 | Objective |  | |
| The general objective of the Commission is to promote programmes of research and development leading to the rational utilization of inland fisheries resources; assist Member Governments in the Region in establishing the scientific basis for regulatory and other measures for the conservation and improvement of inland fishery resources; support the development of aquaculture, and; encourage education and training to reach these objectives. |
| Functions | | |
The terms of reference of the Commission are:- to promote, coordinate and assist national and regional fishery and limnological surveys and programmes of research and development leading to the rational utilisation of inland fishery resources;
- to assist Member Governments in establishing the scientific basis for regulatory and other measures for the conservation and improvement of inland fishery resources; and to make appropriate recommendations for the adoption and implementation of these measures;
- to encourage efforts on a national basis and, when appropriate, to coordinate such efforts on a regional basis with a view to preserve the quality of the water;
- to assist in the development of aquaculture and stock improvement, including the control of fish diseases, the importation and introduction of exotic species;
- to assist in appraising the economic and recreational values of inland fisheries and their development;
- to promote and assist in the utilisation of the most effective fishing craft, gear and techniques;
- to promote and assist with activities for the processing, preservation and marketing of fish and fish products;
- to encourage education and training through the establishment or improvement of national and regional institutions and by the promotion and the organization of symposia, seminars, study tours and training centres;
- to assist in the collection, interchange, dissemination and analysis of data related to inland fisheries;
- to assist Member Governments in formulating national and regional programmes to be implemented through sources of international aid to help achieve the objectives referred to in the preceding paragraphs.
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| Area of Competence | | |
| Inland waters of member countries
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| Species and stocks coverage | | |
| All species in inland waters of member countries. |
| Legal Framework | | |
COPESCAL was established in 1976 by Resolution 4/70 of the FAO Council under Article VI-1 of the FAO Constitution. Its statutes were approved by the Council in Resolution 4/70 and its Rules of Procedures were adopted by the Commission at its First session in 1979.
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