Promote better high seas governance

Problem: Despite the critical role allocated to them, in practice there is great diversity in the mandates and effectiveness of implementation of regulations by the international bodies set up to undertake high seas fisheries management - the Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs).

The High Seas Task Force recommended developing a model for improved governance by RFMOs, reviewing of RFMO performance, encouraging RFMOs to work more effectively together through better coordination and use of port and trade-related measures and supporting initiatives to bring all unregulated high seas fisheries under effective governance.

Project: Development of a model for improved governance by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs)

An independent, high-level panel has been commissioned to develop a model for improved governance by RFMOs. The work of the panel is hosted by the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in London. The aim is to prepare a statement of best practices for RFMOs based on international fisheries instruments. The membership of the panel comprises five internationally-recognised experts covering a balance of legal, scientific, economic and practical fisheries management expertise. The project is expected to last 9 months with two Panel working meetings taking place at Chatham House. The final report of the Panel is expected to be published in mid 2007.

The first Panel meeting took place in London on 25 – 26th September 2006. The second meeting will be held on 26 – 28 February 2007.

For more information and documents go to: www.chathamhouse.org.uk/index.php?id=391

Contact :
Michael Lodge, Round Table on Sustainable Development, OECD, Paris.
Email: Michael.Lodge@oecd.org

Partners:
Canada, New Zealand, Australia, United Kingdom, WWF, IUCN.

Further information:
A model for improved governance by Regional Management Organizations; Proposal for an independent high-level panel