The Ministers of Fisheries and Heads of Delegations, meeting in A Toxa in the III Conference of Ministers of Fisheries:

Aware of the scarcity of fish resources in many regions of the world, the present fishing overcapacity and the absence of adequate controls, which may endanger future fisheries resources and economic benefits.

Convinced that International cooperation will improve the exploitation of fisheries resources in such a way as to aid the nutritional well-being of humanity, and contribute to world food security.

Conscious of the new trade framework emerging from the GATT Uruguay Round and the establishment of the World Trade Organisation.

Noting that the development of developing nations, where are located a large proportion of fisheries resources, depends on access to markets for their fisheries products now and in the future.

Considering that the conservation measures of the fisheries resources should be based on the best scientific information available.

Stressing the relevance of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries adopted within the framework of the FAO and its provisions dealing with Responsible Trade and the CODEX Alimentarius Mund.

Taking into account the Declaration of the International Conference on the Sustainable Contribution of Fisheries to Food Security in Kyoto, Japan, 1995, concerning the responsible utilisation of fish caught in accordance with a policy of sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture, and acknowledging that our generation is responsible for the needs of future generations.

Aware that trade must be based on the principles, rights and obligations established by the World Trade Organisation.

Aware of the increasing importance of international trade in the fisheries sector.

Noting that some problems are caused by the lack of complementarity between trade regulations and conservation regulations.

Concerned that trade regulations adopted in support of conservation can become non-tariff barriers negatively affecting trade.

Concerned that fish and fisheries products can not be fully identified throughout the commercial distribution chain.

Concerned about the harm to fisheries resources from the sale of juveniles and the difficulty in controlling this market.

Noting that consumers demand a better information on and a greater respect for conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

Concerned about the lack of coherence, at a regional level, of conservation measures, which hinders their effective control.

Concerned about problems that arise from the insufficient application of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

Concerned about the increasing numbers of vessels flying flags of convenience that do not comply with conservation measures of the resources.

Aware that these problems undermine the application of conservation measures to fisheries resources.

Invite the International Organisations and the entire International Community with competence in Fisheries and trade, to search for effective solutions to these problems, and apply them as soon as possible, with the object of defining responsible trade in a manner which complements and promotes responsible fishing.