Conference on Regional Fisheries Management

The conference brings together, for the first time, representatives, chairs and executive secretaries from 15 RFMOs stretching from the North Atlantic to the South Antarctic and from the Indian Ocean to the West Pacific.

The event aims to enhance dialogue amongst RFMOs and to exchange views with European fisheries managers and Members of the European Parliament on policies which will make RFMOs fit for the challenges of the future.

Guest speaker Dr Jane Lubchenco, US Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, will explain how US fisheries policy initiatives relate to RFMO management.

In line with the proposed reform of the European Common Fisheries Policy, this event is part of the EU commitment to promote responsible fishing outside European waters in view of the important role the European Union plays in worlds oceans and seas.

As global player, the EU is party to 15 RFMOs and wants to make sure that these RFMOs assume the key role they have to play in the sound management of shared fisheries resources in the most efficient and effective way.

The debate will focus on issues such as the need for better data and enhanced science as well as better compliance with agreed rules to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Other essential elements such as the need to adopt proper conservation measures for sustainable stock levels and capacity building for developing countries will also be discussed.

Commissioner Maria Damanaki said: "RFMOs play a key role for sustainable fisheries management worldwide. Dialogue and networking events such as the one I am hosting tomorrow are essential to move our sustainability agenda forward on the international stage."