Twenty-eighth Session of the Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC)
Chiang Mai, Thailand
3 to 5 August
 
Background
The Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC) acts as consultative forum that works in partnership with other regional organizations and arrangements and members. It provides advice, coordinates activities and acts as an information broker to increase knowledge of fisheries and aquaculture in the Asia Pacific region to underpin decision making.

The session is open to all members of the Commission and to observers from intergovernmental organizations and other UN agencies. It meets biannually since its establishment in 1949. The Commission has twenty members: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Viet Nam.

Objectives
Major topics discussed were: the overview of the status and potential of fisheries and aquaculture in Asia and the Pacific; report of the executive committee; the new APFIC as a consultative forum for fishery issues; regional arrangements for fisheries – an analysis of gaps and opportunities – and the APFIC work plan 2004-2010.

During the meeting, the commission also announced the launching of its website http://www.apfic.org.

Organized by
The Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC), FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.

Participants
Members of the Commission as well as observers from international bodies. A full list of particiapnts can be found under Appendix B of the Report (under Documents).

Documents
Report

Contact
Derek Staples
Senior Fishery Officer
FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
E-mail: FAO-RAP@fao.org