MANTA, ECUADOR .- Authorities from 66 countries who attended the V Conference of Ministers of Fisheries, developed in Baiona, Spain, endorsed a global strategy to move forward on regulating and manage sustainably fisheries and combating illegal fishing.
The Undersecretary for Fisheries Resources, William Moran, who attended on behalf of Ecuador, said a successful conclusion has to do with the results achieved to advance the practice of sustainable fisheries globally, combining biological sustainability, economic and social development.
However, the official added that the Conference noted the concern about the increasing number of stocks are overexploited and collapsed in the world.
Future of the Oceans
Entitled “Sustainability in Fisheries, the Ministry of Environment and Rural Marine Enviroment of Spain publishes other outcomes of this Conference which is held every six years since 1985. The event expressed the commitment of fishing countries to jointly build a future for the oceans and seas, so as to ensure the development and maintenance of coastal communities as essential elements for the future of the industry and future generations.
She also expressed concern about the effects of climate change on the oceans, physical alterations, chemical and biological induced in the medium and the need to mobilize scientific and financial resources to adapt to fishing impact.
Urge the definition of a new stage of the seas and oceans on the basis of identification, regulation and protection of marine areas worldwide, regional and local development of all maritime activities.
Food Safety
Recognizes the contribution of fisheries to food security and long-term human development and its role in ensuring the effective conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystem.
Calls to ensure fair working conditions, safe and suitable for workers who perform their work on board fishing vessels, in line with the recommendations of the International Labor Organization and the legislation promoted by the International Maritime Organization as the International Convention on Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F 95).
The Conference calls for reducing the impacts of fishing, promoting technological innovation to avoid bycatch, and establish measures to protect sensitive ecosystems, biodiversity and habitats.
Illegal fishing
The ministers reaffirmed the validity of international action to implement measures to deter and prosecute illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, both at sea and in ports and markets. This is to lay the groundwork for enhanced implementation of the obligations of flag states and prevent acts of piracy against vessels.
Source: Subpesca.gov.ec
