental considerations:

• methodology introduced by FAO-FI for measuring the impact of fishing activities on the marine habitat and the identification of sensitive areas in which specific fishing activities should be restricted, leading to a 50-percent decrease in impact on the marine habitat from fishing activities;
• better observation of MARPOL measures for prevention of pollution of the marine environment from fishing activities, and implementation of standards and technical guidelines for exhaust gas emissions from fishing vessels;
• phasing out of 80 percent of CFCs and HCFCs used in freezing systems on fishing vessels, phasing out of all halons in fire extinguishers, and adherence to international technical guidelines for the disposal of CFCs, HCFCs and halons.

Increased awareness:

• the Code’s articles and technical guidelines widely disseminated;
• solid foundation generated for constructive interactions, discussions and joint activities with major relevant stakeholder groups, including private sector groups such as producers’ associations, sport fishers' clubs, inland fisheries associations (commercial and academic), and input suppliers (seed suppliers, feed manufacturers, drug manufacturers, etc.); social and environmental advocacy groups, and government authorities, not only fisheries and aquaculture line agencies but also institutions responsible for rural development, water management, land-use planning, environment, public health, etc.

• improvement in use of resources (seed, feeds, water, land) and inputs (equipment, drugs, etc.), particularly through more cost-effective choice and application of inputs and resources with increasing requirements and demands for safe, ‘green’, and higher-quality products;
• improvement in farm management and siting, especially through more efficient operation and maintenance of farms, and regulated selection and allocation of farm sites;
• improvement in fish health management, resulting in a reduction of disease-related losses, in particular by the application of systems management approaches, and the prevention of pathogen transfers;
• better broodstock management and hatchery techniques, resulting in improved quality of seed;
• better genetic resources management and genetic improvement practices of farmed fish;
• improvement in fisheries enhancement techniques, including regulated access and fishing effort, and more effective application of fertilizers, environmental engineering and stocking measures, combined with environmental rehabilitation and restoration of water bodies utilized;
• reduction of environmental impact from aquaculture; for example, through the wider application of EIA and environmental monitoring, wastewater treatment, etc.;
• integration of practices of aquaculture, inland capture fisheries and fisheries enhancement vis-a-vis other resource users in river and lake basins and coastal areas, and the increased recognition of aquaculture, inland capture fisheries and fisheries enhancement as responsible and legitimate users of shared resources.

Capacity building:

• capacity strengthened in the private and public sectors, particularly in developing countries, in order to provide sustainable food supplies from aquaculture.

Policy, planning and legal framework:

• increased adoption of the principles of integrated coastal area management and integrated inland water basin management as frameworks for fisheries management;
• sectoral responsibilities identified in the coastal zone, and appropriate coordinating and integrating arrangements established;
• the frequent involvement of the authority designated for fisheries in the development-planning and permit-giving process in coastal area projects and programmes;
• improved policy, legal and institutional frameworks for coastal resources management that take account of the fragility of ecosystems.

Participation and regulation:

• increased number of instances in which fisheries stakeholders or their representatives are given the opportunity to participate in the decision-making processes about coastal resources uses;
• traditional and customary rights to coastal resources more systematically identified and protected, if not in contravention to sustainable development;
• enhanced public awareness of the need for the protection of the coastal zone, and participation in decision-making by those affected by coastal developments;
• regulatory and economic incentive schemes in place to achieve sustainable resource-use patterns.

Conflict resolution:

• reduction in frequency of user conflicts;
• measures to protect artisanal fisheries;
• proactive and pre-emptive measures taken to avoid or minimize conflicts over the use of coastal resources;
• coastal resources valued, taking into account economic, social and cultural factors, in support of judicious decisions on their allocation and uses.

Precautionary approach and regional cooperation:

• precautionary approach adopted explicitly and applied to prevent or minimize the possibility of damage to the coastal environment from pollution, habitat destruction and excessive resource use;
• suitable mechanisms established to provide early notification among neighbouring countries of activities that may have an adverse transboundary effect on the coastal environment;
• effective mechanisms of cooperation and coordination established among national agencies with responsibilities over coastal areas and resources (ICAM, ICZM) within which fisheries are included.

Capacity building:

• technical and institutional capacities of fisheries agencies strengthened to allow sound integration of fisheries into the coastal management process.

Utilization and quality assurance:

• effective national food safety and quality assurance systems established and harmonized;
• economic and social role of the post-harvest fisheries sector duly considered in national policies for the sustainable development and utilization of fisheries resources;
• increased public sponsorship of fish technology research, application of environmentally sound processing, transporting and storage methods, and reduced losses of fish through improved handling, processing and marketing;
• increased utilization of otherwise discarded fish where this is consistent with good management practices, and increased use of fish for direct human consumption rather than for reduction;
• improved identification of the origin of traded fisheries products;

International trade:

• measures affecting international trade in fisheries products made transparent; based, when applicable, on scientific evidence and in accordance with internationally agreed rules; trade measures not discriminatory; trade barriers and distortions eliminated; trade further liberalized; and no hidden trade barriers created;
• increased cooperation through agreements regulating trade in endangered species, and agreements for trade in live specimens drafted, formulated and adopted;
• cooperation and active participation in relevant regional and multilateral fora achieved in order to promote equitable, non-discriminatory trade in fisheries products, as well as wide adherence to multilaterally-agreed fisheries conservation measures;
• minimization of environmental degradation and adverse impact on the nutritional rights and needs of people resulting from international fish trade and export production; laws, regulations and administrative procedures transparent, simple, comprehensible and, where appropriate, based on scientific evidence;
• consultation and participation of industry as well as environmental and consumer groups in the development and implementation of laws and regulations related to trade in fisheries products become general practice; laws, regulations and administrative procedures applicable to trade in fisheries products simplified;
• trade standards harmonized in accordance with relevant internationally recognized provisions; collection, dissemination and exchange of timely, accurate and pertinent statistical information established and maintained; and interested parties informed promptly about the development of and changes to laws, regulations and administrative procedures (applicable to international trade in fisheries products).

Global coordination:

• FAO-FI’s inputs to research stimulated and coordinated by the FAO Advisory Committee on Fisheries Research (ACFR) ;
• donor-funded Aquatic Resources Research Support Unit, hosted within FAO-FI, actively promoting priority setting, project formulation and funding of fisheries research in developing countries; a number of ACFR Working Parties organized on specific research issues; priorities established and an indicative plan available.

Regional cooperation:

• establishment of regional cooperative research programmes made up of national inputs, and possible donor funding; stimulated and coordinated by regional fishery bodies.

National frameworks:

• national institutional frameworks for determining applied research needs in fisheries strengthened, particularly through FAO regional fishery bodies.

The Code is a far-reaching document and the requirements for its implementation are complex, frequently costly in the short term, and may have substantial social and political implications. The rate of progress in implementation is therefore likely to be different in different countries and incremental rather than rapid and dramatic. The rate of progress will depend heavily on some critical steps and, for example, may be accelerated if a system of rights-based fisheries is adopted, with cascading effects on capacity reduction, economic organization, and compliance.

Important progress has already been made in attempting to disseminate and promote the Code. Most, if not all, regional fisheries organizations have had the Code on the agenda of meetings and it has also been picked up by many NGOs and governments. The precautionary approach is spreading rapidly. These efforts will continue and, starting from 1998, even greater emphasis will be placed by FAO-FI on regional promotion of the Code through the different regional fishery bodies, and also at a national and local level, particularly in those countries where field programmes are initiated under the Inter-regional Programme. In addition, the work to be done in 1998 by FAO-FI on sustainability indicators may improve monitoring of the Code's implementation.

Similarly, production of technical documentation in the form of technical guidelines, manuals etc., started in 1996 and 1997 with the distribution of a number of technical guidelines at COFI in 1997. This is being continued and additional and complementary material, as discussed in previous sections of the document, is and will continue to be produced as the need is identified. Technical guidelines for inland fisheries are already in an advanced state of preparation. Such production will be continued and, subject to the availability of additional funds, increased from 1998.

Many of the activities involving direct assistance in implementation of the Code at a regional or national level are planned under the Inter-regional Programme. Commitment has already been obtained for funding for several of these, and the sub-programme proposals and strategies are in the final stages of completion. It is anticipated that the first projects within the Inter-regional Programme will be initiated early in 1998. The funding that has so far been committed for the Inter-regional Programme has been for three years, and therefore the first results should be available within the timeframe of this strategy.

The strategy outlined in this document is deliberately ambitious and many activities are dependent on securing additional funding (as has been indicated), as well as partnership with member countries and centres of excellence. As discussed under Section 10, if the funds anticipated in drawing up this strategy, both Regular Programme and extra budgetary, are not forthcoming, the strategy will have to be amended accordingly. For example, the Inter-regional Programme is a ‘rolling’ programme already partially funded and it is hoped that additional funds will be secured in the future to allow the initiation of additional activities over the next several years. Therefore, the strategy includes efforts by FAO-FI to mobilize resources from the international community to support implementation, primarily though the Inter-regional Programme. Efforts will be continued to encourage contributions from, and activities in collaboration with, interested parties, including bilateral and multilateral donors, intergovernmental organizations and international NGOs as well as those from the private sector, academia and other types of associations.

FAO-FI will, with the resources it has available for the task, monitor the implementation of the Code on a regular and ongoing basis in order to assess progress and, where progress is found to be unsatisfactory, the constraints to successful implementation. The core of the monitoring programme must and will depend on national reporting, including reporting to COFI. FAO-FI will coordinate this and will distribute and analyze questionnaires designed to allow valid evaluation of progress. These questionnaires will be sent to a range of stakeholders and interest groups in each country, not just to the fisheries authorities.

The national reports that will be consolidated by FAO-FI for presentation to COFI, will form the basis for an assessment of implementation, including both achievements and difficulties, and for decisions to be taken by COFI concerning changes that may be required periodically to update and adjust the Code to ensure that it is generally consistent with fisheries developments taking place. The questionnaire to be distributed to countries by FAO-FI for the compilation of reports for submission to COFI may be modified from time to time to take account of expected results and impact. As far as possible, countries should provide in their reporting quantified and verifiable information on results and impact with respect to the implementation of the Code. In this connection Table 3 provides a guide to issues that might be quantified in national and other reports.

However, previous experience has shown that national reports are often incomplete both in number and coverage, and therefore independent FAO-FI assessments will also be undertaken. With resources currently available, it will not be possible to undertake such independent assessments for the whole Code in every country, and a means of sub-sampling will be required. It should be noted that for complete and rigorous evaluation, additional resources will be required and a "Monitoring and Evaluation" project is being developed, for which funds will be sought from outside donors.

In addition to relying on national reporting, FAO-FI will foster, through its normative and field programmes, broad collaboration in evaluation and follow-up on implementation of the Code. These will include regional and sub-regional workshops to address common problems. Some workshops will be arranged specifically for this purpose, but other meetings of regional and sub-regional fisheries organizations may also provide opportunities for collecting information on progress and problems in implementing the Code.

The Inter-regional Programme will also provide opportunities to monitor, evaluate and follow-up on implementation. It will include regional and sub-regional workshops as well as field projects, all of which will enable collection of relevant information. This will be used in the independent FAO-FI assessments and will be incorporated in the dedicated "Monitoring and Evaluation" project, should it be successfully implemented.

In accordance with its Article 4, the Code may be revised through COFI as and when required. Where significant changes are made to the Code, the implementation strategy will be adjusted as necessary. Reporting, as appropriate, will also be made to the Special Session of the CSD in 1999, on Oceans. More generally, the annual report to UNGA on particular fisheries issues stemming from UNGA resolutions will also address the implementation of the Code.