In recognition of the tremendous opportunities to increase food production and improve livelihoods from the responsible use of aquatic genetic resources (AqGR) and technologies, the 7th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries' Sub-Committee on Aquaculture (COFI:AQ) recommended the establishment of a body to advise FAO on matters concerning AqGR and technologies, and to enhance international cooperation on AqGR management.
As a result, the establishment of the Advisory Working Group on Aquatic Genetic Resources and Technologies (Working Group) and its terms of reference were approved at the 31st session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in 2014. Following FAO standard procedures for the establishment of the Working Group, a maximum of ten experts serve on the Working Group for a period of two years which may be renewable. Experts are appointed by the Director General taking into consideration technical expertise, gender and geographical balance and serve in their personal capacity.
The Working Group typically meets face-to-face every two years but may also provide input and advice to FAO intersessionally through correspondence and on line meetings.