FAO members to improve on deep-sea fishing
Author: Stephen Odoi Larbi - Ghanaian Chronicle
Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2008
Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2008
Member countries of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have adopted international guidelines aimed at limiting the impact of fishing on fragile deep sea fish species and habitats. This came to light after two years of preparation and negotiation with member countries.
The guidelines, according to a statement posted on the website of the FAO would provide a framework to guide the operations of member countries that are into deep-sea fishing to protect deep-sea fish species and habitats. It outlines measures to be taken to identify and protect vulnerable ecosystems and provide guidance on the sustainable use of marine living resources in deep-sea areas.
Member countries agreed that fishing nations should assess the deep-sea fishing being undertaken by their fleets in order to determine if any significant adverse impacts are involved. Also, deep sea fishing activity should cease in any area where significant adverse impacts to vulnerable marine ecosystems are thought to be taking place.
Moreover, member countries agreed that where deep sea fishing could be undertaken responsibly, more appropriate fishing methods should be used to reduce impacts on non-target species.
Managing deep-sea fisheries in high seas areas outside of countries' exclusive economic zones has always been difficult, since it requires multilateral solutions involving not only nations whose vessels are engaged in deep-sea fisheries but other interested countries as well.
“Until now, there really hasn't been an international framework for tackling this issue. These guidelines represent one of the few practical instruments of this nature, and are a breakthrough in that they address both environmental and fisheries management concerns in an integrated manner,” said Ichiro Nomura, Assistant Director General of FAO's Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. 69 countries out of the 191 FAO member countries participated in the Technical Consultation as well as 14 intergovernmental and international non-governmental organizations. Ms. Jane Willing, Manager of International Relations for New Zealand's Ministry of Fisheries, chaired the consultation.
