Report of theSEVENTH SESSION OF THE REGIONAL COMMISSION FOR FISHERIES

摘要

The seventh session of the Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOF1) was held in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, from 14 to 16 May 2013. The Commission reviewed a range of regional issues and intersessional activities of importance to the conservation and management of fisheries and aquaculture in the region. Members considered and endorsed the administrative and financial reports. The Commission noted the rich programme implemented over the intersessional period and reaffirmed that priority should be given to work on shared stocks and species supporting fisheries of common interest. The Commission reiterated the relevance of aquaculture as a priority, including marine cage culture. The Commission noted the significant FAO support to RECOFI's work and that capacity development remained a critical issue in the region. The Commission discussed the work of the Working Group on Aquaculture (WGA) and the performance of the regional aquaculture Information System (RAIS), and the report of the WorkingGroup on Fisheries Management (WGFM) including the outcome of the fifth and sixth meetings of the WGFM, regional fishery socio-economics, RECOFI participation in the Fishery Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS), bycatch management and low impact fishing in the region. The Commission recognized the knowledge base established for fisheries and aquaculture spatial planning in the RECOFI region. The Commission noted that WGFM called for an urgent need to formulate a regional management plan for the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel and advised the WGFM to further develop the concrete management procedures. The Commission noted with approval the establishment and ongoing work of the RECOFI Task Group for fisheries socio-economics. The Commission commended and further encouraged the general and genuine commitment by Members to implement the Recommendation on Minimum Data Reporting. The Commission reiterated Member countries would have to ensure adequate funding for the Secretariat in order to preserve the workof the Commission, as this is becoming increasingly essential for the sustainability of shared fishery resources and aquaculture development in the region. The Commission approved the programme of work for the WGA and WGFM for the next intersessional period and reconfirmed that eighth session of RECOFI will be hosted by the Republic of Iraq in May 2015.