1. The Coordination Committee of the technical networks Technology and Aquaculture in the Mediterranean (TECAM) and the Socio-Economic and Legal Aspects of Aquaculture in the Mediterranean (SELAM) adopted in July 1997 the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries as a screening mechanism for the selection of activities in their programmes.

2. The organization of a Consultation on the Application of Article 9 of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in the Mediterranean Region was a further step to refine the selection process for activities to be undertaken by the GFCM aquaculture networks. The Consultation identified actions to be taken to promote a sustainable development of aquaculture in the Mediterranean.

3. The Consultation highlighted the need to follow-up on five main elements that constituted the agreed Action Plan, and countries represented at the Consultation indicated that GFCM would be the proper regional framework for its implementation.

4. The five main elements of the Action Plan have both a national and a regional dimension and are closely interconnected. National and regional activities for each element were clearly established and were also ranked in order of priority. The Summary Report of the Consultation and the Action Plan reproduced can be found in documents GFCM:CAQ/2000/3 and GFCM:CAQ/2000/Inf.8.

5. The proposed Action Plan is extremely comprehensive. Unfortunately, it cannot be implemented with the limited resources available within the FAO Regular Programme or from the GFCM autonomous budget for the operation of the Committee on Aquaculture (CAQ) and its associated networks (see document GFCM:CAQ/2000/5).

6. The discussions at the Consultation raised the countries' awareness of the need to create a proper institutional set-up in each country in order to adapt and implement at national level the principles of the Code related to aquaculture. It was recognized that it would be necessary to put in place national teams in charge of the implementation of the principles of the Code. Such national teams should also provide links with the parties interested in the development of responsible aquaculture ensuring the largest participation possible. These teams would benefit from participating in regional activities in which the national experiences would be presented and analysed and where common approaches to standards of, for instance, environmental monitoring or quality assurance, could be discussed and adopted.

7. From these considerations emerged the idea to prepare a Regional Project in support of sustainable aquaculture in the Mediterranean. This project would be designed to implement the follow-up programme agreed at the Consultation, and once approved would be proposed to interested donors. The implementation of such a project would serve to accelerate the work that could be done through the normal operation of the GFCM CAQ networks, and would constitute an attempt to operationalize the Code in a region, as requested by COFI. The project would touch upon very important aspects that attract the attention of both the Governments and the general public, such as environmental compatibility of aquaculture practices; consumer protection through quality assurance, and improved policies for development of aquaculture.

8. The Secretariat has prepared a Project Idea, which is attached as an Annex to this document. The text has been shortened to comply with the limitations for presentation of documents at meetings of statutory bodies.

SUGGESTED ACTION BY THE COMMITTEE

9. The Committee is requested to review the Project Idea, in particular, to discuss the approach selected and to suggest improvements to the Project Idea. The Committee is also requested, in such case, to explore the possibilities of having the project funded by one or several members of GFCM.

10. If the Project Idea is retained by the Committee as of interest, the Secretariat will further elaborate the proposal and submit it for consideration to donors.

ANNEX

Project Idea for Sustainable Aquaculture Development in the Mediterranean

BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

The fact that aquatic (and other) resources, though renewable, are finite and need to be properly managed has recently formed a topic of global focus. Fisheries, including aquaculture, are now recognized as providing vital sources of food, employment, recreation, trade and economic well-being for people throughout the world, both for present and future generations. Since 1991 a series of FAO actions have been taken by the Committee on Fisheries (COFI), the Council, and the Conference which have culminated in the adoption of the Code of Conduct at the Twenty-eighth Session of the FAO Conference on 31 October 1995. In the context of the Application of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF), COFI, in its 1997 session, requested the regionalization of the CCRF. The Italian Government supported the idea and requested and funded a special project for the organization of the Consultation on the Application of Article 9 of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in the Mediterranean Region. This project, implemented from 1998, organized a Regional Consultation with participants from all the GFCM member countries of the Mediterranean basin. The Consultation took place in Rome at FAO Headquarters in July 1999. A series of national reports were produced to assist in the discussion of the three main objectives of the Consultation, namely to:

� review the level of understanding and the status of application of the Code in relation to aquaculture;

� discuss identified gaps and difficulties encountered in the application of the Code in the Mediterranean context, at regional and national levels, and

� propose an action plan at national and regional level, which will support the application of the Code to aquaculture.

The work carried out during the preparation of the Consultation highlighted the scarce knowledge of the CCRF in the region, as well as the interest of Governments and private sector groups to improve the situation. It also pointed out the clear need for national work to adopt and implement the principles of the CCRF as a condition for success and the convenience of a regional approach in parallel that would accelerate and harmonize adoption and adaptation of the CCRF by the countries. Five main elements of an Action Plan were validated by the Consultation, which had a high degree of overlap, requiring an integral approach to ensure sustainability.

The elements that have been retained by the Consultation refer to the:

� improvement of comprehension and adoption of the principles of the CCRF in the region;

� improvement of the planning process for aquaculture development and resources use;

� enhancement of harmonization between aquaculture development and environmental conservation;

� use of the CCRF as a mechanism to enhance the economic value of aquaculture production, and

� use of the CCRF principles to enhance and stabilize trade of aquaculture products in the region.

It was noted that these elements could not be treated in isolation. The successful application and adoption of the principles of the CCRF would depend on the integration of the work in each area and from the control of the various interactions.

A regional intervention to favour the adoption of the CCRF principles is then justified to assist the member countries, and it should be taken into account that it is not going to operate in a vacuum. Initiatives, even at a modest level with the means available in FAO have already begun, in particular under the aegis of GFCM. This regional fisheries body has adopted the CCRF principles as screening criteria for the selection of its activities in aquaculture. Therefore, a new regional project should preferably be linked to existing mechanisms, in particular those that work efficiently and have already shown a good degree of participation by all the sectors involved. This refers in particular to the existing networks of the GFCM Committee on Aquaculture, as well as to other European initiatives that could be linked, such as the MEDA programme and other programmes sponsoring research for sustainable aquaculture development.

Initially, a three-year project covering the Mediterranean and Black Sea member countries of GFCM is proposed. This could be considered as a first phase, which could complement regular activities of the GFCM Committee on Aquaculture.

OBJECTIVES

The general objective of this regional project would be the promotion of sustainable and responsible aquaculture practices in the region.

The immediate objectives of the project would be:

� coordination of the implementation of the recommended regional programme arising from the Consultation on the Application of Article 9 of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in the Mediterranean Region, and

� provision of regional tools to process information for decision-making process related to aquaculture development according to common agreed standards.

In its first phase, the project will address the main regional priorities indicated by the countries and will initiate a promotion of the national activities in the countries of the region having recognized that a widespread adoption of the CCRF principles is required to ensure a sustainable development of aquaculture.

OUTPUTS

General outputs of the project will be:

� improved legal and regulatory framework in the countries participating in the project, including the discussion of common procedures and regulations leading to common standards;

� research and investigations leading to a better understanding by the entire community of what should be responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices in the context of the region;

� manpower development in aspects related to the application of the CCRF principles and improvement of the inter-country cooperation in these aspects, and

� improved information flow in the region and creation of information tools (decision-support systems) to be integrated in the existing aquaculture information regional network, SIPAM, to automatize the data flow and reduce the cost of inter-country consultation in the future. The inclusion of Geographic Information System (GIS) tools for decisional use would also be contemplated.

ACTIVITIES

In order to achieve the objectives established, the project will work on the regional activities related to the five main elements retained by the Consultation. It will follow the recommendations on regional activities and the priority ranking given by the Consultation. Additional activities will be added in the detailed elaboration of the project document to reflect the work to be carried out, in particular to implement the decision-support system to be integrated in the existing aquaculture information system.

In relation to the main elements that constitute the Action Plan retained by the Consultation the following activities will be assisted by the project:

Element 1: To improve comprehension and widespread capillary adoption of the Code in the Mediterranean region

The regional activities retained by the Consultation, ranked in order of priority, were as follows:

1.1 Prepare a short version of the Code and training materials such as manuals, booklets and pamphlets etc. for translation by the countries into local languages.

1.2 Organize specialized training and the provision of advice at all levels. Training should not only be technical but could include broader topics such as environmental conservation and management, social development, legislative matters, market promotion and control.

1.3 Use of electronic information systems and networks such as SIPAM, AQUAFLOW, EC Web Pages, to diffuse information for the dissemination of the CCRF.

1.4 Promote fund-raising for the dissemination and application of the CCRF through international and/or regional organizations such as FAO, GFCM, as well as national organizations.

1.5 Organize workshops and roundtables to discuss and diffuse the CCRF.

1.6 Linked to the above activity, organize debates on major constraints and subjects related to the Code adaptation, adoption and monitoring of short and medium-term effects.

1.7 Establishment of groups of "Ambassadors of the Code", core groups in the country in charge of creating awareness involving, if possible, the groups present at the Consultation.

1.8 Promote programmes designed to encourage producer associations/organizations involvement in the dissemination of the CCRF principles. Producer associations or organizations improve the flow of ideas and new technologies, and could facilitate education and help improve monitoring impact.

Element 2. To improve planning processes for aquaculture development and resource use

The activities selected by the Consultation, ranked in order of priority, were as follows:

2.1 Standards of production should be defined with regionally collected relevant data for the various lines of production present in the region. These standards should be disseminated for use in the process of planning and production.

2.2 Development of codes of practice, to be linked to legislation, should be prepared with the assistance of producer associations/organizations.

2.3 Gradually promote more responsible attitudes in resource management. This activity is obviously linked to Element 1, but in this context it is more oriented toward the adoption of a comprehensive approach in the resource use planning process. Aquaculture administrators, researchers, producers, suppliers and consumers must become aware of the need for sustainable and responsible aquaculture techniques.

2.4 Demonstrate the advantages, socio-economic and environmental benefits that could be gained through responsible aquaculture development. The advantages, in terms of socio-economic and environmental benefits, which could be gained through responsible aquaculture development, must be objectively demonstrated (when it gives a competitive return in the broadest sense for resources use).

2.5 Encourage governments to elaborate a legislation that will clarify the rights and responsibilities of aquaculture producers.

2.6 Promote an increase in the participation of all sectors concerned, in the preparation of aquaculture development plans and in the formulation of economic and legal instruments, that will be integrated in the national management plans.

Element 3. To enhance harmonization between aquaculture development and environmental conservation

At regional level the Consultation identified four activities of similar priority requiring regional coordination:

3.1 Development of protocols for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). EIA studies should be standardized/defined among countries of the region per production system and per type of site. Methods for EIA studies should be simplified and their cost reduced as much as possible, while maintaining their significance, to enable farmers, at all levels, to implement them. Collection and exchange of information about farming operations and their impact on the environment, throughout the region, is highly recommended.

3.2 Assessment of risks posed by the transfer of aquatic organisms between countries in and out of the region (exotic, exchange etc.). In addition it is recommended that an impact study be done for existing introductions. The project should promote that international rules regarding aquaculture production be followed, including the implementation of existing protocols related to introductions such as the ICES/EIFAC, OIE, or CITES protocols.

3.3 Increase collaboration among countries around the Mediterranean to protect the environment (with special attention to transboundary ecosystems or topics which may have transboundary impacts).

3.4 Improvement of disease prevention, control and management in the region. It was recommended that attention be given to:

(a) monitoring of transfer of live fish;

(b) development of efficient vaccines (including promotion of vaccination campaigns);

(c) development of alternative strategies for the enhancement of farmed animal health, and

(d) promote/support services to help in diagnosis, dissemination of information to farmers (following recommendations of the OIE).

Element 4: To utilize the Code as a means of upgrading the economic value of aquaculture

This element of the Action Plan was subdivided into four sub-elements that were ranked in order of regional priority as follows:

Sub-Element 4.1: Promote and reinforce the role of associations of aquaculture producers as a mechanism to ensure the application of the Code.

Association activities could include the diffusion of CCRF-related concepts, and the provision of services (such as the facilitation of credit, in particular for small-scale farmers). Associations could also provide a critical mass for the discussion of the adequacy of the norms and monitoring their application. Small-scale producer associations could also have an important role in product price control through collective negotiation. This would strengthen the frequently weak position of small-scale producers. The recommended regional activities were to:

4.1.1 Promote the establishment of national aquaculture associations for adequate professional representation of the sector.

4.1.2 Promote the use of professional associations to favour integration of small-scale fishing communities with aquaculture.

4.1.3 Favour the development of aquaculture in support of local communities through the encouragement of appropriate measures (promotion, legal).

4.1.4 Assist in the development of training and other support measures required by the associations and their staff.

Sub-Element 4.2: Establish administrative and financial measures leading to the promotion of sustainable and responsible aquaculture production.

The activities selected, in order of priority were to:

4.2.1 Assess, through the use of agreed sustainability indicators, the various forms of production to aid decisions on those that should be encouraged or should be avoided. The result should be later reflected in appropriate regulations at national level, leading to the determination of specific incentives and deterrents. The choice should be derived from the analysis of the production systems.

4.2.2 Promote the creation of specific credit lines that favour the development and application of responsible aquaculture.

4.2.3 Encourage insurance companies to integrate the concept of responsible aquaculture within the insurance policies at a favourable premium.

Sub-Element 4.3: Improve the public image of aquaculture in order to obtain appropriate recognition of its products in both the private and public sectors.

The recommended activities, ranked in order of priority, were to :

4.3.1 Improve dialogue among sectoral representatives, notably concerning production, sustainability and quality assurance.

4.3.2 Use the quality of aquaculture products to promote the activities of the aquaculture sector.

Sub-Element 4.4: Better understanding of the criteria and techniques for sustainable aquaculture. Optimize the production process in a way that the utilization of natural resources would improve its economics, seeking an integration of aquaculture with traditional agriculture or fisheries activities.

The recommended activities, in order of priority were to:

4.4.1 Identify and develop criteria leading to the design of indicators of the sustainability of production systems (including economic and social impact). This in order to reach regional standards for the various production systems.

4.4.2 Promote research efforts to optimize existing production systems and/or test new species and systems which could be inserted in new niches (either market or ecological niches) and communicate results widely to reinforce the impact.

4.4.3 Encourage the transfer and communication of appropriate technology and experience at a regional level.

Element 5: To use the principles of the CCRF to improve and stabilize trade in aquaculture products in the Mediterranean region

The recommended activities were to:

5.1 Upgrade the standards of production, processing and transport and promote their application. The upgrading of standards and their uniformity through training and the transfer of expertise are necessary in order to avoid the creation of trade barriers.

5.2 Promote the harmonization of the legal regulations related to the transfer and transport of fry and juveniles within the Mediterranean region, and of trade of aquaculture products.

5.3 Assist the countries in their efforts to encourage consumption of aquaculture products domestically, and in the assessment of domestic and regional market capacity.

5.4 Assist countries in educating consumers in the benefits of fish consumption, especially with regard to responsibly produced aquaculture products. Norms for quality control (such as HACCP) are not well known in several GFCM countries and their diffusion is still needed. The adoption of standards and labelling of the rearing process will enhance the positive image of Mediterranean aquaculture product quality. Media could help in highlighting responsible aquaculture production and may improve consumer attitude toward aquaculture products.

5.5 Strengthen national and regional producer associations and promote regional links among them. Regional links between national associations could be beneficial for experience exchange and cooperation promotion. The role of producer associations in trade is important. Associations could help to identify market opportunities, assist in controlling the uniform application of quality standards, organize consumption campaigns, and actively assist public administration.

5.6 Involve an appropriate regional body in aquaculture trade issues. This regional activity could be endorsed by one of the existing regional commission or committees. Encourage the development of a regional organization for the identification of aquaculture trade issues, based on the active involvement of national and regional producer associations.

INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

This project is linked to the central pillar of the FAO Fisheries Department's Regular Programme, the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The initial application of the logical process of consultation with a substantial participation of the member countries belonging to GFCM, links this project to the GFCM Committee on Aquaculture. This Committee would be the logical institutional framework to continue the activities generated by the project after its closure. As GFCM is determining its future autonomous operation, the project will provide the initial impulse required to set a proper framework of inter-country cooperation .

Close cooperation will be maintained with the institutions already cooperating with the various networks operating under the GFCM framework. The stile of cooperation will be maintained and strengthened with a programme of activities discussed by the regular meetings of the GFCM Committee on Aquaculture.

A project Steering Committee will be established with the participation of the FAO donor countries and the representatives of GFCM and institutions associated with the programme of the GFCM Committee on Aquaculture. The functions of the Steering Committee will include the approval of an annual programme of work for the project and its evaluation.

National Committees will be formed by the participating Governments to coordinate national participation in project activities. These Committees will include representatives from the public, academic and private sectors.

The project will be hosted by FAO, which will provide the necessary office space and access to photocopying equipment.

INPUTS REQUIRED

FAO inputs

Personnel:

Chief Technical Adviser (D-1)- three years

Aquaculturist (P-4) - three years

Information system specialist (P-4) - three years

Administrative Assistant/bilingual secretaries (2) - three years

Associate Professional Officer (1) - not paid by project

Consultants: a total of 60 man/months of consultant assistance will be provided in the fields of: legal aspects, economy/development planning, social sciences, environmental sciences, marketing, quality assurance, communication/media, software development and technical and socio-economic subjects, as required by the programme of workshop/seminars and training activities.

Contracts: for the organization of selected seminars/workshops, preparation of documentation, training courses, special case or desk studies, Internet software development, communications.

Travel: mainly in the region for project staff and non-staff and for the organization of the regular sessions of the Steering Committee. If necessary travel outside the region for organization of agreements beneficial to the project objectives will also be included. Car rentals will also be covered if needed

Publications: printing of proceedings, information material, translation of documentation, etc.

Training: courses on subjects related to the activities, study tours for professionals from participating countries, assistance to selected national activities.

Equipment: office equipment, computers (desktops and portables) and all necessary peripherals, software, photographic equipment.

Counterpart inputs

The participating Governments will assure the logistics for movements of project experts and consultants when in the respective countries and will also participate by sharing the cost of the organization of events in their territory. The national authorities will nominate focal points for the various activities of the programme of work and their salaries and internal travel cost will be borne by the respective Governments.

Budget

The following budget is an estimate of cost on an annual basis.