Recommendation for a Decision on the conservation and management of marine living resources in the western and central Atlantic ocean

Summary:

Recommendation adopted on 27 June 2019 by the European Commission authorising the opening of negotiations for the establishment of a regional fisheries management organisation (RFMO) in the Western and Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAFC) area.

Further information:

The Western and Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAFC) is an advisory body established in 1973 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Its purpose is to promote the conservation, management and development of the living marine resources within its area of competence.

At the 16th WECAFC plenary session in 2016, the members of the Commission agreed to launch a process to clarify certain key issues related to the establishment of a regional fisheries management organisation (RFMO) in the WECAFC area. The topic will be addressed at the 17th WECAFC plenary in July 2019.

The creation of a binding instrument to reform WECAFC in the western and central Atlantic area will provide a firm basis for the sustainable management and conservation of marine biological resources there.

Background:

RFMOs are international organisations formed by countries. Members include countries in the region (coastal states), regional integration organisations such as the EU, and fishing entities with fishing interests in a given area. Some RFMOs manage all the fish stocks within a specific area, while others focus on particular highly migratory species, notably tuna, across vast geographical areas. While some are purely advisory, most have management powers to set limits on catches and fishing effort, lay down technical measures, and control obligations.