Dr. Jonathan O.

Dickson
Chief, Capture Fisheries Division, BFAR
 CONTENTS
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
Article 1 - Nature and Scope of the Code
Article 2 - Objectives of the Code
Article 3 - Relationship with other Int’l Instruments
Article 4 - Implementation, Monitoring and Updating
Article 5 -Special Requirements of Developing Countries
Article 6 - General Principles
Article 7 - Fisheries Management
Article 8 - Fishing Operations
Article 9 - Aquaculture Development
Article 10 -Integration of Fisheries into Coastal Area Mgt
Article 11 - Post-harvest Practices and Trade
Article 12 - Fisheries Research
Annex 1 BACKGROUND TO THE ORIGIN AND
ELABORATION OF THE CODE
Annex 2 RESOLUTION Aquaculture Development
FAO TECHNICAL GUIDELINES
FOR RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES
 BACKGROUND

 Aquatic resources renewable but not infinite

 Proper management is required to sustain their contribution to

needs of population
 EEZs introduced in the 70s and adopted in 1982
States invested in modern fishing fleets and processing
factories
By the late 1980s fisheries resources could no longer sustain
New approaches to fisheries management embracing
conservation and environmental considerations were urgently
needed
 Unregulated fisheries on the high seas ( straddling and highly
migratory fish species) which occur within and outside EEZs
 By 1998 200 major fishery resources, 35% are declining
yields, 25% percent leveled at a high exploitation level, 40%
percent showing increasing catches
 BACKGROUND

 1991 - 19th COFI Session called for devt of new concepts for
responsible, sustained fisheries
 1992 – International Conference on Responsible Fishing, Cancun,
Mexico, further requested FAO to prepare an international Code of
Conduct
 1992 -The Declaration of Cancun, was an important contribution to
the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
(UNCED), in particular its Agenda 21
 The United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and
Highly Migratory Fish Stocks
 1993, the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International
Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the
High Seas
1995 - CCRF was unanimously adopted by the FAO Conference
 The Code sets out principles and
international standards of behaviour for
responsible practices

The Code recognises the nutritional,

economic, social, environmental and cultural
importance of fisheries, and the interests of all
those concerned with the fishery sector.

The Code takes into account the biological

characteristics of the resources and their
environment and the interests of consumers
and other users
 NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE CODE
This Code is voluntary

The Code is global in scope

Directed toward all

The Code provides principles and

standards applicable to the conservation,
management and development of all
fisheries
 ARTICLE 2- OBJECTIVES OF THE CODE
 establish principles, in accordance with the relevant rules of
international law, for responsible fishing and fisheries activities, taking into account all their
relevant biological, technological, economic, social, environmental and commercial aspects ;

 establish principles and criteria for the elaboration and

implementation of national policies for responsible conservation of fisheries
resources and fisheries management and development;

serve as an instrument of reference to help States to

establish or to improve the legal and institutional framework
required for the exercise of responsible fisheries and in the formulation and implementation of
appropriate measures

provide guidance in the formulation

which may be used where appropriate

and implementation of international agreements and other

legal instruments, both binding and voluntary
 ARTICLE 2- OBJECTIVES OF THE CODE

facilitate and promote technical, financial and other cooperation in

conservation of fisheries resources and fisheries management and
development

promote the contribution of fisheries to food security and food

quality, giving priority to the nutritional needs of local communities

promote protection of living aquatic resources and their

environments and coastal areas;

promote the trade of fish and fishery products in conformity with

relevant international rules and avoid the use of measures that
constitute hidden barriers to such trade;

promote research on fisheries as well as on associated

ecosystems and relevant environmental factors ; and

 provide standards of conduct for all persons involved in the

fisheries sector
 ARTICLE 3- RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER INTERNATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS
iinterpreted and applied in conformity with the relevant rules of
international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea, 1982.
Nothing in this Code prejudices the rights, jurisdiction and duties of
States under international law as reflected in the Convention
 The Code is also to be interpreted and applied:
 consistent with the relevant provisions of the Agreement for the
Implementation of the Provisions of the UNCLOS relating to the
Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and
Highly Migratory Fish Stocks;
in accordance with other applicable rules of international law,
including the respective obligations of States pursuant to
international agreements to which they are party; and
 the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and
Agenda 21 adopted by the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED)
 ARTICLE 5 – SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

 The capacity of developing countries to implement

the recommendations are taken into account.

The special circumstances and requirements of

developing countries, including in particular the least-
developed are taken into account

Financial and technical assistance, technology

transfer, training and scientific cooperation and in
enhancing their ability to develop their own fisheries as
well as to participate in high seas fisheries, including
access to such fisheries.
ARTICLE 6 – GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The right
6.1 States and users of living aquatic resources should conserve aquatic ecosystems.

to fish carries with it the obligation to do so in a responsible

manner so as to ensure effective conservation and management of the living aquatic resources.
6.2Fisheries management should promote the maintenance
of the quality, diversity and availability of fishery resources in
sufficient quantities for present and future generations in the context of food security, poverty
alleviation and sustainable development.. Management measures should not only ensure the
conservation of target species but also of species belonging
to the same ecosystem or associated with or dependent upon the target species.
States should prevent overfishing and excess fishing
6.3

capacity and should implement management measures to ensure that fishing effort is
commensurate with the productive capacity of the fishery resources and their sustainable utilization.
States should take measures to rehabilitate populations as far as possible and when appropriate.
ARTICLE 6 – GENERAL PRINCIPLES

6.4 Conservation and management decisions for fisheries should be based

on the best scientific evidence available, also taking into account traditional
knowledge of the resources and their habitat, as well as relevant
environmental, economic and social factors. States should assign priority to
undertake research and data collection in order to improve scientific and
technical knowledge of fisheries including their interaction with the
ecosystem. In recognizing the transboundary nature of many aquatic
ecosystems, States should encourage bilateral and multilateral cooperation
in research, as appropriate

6.5 States and subregional and regional fisheries management

organizations should apply a precautionary approach widely to
conservation, management and exploitation of living aquatic resources in
order to protect them and preserve the aquatic environment, taking account
of the best scientific evidence available. The absence of adequate scientific
information should not be used as a reason for postponing or failing to take
measures to conserve target species, associated or dependent species and
non-target species and their environment.
ARTICLE 6 – GENERAL PRINCIPLES

6.6 Selective and environmentally safe fishing gear and practices should be
further developed and applied, to the extent practicable, in order to maintain
biodiversity and to conserve the population structure and aquatic ecosystems
and protect fish quality. Where proper selective and environmentally safe fishing
gear and practices exist, they should be recognized and accorded a priority in
establishing conservation and management measures for fisheries. States and
users of aquatic ecosystems should minimize waste, catch of non-target species,
both fish and non-fish species, and impacts on associated or dependent species.

6.7 The harvesting, handling, processing and distribution of fish and fishery
products should be carried out in a manner which will maintain the nutritional
value, quality and safety of the products, reduce waste and minimize negative
impacts on the environment

6.8 All critical fisheries habitats in marine and fresh water ecosystems , such as
wetlands, mangroves, reefs, lagoons, nursery and spawning areas, should be
protected and rehabilitated as far as possible and where necessary. Particular
effort should be made to protect such habitats from destruction, degradation,
pollution and other significant impacts resulting from human activities that
threaten the health and viability of the fishery resources.
ARTICLE 6 – GENERAL PRINCIPLES

6.9 States should ensure that their fisheries interests, including the need for
conservation of the resources, are taken into account in the multiple uses of the
coastal zone and are integrated into coastal area management, planning and
development

6.10 Within their respective competences and in accordance with international

law, including within the framework of subregional or regional fisheries
conservation and management organizations or arrangements, States should
ensure compliance with and enforcement of conservation and management
measures and establish effective mechanisms, as appropriate, to monitor and
control the activities of fishing vessels and fishing support vessels.

6.11 States authorizing fishing and fishing support vessels to fly their flags
should exercise effective control over those vessels so as to ensure the proper
application of this Code. They should ensure that the activities of such vessels
do not undermine the effectiveness of conservation and management measures
taken in accordance with international law and adopted at the national,
subregional, regional or global levels. States should also ensure that vessels
flying their flags fulfil their obligations concerning the collection and provision of
data relating to their fishing activities.
ARTICLE 6 – GENERAL PRINCIPLES

6.12 States should, within their respective competences and in accordance with
international law, cooperate at subregional, regional and global levels through
fisheries management organizations, other international agreements or other
arrangements to promote conservation and management, ensure responsible fishing
and ensure effective conservation and protection of living aquatic resources
throughout their range of distribution, taking into account the need for compatible
measures in areas within and beyond national jurisdiction.

6.13 States should, to the extent permitted by national laws and regulations, ensure
that decision making processes are transparent and achieve timely solutions to urgent
matters. States, in accordance with appropriate procedures, should facilitate
consultation and the effective participation of industry, fishworkers, environmental and
other interested organizations in decision making with respect to the development of
laws and policies related to fisheries management, development, international lending
and aid

6.14 International trade in fish and fishery products should be conducted in

accordance with the principles, rights and obligations established in the World Trade
Organization (WTO) Agreement and other relevant international agreements. States
should ensure that their policies, programmes and practices related to trade in fish
and fishery products do not result in obstacles to this trade, environmental
degradation or negative social, including nutritional, impacts.
 ARTICLE 6 – GENERAL PRINCIPLES
6.15 States should cooperate in order to prevent disputes . All disputes relating to
fishing activities and practices should be resolved in a timely, peaceful and cooperative manner, in
accordance with applicable international agreements or as may otherwise be agreed between the parties.
Pending settlement of a dispute, the States concerned should make every effort to enter into provisional
arrangements of a practical nature which should be without prejudice to the final outcome of any dispute
settlement procedure.

6.16 States, recognising the paramount importance to fishers and fishfarmers of understanding the
promote
conservation and management of the fishery resources on which they depend, should

awareness of responsible fisheries through education and

training. They should ensure that fishers and fishfarmers are involved in
the policy formulation and implementation process , also with a view to
facilitating the implementation of the Code

ensure that fishing facilities and equipment as well as

6.17 States should

all fisheries activities allow for safe, healthy and fair working and
living conditions and meet internationally agreed standards adopted by relevant international
organizations.
ARTICLE 6 – GENERAL PRINCIPLES
6.18 Recognizing the important contributions of artisanal and small- scale fisheries to employment,
income and food security, States should appropriately protect the rights of fishers
and fishworkers, particularly those engaged in subsistence, small-scale and artisanal
fisheries, to a secure and just livelihood, as well as preferential access, where

appropriate, to traditional fishing grounds and resources in the waters

under their national jurisdiction.

consider aquaculture, including culture-based

6.19 States should

fisheries, as a means to promote diversification of income

and diet. In so doing, States should ensure that resources are used responsibly and adverse
impacts on the environment and on local communities are minimized.
WHAT ARE THE CONTENTS
OF THE FAO TECHNICAL
GUIDELINE No.1

 PRACTICAL ADVICE TO IMPLEMENT

CCRF-ARTICLE 8 (FISHING
OPERATIONS)

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL

CONCERNED PARTIES
 WHO ARE THE
CONCERNED PARTIES?
STATES
 INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS

 FISHERIES MGT. BODIES

 FISHING VESSEL OWNERS,
MANAGERS AND CHARTERERS

FISHERMEN AND THEIR

ORGANIZATIONS
 COVERAGE AND
APPLICATION

 GLOBAL
VOLUNTARY, BUT INCLUDE
SOME INTERNATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS
ALL FISHING VESSELS
 ALL FISHING AND RELATED
ACTIVITES IN ALL OCEANS,
SEAS AND INLAND WATERS
 RESPONSIBILITIES OF
ALL STATES
ON FISHERIES RESOURCES

 PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH
 CONSIDERATION TO SELECTIVITY OF
FISHING GEAR

 DEVELOP STANDARD
METHODOOLOGY OF FIHSING GEAR
SELECTIVITY

FISHING CARRIED OUT BY

AUTHORIZED UNITS

ESTABLISH AND OPERATE MCS

LAW ENFORCEMENT
 RESPONSIBILITIES OF
ALL STATES
ON ENVIRONMENT

 ADOPT STANDARDS TO OPTIMIZE

USE OF ENERGY

 PHASE-OUT
CHOLOFLOUROCARBON (CFC)

PROVIDE ADEQUATE RESEARCH

& MONITORING OF ENVIRONMENT

SELECT, IMPROVE AND PROPER

MANAGEMENT OF HARBOUR SITES
& LANDING PLACES
 RESPONSIBILITIES OF
ALL STATES
ON FISHERIES SECTOR
 ESTABLISH APPROPRIATE MGT POLICIES
MONITOR GEAR AND CATCH
PROMOTE SELECTIVE GEAR
DEVELOP STANDARD METHODOLOGY OF
GEAR SELECTIVITY
ESTABLISH MCS
ESTABLISH & UPDATE VESSELS REGISTRY
ESTABLISH & OPERATE OBSERVERS PROGRAM
 APPLY PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH
DISSEMINATE PROGRESS OF RESEARCH
REGULATE TRANSHIPMENT
IMPROVE GIS
 RESPONSIBILITIES OF
ALL STATES
ON FISHING INDUSTRY
 ENSURE GOOD WORKING CONDITIONS &
SAFETY OF FISHERMEN

 ELABORATE MANAGEMENT POLICIES

 ISSUE “AUTHORITY TO FISH”
 GUARANTEE FISHNG RIGHTS OF ARTISNAL &
SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES

REDUCE CONFLICTS BETWEEN GEARS &

FISHERIES

 WHEN APPROPRIATE, USE ARTIFICIAL

STRUCTURES AND/OR FISH AGGREGATING
TECHNOLOGY TO INCREASE STOCK
ABUNDANCE
 FLAG STATES
RESPONSIBILITIES
ON INTERNATIONAL FISHING

 ISSUE “AUTHORIZATION TO FISH”

 ENSURE CONTROL OF AUTHORIZED
VESSEL
 CARRY ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
 PROPERLY INSURED; MAINTAINED
ACCDG TO NATIONAL AND
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS
 PROPERLY MARKED
 MANNED BY EXPERIENCED AND
QUALIFIED
 ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN VESSEL
REGISTRY & REPORTING SYSTEM
 ISSUE STANDARD OF SAFETY
 REPATRIATION OF CREW, WHEN
APPROPRIATE
 PORT STATES
RESPONSIBILITIES

 INSPECT DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

ONBOARD VESSELS

REPORTING INSPECTIONS
APPREHENSION OF NON-
COMPLIANT VESSELS

PROCEDURE ACCORDING TO
INTENRAITONAL LAWS AND
AGREEMENTS
RESPONSIBILITIES OF
THE INDUSTRY

EQUIPMENT

 PROPERLY EQUIPPED
(NAVIGATION, DATA STORAGE,
MONITORING)

 EUIPMET TO ENHANCE ENERGY

OPTIMIZATION AND REDUCE THE
EMISSIONS OF DANGEROUS
SUBSTANCE
 RESPONSIBILITIES OF
THE INDUSTRY

DOCUMENTS

 CARRY ALL DOCUMENTS

ONBOARD, INCLUDING AUTHORITY
TO FISH

INFORM FLAG STATES THE

VALIDITY OF CERTIFICATES AND
“AUTHORIZATION TO FISH”

INSURANCE COVERAGE
 RESPONSIBILITIES OF
THE INDUSTRY
OPERATION
 RESPECT EXISTING REGULATIONS FOR THE
PREVENTION OF COLLISION AT SEA
MARKING OF VESSELS AND FISHING GEARS
 RECOGNIZE THE FISHING RIGHTS (SMALL-
SCALE)
 REDUCE CONFLICT AMONG USERS
 DEVELOP/USE MORE SELECTIVE GEARS
 CONTRIBUTE TO ENERGY SAVING
REPORT LOST FISHING GEAR
 MAITAIN GOOD QUALITY OF CATCH
 REPORT ACTIVITIES AT SEA (SAILING &
FISHING)
FACILITATE THE CONTROL BY
PATROL/PROTECTION VESELS AND OFFICERS
 RESEARCH
RESPONSIBILITIES

ON FISHING

 DEVELOP MORE SELECTIVE

FISHING GEARS

 DEVELOP STANDARD
METHODOLOGY IN FISHING GEAR
SELECTIVITY

 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT
(INCLUDING FISHI PORTS)

 IMPLEMENT OBSERVERS
PROGRAM
WHY REGIONALIZE THE CCRF ?

 CCRF text is a result of negotiation process

where specific regional issues were diluted (or
even avoided)
 Global sustainable fisheries is only achieved
with SEA countries taking appropriate action
Need to consider the specific fisheries situation in
the region prior to the implementation of the
CCRF.
WHY REGIONALIZE THE CCRF ?
Cultural Situation:
 Historically fish dependent
 Traditional catching methods and processing methods
 Fisheries Structure
Majority are non-industrial and small scale traditional
fisheries.
Fishing boats are small in size, great in number
Majority fishermen and people involved are as small
scale, coastal and subsistence fisheries
WHY REGIONALIZE THE CCRF ?
Ecosystem
Tropical fisheries resources are multi-species
composition
Dominant species does not compose the
majority of catch
Situations require difference in gear selectivity
and stock assessment methodologies
 PROCESS OF REGIONALIZATION
March 1998 – the 30th Meeting of the SEAFDEC
Council supported the program for the
Regionalization the CCRF
June 1998- five regional core experts meet to initiate
draft
 November 1998- an “Expert Consultation on the
Regionalization of the Code of Conduct for
Responsible Fisheries Phase 1:Responsible Fishing
Operations”
1999- Experts meeting finalized guideline
Publication
OBJECTIVES
 to clarify the requirements

to prioritize the required action;

 to identify the areas which require special
consideration in the regional context
COVERAGE AREA
ASEAN countries
Countries with similar fisheries

INTERNATIONAL LEGAL INSTRUMENTS

relevant regulations, principles and requirements
under international law, Agreements and
Conventions are referred to in the CCRF
REGIONAL GUIDELINES FOR
RESPONSIBLE FISHING OPERATIONS

Regional Guidelines was prepared based on

the Article 8 Fishing Operations of the C CRF

General comments for paragraphs from

regional points of view

Specific considerations for regional application;

and,

Required follow up activities

 AREAS OF CONCERN
Allowable fishing operation and responsible manner
should be clarified.
 Maintenance of records for authorization to fish is
needed.
 Data of all fishing operations including statistical
data should be conducted.
 Education and Training Programs for fishers.
 Marking of the different types of fishing gears due
to lost or abandoned gears giving negative impact
to environment.
 Destructive fishing gears should be identified and
banned.
 AREAS OF CONCERN
 Discards (species thrown away) and stock
assessment should be clarified.
 Limitation of the number of fishing boats due to
fishing over capacity.
 Reducing discards and improve research on
survival of escaping fish.
 Information on ghost fishing (lost or abandoned
gears).
 AREAS OF CONCERN

 Assessment of the impact of fishing gears

before its introduction.
 Environmental and Social Impacts of fishing
gears before introduction.
 Introduction of Fishing Gear Selectivity in laws
and regulations should be considered.
 Standard methodologies for gear selectivity
research should be developed.
AREAS OF CONCERN
 Cooperation on research programs and
research results.
 Environmental Impact of fishing gears should
be considered.
 Scientific evaluation of new types of gears
before local introduction.
 Evaluation of traditional fisheries knowledge
and technologies of small-scale fisheries
should be conducted.
 Linkage with RA 8550
• Under the Fisheries Code, provisions that
is similar with the Code of conduct for
Responsible Fisheries include the ff:
– Section 47- Code of Practice for aquaculture
• It shall outline the general principles and guideline
for environmentally sound design and operation to
promote the sustainable development of the
industry
 Linkage with RA 8550

• Fisheries Administrative Order No . 214

provides the details of the code of practice for
aquaculture to include guidelines on site
selection, evaluation, farm design and
construction, water usage, water discharge
and effluent management, use of drugs,c
chemicals and pesticides, stock selection and
practices, introduction of exotic and GMO,
feed management, fish health management
and carrying capacity of lakes-based
aquaculture
 Linkage with RA 8550
• Another is the issue on Active and Passive
Fishing Gear under Fisheries
Administrative Order 201
• Section 8 & 9 of the Fisheries Code
provides provision under catch ceiling
limitations and also the establishment of
closed season
 Linkage with RA 8550
• Various prohibitions under Chapter VI of RA
8550 provides some information on
unauthorized fishing activities, poaching, fishing
using explosives, use of fine mesh nets, use of
active gear, ban on coral exploitation, ban on
muro ami, illegal use of superlights, conversion
of mangroves, fishing in overfished areas,
fishing in fishery reserves, refuge and sanctuary,
fishing of rare, threatened and endangered
species and aquatic pollution