2004 (January-June)

Date added

IATTC - Resolutions adopted at the 72nd Meeting of the Parties
Resolutions adopted at the 72nd Meeting of the Parties to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) in Lima, Peru in June 2004. Eight Resolutions were adopted dealing with: amendment to the terms of reference of the Joint Working Group on Fishing by Non-Parties; criteria for attaining the status of cooperating non-party of fishing entity; notification of sighting and identification of vessels operating in the IATTC Area; establishment of a list of vessels presumed to have carried out IUU fishing activities in the Eastern Pacific Ocean; consolidation of bycatch rules; establishment of a vessel monitoring system; a three-year program to mitigate the impact of tuna fishing on sea turtles; financing; a multi-annual program on the conservation of tuna; and catch reporting.

AIDCP - Resolutions adopted at the 11th Meeting of the Parties
Four Resolutions adopted at the 11th Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP), in Lima, Peru in June 2004. Topics included: procedures for invalid dolphin safe certificates; captains with two or more night set infractions; dolphin safety gear inspections; and modification of the procedures for maintaining the AIDCP list of qualified captains.

NASCO - Conservation measures adopted at the 21st Annual Meeting
Three measures adopted at the 21st Annual Meeting of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO) in June 2004, including a revised Resolution to minimize impacts on wild salmon stocks from aquaculture, introductions and transfers and transgenics; and two sets of guidelines on the use of stock rebuilding programmes in the context of the precautionary approach and on incorporating social and economic factors in decisions under the precautionary approach.

Report of the Third Intergovernmental Consultation on the Establishment of a Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission
The Third Intergovernmental Consultation on the Establishment of a Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2004. The Consultation was attended by 15 States, the EC and certain development organizations. The major output of the meeting was agreement to establish separate regional bodies for the management and development of coastal fisheries (this body with advisory powers only, under Article VI of the FAO Constitution) and for the high seas (this body to be autonomous with the power to take binding decisions on conservation and management measures). The Consultation also agreed on the draft text for a resolution to the FAO Council, including the statutes of a regional body for the management and development of coastal fisheries. Possible elements of a draft agreement for the high seas were briefly discussed.

Report of the FAO Expert Consultation on Interactions between Sea Turtles and Fisheries within an Ecosystem Context
An Expert Consultation on Interactions between Sea Turtles and Fisheries within an Ecosystem Context was convened by FAO and held in Rome, Italy in March 2004. The meeting was attended by 11 experts from seven countries, covering expertise related to sea turtle biology and conservation, fishing gear technology, fisheries management and socio-economics. The Expert Consultation was organized to prepare the technical background for a Technical Consultation, to take place later in 2004. This report provides a summary of the Consultation’s outcomes and outputs, including overviews of sea turtle status, fisheries impacts, possible managerial solutions, socio-economic aspects and recommendations for future work and actions.

IDCP - Minutes of the 35th Meeting of the International Review Panel
These are the revised minutes of the 35th Meeting of the International Dolphin Conservation Program International Review Panel (IRP). The meeting reviewed the status of the assignments, reallocations, and utilization of dolphin mortality limits (DMLs) in 2004, and compliance with the system by member States; reviewed the situation regarding the List of Qualified Captains; approaches to considering the promotion of dolphin-safe tuna within the IDCP; a review of observer data; and a review of actions by Parties on possible infractions reported by the IRP.

IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU - Report of the Second Meeting of Signatory States
The Second Meeting of the Signatory States to the Indian Ocean and South East Asia (IOSEA) Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles and their Habitats took place in Bangkok, Thailand, in March 2004. In addition to dealing with certain organizational matters, including adopting revisions to the terms of reference for the Advisory Committee, the meeting considered the relationship of the MOU to complementary regional and national marine turtle initiatives and reviewed the Conservation and Management Plan, adopting some revisions.

Brazil: Law No. 10849 instituting the National Programme for Financing the Improvement and Modernization of the National Fishing Fleet [text in Portuguese]
This Law institutes the National Programme for Financing the Improvement and Modernization of the National Fishing Fleet – Profrota Pesqueira. The Programme finances purchase, construction, transformation, modernization, adaptation, and equipment for fishing vessels, subject to the following objectives: (1) reducing the capture of overexploited stocks; (2) assuring the efficiency and sustainability of the national fishing fleet; (3) increasing national production; and (4) utilizing fish stocks in the Brazilian EEZ. The National Programme provides financing for the transformation and adaptation and the substitution of vessels. Detailed rules for implementation are set out in an implementing Decree (Decree No. 5095 implementing Law No. 10849 on the National Programme for Financing the Improvement and Modernization of the National Fishing Fleet).

European Community-Guinea Bissau Fisheries Agreement
 - EC Council Regulation on Conclusion
Text of an agreement in the form of an exchange of letters amending the 2001 protocol between the EC and Guinea Bissau fixing the fishing opportunities allocated to EC vessels in Guinea Bissau waters for the period 2001-2006, and the financial compensation to be paid by the EC for these opportunities. The agreement is pursuant to a long-term agreement adopted in 1980.

CBD - Decisions from the 7th Conference of the Parties
The 7th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in February 2004. Among the various decisions adopted, five were of particular relevance to marine living resources: Decision VII/5 on marine and coastal biological diversity; Decision VII/11 on the ecosystem approach; Decision VII/12 on sustainable use; Decision VII/13 on alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species; and Decision VII/28 on protected areas.

Australia: Fisheries Legislation Amendment (High Seas Fishing Activities and Other Matters) Act 2004
This Act implements Australia's obligations under the FAO Compliance Agreement. In addition to applying the Compliance Agreement generally to Australian-flagged boats on the high seas, the Act contains specific provisions concerning Australian-flagged boats that have previously undermined conservation and management measures and the establishment of a register of vessels authorised to fish on high seas. The Act also makes certain other amendments to the primary Australian fisheries legislation (Fisheries Management Act 1991) concerning, inter alia, fisheries logbooks, the power to stop and detain vehicles and aircraft and charter fishing.

Report of the FAO-SPC Regional Expert Consultation on Sea Safety in Small Fishing Vessels
The FAO-Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Regional Expert Consultation on Sea Safety in Small Fishing Vessels took place in Suva, Fiji, in February 2004. The meeting was convened firstly to address and progress the most important issues in fisheries sea safety from the perspectives of several relevant disciplines and, secondly, to formulate plans for future sea safety programmes. Composed of experts with legal, fisheries, ship-building, search/rescue and other backgrounds, the Consultation discussed the significance of good sea accident data, mandatory requirements for vessel registration, vessel inspection and crew certification, enforcement of regulations in remote locations and training requirements for improving safety in small fishing boats. The report lists a number of recommendations together with considerations relating to their implementation.

Report of the FAO Regional Workshop on Approaches to Reducing Shrimp Trawl Bycatch in the Western Indian Ocean
This is the FAO report on the Regional Workshop on Approaches to Reducing Shrimp Trawl Bycatch in the Western Indian Ocean which took place in Mombasa, Kenya, in April 2003. The workshop was jointly organized by the FAO Fishery Industries Division, the Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in Mombasa (Kenya) and the Oceanographic Research Institute in Durban (South Africa) and was hosted by KMFRI. The participants (from 5 Western Indian Ocean African coastal States) discussed existing bycatch policy and legislation, the state of bycatch knowledge, the impacts of bycatch and methods for reducing bycatch or improving bycatch utilization. The participants recommended the use of bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) in the region, to harmonize the data collection among the countries and the improved utilization of bycatch.

RECOFI - Report of the Second Session
The second session of the Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI) took place Muscat, Oman, in May 2003. The report reviews the session and a technical meeting, which preceded the Commission session. The session reviewed the progress of the RECOFI and considered relevant issues of concern in the Gulfs Region as well as the progress in implementation of the first session recommendations. The Commission endorsed recommendations to establish Working Groups on Aquaculture (WGA) and on Statistics (WGS).

United Nations - Report of the Secretary-General on Oceans and the Law of the Sea
This is the regular UN Secretary-General Report on developments and issues relating to oceans and the law of the sea. The report contains information on the status of the LOS Convention and its implementing Agreements, including declarations and statements made by States under articles 287, 298 and 310 of the Convention. In relation to marine living resources, the report addresses a wide-range of issues, including: the state of world fisheries, IUU fishing, unreliable information and data on marine capture fisheries, the use of non-selective fishing gear and unsustainable fishing practices, the consequences of overfishing, the development of deep-sea fisheries and the conservation of marine biodiversity, including through the establishment of marine and coastal protected areas. The report also considers new sustainable uses of the oceans, including the conservation and management of the biological diversity of the seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which is to be one of the areas of focus for the fifth meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea.

IATTC - Chair's Report of the 5th Meeting of the Working Group on Compliance
The 5th meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) Working Group on Compliance met in Lima, Peru, in June 2004. The meeting discussed the Commission's report on compliance in 2003, which covered, inter alia, sea turtle bycatch, discards, at-sea reporting, and national reports on potential violations. The meeting also considered criteria and procedures to adopt trade measures to promote compliance.

WCPFC - Statement of the Chairman on the Work of the Preparatory Conference during its Sixth Session
The sixth session of the Preparatory Conference for the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific took place in Bali, Indonesia in April 2004. During this session, the Conference considered the following matters: the status of the Convention; the status of the Preparatory Conference Organizational Fund and related matters; the procedures for the appointment of the Executive Director; the draft provisional agenda for the inaugural session of the Commission, and the date and place of the that sessions and the final session of the Preparatory Conference; the reports and recommendations of the Conference Working Groups.

CBD - Report of the 7th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity
The 7th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in February 2004. Overall the COP reviewed progress on biodiversity conservation and adopted specific indicators and goals for achieving the overall 2010 targets on biodiversity loss reduction. Major themes of focus on coastal and marine biodiversity included: marine and coastal protected areas, mariculture, coral bleaching, and the effects of deep-sea trawling on coral reefs, and enhancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction. The COP adopted several decisions relevant to marine living resource conservation.

SEAFO - Documents adopted at the First Meeting of the Commission
The first session of the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organization (SEAFO) took place in March 2004 in Swakopmund, Namibia. Four organizational documents were adopted, concerning: the Rules of Procedure of the Commission, Staff Regulations, Financial Regulations and the Set-up of the SEAFO Secretariat.

IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU - Documents adopted at the Second Meeting of the Signatories
 - Revised Conservation and Management Plan
The Second Meeting of the Signatory States to the Indian Ocean and South East Asia (IOSEA) Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles and their Habitats took place in Bangkok, Thailand, in March 2004. The meeting agreed on various actions to be carried out by both signatory and no-signatory States, adopted revisions to the Conservation and Management Plan and adopted revisions to the terms of reference for the Advisory Committee.

OECD Workshop on IUU Fishing Activities: Key Observations and Findings
This document summarizes the main observations and findings of the  OECD Workshop on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Activities, which took place in Paris in April 2004. The objective of the workshop, which was attended by approximately 120 experts from OECD and non-OECD countries, regional fisheries management organizations, international governmental organizations, NGOs and academia, was to gather information and data on the extent of IUU fishing and identify the economic and social drivers to IUU fishing. The workshop was organized around four sessions addressing: the state of play of IUU fishing; data and information needs; economic and social drivers; and possible future actions. This document highlights the key observations and findings from each session, compiled by the Workshop Chairs.

European Community Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of hake stocks
This Regulation establishes a recovery plan for the northern hake stock with the overall objective of ensuring the recovery of the hake stock by increasing the quantities of mature fish to values equal to or greater than 140,000 tonnes (a level based on precautionary stock sizes advised by scientists). The Regulation establishes procedures for setting the total allowable catch and provides for various measures for monitoring, inspection and control, including prior notification of entry into port and landing, a requirement to land hake in designated ports and provisions on gear stowage and transport conditions.

European Community: Council Regulation laying down measures concerning incidental catches of cetaceans in fisheries
This Regulation supplements the general technical conservation measures in Community fisheries to address specifically the problem of incidental catches of cetaceans in fisheries (which according to Community scientific advice occur commonly with most fishing gears used in Europe, but particularly with gill nets and pelagic trawls). The Regulations introduces three main types of measures: (1) restrictions on the use of drift-nets in the Baltic Sea, to consist of an immediate length limitation of 2.5 km, and and a complete phasing out before 1 January 2007 (existing Community rules prohibiting the use of driftnets have not to date applied in the Baltic); (2) the mandatory use of acoustic deterrent devices ("pingers") in certain fisheries, and (3) coordinated monitoring of cetacean by-catch through compulsory on board observers for given fisheries (at 5-10 per cent coverage).

SEAFO - Report of the First Meeting of the Commission
The first session of the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organization (SEAFO) took place in March 2004 in Swakopmund, Namibia. The session focused on organization matters, and a number of documents were adopted: the Commission’s Rules of Procedure, Financial and Staff Regulations and the budget for 2005. The Meeting also agreed that the Scientific Committee will meet for the first time in 2005, in conjunction with the second Commission meeting, and agreed on the priorities for the Committee.

Report of the FAO Regional Workshop on the Elaboration of National Plans of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing – Southern and East Africa Subregion
The FAO Regional Workshop on the Elaboration of National Plans of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (Southern and East Africa Subregion) took place in Kariba, Zimbabwe in November 2003. This document contains the report of, and the paper presented at, that workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to assist countries in the subregion in developing national plans of action on IUU fishing. The workshop considered the International Plan of Action, the accompanying FAO Technical Guidelines; two case studies; decision-making on IUU fishing; and skills development through identification of key issues relating to the national plans of action.

Report of the Workshop on the Implementation of the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in the Pacific Islands
This document contains the report of, and the papers presented at, the FAO Workshop on the Implementation of the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in the Pacific Islands: A Call to Action, which was held in Nadi, Fiji in October 2003. The objectives of the Workshop were to facilitate a greater understanding of the Code of Conduct among stakeholders in the Pacific Islands; to foster steps towards the more effective implementation of the Code in the region; to encourage fishery policy revisions reflecting the Code and to encourage an inclusive approach to management. The Workshop discussed: the Code and its framework; legal considerations relating to the Code; responsible fisheries management and operations; responsible aquaculture and inland fisheries; responsible post-harvest practices and trade and the integration of fisheries into coastal area management. To enhance the participatory nature of the Workshop, five Working Groups were formed covering these themes. Each Working Group developed conclusions and recommendations, and the Workshop endorsed several national, regional and global follow-up actions.

United Nations Resolution 58/240 on Oceans and the Law of the Sea
Resolution of the UN General Assembly, adopted at the 79th plenary meeting of its 58th Session in December 2004. As regards marine living resources, the Resolution calls on States that have not yet done so to acceded to become parties to the UN Fish Stocks Agreement and for urgent consideration to be given to means to integrate and improve, on a scientific basis, the management of risks to the marine biodiversity of seamounts, cold water coral reefs and certain other underwater features. In requesting the convening of the fifth meeting of the Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea, the Resolution recommended that discussions should be organized around new sustainable uses of the oceans, including the conservation and management of the biological diversity of the seabed in areas beyond national jurisdiction, as well as issues discussed at previous meetings.

Protocol to the European Community-Guinea Fisheries Agreement
 - EC Council Regulation on Conclusion
Protocol to the 1983 long-term agreement between the EC and Guinea, fixing the fishing opportunities allocated to EC vessels in Guinean waters for the period 2004-2008, and the financial compensation to be paid by the EC for these opportunities. The protocol also specifies conditions applicable to EC vessels in Guinean waters and specifies certain measures designed to protect and strengthen the Guinean fisheries sector, aimed particularly at protecting the local artisanal fishing sector and developing an effective fisheries surveillance and control system in Guinean waters.

Malta: Merchant Shipping (Fishing Vessel Safety) Rules 2004
These Rules implement European Community rules on a harmonized safety regime for fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over (Council Directive 97/70/EC) and the regulations of the Annex to the Torremolinos Protocol. The Rules apply to seagoing Maltese fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over and to other seagoing fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and either operating in the internal or territorial waters of Malta or landing their catch in Malta.

Report of the FAO International Workshop on the Implementation of International Fisheries Instruments and Factors of Unsustainability and Overexploitation in Fisheries
The FAO International Workshop on the Implementation of International Fisheries Instruments and Factors of Unsustainability and Overexploitation in Fisheries was held in Mauritius, in February 2003. The purpose of the workshop was to identify factors of unsustainability and overexploitation in fisheries and review major issues in the implementation of international fisheries instruments and aimed specifically at the following questions: What are the major obstacles to the implementation of major legal instruments? What are the main lessons learned and the possible paths to solutions for improved implementation? What are the possible gaps that may exist in these instruments to guide the international community in improving the management of marine fisheries? This document contains the report of the workshop, discussion papers containing case studies and notes submitted to the workshop by participants.

WECAFC - Report of the eleventh session of the Commission and of the eighth session of the Committee for the Development and Management of Fisheries in the Lesser Antilles
The eleventh session of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) and of the eighth session of its Committee for the Development and Management of Fisheries in the Lesser Antilles took place in St. George's, Grenada in October 2003. Major topics discussed during the session were: the state of fishery resources and the situation and trends of fisheries in the WECAFC region; the strategies for increasing the contribution of small-scale capture fisheries to food security and poverty alleviation; and the current strategy of WECAFC and its work programme. The Commission adopted the 2004-05 work programme.

Report of the FAO Expert Consultation on Fishing Vessels Operating under Open Registries and their Impact on IUU Fishing
The Expert Consultation on Fishing Vessels Operating under Open Registries and their Impact on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing took place in Miami, United States in September 2003. The objective of the Consultation was to facilitate the implementation of the IPOA-IUU by considering the role of open-registry vessels in IUU fishing. Participants focused on the effects of IUU fishing on global fishery resources and on lessons that might be learned from the experiences of flag States that have already implemented tighter control over the activities of their fishing vessels. Background papers and three case studies from selected open registry countries were presented. A round table discussion following the presentations led to the adoption of a number of recommendations for more effective application of flag State control over fishing vessels, particularly those operating under open registries, as a means to reduce the incidence of IUU fishing. These recommendations identified measures to be adopted by all States, flag States, coastal States and port States, as well as for assistance to developing States.

CCAMLR - Report of the XXII Meeting of the Commission
The twenty-second meeting Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) took place in November/December 2003, in Hobart, Australia. The report documents extensive discussions on a large number of issues, including: a review of the Reports of the Committees (Scientific, Implementation and Compliance and Administration and Finance); IUU fishing in the CCAMLR Area, including consideration of the IUU vessel black list; assessment of incidental mortality and consideration of avoidance techniques; new and exploratory fisheries; the operation of the System of Inspection and the Scheme of International Scientific Observation; review of existing measures, including compliance; management under conditions of uncertainty; and cooperation with other international organizations, including the Antarctic Treaty and CITES. The meeting adopted several new and revised conservation measures.

IATTC - Minutes of the 7th Meeting of the Permanent Working Group on Fleet Capacity
IATTC - Minutes of the 4th Meeting of the Bycatch Working Group
The 7th Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) Permanent Working Group on Fleet Capacity took place in La Jolla, United States in February 2004; the 4th Meeting of the Bycatch Working Group took place in Kobe, Japan in January 2004. The Fleet Capacity PWG reviewed implementation of the Resolution on the Capacity of the Tuna Fleet Operating in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and considered the draft Regional Plan of Capacity, agreeing on recommendations to put forward to the Commission. The Bycatch WG focussed on sea turtle interactions, reviewing available information on the current status of sea turtle conservation and on sea turtle interactions with tuna fisheries; and considering short-term and longer-term conservation measures for sea turtles in various types of fisheries. The meeting also agreed that further consideration should be given to shark bycatch.

United Nations Resolution 58/14 on Sustainable Fisheries
Resolution of the UN General Assembly on sustainable fisheries, adopted at the 64th plenary meeting of its 58th Session in November 2004. The Resolution covers various issues, including: achieving sustainable fisheries; implementation of the UN Fish Stocks Agreement; related fisheries instruments (including the FAO Compliance Agreement and IPOAs); illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; fishing overcapacity; large-scale pelagic drift-net fishing; fisheries bycatch and discards; subregional and regional cooperation; responsible fisheries in the marine ecosystem; capacity-building; and cooperation within the United Nations system.

Resolutions adopted at the 8th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
The 8th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) took place in Victoria, Seychelles, in December 2003. Seven Resolutions were adopted dealing with: the limitation of fishing capacity of Contracting Parties and Cooperating on-Contracting Parties; criteria for attaining the status of Co-operating Non-Contracting Party; amendment of the forms of the IOTC Statistical Documents; enhancement of effectiveness of IOTC measures to eliminate IUU Activities in the IOTC Area; trade measures; and management options for tuna and tuna-like species. A special resolutions was also adopted recognizing the contributions of former Executive Secretary, David Ardill.

CCAMLR - Conservation Measures adopted at the XXII Meeting of the Commission
The 23rd Annual Meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) took place in Hobart, Australia in October/November 2004. The Commission adopted a large number of conservation measures, dealing, inter alia, with: licensing and inspection obligations; satellite-linked vessel monitoring systems; the Catch Documentation Scheme for toothfish; the Scheme to promote compliance by Contracting Party vessels with CCAMLR Conservation Measures; limitation of bycatch; catch limits and other conservation measures for a number of fisheries, including certain experimental and exploratory fisheries. The Commission also adopted three new Resolutions, concerning: the Electronic Catch Documentation Scheme for toothfish; incidental mortality of seabirds arising from fishing; and safety on board fishing vessels.

International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments
The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments was adopted in London, United Kingdom in February 2004. It is a comprehensive and detailed treaty, with the overall objectives, inter alia, of developing safer and more effective ballast water management and minimizing and ultimately eliminating the risks to the environment arising through the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens. The Convention places requirements on parties to provide adequate reception facilities for ballast water movements and to ensure that vessels are surveyed and certified.  In an Annex provides a detailed set of Regulations setting out the technical standards and requirements for the control and management of ships' ballast water and sediments. In particular, ships are required to have on board and implement a Ballast Water Management Plan, must record transfers in a Ballast Water Record Book and, depending on certain circumstances, must adhere to certain standards for ballast water management specified in the Regulations.

Putrajaya Declaration of Regional Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Seas of East Asia
The Declaration of Regional Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Seas of East Asia is a Ministerial Declaration signed by ministers and representatives of 12 countries participating in the East Asian Seas Congress, held in Putrajaya, Malaysia in December 2003. In the Declaration, the Minsiters expressed their commitment to regional cooperation and collaboration and agreed to adopt the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA) as a common platform for such cooperation and as a framework for policy and programme development and implementation, at the national and local level, on a voluntary basis.

Kuala Lumpur Declaration
Ministerial Declaration adopted by the Ministers responsible for the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity at the 7th Conference of Parties, which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in February 2004. The Declaration includes a commitment  to the establishment of networks of protected areas both marine and terrestrial and to the development of indicators and incentives to meet the COP's 2010 target to reduce biodiversity loss.

European Community Regulation establishing measures for the recovery of cod stocks
This Regulation establishes a recovery plan for depleted cod in EC waters (in the North Sea, west of Scotland, Irish Sea and the Kattegat and Skagerrak) with the overall objective of ensuring the recovery of the stocks within 5 to 10 years. The Regulation establishes procedures for setting the total allowable catch and for limiting fishing effort by means of a limit on the fishing days for vessels with cod quotas. The Regulation also contains various measures for monitoring, inspection and control, including prior notification of entry into port and landing, a requirement to land cod in designated ports and provisions on gear stowage and transport conditions.

SEAFO - Draft Documents for the First Meeting of the Commission
The Interim Secretariat of the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organization (SEAFO) has published a number of draft documents for consideration by SEAFO members at the inaugural session of the Commission, to take place in March 2004. Inter alia, these deal with rules of procedure for the Commission and the Scientific and Compliance Committees; and staff and financial regulations.

Report of the Eighth Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
The 8th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) took place in Victoria, Seychelles, in December 2003. Seven Resolutions were adopted dealing with: the limitation of fishing capacity of Contracting Parties and Cooperating on-Contracting Parties; criteria for attaining the status of Co-operating Non-Contracting Party; amendment of the forms of the IOTC Statistical Documents; enhancement of effectiveness of IOTC measures to eliminate IUU Activities in the IOTC Area; trade measures; and management options for tuna and tuna-like species. A special resolutions was also adopted recognizing the contributions of former Executive Secretary, David Ardill.

Report of the FAO Expert Consultation on Small-Scale Fisheries Management in Sub-Saharan Africa
The Expert Consultation on Small-Scale Fisheries Management in Sub-Saharan Africa took place in Accra, Ghana, in December 2001. The Consultation reviewed management approaches employed in small-scale fisheries in the region and found that Government institutional arrangements/ management was prevalent compared to traditional and co-management systems. However, most countries operate all three in various combinations and in varying circumstances. The Consultation recommended, inter alia, that FAO assist in formulating guidelines for the development and introduction of co-management. The guidelines should include appropriate indicators through which to measure progress of co-management at national and regional level.

PSC - Eighteenth Annual Report (2003-2004)
The report summarizes the activities of the Commission for the year April 2002 to March 2003. It includes a review of the activities of the Commission during this period, including reports on the Annual Meeting in February 2003 and the Executive and Extraordinary Sessions and meetings of the Standing Committees and Panels. There is also a detailed review of the various fisheries under the Commission’s responsibility in 2002 and ‘treaty-related performance’.