FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture - Regional fishery bodies (RFB)

Regional Fishery Bodies Summary Descriptions

Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)

Mission
Area of competence
Species and stocks coverage
Legal framework
Languages
Organizations involved
Structure
Activities and meetings
Publications
Contacts

MissionObjectives The main objective of the Agreement is to encourage and strengthen international cooperation in promoting the economic and social welfare and advancement of the peoples of the South Pacific region. The Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s (SPC) vision for the region is that of a secure and prosperous Pacific Community, whose people are healthy and manage their resources in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable way. The SPC’s activities are not restricted to fisheries and also cover agriculture and plant protection, climate change, forestry, biosecurity and trade, genetic resources, human development, education, health information and cultural changes. Functions The SPC's work programmes aim to develop technical assistance, professional, scientific and research support and planning and management capability building. The SPC’s mandate allows it to work on a variety of issues that concern its member countries. The focus of the SPC’s work can and does change over time in response to evolving regional needs and collaborative arrangements with other regional organizations.

The goal of the Division of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME), in line with the priorities of member countries and territories is: the marine resources of the Pacific Islands region are sustainably managed for economic growth, food security and environmental conservation. The division focuses on fishery-induced threats to marine resources, while taking account of broader ecosystem management principles. The FAME division has two main work programmes :

The Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFB). The OFB goal: “Fisheries exploiting the region’s resources of tuna, billfish and related species are managed for economic and ecological sustainability using the best available scientific information.” The OFB objectives: quality scientific information and advice; improved collection and analysis of data; Improved understanding of pelagic ecosystem.
The Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). The CFP goal: “coastal fisheries, nearshore fisheries and aquaculture in PICTs are managed and developed sustainably. This will be achieved through promoting a participatory and consultative approach, involving relevant stakeholders, with a strong focus on building capacity.” The CFP objectives: coastal fisheries management policies and systems; sustainable aquaculture development framework; sustainable nearshore fisheries for food security, livelihoods and economic growth.

Area of competence

SPC area of competence - High seas, National waters

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The designations employed and the presentation of material in the map(s) are for illustration only and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning the legal or constitutional status of any country, territory or sea area, or concerning the delimitation of frontiers or boundaries.

Species and stocks coverage Reef, coastal and oceanic fishery resources including tuna species. Legal framework Established by the so-called Canberra Agreement signed by Australia, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America in Canberra, Australia, on 6 February 1947, entered into force on 29 July 1948, amended in 1952, 1954, 1964 and supplemented by Protocols of understanding in 1974 and 1976. http://www.spc.int/mrd/asides/canberra.htm LanguagesFrench, English. Organizations involved SPC programmes benefit 22 Pacific Island countries and territories:

American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fed.States of Micronesia, Republic of Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Is., Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna Is..

The 26 members of the Pacific Community include the above island countries and territories, plus the four remaining founding countries:

Australia, France, New Zealand, United States of America.

The United Kingdom withdrew at the beginning of 1996 from the SPC (at the time the South Pacific Commission), rejoined in 1998 and withdrew again in January 2005. Structure The Secretariat is a consultative and advisory body to the participating governments in matters affecting the economic and social development of the countries and territories of the Pacific Islands, and the welfare and advancement of their peoples. All members are represented on the governing body, the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations (CRGA), which meets annually, and the South Pacific Conference which meets every two years. Governing bodies

CRGA
South Pacific Conference

Secretariat The Secretariat provides administrative services to the Pacific Community. Activities and meetings

Publications All SPC fisheries publications have been compiled in a digital library and can be accessed the SPC Web site or by requesting a CD from the SPC.

Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)

PO Box D5

Noumea Cédex

98848

New Caledonia

Telephone: (+687) 262000

Fax: (+687) 263818

Email: tima@spc.int

Web site: http://www.spc.int/mrd



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