ENB:07:39 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

---

INFORMAL FAO/US WORKSHOP

During the session, the US hosted an informal workshop on the FAO Compliance Agreement. The US supported the agreement and described it as part of the overall mosaic of high seas fisheries conservation and management measures that should be taken in context with UNCLOS and this Conference. The agreement applies to all living marine species, including anadromous stocks and whales. It establishes specific obligations on flag States, including vessel marking and enforcement action to prevent undermining conservation and management measures on the high seas. The agreement leaves unaddressed the standards to be followed for adopting conservation and management measures, the responsibilities of non-flag States and trans-shipping issues. The South Pacific group said the 24-meter vessel exemption is hard to administer and trans-shipping was highlighted by developing coastal States as a serious omission. The FAO has received three instruments of ratification and anticipates the agreement's entry into force in 1995.