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Report of the second session of the Scientific Advisory Group - Le Robert, Martinique, 28-30 April 2003


FAO Fisheries Report No. 711

SLAC/R711 (Tri)


ISSN 0429-9337


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WESTERN CENTRAL ATLANTIC FISHERY COMMISSION
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Rome, 2003

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PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

This is the final version of the report approved by the second session of the Scientific Advisory Group of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission held in Le Robert, Martinique, from 28 to 30 April 2003.

Distribution:

Participants to the Session
Members of the Commission
Other national and international organizations interested
FAO Fisheries Department
Fishery Officers in the FAO Regional Offices
FAO Representatives in WECAFC member countries

FAO Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission.
Report of the second session of the Scientific Advisory Group. Le Robert, Martinique, 28-30 April 2003.
FAO Fisheries Report No. 711. Rome, FAO. 2003. 69pp.

ABSTRACT

This document is the final version of the report of the second session of the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission, held in Le Robert, Martinique, from 28 to 30 April 2003. Major topics discussed during the session were: the state of fisheries in the WECAFC Region; review of the WECAFC ad hoc working groups' activities; fisheries research in the WECAFC region; the current strategy of WECAFC; and a proposal for voluntary contributions to support the WECAFC ad hoc Working Group on Caribbean Spiny lobster. Among the matters highlighted for consideration by the Commission were: the need to strengthen the linkages between the activities of the various projects in the region and the activities of the ad hoc working groups; promote interaction between scientists, managers and decision-makers by all the working groups; the need for adequate commitment and support for the working groups to maintain their momentum and effectiveness; need for more financial support to facilitate the activities of the working groups, which was a serious limiting factor; and for a benefit/cost analysis of the working group strategy adopted by WECAFC for the delivery of technical assistance. The research priorities identified by the First Meeting maintained their importance as limited progress was made. The growing emphasis on ecosystem approaches have resulted in the need to place more emphasis on the medium priority list. The list of matters for the attention of the Commission is included in Appendix D.

INTRODUCTION

1. The Ninth Session of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC), Saint Lucia, September 1999, agreed that WECAFC has the mandate and the institutional and technical potential to be a unique framework to facilitate and support member countries in pursuing sustainable fisheries in the region. The Commission agreed to have a simple structure, consisting of the Secretariat, a Scientific Advisory Group (SAG), which will act as an advisory body to the Commission and ad hoc Working Groups, with clearly defined terms of reference and time bound clauses, established as and when required. The First Session of SAG was held at the FAO Office in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from 2 to 5 April 2001.

2. The Second Session of SAG was held at the office of IFREMER (Institut Français pour la Recherche de la Mer), Le Robert, Martinique, from 28 to 30 April 2003, at the kind invitation of IFREMER. Fisheries experts from Barbados, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Mexico and the Secretary and two Technical Secretaries of WECAFC attended the meeting. The experts were selected on the basis of their specialized knowledge. They served in their personal capacities and not as representatives of their respective governments or organizations. The expert from the United States of America could not attend the meeting due to personal reasons. The list of the members of SAG and observers who attended the meeting is attached as Appendix A.

3. The Secretary of WECAFC, Mr Bisessar Chakalall, welcomed the Members of SAG on behalf of the Director General of FAO, and expressed FAO's appreciation to them for agreeing to serve in SAG in their personal capacity. He emphasised the important role of SAG in assisting the WECAF Commission in promoting responsible and sustainable fisheries in the region.

4. The Members were welcomed to Martinique and IFREMER by Mr Lionel Reynal, Head of the Fishing Resource Laboratory, IFREMER, Martinique, and member of SAG. He pointed out that SAG has provided the opportunity for fisheries scientists of the region to provide their expertise and be involved in chartering the course for sustainable fisheries in the WECAFC region.

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

5. The First Meeting of SAG elected Mr David Die as the Chairperson of SAG for a two-year term of office as from April 2001. Mr Die could not attend the meeting due to personal reasons. In the absence of the Chairperson, SAG elected Mr Juan Carlos Seijo to take the chair.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

6. The meeting approved the Agenda given in Appendix B. The documents that were presented and made available to the meeting are listed in Appendix C.

SAG MEMBERS' REPORT

7. The report of Mr. Lionel Reynal, the IFREMER co-ordinator of the WECAFC ad hoc Working Group on moored fish attracting device fishing in the Lesser Antilles, is reflected under Agenda Item 6 that dealt with reports of WECAFC's ad hoc working groups' activities.

8. With reference to institutional arrangements and capacity for fisheries management, the SAG was informed by Mr Patrick McConney that few countries in the region have actively implemented fisheries management plans. Countries are challenged by the frequent introduction of new international fisheries management instruments and approaches that supersede prior ones of fundamental importance. The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries is becoming a case in point where mechanisms for practically translating it into action, particularly at the level of resource users, are still inadequate due to the limited capacities of fisheries authorities. Several fisheries authorities appeared to be losing rather than gaining essential capacity.

9. These challenges for effective management are often exacerbated by persistent fishing industry beliefs that most living marine resources are inherently unpredictable and unmanageable. Institutional arrangements among fisheries authorities, local and regional non-governmental organisations and fishing industries are often not developed to fully integrate fundamental principles of fisheries management into the livelihoods and perspectives of stakeholders, including policy and key decision-makers. This was due, in part, to policies and institutional arrangements at several levels that do not adequately meet the needs of fisheries.

10. The SAG noted that, while these issues and trends are not new, a critical point has been reached where interdisciplinary scientific research and documentation on existing and proposed models of best practice are urgently needed to inform the progress from making to implementing recommendations. As fisheries management becomes more comprehensive through ecosystem approaches and globalisation, the development of innovative approaches that are appropriate to different scales and capacities requires attention to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

11. Ms Maria Estela de Leon informed the Group on the following three intersessional activities in which she participated:

12. Mr Juan Carlos Seijo informed the meeting that management of fishing capacity in the WECAFC region is a complex process that requires the integration of resource biology and ecology, with economic and institutional factors, affecting the behaviour of fishers and policy- makers. The purpose of fisheries management is to aid decision-making to achieve a sustainable development of the activity. Nevertheless, fisheries sustainability is far from being achieved in the WECAFC region. Marine populations are becoming increasingly limited, world catches have begun to decline, and almost 70% of the individual fish stocks around the world are fully to heavily exploited, overexploited or depleted (Garcia & Newton, 1997). The species harvested in the WECAFC region are no exception.

13. What are the reasons for the current management failure? How could this syndrome of overexploitation and overcapacity be explained? Multiple reasons have been put forward to explain the syndrome. Some inevitably arise from the inherent characteristics of both the fish stocks and the fishery (i.e. high exclusion costs, high information and enforcement costs, and existence of free rider behaviour or non-contributing users), preventing the market from optimally allocating fish resources in space and time. In addition, uncertainty in stock estimates, impressive and hidden changes in fishing power, different attitudes towards risk by decision-makers in the region, and a high inter-temporal preference in resource use by many fishers, may have also contributed to the syndrome of overexploitation and overcapacity found in many fisheries of the WECAFC region. Effective cooperation in research and management in the region through the existing ad hoc working groups (spiny lobster, shrimp and groundfish, and flyingfish), together with training and capacity building towards management of fisheries in the region with an ecosystem approach, could become an important mitigating factor for the current syndrome.

MAIN DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TENTH SESSION OF WECAFC

14. The Advisory Group emphasised the need to disseminate the Code more widely, as stated by the Commission. Members of SAG stated that in their experience, the Code was reasonably well known by senior fisheries staff and scientists of the WECAFC member countries, but was virtually unknown to the fishers and other stakeholders. The Code was considered to be fundamental in working towards sustainable and responsible fisheries in the region and it was agreed that greater attention should be given by WECAFC members and FAO to remedying this widespread ignorance. In order to reach the fishers, simpler approaches than had been used for senior fishery scientists and managers were required to promote the Code and inform stakeholders about its content and requirements. The close link between the new emphasis on ecosystem approaches to fisheries (EAF) and the approach embraced by the Code was noted, including the need to make both of these relevant to resource users by putting an emphasis on enhancing livelihoods through management.

15. The SAG took note of the comments made at the Tenth Session of WECAFC on the report from the first meeting of SAG in 2001. The SAG fully agreed with the recommendation from WECAFC that participation by fishing communities and other fishing groups was essential for achieving effective and sustained control of fishing capacity. Participatory management could also contribute to many other aspects of effective management, including improved compliance, better identification of stakeholder objectives and design of more appropriate management systems and strategies. Involving fishing communities and other stakeholders in management was a matter for member countries to address, as appropriate, with some urgency. However, fisheries authorities need to take into account limitations in the capacities of stakeholders that may constrain participation in practical terms despite their considerable interest. Appropriate objectives and processes for participation must be sought.

16. It was agreed that new technologies were contributing to improved enforcement and compliance in the region, and that further improvements were possible and desirable. The solutions to improved enforcement and compliance would differ, however, between different countries and different fisheries. Vessel monitoring systems (VMS) were potentially very beneficial for medium to large-scale fisheries and, in addition to monitoring compliance with, for example, closed areas and closed seasons, could also provide some information on illegal fishing activities taking place at sea. It was noted that Cuba was in the process of implementing a VMS system in some of its fisheries. The role of technology for small-scale fisheries was less clear, however, and VMS systems would not be practical for many small-scale fisheries in the region. Global Position Systems (GPS) could have a role to play and a monitoring system based on GPS could be linked to, for example, regulations requiring vessels to report their positions for safety reasons. The SAG stressed, however, that technology was not the only approach to improved enforcement and compliance, and that greater fisher participation in enforcement and compliance, linked to greater participation in management as a whole, had a key role to play. This would require suitable human and institutional systems to improve and harness cooperation by fishers with management regulations.

STATE OF FISHERIES IN THE WECAFC REGION

Status of Fisheries Resources in the WECAFC Region

17. The SAG made a number of comments and suggestions for the draft document provided by the Secretariat (WECAFC/SAG/03/II/3). In connection with the FISHSTAT records for landings of red grouper (Epinephelus morio - 157 t recorded in 2001), the SAG member from Mexico reported that landings in Mexico had totalled 8 197 t in 2001[1], but that this figure had presumably not been reported to FAO as red grouper landings. He was also able to inform the group that the landings of octopus by Mexico from the WECAFC region were not only of common octopus, Octopus vulgaris, as was reported to FISHSTAT, but consisted of substantial contributions from both common octopus and a local endemic species, Octopus maya.

18. With reference to the recommendations for improved data collection and management, the Group discussed at length the relationship between uncertainty and the need for precautionary management. In general, greater uncertainty about the status of resources and the impact of fisheries on them requires more cautious management, with a resulting loss of potential benefits. Where limited human or financial capacity, or natural complexity of the fish community and ecosystem, prevent the collection of precise and comprehensive data and information, monitoring and management must be adjusted to collect relevant information in the most cost-effective manner, and to develop management systems that are robust to the remaining, unavoidable uncertainties.

19. Management measures that, properly applied, can be relatively robust to uncertainty include greater use of closed seasons and closed areas (including MPAs), and suitable gear restrictions aimed at minimising bycatch of undesired species or size groups and other undesired ecosystem impacts. Fishing should also be prevented where species pass through particularly vulnerable life history stages, such as dense spawning aggregations. The Group also emphasised that no single management measure or approach will adequately address all the conservation and utilisation objectives of fisheries, and that an effective management system will consist of a suite of complementary management measures that, typically, would include a combination of closed areas and/or seasons, gear and vessel restrictions, an appropriate limited entry system, and input (effort) or output (catch) controls. It was also emphasised that, with all management measures, they will only be effective if adequately enforced, which frequently does not occur in the WECAFC region.

20. The SAG also recommended that greater emphasis should be given to the role of ecosystem approaches to fisheries in the report to WECAFC on the status of the fisheries resources of the region.

Status and Trends of Fisheries and Aquaculture

21. The Secretariat introduced the document WECAFC/SAG/03/II/4 - Situation and Trends of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the WECAFC Region. SAG was informed that, subject to information availability, the document had been prepared taking into account, as far as possible, the format recommended by the First Session of SAG.

22. The Group noted the information and analysis provided in the document and commented on and cross-examined some of the data supporting the analysis and conclusions. The Group also reviewed the main conclusions presented in the document concerning trends related to fish production, utilization, consumption and trade, and fish demand and supply prospects in the WECAFC region.

23. In following the suggestion made by the First Session of SAG, the document included for consideration of the SAG, a list of issues currently being debated at the international level and which may have implications for the region. The list included the following issues:

24. It was agreed that the Secretariat would include a section in the final document on a selected number of such issues to be presented at the Eleventh Session of the Commission for discussion. Based on available information, this section will include a description of the nature of the issues and the current status of the debate at international and regional levels.

REPORT ON WECAFC's AD HOC WORKING GROUPS' ACTIVITIES

25. The SAG noted the work of the WECAFC ad hoc working groups as outlined in document WECAFC/SAG/03/II/5.

Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the WECAFC Area

26. The SAG took note of the conclusions and recommendations outlined in the report of the Second Workshop on the Management of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the WECAFC Area, Havana, Cuba, 30 September - 4 October 2002.

27. In noting the results of the 2002 spiny lobster workshop, the SAG observed that even though progress was made in assessing the status of the stocks and promoting regional cooperation in the management of the spiny lobster resource, most members of the group were not effectively implementing management measures for various reasons, such as inadequate control and enforcement, lack of agreed and transparent policies and management plans, inadequate funding for research, monitoring and control, and failings in wider communication with the general public, fishing groups, decision-makers and other stakeholders on the status of the resource and their social and economic importance and the responsibilities of managers and stakeholders. The SAG recommended that members of the Group should take steps to address these deficiencies.

28. The SAG took special note of the outcome of the meeting of decision-makers on the last day of the Workshop and observed that it would be considered under Agenda Item 8, Voluntary Contributions to Support the WECAFC Working Group on Caribbean Spiny Lobster.

Shrimp and Groundfish in the Brazil-Guianas Shelf

29. The SAG took note of the following activities of the group and expressed satisfaction with the achievements, despite the severe funding constraints that had substantially limited the activities of the group in recent years:

Working Group on Flying Fish of the Eastern Caribbean

30. This ad hoc Working Group focuses its attention on a small oceanic pelagic species with limited, sub-regional distribution and is primarily funded from the Regular Programme of FAO. In noting the social and political importance of this Working Group in promoting cooperation in fisheries among the small-island states of region, the SAG expressed its concern that no meeting of this group has been held since the second workshop in January 2001, even though a third meeting was programmed for 2001. The SAG noted however, that a draft Subregional Fisheries Management Plan for Flyingfish in the Eastern Caribbean was prepared in 2002 and would be discussed at the next meeting of the Group.

31. Some members of SAG were of the opinion that the Working Group's scientific work and findings were not significantly influencing bilateral fisheries discussions between two members of the Working Group. The SAG suggested that an extra effort be made by the Group to inform resource users, including fisher organisations and in-country, grassroots NGOs, managers and decision-makers of the scientific work and findings of the Group. SAG was of the view that the use of the scientific findings of the WECAFC Working Groups to inform decision making could be an indicator of success.

Sustainable Moored Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) Fishing in the Lesser Antilles

32. The IFREMER coordinator of this ad hoc Working Group, Mr Lionel Reynal, presented a summary of the results of the first meeting of this group, which were published in FAO Fisheries Reports No. 683 and R683 Suppl. (Annex C). He also presented the work programme of the Group, including the research project on fixed FADs being conducted by IFREMER, and the preliminary programme of the next meeting of the Group that is tentatively scheduled to be held in Guadeloupe in September 2003.

33. Mr Reynal highlighted the following in his presentation:

34. The SAG proposed that:

35. The SAG commended the Working Group for its programme and recommended that a benefit/cost analysis be done on the Working Group strategy adopted by WECAFC for the delivery of technical assistance. It was also suggested that this Group, given that it was only recently established, should start collecting the data and information to do such an analysis, if it was not already doing so.

Queen Conch Working Group

36. This group is coordinated by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC). In noting that a second workshop on assessment of Queen Conch fisheries was proposed by the CFMC at the Tenth Session of WECAFC, October 2001, the SAG requested the Secretary of WECAFC to liaise with the CFMC on this matter and assist in the coordination of the workshop, if necessary.

Other Activities

37. The Secretariat informed the meeting of the following projects and activities in the region that involved WECAFC member countries.

(i) TCP/RLA/0069 - Development of Standards for the Construction and Survey of Small Fishing Vessels (in OECS countries and Barbados), which had been completed. The main objective was to facilitate the implementation of pertinent provisions of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries by the governments with regard to making fishing a safer activity.

(ii) TCP/RLA/0070 - Preparation for an Expansion of the Domestic Fisheries for Large Pelagic Species. The overall objective of the project was to enable the CARICOM countries to plan the development of their fisheries for large pelagic species on a sustainable basis. The project had been completed.

(iii) TCP/JAM/2901 (A) - Development of a Policy Framework and Strategic Plan for Sustainable Fisheries Management. The main objectives of the ongoing FAO project were to provide advice to strengthen the institutional and administrative capabilities of the fisheries division and to assist the Government of Jamaica in planning for the sustainable management of its fisheries resources.

(iv) The GEF/UNEP/FAO global project on the Reduction of Environmental Impact from Tropical Shrimp Trawling through the Introduction of Bycatch Reduction Technologies and Change of Management. The overall objective of this ongoing project is to reduce discards of fish captured by shrimp-trawlers, primarily by introducing in a selected number of developing countries, technologies that reduce the catch of juvenile food-fish and other bycatch and by improved management. Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela from the WECAFC region are participating in the project.

(v) GCP/RLA/140/JPN - Scientific Basis for Ecosystem-based Management in the Lesser Antilles Including Interactions with Marine Mammals and Other Top Predators. The main objective of this ongoing project is to enable the fisheries institutions of the participating countries to carry out improved assessment and monitoring of the status within the sub-region of the pelagic resources and fisheries and the ecosystem of which they form a part, for continuous adaptation and improvement, as appropriate, of optimum management strategies.

(vi) FAO Mission to Guyana, 27 April - 3 May 2002, provided technical assistance with respect to the institutional strengthening of the Fisheries Department. A draft report, Programme for the Organisational and Operational Strengthening of the Department of Fisheries, was presented to the Government.

(vii) TCP/GUY/2802 (A) - Support for the Integration of Aquaculture into Farming Systems [in Guyana]. The main objective was to assess the scope for a technical assistance project and, if necessary, formulate a project document. A report on, Introducing Aquaculture into Farming Systems in Guyana - A preliminary Assessment and a draft project proposal on Introducing Aquaculture to Farmers in Guyana, were presented to the Government.

(viii) TCP/RLA/0071 (A) - Assistance to Health Management in Shrimp Aquaculture in Latin America. The participating countries in this project are Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. The main objective of this ongoing project is to minimise outbreaks of diseases in shrimp aquaculture.

(ix) Workshop on Fisheries Statistics and Data Management, UWI, Barbados, 10-22 March 2003, which was organized and sponsored by FAO and the CARICOM Fisheries Unit (CFU). The main objectives were to train participants of CARICOM countries to utilise improved approaches and techniques for conducting sample-based fishery surveys, and analyse the data collected. Training included the use of the CARIFIS database.

General Comments on WECAFC's ad hoc Working Groups' Activities

38. The SAG highlighted and supported the linkages between the activities of the various projects and the activities of the WECAFC ad hoc Working Groups. For example, the outputs of the completed project TCP/RLA/0070 would inform the work of the ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Moored Fish Aggregating Device Fishing in the Lesser Antilles and project GCP/RLA/140/JPN. The activities of the GEF/UNEP/FAO project would complement the work of the ad hoc Working Group on Shrimp and Groundfish Fisheries on the Brazil-Guianas Shelf and vice versa. The SAG recommended that such linkages should be strengthened and, where appropriate, should be established with other projects and activities in the region that are related to or impact on fisheries.

39. The SAG noted that the ad hoc Working Groups on the Caribbean spiny lobster fisheries and shrimp and groundfish fisheries in the Brazil-Guianas shelf provided the opportunity for scientists, managers and senior decision-makers from the region to sit together and discuss possible approaches to cooperation in science and in management of these fisheries. The meeting was of the view that continuous interaction between scientists, fisheries managers and senior decision-makers was necessary for making management decisions regarding the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources in the region. The SAG recommended that all the WECAFC ad hoc working groups should attempt to promote such interaction.

40. The SAG observed that the momentum and effectiveness of the current working group strategy for providing technical assistance to WECAFC member countries would be lost without adequate commitment and support from the members. The lack of financial support to facilitate the activities of the current working groups was a serious limiting factor. Efforts of FAO/WECAFC to secure extra-budgetary funds had met with varying success and such sources of funding could never be guaranteed in the future. The SAG suggested that a greater effort should be made by members of the working groups to contribute a proportion of the financial resources required for the continuous functioning of the groups as a gradual approach towards self-sufficiency. SAG recommended that the working groups address these constraints during the meetings with managers and decision-makers.

41. The SAG recommended that a benefit/cost analysis be done on the working group strategy adopted by WECAFC for the delivery of technical assistance. Such information would be very useful in the quest to achieve self-sufficiency and in encouraging Working Group members to contribute a proportion of the financial resources required for the continuous functioning of the groups.

FISHERIES RESEARCH IN THE WECAFC REGION

42. The SAG reviewed the priorities for research contained in paragraph 62 of the report of its first session. The priorities agreed at the First Meeting of the SAG were as follows.

High

Medium

Low

43. At this Second Meeting, SAG concluded that these priorities had maintained their importance as only limited progress had been made in addressing them since the First Meeting. It noted that the growing emphasis on ecosystem approaches to fisheries since the First Meeting had resulted in a need to place more emphasis on the Medium Priority list.

44. Some progress had been made in many of the research areas through the integrated approaches of the Working Groups. For example, the principles of ecosystem approaches promoted at the Reykjavik and Johannesburg meetings are reflected in the activities and outputs of the Working Group on Shrimp and Groundfish fisheries on the Brazil-Guianas Shelf which had conducted multispecies assessments and multispecies-multifleet bioeconomic analyses, and considered broader ecological and environmental factors. It had also engaged stakeholders in constructive dialogue on management objectives.

45. Such activities are integral to the ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) that is largely encompassed in the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Several other initiatives in the region addressing large marine ecosystems, the Meso-American barrier reef, integrated watershed to reef projects and ecoregional approaches to planning, are all important examples of the trend towards ecosystem approaches, and are of relevance to the mandate and interests of WECAFC. The Group recommended that it would be especially important to inform the next session of the Commission on ecosystem approaches to fisheries (EAF), including an overview of FAO Guidelines on the topic. EAF should also be included in the reports to be presented to the Commission on the Twenty-fifth COFI, the status of fisheries, and the status and trends of fisheries and aquaculture in the WECAFC region.

46. The SAG expressed concern that countries, and the smaller fisheries authorities in particular, are not making better use of affordable research tools, such as the Internet, to communicate regularly, exchange new ideas and information, conduct background research and otherwise enhance their scientific and management capacities at relatively low cost. The SAG urged the Commission to consider means of improving electronic communication and information management among countries.

CURRENT STRATEGY OF WECAFC

47. A new strategy for WECAFC was adopted by the Ninth Session of the Commission in St Lucia in 1999. At the centre of this strategy was a set of ad hoc working groups covering the shrimp and groundfish resources of the Brazil-Guianas shelf, the Caribbean Spiny lobster, flyingfish of the Eastern Caribbean and, more recently, the sustainable use of anchored FADs in fishing for large pelagics in the Lesser Antilles. The primary purpose of these working groups was to facilitate regional cooperation to enhance management of resources by the members of WECAFC, in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, using the best scientific information and management advice generated by the working groups.

48. The strategy had now been in place for nearly four years. The Group recognised that some problems had been experienced in implementation of the working groups' activities, including a lack of continuity in membership of the Working Groups for some countries, disparities in the human capacity, data availability and effectiveness of management systems between the countries, and very limited financial resources that meant the activities of the Working Groups had been largely constrained by the availability of donor funds. Nevertheless, it was agreed that the approach had made good progress towards the objectives of building national capacity and strengthening regional cooperation in order to improve the sustainable utilisation of the region's living marine resources. The SAG recommended that the working groups should strive to continue and strengthen their activities. The Group recognised that a greater commitment by the participating countries to support the working groups, including greater progress towards self-sufficiency, was important for the survival and effectiveness of the working groups in the future, and requested the Commission to discuss the matter.

49. No changes in the focus of the working groups were recommended at this stage, but it was recognised that the coastal resources of the Central American Atlantic coast represented important fishery resources for those countries, and that consideration should be given to establishing an ad hoc Working Group to address these resources and the fisheries dependent on them if adequate funds for this could be found. In the longer term, WECAFC should monitor regional developments and needs in relation to other shared resources such as those large pelagics restricted in their distribution to the Western Central Atlantic (the 'coastal' large pelagics), and issues of regional interest such as coral reefs, the management and conservation role of MPAs, etc., in order to determine if and when some regional activity may be required on these themes.

50. The greatest threat to the future of the current strategy was seen to be uncertainty about the funding required for the ad hoc working groups' activities. The Working Groups on the Brazil-Guianas shrimp and groundfish resources and fisheries, flyingfish in the Eastern Caribbean and the Caribbean spiny lobster were almost entirely dependent on FAO and donor funds channelled through FAO. The sources of funds used up until now have come to an end and there were no immediate prospects of additional funds for future activities. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by the Commission, in particular by the countries participating in the Working Groups, if they are to continue.

51. The SAG recommended strengthening the links between the working groups and the Commission. One means of facilitating this would be to request the scientific chairs, and other key members, to make presentations to WECAFC on the most recent results and work of each working group at WECAFC meetings. SAG agreed that there was a need to promote the good scientific work that was being undertaken by the working groups and other WECAFC activities within and beyond the Commission. Suitable approaches to promote the work would be discussed at the next SAG meeting in 2005.

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUPPORT THE WECAFC AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON CARIBBEAN SPINY LOBSTER

52. The Secretariat presented document WECAFC/SAG/03/II/7 - Voluntary Contributions to Support the WECAFC ad hoc Working Group on Caribbean Spiny Lobster, for discussion purposes. The aim of the presentation was to stimulate discussions on how to put into practice the recommendations of the Tenth Session of the Commission on the issue of increasing self-reliance of the ad hoc working groups, and to implement the following Joint Statement of the Ministers responsible for fisheries and the Decision-makers participating in the Second Workshop on the Management of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the WECAFC Area (Havana, Cuba, 30 September - 4 October 2002):

"We note that the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) provides the countries with a neutral forum and mechanism for regional cooperation in fisheries management and conservation. We support the important role played by the WECAFC ad hoc Working Group on Caribbean Spiny Lobster, within the framework of WECAFC, in providing an effective mechanism for the interaction of fisheries managers, scientists and decision makers at the regional level, and for the generation and sharing of scientific information and analyses essential for responsible management of the valuable Caribbean spiny lobster resource. We undertake to support the full participation of our respective countries in the activities of the WECAFC ad hoc Working Group on Caribbean Spiny Lobster and to seriously consider ways to strengthen the Working Group and to make it self-sufficient over time."

53. The document presented by the Secretariat provided information that was useful in identifying ways, of a voluntary nature, to support the technical activities of the Working Group on Caribbean Spiny Lobster and thus contributing to its strengthening and self sufficiency over time.

54. Following the presentation, there was a very lively debate and a frank exchange of opinions and ideas on the subject.

55. The SAG noted and welcomed the following generous offer in support of the Group made by the Chairman of the Working Group, representing Cuba, at the meeting of Decision-Makers during the Second Workshop on the Management of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the WECAFC Area:

56. The consensus of the SAG was that at this point in time, it would be more appropriate and feasible to focus on the options available to support the holding of the next meeting of the Working Group rather than assessing options for a more regular and longer term support to its functioning. This would be in line with the expectations of the Ninth WECAFC that the ad hoc working groups could provide the technical flexibility and financial pragmatism to gradually achieve self-reliance.

57. SAG recommended that the Secretariat verbally inform the Chairman of the Working Group on the possible options and of the opinions and views of SAG on the matter and obtain his reactions.

MEMBERSHIP OF SAG 2004/05

58. It was agreed that members of SAG would be requested to undertake intersessional activities related to their own fields of expertise and the agenda of the SAG, as a means of injecting additional local knowledge into SAG meetings. Specific tasks would be discussed between the Secretariat and individual members well in advance of the next meeting.

59. Acknowledging the depth of scientific expertise available in the region, and the need for a balance in SAG membership between stability and the introduction of new insights and ideas, the Group agreed that some turnover in membership was desirable. In general, a period including three meetings (spanning approximately 5 years) was thought to be appropriate.

60. Mr Juan Carlos Seijo was elected as Chair for the next two-year term. The members of SAG agreed to provide the Secretary with names and CVs of persons they considered to be suitable as new members of SAG in the future.

TIME AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

61. The SAG acknowledged the offer of Cuba to host the next meeting in April 2005. In accordance with the Rules of Procedure, the exact dates will be determined by the Director-General of FAO in consultation with the Chair of SAG and the competent authorities of the host Government.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

62. The observer from Guadeloupe, Ms Vomakasy Druault-Aubin, reported on the Institut Régional de Pêche et de Marine (IRPM) which would be hosting the next meeting of the WECAFC ad hoc Working Group on moored FADs fishing, tentatively scheduled to be held from 8 to 12 September 2003. IRPM intends to invite about 100 participants from the Lesser Antilles, IFREMER (Martinique, France and La Réunion), relevant French Ministries (Paris) and the European Commission (Brussels). FAO was requested to provide for the travel expenses of 13 fishery officers from the Caribbean islands and technical backstopping to the meeting.

63. IRPM was created in 1981 for the purpose of modernising the fishery sector in Guadeloupe. It is financed mainly by national and European funds. Since its creation, IRPM has undertaken concrete actions to support the sustainable development of the marine sector by focussing on three main areas: applied research, development and vocational training. Its interventions cover subjects such as marine environment, marine resources, fisheries, seafood processing and naval construction in wood and composite material.

ADOPTION OF THE REPORT

The Report was adopted on 30 April 2003.

APPENDIX A - List of participants

MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION/

Barbados

MCCONNEY, Patrick
Outreach Officer, Natural Resource Management Programme
CERMES
University of the West Indies
Cave Hill Campus
P.O. Box 64
St. Michael
Tel: (246) 426-3745/5973
Fax: (246) 436-9068
E-mail: [email protected]

Cuba

DE LEON GONZALEZ, María Estela
Senior Scientist
Centro de Investigaciones Pesqueras
5ta Ave. y Calle 246
Barlovento, Sta. Fe, Playa
Ciudad de la Habana 19100
Tel: (53) 7 298055
Fax: (53) 7 249827
E-mail: [email protected]

France

REYNAL, Lionel
Chef du laboratoire Ressources Halieutiques
Délégation Antilles
IFREMER
Pointe Fort
97231 Le Robert, Martinique
Tel: (596) 596 65 11 56
Fax: (596) 596 56 40 04
E-mail: [email protected]

Mexico

SEIJO, Juan Carlos
Rector
Centro Marista de Estudios Superiores, A.C.
Km 7 Antigua Carretera Mérida-Progreso
X Av. Marcelino Champagnat
Mérida 97119, Yucatán
Tel: 52 (99) 410302
Fax: 52 (99) 410307
E-mail: [email protected]

FAO Fisheries Department

Viale delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 Rome, Italy

COCHRANE, Kevern
Senior Fishery Resources Officer
Marine Resources Service
Tel: 39 06 5705 6109; Fax: 39 06 5705 3020
E-mail: [email protected]

GUMY, Angel
Senior Fishery Planning Officer
Fishery Planning Division
Tel: 39 06 5705 6471; Fax: 39 06 5705 6500
E-mail: [email protected]

FAO SUB-REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE CARIBBEAN

CHAKALALL, Bisessar
Senior Fishery Officer/Secretary of WECAFC
FAO Representation
P.O. Box 631-C, Bridgetown
Barbados
Tel: (246) 426-7110
Fax: (246) 427-6075
E-mail: [email protected]

Observers

IRPM - Institut Régional de Pêche et de Marine
Rivière Sens
Gourbeyre
971 Basse Terre
Guadeloupe
Tel: (590) 590 81 63 73
Fax: (590) 590 81 91 61

DRUAULT-AUBIN, Vomakasy
E-mail: [email protected]

LE BART DE LA BROISE, Edouard
E-mail: [email protected]

APPENDIX B - Agenda

1. Opening of the Session

2. Adoption of the Agenda

3. SAG members' report

4. Main Decisions and Recommendations of the Tenth Session of WECAFC

5. State of Fisheries in the WECAFC Region

6. Report on WECAFC's ad hoc Working Groups' Activities

7. Fisheries research in WECAFC

8. Current Strategy of WECAFC

9. Voluntary Contributions to support WECAFC ad hoc Working Group on Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Possible Criteria

10. Membership of SAG, 2004/05

11. Time and Place of next meeting

12. Any other business

13. Adoption of the Report

APPENDIX C - List of documents[2]

WECAFC/SAG/03/II/1

Agenda and Timetable

WECAFC/SAG/03/II/2

List of Documents

WECAFC/SAG/03/II/3

The status of Fisheries Resources in the Western Central Atlantic Region

WECAFC/SAG/03/II/4

Status and Trends of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the WECAFC Region

WECAFC/SAG/03/II/5

Report on WECAFC's ad hoc Working Groups'Activities

WECAFC/SAG/03/II/6

Current Strategy of WECAFC - a discussion paper

WECAFC/SAG/03/II/7

Voluntary Contributions to support WECAFC ad hoc Working Group on Caribbean Spiny Lobster - Possible Criteria

WECAFC/SAG/03//II/Inf.1

Main Decisions and Recommendations of the Tenth Session of the Western Central Atlantic Commission (WECAFC)

WECAFC/SAG/03/II/Inf.2

World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), Johannesburg, Summit South Africa, 26 August - 4 September 2002

- Key outcomes of the Summit

- The Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development

- Plan of Implementation (Fisheries)

- UN General Assembly (WSSD)

WECAFC/SAG/03/II/Inf.3

Ecosystem-Based System Fisheries Management

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

COFI/2003/9

Strategies for Increasing the Contribution of Small-scale Capture Fisheries to Food Security and Poverty Alleviation, Rome, Italy, 24-28 February 2003

COFI/2003/10

Implementation of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management to achieve Responsible Fisheries and to restore Fisheries Resources and Marine Environments, Rome, Italy, 24-28 February 2003

FAO Fisheries Report

Draft Report of the Second Workshop on the Management of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the WECAFC Area, Havana, Cuba, 30 September - 4 October 2002 (in press)

FAO Fisheries Report No. 676

Report of the First Regional Conference on the Sustainability of Fisheries Resources in the Brazil-Guianas Shelf, Paramaribo, Suriname, 5-7 March 2002

FAO Fisheries Report No. 683

Report of the First Meeting of the WECAFC ad hoc Working Group on the Development of Sustainable Moored Fish Aggregating Device Fishing in the Lesser Antilles, Le Robert, Martinique, 8-11 October 2001

FAO Fisheries Report No. 683 Suppl.

National reports and technical papers presented at the First Meeting of the WECAFC ad hoc Working Group on the Development of Sustainable Moored Fish Aggregating Device Fishing in the Lesser Antilles, Le Robert, Martinique, 8-11 October 2001

WECAFC/X/01/10 E

The Draft Strategy of WECAFC - Background elements, Tenth Session of WECAFC, Bridgetown, Barbados, 24-27 October 2001

WECAFC/X/01/10 (ADD)

The Draft Strategy of WECAFC - Possible criteria for establishing contributions to support Activities of WECAFC ad hoc working groups, Tenth Session of WECAFC, Bridgetown, Barbados, 24-27 October 2001

FAO Fisheries Report No. 643

Report of the Workshop on Management of the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) fisheries in the area of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission, Mérida, Mexico, 4-8 September 2000

Draft Subregional Fisheries Management Plan for Flyingfish in the Eastern Caribbean, CERMES, University of the West Indies, Barbados, September 2002 (to be discussed by the WECAFC ad hoc Flyingfish Working Group of the Eastern Caribbean)

APPENDIX D - Matters requiring the attention of the WECAF Commission

SAG MEMBERS' REPORT

10. The SAG noted that, while these issues [institutional arrangements and capacity for fisheries management] and trends [introduction of new international fisheries management instruments that supersede prior ones] are not new, a critical point has been reached where interdisciplinary scientific research and documentation on existing and proposed models of best practice are urgently needed to inform the progress from making to implementing recommendations. As fisheries management becomes more comprehensive through ecosystem approaches and globalisation, the development of innovative approaches that are appropriate to different scales and capacities requires attention to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

MAIN DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TENTH SESSION OF WECAFC

14. The Advisory Group emphasised the need to disseminate the Code more widely, as stated by the Commission. Members of SAG stated that in their experience, the Code was reasonably well known by senior fisheries staff and scientists of the WECAFC member countries, but was virtually unknown to the fishers and other stakeholders. The Code was considered to be fundamental in working towards sustainable and responsible fisheries in the region and it was agreed that greater attention should be given by WECAFC members and FAO to remedying this widespread ignorance. In order to reach the fishers, simpler approaches than had been used for senior fishery scientists and managers were required to promote the Code and inform stakeholders about its content and requirements. The close link between the new emphasis on ecosystem approaches to fisheries (EAF) and the approach embraced by the Code was noted, including the need to make both of these relevant to resource users by putting an emphasis on enhancing livelihoods through management.

Status of Fisheries Resources in the WECAFC Region

20. The SAG also recommended that greater emphasis should be given to the role of ecosystem approaches to fisheries in the report to WECAFC on the status of the fisheries resources of the region.

Status and Trends of Fisheries and Aquaculture

24. It was agreed that the Secretariat would include a section in the final document on a selected number of such issues to be presented at the Eleventh Session of the Commission for discussion. Based on available information, this section will include a description of the nature of the issues and the current status of the debate at international and regional levels.

Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the WECAFC Area

27. In noting the results of the 2002 spiny lobster workshop the SAG observed that even though progress was made in assessing the status of the stocks and promoting regional cooperation in the management of the spiny lobster resource, most members of the group were not effectively implementing management measures for various reasons, such as inadequate control and enforcement, lack of agreed and transparent policies and management plans, inadequate funding for research, monitoring and control, and failings in wider communication with the general public, fishing groups, decision-makers and other stakeholders on the status of the resource and their social and economic importance and the responsibilities of managers and stakeholders. The SAG recommended that members of the Group should take steps to address these deficiencies.

Shrimp and Groundfish in the Brazil-Guianas Shelf

29. The SAG took note of the following activities of the group and expressed satisfaction with the achievements, despite the severe funding constraints that had substantially limited the activities of the group in recent years:

Working Group on Flying Fish of the Eastern Caribbean

31. Some members of SAG were of the opinion that the Working Group's scientific work and findings were not significantly influencing bilateral fisheries discussions between two members of the Working Group. The SAG suggested that an extra effort be made by the Group to inform resource users, including fisher organisations and in-country, grassroots NGOs, managers and decision-makers of the scientific work and findings of the Group. SAG was of the view that the use of the scientific findings of the WECAFC Working Groups to inform decision making could be an indicator of success.

Sustainable Moored Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) Fishing in the Lesser Antilles

34. The SAG proposed that:

35. The SAG commended the Working Group for its programme and recommended that a benefit/cost analysis be done on the Working Group strategy adopted by WECAFC for the delivery of technical assistance. It was also suggested that this Group, given that it was only recently established, should start collecting the data and information to do such an analysis, if it was not already doing so.

General Comments on WECAFC's ad hoc Working Groups' Activities

38. The SAG highlighted and supported the linkages between the activities of the various projects and the activities of the WECAFC ad hoc Working Groups. For example, the outputs of the completed project TCP/RLA/0070 would inform the work of the ad hoc Working Group on Sustainable Moored Fish Aggregating Device Fishing in the Lesser Antilles and project GCP/RLA/140/JPN. The activities of the GEF/UNEP/FAO project would compliment the work of the ad hoc Working Group on Shrimp and Groundfish Fisheries on the Brazil-Guianas Shelf and vice versa. The SAG recommended that such linkages should be strengthened and, where appropriate, should be established with other projects and activities in the region that are related to or impact on fisheries.

39. The SAG noted that the ad hoc Working Groups on Caribbean spiny lobster fisheries and shrimp and groundfish fisheries in the Brazil-Guianas shelf provided the opportunity for scientists, managers and senior decision-makers from the region to sit together and discuss possible approaches to cooperation in science and in management. The meeting was of the view that continuous interaction between scientists, fisheries managers and senior decision-makers was necessary for making management decisions regarding the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources in the region. The SAG recommended that all the WECAFC ad hoc Working Groups should attempt to promote such interaction.

40. The SAG observed that the momentum and effectiveness of the current working group strategy for providing technical assistance to WECAFC member countries would be lost without adequate commitment and support from the members. The lack of financial support to facilitate the activities of the working groups was a serious limiting factor. Efforts of FAO/WECAFC to secure extra-budgetary funds had met with varying success and such sources of funds could never be guaranteed in the future. The SAG suggested that a greater effort should be made by members of the working groups to contribute a proportion of the financial resources required for the continuous functioning of the groups as a gradual approach towards self sufficiency. SAG recommended that the working groups address these constraints during the meetings with managers and decision-makers.

41. The SAG recommended that a benefit/cost analysis be done on the working group strategy adopted by WECAFC for the delivery of technical assistance. Such information would be very useful in the quest to achieve self-sufficiency and in encouraging Working Group members to contribute a proportion of the financial resources required for the continuous functioning of the groups.

FISHERIES RESEARCH IN THE WECAFC REGION

43. At this Second Meeting, SAG concluded that these priorities [identified at the First Session] had maintained their importance as only limited progress had been made in addressing them since the First Meeting. It noted that the growing emphasis on ecosystem approaches to fisheries since the First Meeting had resulted in a need to place more emphasis on the Medium Priority list.

45. Such activities are integral to the ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) that is largely encompassed in the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Several other initiatives in the region addressing large marine ecosystems, the Meso-American barrier reef, integrated watershed to reef projects and eco-regional approaches to planning are all important examples of the trend towards ecosystem approaches, and are of relevance to the mandate and interests of WECAFC. The Group recommended that it would be especially important to inform the next session of the Commission on ecosystem approaches to fisheries (EAF), including an overview of FAO Guidelines on the topic. EAF should also be included in the reports to be presented to the Commission on the Twenty-fifth COFI, the status of fisheries, and the status and trends of fisheries and aquaculture in the WECAFC region.

46. The SAG expressed concern that countries, and the smaller fisheries authorities in particular, are not making better use of affordable research tools, such as the Internet to communicate regularly, exchange new ideas and information, conduct background research and otherwise enhance their scientific and management capacities at relatively low cost The SAG urged the Commission to consider means of improving electronic communication and information management among countries.

CURRENT STRATEGY OF WECAFC

48. The strategy had now been in place for nearly four years. The Group recognised that some problems had been experienced in implementation of the Working Groups' activities, including a lack of continuity in membership of the Working Groups for some countries, disparities in the human capacity, data availability and effectiveness of management systems between the countries, and very limited financial resources that meant the activities of the Working Groups had been largely constrained by the availability of donor funds. Nevertheless, it was agreed that the approach had made good progress towards the objectives of building national capacity and strengthening regional cooperation in order to improve the sustainable utilisation of the region's living marine resources. The SAG recommended that the Working Groups should strive to continue and strengthen their activities. The Group recognised that a greater commitment by the participating countries to support the Working Groups, including greater progress towards self-sufficiency, was important for the survival and effectiveness of the Working Groups in the future, and requested the Commission to discuss the matter.

49. No changes in the focus of the Working Groups were recommended at this stage, but it was recognised that the coastal resources of the Central American Atlantic coast represented important fishery resources for those countries, and that consideration should be given to establishing an ad hoc Working Group to address these resources and the fisheries dependent on them if adequate funds for this purpose could be found. In the longer term, WECAFC should monitor regional developments and needs in relation to other shared resources such as those large pelagics restricted in their distribution to the Western Central Atlantic (the 'coastal' large pelagics), and issues of regional interest such as coral reefs, the management and conservation role of MPAs, etc., in order to determine if and when some regional activity may be required on these themes.

50. The greatest threat to the future of the current strategy was seen to be uncertainty about the funding required for the ad hoc Working Groups' activities. The Working Groups on the Brazil-Guianas shrimp and groundfish resources and fisheries, flyingfish in the Eastern Caribbean and the Caribbean spiny lobster were almost entirely dependent on FAO and donor funds channelled through FAO. The sources of funds used up until now have come to an end and there were no immediate prospects of additional funds for future activities. This problem needs to be addressed urgently by the Commission, in particular by the countries participating in the Working Groups, if they are to continue.

51. The SAG recommended strengthening the links between the working groups and the Commission. One means of facilitating this would be to request the scientific chairs, and other key members, to make presentations to WECAFC on the most recent results and work of each Working Group at WECAFC meetings. SAG agreed that there was a need to promote the good scientific work that was being undertaken by the Working Groups and other WECAFC activities within and beyond the Commission. Suitable approaches to promote the work would be discussed at the next SAG meeting in 2005.

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUPPORT THE WECAFC AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON CARIBBEAN SPINY LOBSTER

55. The SAG noted and welcomed the following generous offer in support of the Group made by the Chairman of the Working Group, representing Cuba, at the meeting of Decision-Makers during the Second Workshop on the Management of Caribbean Spiny Lobster Fisheries in the WECAFC Area:

56. The consensus of the SAG was that at this point in time it would be more appropriate and feasible to focus on the options available to support the holding of the next meeting of the Working Group rather than assessing options for a more regular and longer term support to its functioning. This would be in line with the expectations of the Ninth WECAFC that the ad hoc working groups could provide the technical flexibility and financial pragmatism to gradually achieve self-reliance.

57. SAG recommended that the Secretariat verbally inform the Chairman of the Working Group on the possible options and of the opinions and views of SAG on the matter and obtain his reactions.

CONTRIBUTIONS VOLONTAIRES POUR SOUTENIR LE GROUPE DE TRAVAIL AD HOC DE LA COPACO SUR LA LANGOUSTE BLANCHE DES CARAÏBES

MEMBERSHIP OF SAG 2004/05

58. It was agreed that members of SAG would be requested to undertake intersessional activities related to their own fields of expertise and the agenda of the SAG, as a means of injecting additional local knowledge into SAG meetings. Specific tasks would be discussed between the Secretariat and individual members well in advance of the next meeting.

59. Acknowledging the depth of scientific expertise available in the region, and the need for a balance in SAG membership between stability and the introduction of new insights and ideas, the Group agreed that some turnover in membership was desirable. In general, a period including three meetings (spanning approximately 5 years) was thought to be appropriate.

60. Mr Juan Carlos Seijo was elected as Chair for the next two-year term. The members of SAG agreed to provide the Secretary with names and CVs of persons they considered to be suitable as new members of SAG in the future.

TIME AND PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

61. The SAG acknowledged the offer of Cuba to host the next meeting in April 2005. In accordance with the Rules of Procedure the exact dates will be determined by the Director-General of FAO in consultation with the Chair of SAG and the competent authorities of the host Government.

BACK COVER

This document is the final version of the report of the second session of the Scientific Advisory Group of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC), held in Le Robert, Martinique, from 28 to 30 April 2003. Major topics discussed during the session were: the state of fisheries in the WECAFC region; the review of the activities of the WECAFC ad hoc working groups; fisheries research in the WECAFC region; the current strategy of WECAFC; and a proposal for voluntary contributions to support the WECAFC Ad Hoc Working Group on Caribbean spiny lobster. Among the matters highlighted for consideration by the Commission were: the need to strengthen the linkages between the activities of the various projects in the region and the activities of the ad hoc working groups; promotion of interaction among scientists, managers and decision-makers by all the working groups; the need for adequate commitment and support for the working groups to maintain their momentum and effectiveness; more financial support to facilitate the activities of the working groups, which was a serious limiting factor; and the need for a benefit/cost analysis of the working group strategy adopted by WECAFC for the delivery of technical assistance. The research priorities identified by the first meeting maintained their importance as limited progress has been made. The growing emphasis on ecosystem approaches has resulted in the need to place more emphasis on the medium priority list. The list of matters for the attention of the Commission is included in Appendix D.


[1] Monroy, C. Gimenez, E., Burgos, R. and Moreno, V. 2001. Informe de investigaciones conjuntas Mexico-Cuba sobre mero (Epinephelus morio, Valenciennes 1828) en el Banco de Campeche. Ministerio de la Industria Pesquera, Cuba. 43p.
[2] All the background documents for the meeting were prepared in English.

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