E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2012-2013 (I)
As part of follow-up action at FAO headquarters, a series of six new taskforces have been established to further
FAO’s work in particular areas. One such area is our relationship with all regional fishery bodies, and I am proud
to have been asked to lead the RFB taskforce. Through this role, I look forward to working more collaboratively
with all RFBs, particularly RFMOs as dynamic as ICCAT.
The fourth meeting of the Regional Fishery Body Secretariats’ Network (RSN4) was attended by 32 Regional
Fishery Bodies and a representative from the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.
Several months before the RSN meeting, all RFBs were sent a request to contribute a half page on the current
issues facing their organization. A phenomenal amount of data was contributed by all bodies and this was
compiled into a 10,000 word paper on current issues facing the world’s RFBs. The paper was also used to
stimulate discussion at RSN4. The most prolific discussion at the meeting focused on the ongoing problems of
climate change, depleted shark stocks, RFB performance reviews, the lack of international attention being given
to recreational fishing, and the human rights issues of fisheries including child labour in fishing and fisher
safety-of-life-at-sea. In addition to this open discussion, presentations were given by four executive secretaries,
including Driss Meski, who presented an overview of the status and trends in IUU fishing by focusing on the
suite of measures in place among the tuna RFMOs.
This Eighteenth Special Meeting of ICCAT will deal with a wide array of subjects, some of which may be
difficult. However, the Commission has a long history, and it is well placed to deal with all management matters.
The FAO is confident that ICCAT member countries will conduct a productive meeting in Agadir.
I wish you all a very fruitful 18 th Special Meeting of ICCAT.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) statement on t-RFMOs
FAO appreciates the presentation by the Secretariat to introduce the FAO-GEF project “Sustainable
Management of Tuna Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction
(ABNJ)”. FAO also appreciates the support given by various t-RFMO members to the development of this
project as well as participation of t-RFMO Secretariats and others in workshops in Madrid, Kobe 3, during COFI
and Commission meetings.
FAO echoes the comments made by others that this project is in line with and supportive of the work currently
being carried out by the t-RFMOs. In all cases, the objectives of this project are to work with the key
stakeholders and through regular t-RFMO processes to achieve its objectives. The premise of the project is that
more needs to be done to ensure the sustainable management of the oceanic tuna fisheries; this project provides a
unique opportunity to demonstrate some successes which may lead to a second phase project and also more
focused regional projects.
Following project approval, GEF will provide a cash grant through FAO to assist t-RFMOs, their members and
other key stakeholders to address priority issues in these important tuna fisheries on the condition that full
commitment to the project is provided by all project partners.
With respect to t-RFMOs as project partners let me clarify (1) how this project is in line with current procedures
and practices of t-RFMOs, (2) what is being requested by the project and (3) what is not intended as a result of t-
RFMO participation.
• This project is a partnership of the key stakeholders engaged in tuna fisheries.
• This project is working through existing t-RFMO mechanisms / processes. Any findings or results of the
project’s activities would come to the attention of the Commission through regular t-RFMO pathways.
Any decisions to adopt / reject findings of project activities remain strictly with the Commissions.
• The current programmed / planned actions of the t-RFMOs are part of what FAO and GEF call the project
baseline and which allow the project to access incremental funds from the GEF. Accordingly, the project
does not seek any additional t-RFMO funds to be used in support of project activities. FAO also draws
your attention to industry co-financing, which is $34.7M. This figure reflects the industry baseline in the
project. Together with other partners, the total baseline of co-financing of this project allows the project
to access $27.2M of grant from the GEF.
• A common thread in this project is that the GEF grant is a source of incremental funds. Simply stated, the
baseline of the relevant partners provides the opportunity for GEF funds to be accessed. And, GEF
resources provided to the project are intended to enable the activities to be completed within the proposed
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