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Many Members attending the twenty-eighth Committee on Fisheries (COFI) meeting, held in Rome (2 – 6 March 2009), supported the development of a Global Record.

Some Members highlighted the importance that the project be cost-effective, and underlined the need for further study on the necessity and practicability of this issue and other related issues. They stressed the value of building on existing vessel databases, in particular the work of RFMO/As – some of which were developing unique vessel identifier systems.

Members also supported a future programme of work which should include assessing user needs, including those of developing countries; convening a broad-based Steering Committee; designing and implementing a pilot project; and preparing a comprehensive technical report which could lead to a Technical Consultation on the Global Record.

Earlier, the Committee was informed about the outcome of the Expert Consultation that discussed the Development of a Comprehensive Global Record of Fishing Vessels, Refrigerated Transport Vessels and Supply Vessels, that was also held in Rome, 25 – 28 February 2008.

The Committee was also informed about the subsequent activities that were undertaken as recommended by the Expert Consultation.

Read more:

• FIEL/R902 (En) Report of the twenty-eighth session of the COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES