MAJOR PROGRAMME 2.3: FISHERIES

371.      Major Programme 2.3 will continue to address the implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF), the International Plans of Action (IPOAs) endorsed by COFI and Council, and other international instruments which provide the framework for national policies to pursue responsible and sustainable development in fisheries and aquaculture. The Major Programme covers a broad range of advisory and other services related to the management, development, marketing and use of fisheries and aquaculture resources.

372.      The broad priorities in the previous MTP have been largely maintained. The prime emphasis on the implementation of the CCRF found echo in the priority on fisheries given in other relevant international instruments such as the Plan of Implementation adopted by the Johannesburg Summit in 2002. The ecosystem approach to fisheries and aquaculture will be developed further and the contributions of inland fisheries and aquaculture to food security will be enhanced. Current information systems will be adapted to new needs. FAO will assist with reduction of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing through implementation of better management practices, including Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS). Measures to reduce the negative impacts of fishing on the environment will be identified. Overall priority will be given to capacity building, particularly for small-scale fisheries development and in the area of fish trade, quality and safety. Finally, partnerships with regional fisheries bodies and national centres of excellence will be expanded in support of the newly adopted Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries.

373.      The Major Programme will continue to devote a substantial part of its resources to support the field programme, the FAO regional fishery commissions and to respond to member countries' requests. Several changes have been introduced to the programme structure and are explained further under the applicable programmes. The main ones are summarized, as follows:

• a revised entity 231A2 ; and
• substantial rearrangement of the structure of Programme 2.3.3, including new entities, to reflect the results of recent evaluations.

PROGRAMME 2.3.1: FISHERIES INFORMATION

Prog. Entity	Time Frame	Title	PWB 2004-05	MTP 2006-07	MTP 2008-09	MTP 2010-11	MTP Total
231A2(2)	2004-2009	Support to the Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries (Strategy-STF) through FIRMS and other FIGIS Partnerships	1,001	1,001	1,001	-	2,002
231P1	Continuing	Provision of Fisheries Information and Statistics	4,922	4,922	4,922	4,922	14,766
231S1	Continuing	Advice and Technical Support to Member Nations and Regional Fisheries Bodies	1,133	1,133	1,133	1,133	3,399
Programme Reserve			-		-	1,001
Total Programme of Work			7,056	7,056	7,056	7,056	21,168
Less External Income			46	46	46	46	138
Net Appropriation			7,010	7,010	7,010	7,010	21,030
Real Growth				300	600	900	1,800
Net Appropriation with Real Growth				7,310	7,610	7,910	22,830
Growth in Net Appropriation (Percentage)				4.3%	8.6%	12.8%	8.6%
(2) - The change in the title of the entity reflects a substantive change in its formulation

374.      The programme will continue to provide Members and the international community at large with comprehensive information and statistics on fisheries and aquaculture, in support of status and trends monitoring and analysis, as well as for policy making and sector planning. In addition, it will continue to pursue the development of norms and standards for collection and exchange of fisheries information and statistics. The programme will also seek to motivate development partner agencies to support capacity building.

375.      Entity 231A2 is expanded with a new title: Support to the Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries (Strategy-STF) through FIRMS and other FIGIS partnerships. It will, in fact, expand partnerships with regional fisheries bodies and national centres of excellence for the contribution of information to the Fisheries Global Information System (FIGIS) module on Fisheries Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS). This in turn will lead to systematic assembly of consistent and reliable information on status and trends of fishery resources. The Strategy-STF was endorsed by FAO Governing Bodies and the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Entity 231A2 is detailed below.

Entity

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

231A2

231P1

231S1

Legend:

less than US$ 750,000

US$ 750,000 to US$ 2 million

more than US$ 2 million

Real Growth Proposal

In support of the Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries (Strategy-STF), the increased resources would facilitate: further agreements for information exchange; dissemination of tools and procedures; new and improved data collection methodologies, standards and guidelines; and technical assistance to countries for capacity building.

231A2: Support to the Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries (Strategy-STF) through FIRMS and other FIGIS Partnerships

Development problem to be addressed:

376.      In the context of the globalization of issues related to governance and trade in natural resources, there is a deficit of reliable information. Comprehensive, objective and timely information and increased awareness would facilitate and stimulate more effective policy making, sectoral planning, management and, consequently, fishing practices.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

377.      Direct involvement of, and improved coordination between information owners (national and regional centres of excellence) in the development and maintenance of an integrated worldwide information system is a guarantee of better quality information. Advanced information technology, the development of communication standards for information exchange and the new impetus due to the adoption of the Strategy - STF, will facilitate the needed partnerships.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

378.      The international community (producers, processors, traders, consumers, support industries and the public at large) are the ultimate beneficiaries. The intended benefits are effective policy making, sectoral planning and fisheries management which result in sustainable use of fishery resources.

Objective(s)

379.      Increased awareness of key fisheries issues and trends and their inter-relationship with other aspects of integrated natural resource management; and better informed public debate in support of sustainable management of fisheries resources at the national and international levels, based on improved international fishery information standards and quality.

Major Output(s)

• Enhanced FIGIS functionalities compatible with WAICENT, and modules and workflows for the integration and updating of data
• Coordination, technical and other support to the FIGIS/FIRMS Partnership and to information provider partners
• Comprehensive multi-disciplinary Geographical Information System (GIS)-based database on fisheries integrated in FIGIS

Indicator(s)

• Examples of use of information contained in the FIGIS' and FIRMS' Web site to inform public debate on policy issues affecting sustainable use of fisheries
• User feedback on the use, content and usefulness of the statistics and other data

PROGRAMME 2.3.2: FISHERIES RESOURCES AND AQUACULTURE

Prog. Entity	Time Frame	Title	PWB 2004-05	MTP 2006-07	MTP 2008-09	MTP 2010-11	MTP Total
232A1	2002-2007	Promotion of Responsible Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture	1,790	1,790	-	-	1,790
232A2	2002-2007	Increased Contribution of Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries to Food Security	873	873	-	-	873
232A3	2002-2007	Marine Fisheries Resources Identification and Biodata	973	1,065	-	-	1,065
232A4	2002-2007	Monitoring and Reporting on Global Marine Resources and Relevant Environmental and Ecological Changes	1,410	1,410	-	-	1,410
232A5	2002-2007	Resources Assessment and Management of Fisheries Resources	1,197	1,197	-	-	1,197
232P1	Continuing	Global Monitoring and Strategic Analysis of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture	2,310	2,310	2,310	2,310	6,930
232S1	Continuing	Advice on Marine Resources and Environmental Issues	1,405	1,402	1,400	1,400	4,202
232S2	Continuing	Advice on Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Development	1,761	1,713	1,712	1,712	5,137
Programme Reserve			-		6,336	6,336
Total Programme of Work			11,719	11,760	11,758	11,758	35,276
Less External Income			458	499	497	497	1,493
Net Appropriation			11,261	11,261	11,261	11,261	33,783
Real Growth				500	1,000	1,500	3,000
Net Appropriation with Real Growth				11,761	12,261	12,761	36,783
Growth in Net Appropriation (Percentage)				4.4%	8.9%	13.3%	8.9%

380.      The programme will aim at a sustainable contribution of marine and inland fisheries resources and aquaculture to food supplies, food security and general economic growth, through maintenance of the resource base and the productive ecosystems they depend on. The main thrusts over the medium term are:

• collection and distribution of bio-ecological information on resources and ecosystems;
• adaptation and distribution of resource and fisheries assessment methodologies;
• resources and aquaculture development monitoring and outlook;
• identification of management practices and provision of advisory services; and
• intensification and integration of aquaculture (particularly in LIFDCs).

381.      While no change to the structure of entities is required, the programme will need to devote progressively more resources to the application of the ecosystem approach to fisheries and aquaculture, following the recommendations of the 2001 Reykjavik Conference. Successor entities are in the pipeline to reflect this, as well as other needs.

Entity

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

232A1

232A2

232A3

232A4

232A5

232P1

232S1

232S2

Legend:

less than US$ 750,000

US$ 750,000 to US$ 2 million

more than US$ 2 million

Real Growth Proposal

The higher and more complex information demands stemming from the shift to an ecosystem approach to fisheries and aquaculture need to be responded to. In particular, use of spatial information and analysis is urgently required. Hence, additional funds would be devoted to the development of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and related capacity building at all levels.

PROGRAMME 2.3.3: FISHERIES EXPLOITATION AND UTILIZATION

Prog. Entity	Time Frame	Title	PWB 2004-05	MTP 2006-07	MTP 2008-09	MTP 2010-11	MTP Total
233A1	2002-2005	Reduction of Discards and Environmental Impact from Fisheries	1,379	-	-	-	-
233A2	2002-2005	Sustainable Development of Small-scale Fisheries	1,495	-	-	-	-
233A3	2002-2005	Increased Production from Under-utilised Aquatic Resources and Low-value Catches	622	-	-	-	-
233A4	2002-2005	Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products	1,218	-	-	-	-
233A5	2002-2005	Promotion of International Fish Trade	1,875	-	-	-	-
233A6	2006-2011	Impact of Fishing on the Environment	-	1,403	1,403	1,403	4,209
233A7	2006-2011	Implementation of MCS	-	888	888	888	2,664
233A8	2006-2011	Capacity Building for Small-scale Fisheries Development	-	1,327	1,327	1,327	3,981
233A9	2006-2011	Improved Utilization of Fish for Human Consumption	-	937	937	937	2,811
233P1	Continuing	Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products	-	1,383	1,383	1,383	4,149
233P2	Continuing	Promotion of International Fish Trade	-	1,555	1,555	1,555	4,665
233S1(1)	Continuing	Provision of Technical Support and Guidance to Member Countries and FAO Field Programme in the area of Fishery Technology	2,823	796	796	796	2,388
233S2	Continuing	Provision of Technical support and Guidance to Member Countries and FAO Field Programme in the area of Fish Utilization and Trade	-	992	992	992	2,976
Total Programme of Work			9,412	9,281	9,281	9,281	27,843
Less External Income			463	200	200	200	600
Net Appropriation			8,949	9,081	9,081	9,081	27,243
Real Growth				500	1,000	1,500	3,000
Net Appropriation with Real Growth				9,581	10,081	10,581	30,243
Growth in Net Appropriation (Percentage)				5.5%	11.0%	16.5%	11.0%
(1) - Although the title of the entity has changed, there has been no substantive change in its formulation

382.      The programme will continue to cover important fish production, utilization and trade concerns of Members, in particular appropriate technologies and practices in catching, handling, processing, distribution and trade of fish and fish products.

383.      Building on the positive findings of a recent evaluation, the structure of the programme has been modified, bearing in mind the following imperatives:

• identifying and investigating mitigating measures to the negative impacts of fishing on the environment;
• reducing IUU fishing through improved implementation of MCS;
• capacity building for small-scale fisheries development;
• improving utilization of fish for human consumption;
• strengthening of national and regional capacity of developing countries in the area of fish safety and quality; and
• promoting international fish trade.

384.      Hence, entities 233A1, 233A2 and 233A3 as originally designed are to terminate by end-2005, while pertinent elements are retained in the form of the new entities 233A6, 233A8 and 233A9. A completely new entity 233A7 will address the greater emphasis on MCS, including support to inter-country cooperation. Entities 233A4 and 233A5 are converted to CP status in view of the ongoing nature of the work (recoded 233P1 and 233P2). The whole set of entities expected to be active from 2006 onwards is presented below with the necessary details. It may also be noted that the TS entity has been split for the sake of clarity, to distinguish between the two major areas of requests (233S1 and 233S2).

Entity

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

233A6

233A7

233A8

233A9

233P1

233P2

233S1

233S2

Legend:

less than US$ 750,000

US$ 750,000 to US$ 2 million

more than US$ 2 million

Real Growth Proposal

Use of additional resources would be two-fold: i) under entity 233A8, for capacity building for small-scale fisheries development in general, and provision of training materials to end users in appropriate formats, media support and languages. Training institutions in both developed and developing countries would be twinned to provide high-quality educational content; and ii) under 233P1, to assist national administrations and industry in the application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and risk-based systems. This would include training in fish safety, risk analysis and use of the global database FishPort, to have better access to real time information on fish chemical and microbiological hazards.

233A6: Impact of Fishing on the Environment

Development problem to be addressed:

385.      Some fishing operations cause negative impacts on the environment, including loss of biodiversity and damage to critical habitats. The UN General Assembly (GA) and the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) have called for determined global efforts to reduce discards of by-catch and incidental capture of non-target species during fishing operations. The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) has called for the application of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries. The TP responds directly to these expectations.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

386.      Improved national fishing practices and policy will reduce discards and other negative impacts on the environment and create a basis for sustainable increases in fish production and livelihoods from capture fisheries.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

387.      Sustainable increases in fish food production, conservation of aquatic resources and reduced negative effects on biodiversity and the environment will benefit governments, fishing industry and consumers, as well as vulnerable groups whose livelihood and food security depend on these resources.

Objective(s)

388.      Improved management practices, technologies and policies to reduce adverse environmental impacts from fishing operations.

Major Output(s)

• Assessment of the environmental impact of fishing operations
• Global studies on the development and current status of shrimp trawling
• Promotion of environmentally-friendly fishing

Indicator(s)

• Changes in fishing technologies and management schemes induced

233A7: Implementation of MCS

Development problem to be addressed:

389.      Countries face practical problems in reducing illegal, unreported and unregistered (IUU) fishing. The costs of aircraft, patrol vessels, communication systems are frequently unsustainable for fisheries and maritime administrations, resulting in weak Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and undermining the economic returns from the fisheries. Effective protection of inshore fisheries from industrial vessels can help sustain coastal fish resources, alleviate poverty in small-scale fishing communities and foster improved food fish distribution in disadvantaged areas.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

390.      IUU fishing undermines management measures, reduces benefits to fishers and fishing communities, and creates conflicts at both national and international levels. Effective MCS combats IUU, thus national MCS capacity and international cooperation will be improved through a range of technical meetings, workshops and studies and through contributions to preparation and implementation of MCS projects and national plans of action on IUU fishing.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

391.      The direct beneficiaries are national fisheries administrations, in particular those in developing countries. The indirect beneficiaries are the entire range of capture fishery stakeholders and in particular small-scale fishers disadvantaged by illegal fishing activities. The anticipated direct benefits include an improvement in the state of fish stocks and sustainability of fish resources and cost savings for fisheries administrations.

Objective(s)

392.      Improved national MCS capacity and international cooperation on MCS.

Major Output(s)

• Improvement of MCS at national level, in particular in developing countries
• Support to international cooperation in MCS

Indicator(s)

• Reduction in IUU fishing activities, demonstrated through case studies
• Best practices identified through international consultation and consensus

233A8: Capacity Building for Small-scale Fisheries Development

Development problem to be addressed:

393.      Small-scale fishing communities are often ranked among the poorest. They are faced with an array of problems, including rapid population growth, migration, overexploitation of resources, lack of alternative sources of employment, displacement due to industrial development and tourism, pollution and environmental degradation. Small-scale fishing communities are highly vulnerable to the impacts of natural catastrophes and the high risks associated with fishing operations.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

394.      The TP will primarily cover the development of guidelines and extension materials and their demonstration and pilot testing together with stakeholders.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

395.      Small-scale fisher communities, particularly those in developing countries.

Objective(s)

396.      Strengthened capacity of target groups for cost-efficient and safe fishing operations; enhanced participation in coastal management and socio-economic development; improved disaster preparedness.

Major Output(s)

• Sustainable and cost-efficient fishing technologies and infrastructure
• Participatory and socio-economic approaches and methods
• Support to safety-at-sea measures
• Training and information dissemination networks
• Procedures for providing emergency assistance to fishermen

Indicator(s)

• Improved capacity of fishery officers and fishing community leaders as a result of training
• Uptake of guidelines and techniques

233A9: Improved Utilization of Fish for Human Consumption

Development problem to be addressed:

397.      The widening gap between fish supply and demand and the generally acknowledged limits of production from capture fisheries reaffirm the need to improve utilization of low value fish for human consumption, reduce post-harvest losses and improve domestic distribution and marketing to improve food security in developing countries.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

398.      Improved fish handling, preservation, processing and marketing of fish, leading to an overall increase in fish food availability and better utilisation of aquatic resources.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

399.      Governments, fishing industry and consumers, and particularly vulnerable groups whose livelihoods and food security depend on these resources. Benefits are increased availability of nutritious fish at affordable costs.

Objective(s)

400.      Improved supply of fish for human consumption due to improved handling and distribution practices and reduction of post-harvest losses.

Major Output(s)

• Development and dissemination of appropriate technologies to reduce post-harvest losses
• Support to improved fish handling onboard during landing and distribution for domestic markets
• Promotion of fisheries contributions to food security

Indicator(s)

• Uptake of guidelines and technologies (surveys)

233P1: Consumption, Safety and Quality of Fish Products

Development problem to be addressed:

401.      The issue of safety and quality of fish products is of great importance for many countries in the light of increased demand, consumers' safety requirements and the globalization of fish trade. Developing countries cover over 50% of this trade, whereas developed countries account for more than 80% of total imports in value terms. Safety and quality standards are expanding in conformity with the WTO agreements on sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT). Developing countries need to meet these requirements to maintain and strengthen their market share, and actively participate in international deliberations under the auspices of Codex Alimentarius. They require international assistance to strengthen national and regional capacities.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

402.      Improved capacity will be sought through training and assistance for upgraded safety and quality assurance infrastructure and organizations. FishPort, a Web-based information system covering key information on fish safety issues will be maintained.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

403.      Ultimate beneficiaries are fish consumers who will have access to safer and better quality fish. Other beneficiaries are communities and people involved in fishing, handling, processing and distribution because of additional employment opportunities and incomes.

Objective(s)

404.      Improved capacity of developing countries in meeting international safety and quality requirements; reduced post-harvest losses, detentions and rejections of products from exporting developing countries; increased market shares of developing countries.

Major Output(s)

• Strengthening and capacity building in fish inspection and quality assurance
• Support to the work of Codex on fish safety and quality
• Assessment and management of fish safety and quality control systems
• Development and maintenance of FishPort

Indicator(s)

• Countries with fish inspection services accredited by importing countries, partly due to this entity
• Evidence of reduced fish rejection and detentions

233P2: Promotion of International Fish Trade

Development problem to be addressed:

405.      Fish exports contribute significantly to the economies of many developing countries as a major source of hard currency earnings and employment opportunities. These countries need assistance to consolidate their market shares in a manner compatible with environmental protection and national food security objectives and to ensure that fish trade is adequately addressed in international regulatory frameworks.

Proposed contribution to problem resolution:

406.      Developing countries will be assisted to participate effectively in international fish trade. Support will be provided to deliberative forum (COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade), and the global fish marketing network (InfoNetwork) with its ability to compile, analyse and maintain up-to-date marketing and trade information.

Intended end beneficiaries and benefits:

407.      Fishermen, workers in processing plants and distribution systems; benefits to accrue for the economy at large; improved conditions for women who are often a majority in the fish processing sector.

Objective(s)

408.      Improved access to fish marketing and trade information and capacity of analysts, policy makers and negotiators of developing countries to identify and effectively pursue trade opportunities.

Major Output(s)

• Development and maintenance of Globefish
• Coordination and strengthening of the Fish Marketing Information Services (InfoNetwork)
• Monitoring and studies of major issues impacting fish marketing and trade
• Supervision and monitoring of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) funded projects
• Organization of and follow-up to biennial sessions of COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade
• Monitoring and advice on the impact of international fish trade on food security
• Monitoring and support to implementation of fish trade agreements

Indicator(s)

• Consolidated market shares and participation of developing countries in fish trade processes and agreements as the result of assistance
• Increased participation of Members in fish trade negotiations and in sessions of COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade

PROGRAMME 2.3.4: FISHERIES POLICY

Prog. Entity	Time Frame	Title	PWB 2004-05	MTP 2006-07	MTP 2008-09	MTP 2010-11	MTP Total
234A1	2002-2007	Coordination and Monitoring of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries	1,150	1,185	-	-	1,185
234A4	2002-2007	Promotion of Coastal Fisheries Management	1,037	1,037	-	-	1,037
234A5	2002-2007	Promotion of Appropriate National/Regional Policies for Sustainable Aquaculture Development	942	942	-	-	942
234P2	Continuing	Global Analysis of Economic and Social Trends in Fisheries and Aquaculture	1,454	1,454	1,454	1,454	4,362
234P3	Continuing	Economic and Social Analysis of Fishery and Aquaculture Policy and Management	1,764	1,764	1,764	1,764	5,292
234S1	Continuing	Promotion and Strengthening of Regional Fisheries Bodies and Arrangements	3,645	2,868	2,868	3,068	8,804
234S2	Continuing	Direct Support to Countries in Fisheries Policy and Management	824	824	824	624	2,272
Programme Reserve			-		3,164	3,164
Total Programme of Work			10,816	10,074	10,074	10,074	30,222
Less External Income			810	200	200	200	600
Net Appropriation			10,006	9,874	9,874	9,874	29,622
Real Growth				500	1,000	1,500	3,000
Net Appropriation with Real Growth				10,374	10,874	11,374	32,622
Growth in Net Appropriation (Percentage)				5.1%	10.1%	15.2%	10.1%

409.      The programme aims at supporting national, regional and global policies for sustainable and responsible fisheries and aquaculture. This means inter alia to facilitate the assessment and comprehension of the evolving situation of fisheries and fish resources by all stakeholders, as well as the implementation of international instruments and the adoption of principles and guidelines in emerging areas of interest. To this end, the programme will continue to cover, within an unchanged structure, the following:

• monitoring and analysis of social and economic trends in aquaculture and capture fisheries world-wide and dissemination of results through the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) and other publications;
• monitoring and promoting the implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) and its International Plans of Action (IPOAs), with special emphasis on Overcapacity and IUU fishing; monitoring of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation;
• assistance to countries on policies and strategies and capacity building for all stakeholders (national institutions, communities and the private sector);
• support to regional fisheries bodies;
• providing - upon request - Members, IGOs and regional fisheries bodies with advice on fisheries management, including the development of aquaculture;
• developing, in interaction with Members, normative studies and activities on prominent or emerging issues such as eco-labelling, transition to responsible fisheries, ecosystem approach to management, small-scale fisheries, high seas fisheries including deep water fisheries; and
• servicing of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) and the Regional Bodies under Articles VI and XIV of the Constitution of the Organization.

Entity

A1

A2

A3

B1

B2

C1

C2

D1

D2

E1

E2

E3

234A1

234A4

234A5

234P2

234P3

234S1

234S2

Legend:

less than US$ 750,000

US$ 750,000 to US$ 2 million

more than US$ 2 million

Real Growth Proposal

Additional activities would be undertaken under entity 234P3: the formulation of guidelines for the use of fisheries subsidies in fisheries development and list of various types of fisheries subsidies that are capacity-enhancing. This would enhance capacities of policy-makers to discriminate among the various effects of subsidies.

Additional resources would also be devoted under entity 234S1 to strengthening Regional Fisheries Bodies and arrangements, or supporting more adequately negotiations among Members for the establishment of new ones where needed.