The Third Meeting of Regional Fishery Body Secretariats Network (RSN 3) was held in Rome, Italy 7-8 February 2011.
It addressed many issues relating to global and regional fisheries governance, including IUU fishing, overcapacity, the ecosystem approach to fisheries management, small-scale and inland fisheries and the outcomes of the 29th Session of FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) held in Rome during the previous week.
Twenty-eight RFB Secretariats were represented at the meeting with varying responsibilities over inland, coastal and marine fisheries and aquaculture, as well as four intergovernmental organisations. It was chaired by Kartjan Hoydal, Secretary of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission.
The RSN, which has evolved over 12 years, was established to promote consultation and dialogue among Regional Fishery Bodies (RFBs), address priority issues of common concern and foster ongoing cooperation and exchange of information. In executing its functions, the RSN serves to underpin the important role played by RFBs in the conservation, management and sustainable use of fish stocks.
The RSN issued a Statement expressing its concern about the allegations of anti-fishing lobbies in the press and some scientific journals that most RFBs are failing internationally in their efforts to effectively conserve and manage fisheries resources. Recognising that challenges exist and there is room for further improvement of regional fisheries governance, the RSN elaborated why many of these condemnations are unjustified and welcomed evaluations of their practices and encouraged communications and constructive comments.
