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Improving Fisheries Governance in the Northwest Atlantic 11 th North Atlantic Fisheries Ministers’ Conference June 8-9, 2006. Presentation Outline. Current Context International Pressure for Actions On-going Reform Processes High Seas Task Force Expectations of Results
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Improving Fisheries Governance in the Northwest Atlantic 11th North Atlantic Fisheries Ministers’ ConferenceJune 8-9, 2006
Presentation Outline • Current Context • International Pressure for Actions • On-going Reform Processes • High Seas Task Force • Expectations of Results • Program of Work for Upcoming Year
Current Context • Overfishing is a global challenge • Calls for strong actions to end illegal fishing worldwide • In the North Atlantic: • Governments are becoming more responsible and engaged in increasing vessels’ compliance and empowering governance • Commitment by Ministers in various fora to address overfishing • Continued Ministerial commitment is crucial
International Pressures for Action • IUU fishing (around 30% of world harvest) exerts pressure on legal fisheries • Impatience for improved management of fisheries and ecosystems • Public awareness of fisheries issues • Pressures for drastic action from environmental groups • Overcapacity still leads to overfishing • Continuing non-compliance by some vessels of RFMOs Contracting Parties • Illegal fishing by non Contracting Parties
On-going Reform Processes • North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission • Already well engaged • Newer Conventions helping reform NAFO • Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization • Progress was achieved toward amendments to the Convention
High Seas Task ForceAn Example of Political Will • Small group of fisheries ministers and NGOs launched practical measures to: • expose and deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing; • improve the effectiveness of enforcement measures; and • modernize international governance frameworks (RFMOs).
Expectations of Results • Urgent need for concrete results. • Coastal communities facing economic and social adjustments. • RFMOs need to regain public confidence. • Sustainable fisheries is the only way ahead. NAFMC has an important role to play
The way forward • Model RFMO standard • NAFO Reform These two initiatives are: • Implementing international standards, including UNFA, and best practices; • Integrating ongoing initiatives with short term impacts and long term benefits; and • Building a coalition of international support.
Next Steps for NAFO Reform • Finalize Working Group recommendations to modernize the Convention. • Develop consensus, and focus on clear and progressive results • Finalize STACTIC (Compliance and Enforcement) recommendations for reform. • Agreement on provisional application of measures
Next Steps for the Model RFMO Standard A tool for self-assessment based on: • best practices worldwide; • current legal and conservation standards; and • guidance by a panel of experts, with direction from a Steering Committee of countries. Scheduled to be completed by Spring 2007
Program of Work for Upcoming Year • Continue reform processes already started • Other areas of improvement: • Joint inspection patrols • Action on conservation-related infringements