ASIA-PACIFIC FISHERY COMMISSION (APFIC)

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Sixty~seventh session

Bangkok, Thoil.nd,IO-I2 June 1998

APFIC SECRETARIAT REGIONAL Otl'lCE FOR ASIA AND TIlE PACIFIC

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF TIlE UNITED NATIONS Bangkok, Thailand, 1998

RAFA PUBLICATION 1991JIU

ASIA-PACIFIC FISHERY COMMISSION (APFIC)

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Sixty .. seventh session

Bangkok, Tbanand, 1()"12 June 1998

Al'FIC SECRETARIAT REGIONAL OFFICE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS Bangkok,Thailand,I998

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The designations employed and the presentation of materials in this publicat-ion do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any fonn or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Applications for such permission, with a statement of the pUlpose and extent of the reproduction, should be addressed to the Secretary, Asia-Pacific Fishery COnmUssion, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Maliwan Mansion, Phra Athit Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand.

© FAO 1998

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PREPARATION OF THIS DOCUMENT

This is the final report approved by the Sixty-_enth Session of the Executive Committee of the Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission.

Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission.

Report of the Sixty-seventlt session of the APFle Executive Committee, Bangkok. Thailand. 10-J 2 June J 998. FAO Regional 0fflCe!or Asia and the Pacific. Bangirok. 1998. 32 p.

ABSTRACT

This document presents the final report of the Sixty-seventh session of 1he Executive Committee of the Asia~Pacifj('l Fishery Commission (APFIC) wbjeh was held at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand, from 10-1210ne 1998. Major topics discussed were: progress reports on the intersessional activities of APFIC; current issues on fisheries and aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific region; review of the achievements and future direction of APFle, including the merger of APFIC and the IOFC Bay of Bengal Committee and possible contributions by Member States to support the activities of APFIC; progress report on preparations for the Twenty-sixth Session of the Commission and the technical Symposium. on Fish Utilization in the Asia-Pacific Region, The summary of the main recommendations/decisions is shown in AppendiX H,

Distribution:

Participants ofthe Session Members of the Commission F AO Fisheries Department F AO Regional Fishery Officers

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CONTENTS

ParaarOllb

OPENING OF THE SESSION ........................................................................... 1 - 2

ADOPTION OF THE AGEN'DA " ....... " ........ " ............................. "" ...... " ... ".... 3

INTERSESSIONAL ACTIVITIES OF APFIC ......•...•....................................... 4 - 7

CURRENT ISSUES ON FlSHERlES AND AQUACULTURE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION .................................................................. 8 -19

ACHIEVEMENTS OF APFIC AND ITS FUTURE DIRECTION .................. 20 - 31

MERGER OF THE APPIC AND BOBC ......................................................... 32 - 34

CONTRlBUTlONS BY MEMBER STATES TO SUPPORT THE ACTIVITIES OF APFIC ................................................................................ 35 - 41

PREPARATIONS FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTH SESSION OF APFIC ......... 42 - 45

OTHER MA TIERS ... ... ..... ........ .......................... .................. ........ ........ .......... 46 - 47

DATE A1>.'J) PLACE OF THE SIXTY-EIGHTH SESSION ............................. 48

ADOPTION OF THE REPORT ......................................................................... 49

APPENDIXES

A. List of Participants ft'"", ... ,,, ....................... ,, ...... ,., ...... ,,, .... ,,....... ............... 11

B Agenda ...................................................................................................... 13

C List of Documents ".,' .... "., .............. """.""" .... "",." .. ",, .. ,." .... ,', ........... " 15

D Excerpts from the Report of the Twenty-fourth FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific, Yangon, Myanmar, 20-24 April 1998 ...................................................................................... 17

E Tentative scheme ofannual contribution: Model A................................... 18

F Tentative "'heme of annual contribution: Model B .................................... 19

G Provisional Agenda of the Twenty-sixth Session of APFIe Beijing, People's Republic of China, 24-30 September 1998 .................. 20

H Summary of Main RecommendationsIDecisions ....................................... 21

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OPENING OF THE SESSION

1. The Executive Committee of the Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC) held its Sixty-seventh Session at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand, from 10 to 12 June 1998 under the chainnanship of Mr. Zhou Youzhan, Chainnan of APFIC, and Mr. N. Ram. Rao, APFIC Vice Chainnan. The list of participants is given in Appendix A.

2. At the opening of the Session, Dr. Soetatwo Hadiwigeno. Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative ofFAO, welcomed tha members of the Exe<:ulive Committee on behalf nfthe Director-General. He noted the vital role played by fisheries in supporting food securily and national economies in the Asia-P.cific region. The recent F AO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific also recognized the essential role that APFIC could play in strengthening international cooperation and coordination in fisheries conservation and management in the region and recommended that M~ber Governments should actively support and participate in the work of APFIC. As this year is designated a. the UN lnle.mlltional Year of the Oceans and APFIC is approaching it. 50th Anniversary, he stressed the nood to strengthen APFIC to enhance the contribution. of fisheries and aquaculture to food seeurity in Asia and the Pacific.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

3. The Executive Committee edopted the Agenda as given in Appendix B. The documents placed before the Committee are listed in Appendix C. INTERSESSIONAL ACfIVITIES OF APFIC

4. The Committee reviewed the activities undertaken by APFIC since the Twenty-fifth Session of the Commission (Seoul. Republic of Korea in October 1996) presented in doemnent APFIC:ExCo/98/2.

5. The amendments to the APFIC Agreement and Rules of Procedures as adopted at tha Twenty-fifth Session were concurred by the FAO Council .t its Hundred and Twelfth Session in June 1997. The Committee took note of the recommendalion of the FAO Committee OIl Constitutional and Legal Matters (CCLM), at its Sixty-sixth Session (Rome, 5·6 May 1997), that the official languages remain English and French with the possibility for the Commission to decide on the working language or languages to be used at each of its sessions. The Executive Committee further agreed that l for the Twenty-sixth Session of the Commission in 1998. the working language at the Session would be English due 10 limited budget for the Session.

6. The Committee was infQnned that the Tenth Session of the APFIC Committee on Marine Fisheries (COMAF), scheduled to be held in Bangkok from 15 to 18 June 1998, has to be postponed due to lack of a quorum. Similarly, the Firsl Session of the APFIC Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Committee (A1FIC), scheduled for July 1998, may also he postponed owing to low response to date. The Committee expressed concern about such postponements as there are many issues on fisheries management tbat should be discussed among Member States prior to the Commission's Session. The Committee requested the­Secretariat to discuss further with -Member States urgent issues which required their attention

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at the sesmollS of APFIC in order to ensure their active participation in the work of the Commission.

7. The Executive Committee commended the Secretariat for the substantial accomplishments during the intersessional periodt including the activities carried out by the APFIC Working Pll1ty on Marine Fisheries and the Joint Working Patty on Fishery Statistics and Economics.

CURRENT ISSUES ON FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE IN mE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

8. The Executive Committee reviewed the current situation on fisheries and aquaculture in the Asia-Pacific region. It noted that, while the total fIshery production hed been increasing during the last decade. marine fishery production showed a slower rate of increase with an average of 2.2 percent per year during 1990-1995. Production from the Eastern Indian Ocean contributed about 10 percent of the total marine preduction and maintained a high rate of increase (6.6 percent per year) while that of the Northwest PacifIc Ocean increased by only 1.3 percent per year on the average. As most cosstal waters in the region were fully exploited or even overexploited in some areas and only a few Asian countries operated in the high seas, the marine fishery production in the region ntight reach a plateau in the near future.

9. In inland capture fisheries, fIve Member. of APFIC contributed 90 percent of the total inland fisheries production during 1990-1995. Irrigated agriculture and industrial development as well as environmental degradation were cited as the main factors causing-the decline in riverine fisheries. Increased attention and action on inland fishery enhancement, restoration and rehabilitation of rivers and reservoirs as well as proper management of international rivers in the }uian mainland could increase inland production which is of importance to the rural poor.

10. The Secretary of AlFIC presented a brief outline of the status and outlook of aquaculture in the region and the major issues that should be considered to ensure sustainable development of this important sector. He pointed out that in 1996, Asia's aquaculture production reached about 31 million metric tons (including aquatic plants) valued at about US$ 42 billion; Asia achieved the proud record of producing about 91 percent of the global aquaculture production; aquaculture production represented about 35 percent of total fIsh landings; and all the top seven aquaculture producing countries (China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, the Philippines Ill1d Thailand) were from this region. It was also pointed Qut that the aquaculture sub-sector had maintained an average annual growth rate of over 10010 for the period 1984-1996.

II. In most of the countries in the region, the potential for further growth and development of aquaculture is good. This potential can he realized in two ways; firstly, by putting in additional areas under aquaculture. and secondly, by increasing production per unit area through the application of improved technologies and by integrating aquaculture with other limning activities. China alone plans to increase her aquaculture production to 21 million metric IXlns by 2000. Globally, it is estimated that, by 2010, aquaculture production could reach about 5(1 million metric tons (including aquatic plants).

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12. The rapid development of aquaculture during the last tWQ decades, however, has not heen without prohlems. In many countries it has cau,ed enviromnental degradation because of lbe destroction of ecosystems by clearing mangrove furests to establish shrimp farms, dntining of wetlands for the constmction of shrimp/fish ponds, polluting natural waters through discharge of waste waters from aquaculture facilities, introducing exotic species for culture without prior assessment of ecological impact, etc. On the posit,ive side, aquaculture has made a substantial contribution to the availability of more food fish, and the creation of additional employment opportunities and foreign exchange earnings in many countries in Asia. TIle overall consensus is that the easy growth period is over, and now as a recognized economic activity, aquaculture is facing competition with other econo~c activities in terms of production and marketing. For aquaculture to realize its full potential, future development must be technically, socio~economically and environmentally sustainable.

13. Except for China and India, the rate of growth of aquaculture is showing signs of slowing down because of the 'many constraints that are now faced by this rapidly expanding econ,omic activity. The major constraints hindering aquacu1ture development in the Asian region are lack of trainad manpower; shortage of inputs such as seed, fead and fertilizers; lack of cradit and high interest on loans; weak institutional framework, policy support and extension services; poor water quality resulting from pollution and environmental degradation; inadequate infrastructure and poor post~harvest care; competition with other resource (land/water/feed) users; ineffective leasing systems and problell1ll related to ownership; lack of appropriate technology; etc. The present economic down-tum will also have a negative impact on further growth of aquaculture in Asia.

14. More than half of the aquaculture production from Asia comes from small-scale rural aquaculture following a semi-intensive culture system which serves well the concept of food security by providing fish as food at the local level and contributing additional income to the family. However, it has be~n demonstrated beyond doubt that small-scale aquaculture practised by itself without integrating it with other farming activities such as livestock rearing, horticulture and crops cultivation is not economically as viable as when it is integrated into the fanning system framework, as has already been achieved to some extent in China and currently being followed in Lao PDR and Vietnam. The issues related to sustainable development of aquaculture and its contribution to food security in the context of the Asian region should therefore be addressed in tenus of its capacity to contribute fish as food, to generate employment and income, to maximize the use of natural resourc~ to maintain environmental integrity and to foster equity.

15, The main issues that need to be resolved to achieve sustainable aquaculture development by the member countries include:

i) Planning for resource use and input suppJy; ii} Integration of aquaculture with other farming activities for ensunng its

contribution to rural development; iii) Fish health management; iv) Food quality and safety associated with products from aquaculture; and v) Promotion of extension services and credit.

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16. The representative of the FAO Fisheries Department informed the Committee that, globally, fisheries had both successes and faihrres. World production reached 121 million metric tons in 1996, of which 34 million metric tons were derived from aquaculture. The public, however, is very concemed about the state of the oceans and aquatic resources, Presently, 35 percent of important fish stocks have been overfished and 25 percent are fully fished. The overcapacity of fishing fleets was recognized and the present 20 million metric tons of discards and bycatches have to be minimized. Fisheries. and in some cases, aquaculture. also created an impact on ecosystems and conflicts in utilizing natural resources: were increasing. Without proper management, these would lead to problems in fish trade resulting from the introduction of the ceo.labelling concept and eco-cetrification. There is an urgent need for fishing slates to comply with intenlation.l initiatives and .~ents in order to improve fishery governance in various regions. Regional fishery bodies such as APFIC are expected to playa significant role toward these goals.

17. The Committee recognized that lack of timely management measures in most fisheries deriyed from lack of accurate fishery statistics and resource appraisal to fomulate management options. Moreover, management of transboundary and shared fish stocks would require joint effort among countries concerned to develop management actions that are compatible with those of the resources within national jurisdictions. In order to promote responsible fisheries, fishers should be infonned and cooperate in implementing the Code of Condunt. Management measures should be enforeed through proper legislative and institutional mechanisms to ensure compliance,

18. For Asia and the Pacific, some members of the Committee suggested that APFIC should look into fisheries management frameworks in various sub-regions, such as South China Sea, Yellow Sea, Bay of Bengal, in order to assist the countries concerned to formulate appropriate management options in these areas, The review of existing knowledge of resonrce potentials and current fishing practices by various fishing fleets would lead to better uQ.derstanding and actions required in the sub-regions.

19. The member from the People's Republic of China highlighted the development and management of fisheries and aquaculture in China. Fishery production of China increased rapidly to 36 million metric tons (including seaweeds) in 1997, of which 56 percent was derived from aquaculture. The Chinese Government places great emphasis on the sustainable development of aquaculture, resource conservation and management of coastal resources. 'It has imposed a moratorium on fishing in its part of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea annually from July 10 September since 1995. The Government also increased scientific input into fisheries and aquaculture development and enforced management through fishery laws and regulation. China's fishing industry, however, also faced difficulties in maintaining, production in support of food security for her 1.2 billion people and fur export. Assistance ill preventing fish diseases, introduction of high~valued species for culture, development of a quar.mtine system and quality assurance of fishery products were needed. On the other hand, China could offer its assistance by sharing its expartise with other Members through APFIC andFAO.

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ACHIEVEMENTS OF APFICAND ITS FUTURE DlRECTIOl'i

20. The Executive Committee reviewed the ""hievements of APFIC during itr! fifty years of operation (1948-1998) as given in the documentAPFIC:ExCoI98/3, Revision 2.

21. The Committee noted with appreciation the ""hiovements of APFiC during itr! half century of service to the rational development and management 'of fisheries of the member countries. It acknowledged that thill outstanding success was due mainly to the sustainod cooperation rendered by the Commission's Member Nations; the technical and financial contributions of FAO to support the Commission's activities; and the untiring service and devotion of the Secretariat staff,

22. The Committee recommended that the useful conttibubons of APFIC to the fisheries of the region be widely publicized, especially its persistent efforts to assist its Members to move towards attaining self-reliance in the sustainable development and rational management of their fisheries, It was unanimously agreed that the Commjssion~s role be strengthened to enable it to continue its work in the twenty-first century. ,

23. The Committee noted with concern that~ during its long years of service to the region, APFIC had encountered certain difficulties which had impeded the discharging of its duties and responsibilities. These constrsints included dle frequent lack of funding support and inadequate staff for its programme of work. lack of interest and participation from the Member States and gradual reduction of support from FAO. The Committee unanimously agreed that there was an urgent need to alleviate these constraints to ensure the concrete and dynamic role of the Commissjon in the next century,

24. The Committee ex.pressed grave concern over recent developments regarding unsustainable use of fishery resources in the region; reduction of support ftom FAO (Resolution 13/97 adopted by the 29th session of the FAO Conference in November 1997), lack of commitment on the part of the Member States, including lack of active participation in the work of APFle and reluctance to make financial contributions.

25. It was stresse-d that these issues had_ been discussed on severa) occasions in the past, but no resolution was reached due to lack of commitment from the Member States. APPle is not only paralyzed, but also its existence is under threat The Committee unanimously agreed that it was time fOT the Member States to make a collective and clear decision on the future of APFIC, to. ensure the Conunission to be an effective regional fishery body.

Future Role of APFIC

26. In discussing tlle future role of APFIC, the Committee considered the statement by Mr. Moritaka Hayashi, the A .. ,istant Director-General of the FAO Fisheries Department, on the future role ofFAO regional fishery bodies (document APFIC: ExCo/98!4) and noted with gratification the measures taken by FAO to enhance the role of good fishery governance, tbe sustainable management and the responsible utilization of fishery resources of regional fishery bodies batll in and outside the aegis ofFAO.

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27. The Committee agreed thalth. vision fur APFIC in the next century was clear, i.e., to ensure the sustainable contribution of fisherie. 10 food security and the economies of its member countriesf noting that this vision had been influenced by the decisions and recorumendations of the World Food Summit and the FAO Goveuring Bodies as wen as the collective wisdom of its Member States. In this connection, the Corumittee noted with appreciation· the view and recommendations of the Twenty-fourth ·S"';'ion of the FAO Regional Conference (Yangon, Myanmar, 20-24 April 1998) which provided· inspiration and goidance for the future direction of the Commission (see Appeodix G).

28. The Committee agreed tha~ to fulfil this vision, the urgent mission O[the Commission was to help accelerate self-reliance of its Member States in the conservation and sustainable use of the fishery resources, and that the mission would necessitate the implementation of a wide range of progranmles of action to be undertaken with close regional cooperation. If APFIC were provided with edequate funding support, it could effectively assist its Members in implementing the needed programmes of action.

29. Noting the prevailing financial climate and the implications ftom Resolution 13197 of the Twenty-ninth Session of the F AO Conference to abolish all Working Parties of APFIC, it was strongly recommended that the programmes of action envisaged for the medium-term of APFle be more selective. The Committee agreed to recommend to the Commission that the Programmes of activity in the following areas be accorded high priority:

1. Collection, dissemination and exchange of fishery information and statistics; 2. Development of national fishery policies towards attalning the sustainability of

fisheries and fishery resources; 3. Marine fisheries management and related research; 4. Development of responsible aquaculture, with increased emphasis on rural

aquaculture development and the development of culture-based fisheries; and 5. Acceleration of the transfer of appropriate technology and capacity building in the

fisheries sector.

30. It was suggested that the selected programmes of action could he subject- or geugraphically-oriented. In this connection, close coordination and collaboration with other fishery bodies/organi?Jltion. in the region should be fostered to avoid duplication of effort.

31. To ensure adequate support for these selectsd programmes of activities, the Corumitt .. whilst noting thai F AO would provide core support to the Commission, strongly urged F AO to consider the feasibility of providing increased budget for the work of the Commission, considering the area of competence of the Commission and the importance of the fisheries sector to the economies of the countries in the region. At the same time, it was urged that the Member Governments consider contributing financial support to the work of the Commission.

MERGER OF THE APFIC AND BOBC

32. The Executive Committee WaS informed about the decision of fhe Indian Ocean Fishery Commission (IOFC) to tenninate its suhsidiery bodies including the Committe. for the Developroont and Management of Fisheries in the Bay of Bengal (BOBC). At its Tenth

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Session (New Delhi, India, 24-25 September 1997), BOBCdiscussed various options for its future, The need to continue fisheries tna1llIgernent and development in the Bay of Bengal was stressed and BOBC agreed by consensus that it should be merged into APFIC,

33, The Secreteriat further infonned the Executive Committee that members of BOBC, except Maldives, were already Members of APFIC,

34. After a discussion on the issues l the Executive Committee agreed to recommend to the Commission the merging of BOBC into APFIC, In merging BOBC into APPlC, however, BOBC would not be a new subsidiary body of APPlC as APFIC does not have any subsidiary body by region, The activities of BOBC could be covered by exiatirig APFIC subsidiary bodies, It was noted that Secretary oflOFC would submit an official communication on this matter to the APFIC Secretariat for further consideration by the Commission at its Twenty­sixth Session,

CONTRlBUTlONS BY MEMBER STATES TO SUPPORT THE AC11VIDES OF APPlC

35, The Executive Committee discussed the funding problems in relation to the future implementation of the activities of APFIC, Recognizing that the core funding of FAa to the Commission might be limited in Ule future, the Committee recalled the options for possible contributions by Members as directed by dIe Commission at its last session for further consideration by Members (paragraphs 61-62 of the Report of the Twenty-fifth Session of APFIC), viz"

(i) Member could pay 81UlUa! contributions based 00 agreed scale;

(ii) For specific activities or projects, voluutary contribntions by participating COlUltriCS only would be placed in a trust fund; and

(iii) Members would provide travel expenses for their representatives at .... ions of APFIC Committees and Working Parties,

36, The Committee noted that, for the first option, the principle and criteria on the scheme and scale of contribution should be established and agreed opoo by all Member St.tes. As an exarople, tbe Secretariat presented the scheme of contributions by Member States of the Indian Ocean Tuna Cornedssion (IOTC), Based on per capita GNP and total fishery production!n each Member State, tile tentative ",hOlll. of annual contributions by Members ofAPPIC was calculated (document APFIC:BxCoI98/6, Model A), The peroentage contributions to the total annual budgetsry requirement ranged from 2,6 percent in low­income, low-production countries to 9,1 percent in high~income~ high-production countries (Appendix D),

37, As the area of competence of APFIC covers both the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with several hundred species exploited and many Members are major exporters "f fish and fishery products. (export earuings in 1995 totalled to US$ 22,240 millioo), a weighted index on export was added to the fonner scheme, as shown in Model B. Based on per capita GNP,

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production level and export camings, the percentage for contributions would range from 1.6 percent to 7.4 percent of the total annual budget (Appendix E).

38. In considering these schemes of contributions, some members of the Committee suggested consideration should also be given to the value. of catch .. and the production derived from distsut-water fisheries.

39. The Committee agreed that the scheme and scale of contributions by Members required further consideration by each Member State and would be discussed further at the Commission's Session. At the same time, it also felt that FAO should he requested to consider alloeating appropriate funds to support activities of APFIC, which is the only F AO regional fishery body in this area.

40. The Committee further discussed the seeond optioo of voluntary contribntions to the cooperative projects by the participating countries only. It was agreed that APFIC should fonnulate project proposals from the identified priority programmes on speeific subjeets iu specific areas for consideration by the countries fOT possible support. In this connection, the Seeretariat reported that the Commission hod approved an action plan for an APFIC Fishery Infurmation Network at its last session. The project proposal for this programme is under preparation for consideration by possible host countries,

41. As regards the third option on increased natioual support for participation at APFIC sessions, the Committee suggested that the Secretariat should bring to the attention of Member States the urgency of issues to be resolved in fisheries management and aquaculture development. While recognizing the current economic crisis in many Member States, the Committee was of the opinion that the APFIC sessions would be an appropriate forum to discuss lssues confronting Members. Lack of a quorum at sessions would further delay action required to improve efficiency in managing fisheries and aquacultW'C in all Member States.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTII SESSION OF APFIe

42. The Executive Committee was infonned that the preparations for the Twenty-sixth Session of the Commission, to be hosted hy the Government of the People's Republic of China from 28-30 September 1998, were in progress. In order to ensure maximmn participation by Memher States, the Seeretariat would organize an APFIC Symposium 00

Fish Utilization in the Asia-Pacific Region, as weU as the Eleventh Session of the APFIe Joint Working Party on Fish 'I' eehnology and Marketing, during 24 to 27 September 1998. In addition, FAO would convene a FAOIDFID Expert Consultation on Bycatch Utilization iu Tropical Fisheries from 21 to 23 September at the same venue.

43. The Chairman stressed the imporlance of the Twenty-sixth Session of APFIC as it would coiucide with the 50th Anniversary of the Commission. He informed the Committee that the Government of China had signed the Memoranthou of Responsibilities to be assumed by the Government and FAO and allocated funds for the organization of the Session. He invited senior fishery officials from all Member States to attend and offered to arrange • study tour to observe thc Chinese fishing industry and aquaculture programmes after the Session.

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. 44. The Committee expressed its a!'Predation to the Government of the People'. Republic of Chin. for the arrangements and preparations being made for the Session and invited all Member States to actively participate at the Session in further deliberations Gn the future work of APFIC.

45. The Committee approved the provisional agenda of the Twenty·sixth Session of APFIC, prepared by the Secretari.~ which appears as Appendix F.

ANY OTHER MATTERS

46. The Secretariat informed the Committee of the forthcoming meetings to be organize(! by FAD, namely: (a) Preparatory Meeting for the FAD Consultation on the Management of Fishing Capacity, Shark Fisheries and the Incidental Catch ofSeshirds in Longline Fisheries, Rome, 22·24 July 1998; and (b) Meeting ofFAO and Non·FAO Regional Fishery Bodies, Rome 11·12 Februery 1999, in connection with the Twenty·third Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI), Rome, 15·19 February 1999.

47. The Secretariat also requested Member States 10 provide information on the progress wilh national implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries as requested by the COFI Secretari.t.

DATE AND PLACE OF THE SIXTY-EIGHTH SESSION

48. It was agreed th.t the Sixty-eighth Session of the Committee would be held at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and tho Pacific, Bangkok, ThaIland, in November 1999, subjeet to the decision of the Commission on its subsidiary bodies and availability of funds.

ADOPTION OF THE REPORT

49. The report of the Sixty·seventh Session of the APPlC Executive Committee was edopled by the Committee on 12 June 1998.

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APPENDIX A

List of Participants

MEMBERS OF THE APFIC EXECUTIYE COMMITTEE

Mr. Zhou Y ouzhan Director-General Bureau of Fisheries Ministry of Agriculture No.ll, Nongzhanguan Nanli Beijing PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Mr. N. Rama Rao Joint Secretary (Fisheries) Department of Agriculture and Cooperation Ministry of Agriculture Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi 110001 INDIA

Mr. Kook-Jeon Ahn Director-General for International Cooperation Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries 826-14 Y oksam-dong, Kangnam-gu Seoul 135-080 REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Mr. Glenn Hurry Director, Aquaculture Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch Department of Primary Industries and Energy G.P.O. Box 858 Canberra, ACT 2600 AUSTRALIA

Mr. Hashim bin Ahmad Deputy Director-General of Fisheries Department of Fisheries Malaysia Ministry of Agriculture Wisma Tani, lalan Sultan Salahuddin Kuala Lumpur 50624 MALAYSIA

Chairman of APFIC

Vice-Chairman

Out-going Chairman

Member

Member

Dr. Veravat Hongskul Senior Fishery Officer F AO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Phra Athit Road, Bangkok 10200 Thailand

Other participapts;

Ms. Yong-ja Cho International Cooperation Division Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries 826-14 Yoksam-dong, Kangnam-gu Seoul 135-080 REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Mr. Lui Qian-Fei Programme Officer and Interpreter International Cooperation Division Ministry of Agriculture No. 11, Nongzhanguan Nanli Beijing PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Dr. Serge Garcia Director, Fisheries Resources Division Fisheries Department F AO Headquarters Rome, Italy

Mr. P. C. Choudhury Regional Aquaculture Officer F AO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Phra Athit Road, Bangkok 10200 Thailand

Ms. Dora Blessich Project Operations Officer F AO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Phra Athit Road, Bangkok 10200 Thailand

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Secretary of APFIC

Dr. Deb Menasveta F AO Consultant

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F AO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Phra Athit Road, Bangkok 10200 Thailand

Secretariat

V. Hongskul H. Seiler! P. David K. Aotarayakul

APFIC Secretary APO (Marine Fisheries)

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APPENDIXB

Agenda

L Opening of the Session

2, Adoption ofthe Agenda

3, Intersessional activities of APFIC

4. Carrent issues on fisheries and aquaculture in the Asia-P""ific region

5, Achievements of APFIC (1948-1998) and its future direction

6, Merger of APFIC and BOBC

7, Contributions by Member States to support the ""tivities of APFIC

8. Preparations for the Twenty-sixth Session of APFIC

9. Any other matters

10, Date and place of the Sixty-eighth Session

II. Adoption of Ole Report

APFIC:ExCoI981!, Rev.2

APFIC:ExCoI98/2, Rev.!

APFIC:ExCoI9813, Rev.2

APFIC:ExCoI9814

APFIC:ExCoi9815

APFIC:ExCoI9816

APFIC:ExCoI9817

fufoonation Documents

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APPENDIXC

List of Document.

Provisional Agenda and Timetable

Intersessional Activities of APFIC

APFIC: Its evolution, achievements and future dirootion

Future Ro!e ofF AO Regional Fishery Bodies: Statement by .Mr. Moritaka Hayashi, Assistant Director·General, FAO Fisheries Department

Merging of the IOFC Conuniltee for the Development and Management of Fisheries in the Bay of Bengal (BOBC) and the Asia·Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC)

Contribution by Member States to Suppnrt the Activiti .. of APFIC

Provisional Agenda for the Twenty·six!h S .. sion of APFIC, Beijing, PRC, 24·30 September 1998

APFIC:ExCoI98/Inf, I, Rev, 1 Provisional List of Documents

APFIC:ExCoI98Ilnf, 2

APFIC:ExCo/98!lnf, 3

APFIC:ExCo/98IInf, 4

APFIC:ExCoI981lnf. 5

APFIC:ExCo/98Ilnf. 6

AFFIC:ExCoi98Ilnf,7

Members ufthe APFIC Executive Conunittee

Report ofthe·APFIC Executive Committee, Sixty·six!h Session, Bangkok, Thailand, 12·14 March 1996

Report of tho Twenty.fifth Session of APFIC, Seoul, R"public of Korea, 15·24 October 1996

Proceedings of the APFIC Symposium on Environmental. Aspeets of Responsible Fisheries, Seoul, Republic ofKorea, 15·18 October 1996

Small pelagic resourees and their fisheries in the Asia·Pacific region, Proceedings of the First Session of !he APFIC Working Party on Marine Fisheries, Bangkok, Thailand, 13·16 May 1991

Status of fishery statistics in Asia. Report of the First Session oftbe APFle Joint Working Party on Fishery Statistics and Economics, Bangkok, Thailand, 19·23 August 1997

APFIC:ExCo/981lnf. 8

APFIC:ExCo/98IInf. 9

16

Status of fishery statistics in the South Pacific

Management and Conservation of Fishery Resources in the Asia·Pacific Region, with Special Reference to the Achievement, of the Regional Fisheries Bodies (Paper presented at the Twenty-fourth FAO Regional Conference fur Asia and the Pacific, Yangon, Myanmar, 20-24 April 1(98)

APFIC:ExCo/981lnf. 9, Add. 1 Recent Statistics on Fishery Productions and Apparent Consumption in the Asia-Pacific Region

APFIC:ExCo/981lnf. 9, Add. 2 Summery Note of Fishery Development in China, 1997

APFIC:ExCol981lnf. 9, Add. 3 Preparatory Meeting fur theFAO Consultation on the Management of Fishing Capacity, Shark Fisheries and the Incidental Catch nfSeabirds in Longline Fisheries, 22·24 July 1998

APFIC;ExCoI981lnf. 10 Excerpts from the Report of the Twenty.fourth FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific, Yangon, Myanmar, 20-24 April 1998 (Para. 24·35 on fisheries)

APFIC:ExCo/98IInf. II Meeting ofFAO and Non-F AO Regional Fishery Bodies, Rome, 11-12 February 1999

APFIC:ExCo/98/Inf. 12 Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission: Structure, Functions and Directory of its Subsidiary Bodies

APFIC:ExCo!98IInf. 13 Excerpts from the Report of the Conference ofFAO Twenty. ninth Session, Rome, 7-18 November 1997

APFIC:ExCoI981lnf. 14

APFIC:ExCol98/Inf. 15

APFIC:ExCo/981Inf. 16

Prospectus of the APFIC Symposium: Fish Utilization in the . Asia-Pacific Region, Beijing, China, 24-26 September 1998

Prospectus of the F AOfDFID Expert Consultation on Bye.rob Utilization in Tropical Fisheries, Beijing. China. 21-23 September 1998

Fisheries Management Frameworks of the Countries Bordering the South Chin. Sea

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17

APPENDIXD

Excerpts from the Report of the Twenty-fourth FAO Regional Conll>renoo for Asia and the Pacific

YangoD, Myanmar, 20-24 April 1998

29. The delegates recalled that past conferences and meetings had called repeatedly for strengthening international cooperation and coordination in fisheries conservation and management. Such assemblies had urged coordinated action particularly on reducing fishing capacity in relation to sustainable yields of fisheries resources. minimizing by~catches, protecting the environment, and developing sustainable aquaculture for producing fish protein.

30. The Conference recognized that, ill Asia and the Pacific, the F AO-based Asia-Pacific Fishery Cormnission (APFIC) offers one of the best mechanisms for such joint oooperation and coordination. The Conference therefore recommended that:

• member governments actively support and particIpate in the work of the APFIC; • the APFle seck to harmonize national fishery policies with. view toward attaining the

sustainability of fishery resources, including rmnsboundary and sturddling and highly migratory fish stock.;

• the APPlC work to accelerate the transfer of technology and capaciry building in the fisheries sector; and

• the APFIC strive to translate research results into effective management options for the region.

31. In view of the large number of regional and sub-regional bodies dealing with fisheries resources in Asia and the Pacific, the Conference requested FAO to assume a leadership role among these bodies to enhance cooperation and coordination and to avoid duplication.

18

APPENDIXE

Tentative ,cheme of anuualeootributlon: Model A

APFIC GNP per Shares Share, Total Percentage Member Countries capital! indexed Productionlf indexed to ,hares contribution

(US$) toGNPli mt % productioll' Australia 20,020 3 219,499 0.40 1 4 5.2 Bangladesh 283 1 1,170,365 2.13 2 3 3.9 Camhndia 270 1 112,510 0.20 I , 2 2.6 China 738 1 24,571,600~ 44.66 4 5 6.5 France 23,700 3 94,528 0.17 I 4 5.2 India 387 1 4,903,659 8.91 3 4 5.2 Indonesia 998 2 4,118,000 7.48 3 5 6.5 Japan 33,800 3 6,517,479 11.85 4 7 9.1 Korea, Rep. 9.511 3 2,470,585 4.49 . 2 5 6.5 Malaysia 4,287 2 1,239,755 2.25 2 4 5.2 Myanmar 765 1 832,469 1.5 ! 2 3 3.9 Nepal 210 1 21,148 0.04 1 2 2.6 New Zealand 16,790 3 612,243 1.11 2 5 6.5 Pakistan 465 1 540,560 0.98 2 3 3.9 Philippines 1,203 2 ;2,269,234 4.12 2 4 5.2 Sri Lanka 760 1 235,829 0.43 1 2 2.6 Thailand 2,505 2 3,501,772 6.36 3 5 6.5 United Kingdom 22,268 3 0 0.00 0 3 3.9 Unlted States 29,950 3 389,034 0.71 1 4 5.2 Vietnam 270 1 1,200,000 2.18 2 3 3.9 Total 38 55,020,269 100.0 39 77 JOO

Note'S: II PreUminary data. ASlaweek, 22 May 1998.

2t Based on the 1995 World Bank Classification: 1 for low~inoome countries (less than US$ 765); 2 for mIddle-income countries CUSS 766-9,385); and 3 ror high-income countries (higher Onm US$ 9,386).

> FAO Fishery Statistics YearlxJok for 1995, Vol. 80, Tables D-2, 4-6 for fishery production from Fishing Area, 04, 06, 51, 57, 61, 71, 77 and 81 only.

" Including Hong Kong SAR.

51 Based on percentages of total fishery production (nominal catches): 1 for O.Ol"(},SOO'Io; 2 for 0.51-5.00%: 3 for 5,Ol-1O.OQllIo and 4 for 10,01% or more,

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Tentative .eheme of annualeontributloo: Model B

APFle GNP Production Member Countries Indexll Index lf EKport earnings"

US$I,OOO % AustraJia 3 1 855,174 3.85 Bangladesh 1 2 220,229 0.99 cambodia 1 1 14,300 0.06 China 1 4 3,492,8%31 15.71 France 3 1 993,364 4.47 India 1 3 1,240,603 558 Indonesia 2 3 1,666,752 7.49 Japao 3 4 713,219 3.21 KoreaJ Rep. 3 2 1,564,878 7.04 Malaysia 2 2 334,873 1.51 Myanmar 1 2 79,743 0.36 Nepal 1 1 71 0.00 NewZeaJand 3 2 813,912 3.66 Pakistan 1 2 150,396 0.68 Philippines 2 2 502,201 2.26 Sri Lanka I. 1 56,227 0,25 Thailaod 2 3 4,449,457 20.00 United Kingdom 3 0 1,195,477 5.38 United States 3 1 3,383,589 15.21 Vietnam 1 2 512,937' 2.31 Total 38 39 22,240,298 100.0

Notes: If See Table 1.

11 FAO Fishery Statistics Yearbook for 1995, Vol. 81, Table A-4.

31 IncJuding Hong Kong SAR,

E"Port Index"

2 2 1 4 2 3 3 2 3 2 1 0 2 2 2 1 4 3 4 2

45

APPENDIXF

Total Percentage Index contribution

6 4.9 5 4.1 3 2.5 9 7.4 6 4.9 7 5.8 . 8 6.6 9 7A 8 6.6 6 4.9 4 3.3 2 1.6 7 5.8 5 4.1 6 4.9 3 2.5 9 7.4 6 4.9 8 6.6 5 4,1

122 100.0

41 Based ml pmentages of total e"P0rt valu~: 1 for 0.01·0.50"10; 2 for 0.51·5.00%; 3 fur 5.0l-l0.00%: and 4 for 10% or more,

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APPENDIXG • 1

ASIA-PACIFIC FISHERY COMMISSION

Twenty-sixth Session

Beijing, People's Republic of China, 24-30 September 1998

f PROVISIONAL AGENDA

24-26 September 1998

I. Opening of the Session (infonnal) 2. Symposium on Fish Utilization in the Asia-Pacific region

28 September 1998

Morning: I. Opening Ceremony (fonnal) 2. Adoption of the Agenda and arrangements for the Session 3. Report of the Symposium on Fish Utilization in the Asia-Pacific region

Afternoon: 4. Inter-sessional activities of APFle and matters referred for the attention of the Commission

5. Current issues on capture fisheries and aquaculture in Asia and the Pacific

29 September 1998

Morning: 6. Achievements of APFle and its future direction 7. Merger ofBOBC aod APFIC 8. APFIC subsidiary bodies

Afternoon: 9. Any other matters 10. Election of Officers 11. Date and Place of the Twenty-seventh Session

30 September 1998

Afternoon: 12. Adoption of the Report

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APPENDlXH

SOlll1l1ory of Main RecommendationsIDedslons

(I) The Committee took note of the recommendation of the FAO Committee on Constitutional and Legal Matters (CCLM), at its Sixty-sixth Session in May 1997, that the official languages remain English and French with the possibility fur the Commission to decide on the working langulIges to he uand at each of its ses.ions. The Executive Committee agreed that for the Twenty-sixth Session of the Commission in 1998, the working language at the Session would "" English doe to the limited budget for the Session.(paragraph 5 oftbe Report)

(2) The Committee expressed concern about the postponements of tbe Tenth Session of APFIC Committee on Marine Fisheries (COMAF) and the First Session ofthe APFIC Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Committee (A1FIC) scheduled to he held in June 1998 and July 1998 respectively, The Committee requested the Secretariat io discuss further with the Member States urgent issues which required their attention at the sessions of APFIC in order to ensure their active participation in the work of the Commission, (paragraph 6 ofthe Report)

(3) Some member of the Committee suggested that APFIC should look into fisharies management frameworks in various sub·regiollS, such as South China Sea, Yellow Sea, Bay of Bengal, in order to assist the countries concerned to fonnulate appropriate management options in these areas, (paragraph 18 of the Report)

(4) The Committee recommended that the useful contributions of APFIC to the fisheries in the region be widely publicized> especially its persistent efforts to assist its Members to move toward attaining self~re1iance in the sustainable development and rational management of their fisheries. (paragreph 22 of the Report)

(5) The C-Ommittee noted with concern that j during its long years of setVice to the region, APFIC had encountered certain difficulties which hed impeded the discharging of its duties and responsibilities, These constraints included the frequent lack of funding support and inadequate staff for its programme of work, lack of interest and participation from Member States and gradual reduction of support from F AO. The Committee unanimously agreed that there was an urgent need to alleviate these constraints to ensure the concrete and dynamic role of the Commission in the next century, (paragraph 23 of the Report)

(6) The Committee unanimously agreed that it was time for the Member States to make a collective and clear decision on the future of APFIC to ensure that the Commission would be an effective regional fishery budy, (paragraph 25 of the Report)

(7)

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The Commiltee agreed to recommend to the Commission thai the Programmes of activities in the following areas be accorded high priority:

1, Collection, dissemination and exchange of fishery information and statistics; 2, Development of national fishery policies towards attaining the stlstainabiIity of

fisheries and fishery resources; 3, Marine fisheries management and re1ated research; 4, Development of responsible aquaculture, with increase emphasis on rural

aquaculture development and the development of cUltul'e-based fisheries; and 5. Acceleration of the transfer of appropriate technology. and capacity buHding in the

fisheries sector. (paragraph 29 oflhe Report) .

(8) The Executive Committee agreed to recommend to the Commission the merging of BOBC into APPIC and thai BOBC aclivities could be covered by existing APPIC subsidiary bodies. (paragroph 34 ofthe Report)

(9) The Committee agreed that the scheme and scale of contribuliol18 by Membel1l required rurther cOl18ideration by each Member State and would b. discussed further al the Commission's Session. (paragrsph 39 ofthe Report)

(10) APPIC should furmulate project proposals from the identified priorily programmes on specific subjects in specific areas for c.onsideration by the 'ColUltries for possible support. (paragrsph 40 oftlte Report)

(il) The Committee approved the provisional agenda of the 1\yenty-sixtltSession of APFIC. (paragraph 45 of the Report)

(12) The Committee agreed that the Sixty-eighth Session ofthe Committee be convened at the P AO Regional Office in 1999. (paragraph 48 ofthe Report)

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1

ASIA"PAClFIC FISHERY COMMISSION

'The Asia~Paeffic Fishery Commission {APPle) established under au agreement ftmnulated at Bag.uio, Philippines, ¢tl 26 February 194a, came intn furte on 9 Novelllhtr t943, The FAO Conference at ils Fourth Session (1948) approved lhe establishment of this imdy under the title «Indo· Pacific Fisheries COl1Ilci! (IPFC)" under Article XIV oflhe FAO Constitution.

At its Seventeenth Session (1976), IPFC ¢hanged its tit1\': to "lndO~Paclfk Fishery Conunission" and amended the Agreement iuOl'dllt to ¢ha.ngt the functions of the boo:;\ The!PFC At:reement was further amended by the Commission at ils Twenty-fourth SOUi01l in 1993 to be hmwn as '"ASJA-PAC!F[C FISHERY COMMISSION" (APFIC). The amendments were approved by the FAO CQuncH at its !(17th Sessloo in November 1994,

The area of competence of APFIC covers Asia-Pru;ific. The functians .,rthe Cl)mm1SSI0n are to pronwte full and proper utilization of living aquatic rumaces by the developnlent and ruanagem(illt ofilSbing and culture OPCIlltions and by development of rola1ed processing and marketing aotivities in coniomlity wilh Illc objective~ {If its members,

Current members (If APPle include Australia, Bangladesh. ('-ambodia, China, France, .India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal. New Zealand, Pakistan, PhilippineS", Republk of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Kingdom, Uru\1N States of America and Vietnam.

For mOM informaul)1l onAPFlC, please oontact:

The APFIe secretariat FAO Regimtal Office for Asia and the Pacific ],9 Phra Atlrit Road, Bangkok 10200 Thailand Fax: (6(2) 280-0445 E-mai1~ FAO.RAP@fa(1,!)~

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