Árni Mathiesen, ADG,Fisheries and Aquaculture DepartmentFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

149th Session of the FAO Council

Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction

65% of the surface of the

oceans

40% of the surface of our

planet

Complex ecosystems

Nearly 95% of the ocean’s

volume

Many actors, different agendas

Failing on targets: Rio, WSSD, CBD

Many challenges

Threats to ABNJ

Increased pelagic fishing

for highly migratory

species

Extraction of hydrocarbons and mineral exploration

Maritime shipping IUU fishing

Marine debris and pollution

Ecosystem impacts from

deep-sea fisheries

Weak implementation of regulatory frameworks

and management options

Building on progress

• Guidance for biodiversity protection in the ABNJ

• Increased consumer and retailer interest in sustainability

• Industry emerging as a leading partner towards sustainability

• Reduction of IUU fishing• Expanded conservation measures • New RFMOs being established

Global sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity conservation in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Program

Project 1: Sustainable Management of Tuna Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation in the ABNJ “Tuna Project”

Project 2: Sustainable Fisheries Management & Biodiversity Conservation of Deep-sea Ecosystems in the ABNJ “Deep Seas Project”

Project 3: Ocean Partnerships for Sustainable Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation – Models for Innovation and Reform “OPP”

Project 4: Strengthening Global Capacity to effectively manage ABNJ “Capacity Project”

Program objective: To promote efficient and sustainable management of fisheries resources and biodiversity conservation in the ABNJ, in accordance with the global targets agreed in international forums.

Implementation arrangements & funding

Total funding by the Global Environment Facility (including fees, project preparation grant and program coordination) USD 50 million

ABNJ Program Coordinating Agency (PCA) is FAO

GEF Implementing

AgencyGEF grant

(USD)Co-financing (USD)

(estimated)

Project 1 (Tuna) FAO 30 million 150.8 million

Project 2 (Deep-Seas) FAO/UNEP 8.4 million 79 million

Project 3 (OPP) World Bank 10.0 million 40 million

Project 4 (Capacity) FAO 1.1 million 4.6 million

Working in Partnership

Conclusions

Move away from the race to fish Increased capacity to

protect fragile ecosystems

Fewer barriers to international and cross-

sectoral sharing of knowledge and

experiences

Move towards an ecosystem approach

TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPACT