COFI/2003/12

INTRODUCTION

1. At its last session in 2001, the Committee carried out its forward-looking review of planned activities under Major Programme 2.3: Fisheries on the basis of the pertinent section of the Medium Term Plan (MTP) 2002-07¹. At the present session, the applicable section of the Medium Term Plan 2004-09² is before the Committee for the same purpose.

2. However, at the request of the FAO Council, the Programme Committee addressed at its May 2002 session the feasibility of developing preliminary information on Programme of Work proposals to COAG³, COFI⁴ and COFO⁵. For ease of reference, the related extract of the Programme Committee report is reproduced below:

"The Committee welcomed the document which provided interesting background and historical information, including a comparative analysis of the functions of the three Technical Committees pointing to some differences among them. It also recognised the practical difficulties inherent in providing Summary Programme of Work and Budget (SPWB) proposals type information to the Technical Committees.
Accordingly, the Committee endorsed the compromise solution proposed by the Secretariat to the effect that COAG, COFI and COFO would receive specially prepared budget documents showing:
· budgetary tables indicating changes in resources from the approved budget for 2002-03 to the proposed level for 2004-05, based on the assumptions in the MTP 2004-09; and
· narratives on planned outputs.
The Committee also agreed that this be implemented in 2003 on a trial basis, so that costs and benefits could be evaluated in 2004.

3. In the light of the above guidance from the Programme Committee, this complementary document has been prepared.

4. It is worth stressing that the figures under the column "Total Programme of Work in 2002-03" are not fully comparable to those in the Programme of Work and Budget 2002-03 document (issued in the early summer of 2001), as they reflect the more refined estimation of resources under other income (i.e. beyond those in the Regular Budget Appropriation voted by the FAO Conference) as developed for the MTP 2004-09.

PRELIMINARY INFORMATION ON
PROGRAMME OF WORK PROPOSALS FOR 2004-05

MAJOR PROGRAMME 2.3: FISHERIES

Programme 2.3.1: Fisheries Information

231A2 - Development of Partnerships for the Fisheries Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS) of FIGIS

5. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. new versions of the FIGIS⁶ software including customised services to users and partners;
2. enhanced integration with other FAO software;
3. enhanced data exchange between systems;
4. secretariat services to FIRMS Steering Committee;
5. training courses on information management methodologies;
6. support to existing partners and promotion of agreements with new partners;
7. maintenance of FIGIS onthology and software library; and
8. new databases integrated with FIGIS on small-scale fisheries, aquaculture, trade and marketing, high-seas vessels.

231P1 - Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics

6. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. contribution of FAO bibliographic references to the ASFA⁷ bibliographic database;
2. coordination of the international network of ASFA partners, increasing the geographical and subject matter coverage of ASFA through new ASFA partners;
3. training courses for new ASFA partners and follow-up support;
4. maintenance and development of ASFA input software (www-ISIS-ASFA);
5. organisation of the annual ASFA Advisory Board Meetings;
6. maintenance of the ASFIS⁸ Reference Series (i.e. guidelines, authority lists, procedures for ASFA data input);
7. continued dissemination of ASFA information products to Low-income, Food-deficit Countries (LIFDCs);
8. Internet and virtual library resources for improved access to fisheries information;
9. guidelines on standard ASFIS methodologies for information management and exchange in fisheries libraries;
10. support to fisheries libraries and information networks in developing countries in collaboration with IAMSLIC⁹ and other agencies;
11. regional workshops on most appropriate methodologies for data collection on small-scale fisheries and for the improvement of routine collection methods of capture fisheries and aquaculture data;
12. analysis of data needs arising from ecosystem-based management techniques;
13. Secretariat's support to the Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics;
14. support to the implementation of the Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Fisheries;
15. updated Internet-based fishery statistics system, including nationally tailored forms to report data on capture fishery and aquaculture production, utilisation and trade of fish and fishery products, fishing fleet and employment data, and all relevant classifications and lists, methodological notes, annual time series of global and selected regional data;
16. updated supply and utilization accounts for the fish and fishery products module of FAOSTAT;
17. statistical yearbooks, bulletins and circulars;
18. releases of the global and regional databases in Fishstat on the Internet and CD-ROM; and
19. analysis of trends in fisheries and aquaculture for SOFIA¹⁰ 2004, for SOFA¹¹ 2004 and 2005 and other studies.

231S1 - Advice and Technical Support to Member Nations and Regional Fisheries Bodies

7. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. technical advice to Members and support to the formulation and implementation of projects for the improvement of national fishery (capture and aquaculture) statistical systems; and
2. support to global activities for improved information on status and trends of fisheries as a component of FISHCODE¹², subject to donor funding, and projects such as the tuna fishing capacity monitoring project.

Programme 2.3.2: Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture

232A1 - Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

8. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. methodologies, studies, expert consultations, regional and sub-regional meetings on topics such as: ecosystem and integrated resource management, rehabilitation of inland fishery habitats, integration of aquaculture and inland fisheries into rural development, environmental impact assessment, environmental costs of fishery and aquaculture production, genetic resource management; and
2. guidelines and international norms on implementing relevant sections of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

232A2 - Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security

9. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. training materials, studies and meetings as appropriate on: rapid rural appraisal and participatory rural appraisal, efficient water use, seed production, nutrient use and cycling, fishery enhancements, inland fishery management and co-management, improved fish health, use of chemicals, drugs and other pharmaceuticals in aquaculture, integrated rural aquaculture development, fish production in arid and semi-arid areas, and indicators of the role of aquaculture and inland fisheries in rural development; and
2. promotion of inter-regional cooperation in rural aquaculture and inland fishery development.

232A3 - Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata

10. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. further expansion of the database on identification and distribution of commercially important marine species to be made available through various means including printed and electronic versions of guides and catalogues, as well as in FIGIS fact sheets (on the Web); and
2. publications on: Guide to Eastern Central Atlantic fishery species (revised); Catalogues of sharks (last volume); Batoids (first volume); Flatfishes and cephalopods (last volume); Field guide on the fishery resources of Angola.

232A4 - Monitoring and Reporting on Global Marine Resources and Relevant Environmental and Ecological Changes

11. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. assessment and monitoring of the status and trends of marine world capture fisheries, drawing on the facilities offered by the Web-based FIRMS¹³ developed within FIGIS;
2. monitoring of the effects arising from significant oceanographic phenomena (e.g. El Niño) and the impact of human activities on marine biological productivity, fish habitats and ecosystem dynamics, as a contribution to the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF);
3. monitoring and studies, on a global basis, of the effects of bio-physical changes on the world's fisheries and detailed reporting on the status of fisheries and their ecosystem, mainly, but not only, through analysis of reported landings by species and species groups; and
4. publications in paper and electronic form (including case studies) reviewing the status of fisheries resources and their ecosystem.

232A5 - Resources Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources

12. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

13. In the overall context of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries management,

1. development of indicators and reference points, assessment methodologies and scientific advice for an EAF, particularly in data-poor areas;
2. technical assistance to FAO and other regional fisheries bodies in fisheries assessment, capacity reduction and ecosystem conservation; and
3. monitoring and analysis work leading to dissemination of "best practices" (e.g. through the revision of the EAF guidelines) in countries, either individually, or on a regional basis, also in response to requests for assistance on particular resource assessment and management issues.

232P1 - Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

14. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. Internet-based and CD-ROM information systems, including contributions to FIGIS and other FAO information systems, covering relevant aspects of inland fisheries and aquaculture, such as: aquaculture and inland fishery country profiles, alien species (DIAS¹⁴), fish health (AAPQIS¹⁵), feeds and nutrient use in aquaculture, genetic resources (FINGER¹⁶), inland water resources, geo-referenced data on resource use and status at national and regional levels;
2. studies and reviews of inland fishery and aquaculture resources, culture-based fishery and other fishery enhancements, biotechnology issues, integrated resource management, the development and use of indicators of aquaculture sustainability;
3. support to regional fishery and aquaculture bodies, including the COFI Sub-committee on Aquaculture;
4. cooperation and information exchange with partners such as ICLARM¹⁷; NACA¹⁸, Mekong River Commission, IUCN¹⁹, WWF²⁰, national aid agencies and the EU²¹; and
5. case studies, methodologies, training materials and workshops on priority areas for applied research in aquaculture and inland fisheries, and participatory extension activities.

232S1 - Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues

15. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. technical advice and information to governments, individually or through appropriate regional organizations; and
2. support to training and project backstopping relating to assessment and management of marine capture fisheries resources, in an ecosystem context.

232S2 - Advice on Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development

16. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

17. Similar to those under entity 232S1, relating to inland fisheries resource management (and enhancement) as well as sustainable development of aquaculture.

Programme 2.3.3: Fisheries Exploitation and Utilisation

233A1 - Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries

18. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. methodology for global estimation of discards;
2. publication of discard figures from selected fisheries;
3. studies on physical impact of fishing gears on sea beds;
4. global study on the status of shrimp trawling;
5. guidelines for introduction of by-catch reduction devices in shrimp trawls;
6. training material for by-catch reduction devices;
7. methodologies and guidelines for handling, transfer, processing and marketing of by-catch;
8. updated guidelines to avoid incidental catch of seabirds;
9. assessment of fisheries regulations and legal frameworks related to by-catch and discards; and
10. studies on the economic and social impact of discards in specific fisheries.

233A2 - Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries

19. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. studies on participatory methods and approaches in fisheries extension services and training institutes;
2. case studies on technical support and provision of services to small-scale fishers;
3. database on fishing gear and methods in inland water fisheries;
4. publication on the design of small longliners;
5. study on stability assessment of small fishing vessels;
6. regional meetings on fishing vessel safety;
7. case studies on energy optimisation with particular reference to specific fish stock harvesting options;
8. case studies and workshop on the collection and use of demographic information related to coastal fishing communities in Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean;
9. case studies, workshop and guidelines on micro-credit and insurance in support of responsible inland capture fisheries in Asia;
10. guidelines for improving efficiency in small-scale fisheries post-harvest systems;
11. database of global fishery products; and
12. guidelines for improved disaster preparedness and impact assessment in small-scale fisheries.

233A3 - Increased Production from Under-utilised Aquatic Resources and Low-value Catches

20. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. publication on improved on-board handling of small fish for small and medium vessels;
2. regional workshop for Latin America on the promotion of small pelagics for direct human consumption;
3. guidelines on cost effective fishing technologies and vessel and equipment design; and
4. support to Members towards improved efficiency and adaptability in processing and marketing systems of under-utilised aquatic resources and low-value catches.

233A4 - Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products

21. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. assistance to countries to upgrade their fish inspection systems;
2. training courses and workshops on the application of HACCP²² and risk assessment in the fish industry;
3. studies as requested by the Codex Alimentarius Commission on fish and fishery products;
4. studies and training workshops on the impact of the WTO²³ agreement on fish trade;
5. maintenance and expansion of the fish safety information collection and dissemination system (FISHPORT)²⁴; and
6. guidelines on the implementation of international safety and quality requirements in the fish industry.

233A5 - Promotion of International Fish Trade

22. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. maintenance of the Globefish²⁵ databank;
2. publication on analyses of current fish marketing and trade issues such as eco-labelling, safety and quality, traceability;
3. meeting of the 9^th COFI Sub-committee on fish trade;
4. studies on the impact of fish trade on food security;
5. guidance and support to INFONetwork²⁶; and
6. training on the implications of the WTO agreements on fish trade, in cooperation with 233A4.

233S1 - Support and Advice in Fishing Technology, Fish Utilisation and Trade

23. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. besides the prime focus on support to field operations, advice to other UN organizations, NGOs, regional fisheries bodies;
2. information base on fishing fleets and gear and related technological developments;
3. support to fisheries technology and training institutes, and international undertakings reflecting the interests of the fishing industry; and
4. advice to regional agricultural credit associations on credit for small- and medium-scale fisheries enterprises.

Programme 2.3.4: Fisheries Policy

234A1 - Coordination and Monitoring of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries

24. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. monitoring of progress and reporting on national and regional implementation of the Code and associated International Plans of Action (IPOAs), including national case studies;
2. technical guidelines to support the implementation of the Code and the IPOAs;
3. training materials to support FAO and non-FAO national and regional courses; and
4. dissemination of the Code, selected guidelines and the IPOAs including translation into local languages to ensure broader outreach.

234A4 - Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management

25. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. two sub-regional workshops (in Latin America and Southeast Asia) on strategic management planning for coastal and small-scale fisheries;
2. review of issues and possible management strategies and approaches for coastal and small-scale fisheries in developing countries;
3. global review of policies and methodologies to support the Johannesburg Summit (WSSD) agreement on fisheries, with particular emphasis on the sustainability of inshore and coastal fisheries as part of longer-term efforts regarding sustainable fisheries development, food security and poverty alleviation.

234A5 - Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development

26. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. economic and market analyses of selected aquaculture species with potential for commercial development in various regions;
2. compilation and dissemination of lessons learnt in the development of commercial aquaculture and its contribution to food security and poverty alleviation in selected countries;
3. assessment of the potential impact of commercial aquaculture on community livelihoods and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa; and
4. formulation of policies and strategies for sustainable aquaculture expansion and consolidation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

234P2 - Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture

27. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. publication of the State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2004;
2. preparation of eight regional reviews of fisheries and aquaculture;
3. updating of 170 fishery country profiles;
4. updating of the Web-based Fisheries Atlas; and
5. study of the level and status of fish consumption in food-insecure countries 2010-2020.

234P3 - Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management

28. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. technical consultation on subsidies in fisheries; and
2. expert consultations on: low-cost fisheries management strategies for coastal, small-scale and other fisheries; strategic, operational and administrative aspects of ensuring cost recovery as part of sustainable fisheries management and development; the economic and social components of ecosystem considerations for fisheries management; and the strategic and developmental impacts of fish product certification and labelling.

234S1 - Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements

29. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. secretariat for the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean;
2. monitoring developments in FAO and non-FAO regional fisheries bodies (RFBs);
3. global reporting on trends and developments in RFBs and studies for their strengthening;
4. support to FAO RFBs including for enhancing their capacities to address emerging fishery issues;
5. facilitation of cooperation among FAO and non-FAO RFBs; and
6. support to the establishment of new regional fisheries bodies, as required.

234S2 - Direct Support to Countries in Fisheries Policy and Management

30. Planned Outputs for 2004-05

1. support to RFBs, through preparation of documents and technical backstopping of meetings; and
2. missions upon request, for advice on policy, strategy and/or management of fisheries in interested countries.

¹ CL 119/17

² CL 123/7

³ Committee on Agriculture

⁴ Committee on Fisheries

⁵ Committee on Forestry

⁶ Fisheries Global Information System

⁷ Aquatic Science and Fisheries Abstracts Database

⁸ Aquatic Science and Fisheries Information System

⁹ International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers

¹⁰ State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture

¹¹ State of Food and Agriculture

¹² Global Partnership for Responsible Fisheries

¹³ Fisheries Resources Monitoring System

¹⁴ Database on Introduction of Aquatic Species

¹⁵ Aquatic Animal Pathogen and Quarantine Information System

¹⁶ Fishery Information on Genetic Resources

¹⁷ The World Fish Center (CGIAR)

¹⁸ Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific

¹⁹ World Conservation Union

²⁰ World Wide Fund for Nature

²¹ European Union

²² Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (System)

²³ World Trade Organization

²⁴ Electronic publication of the Aquatic Food Product Initiative

²⁵ Computerized System of Fish Marketing Information

²⁶ Fish Marketing Information Services