| Abstract: | This document contains the report of the fourth meeting of the Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI) Working Group on Fisheries Management (WGFM), which was held in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, from 3 to 5 October 2010. The Working Group considered and made decisions on matters concerning the Programme of Work and Budget for the 2011-12 biennium for the WGFM including a review of the regional strategy and priorities for regional fisheries management, the outcome of the Special Meeting on RECOFI Consolidation and Development that took place at FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy, in May 2010, and stock status reporting in support of longterm sustainable fisheries management in the RECOFI region. Significantly, the WGFM adopted a Recommendation on Minimum Data Reporting in the RECOFI Area. This is the first Recommendation adopted by the WGFM. If accepted by RECOFI, it will become binding on Members of the Commission. The WGFM also considered a proposal by the Sultanate of Oman in relation to a proposal for a feasibility study to review the development of a regional database on violations, establish a list of vessels authorized to fish by RECOFI Members and promote the establishment of a regional fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance information exchange scheme. Finally, the WGFM reviewed the outcomes of the Tripartite Meeting on Fisheries Management Cooperation in the Northern Area of RECOFI that was held at FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy, in May 2010, and the FAO/INFOSAMAK Seminar on Fish Trade and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in the Near East and North Africa that took place in Agadir, Morocco, in June 2010. Other important decisions made by the WGFM included the election of a new Chairperson, the agreement to propose to the Commission that the WGFM meet annually rather than on a biennial basis and that a special meeting of the Working Group be convened immediately prior to the May 2011 session of the Commission. |
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