30 September 2008
FAO TECHNICAL CONSULTATION ADOPTS DEEP SEA FISHERIES GUIDELINES
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The Second Session of the Technical Consultation on International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-Sea Fisheries in the High Seas took place in Rome, Italy, from 25-29 August 2008, under the auspices of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The 69 participating countries adopted guidelines aimed at protecting deep-sea fish species and habitats outside […]

The Second Session of the Technical Consultation on International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-Sea Fisheries in the High Seas took place in Rome, Italy, from 25-29 August 2008, under the auspices of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The 69 participating countries adopted guidelines aimed at protecting deep-sea fish species and habitats outside national waters that are at risk from overfishing. The guidelines, which follow two years of preparation and negotiations, were needed in part because many deep-water fish species grow slowly, reach sexual maturity late and may not always reproduce every year. In addition, until now, no framework for tackling this issue existed. According to the FAO, even in national waters, few countries have addressed deep-water fishing management since it is a relatively new activity and requires considerable investment and technology. The Guidelines state that all fishing activity in deep sea areas should be “rigorously managed” and lay out measures to be taken to identify and protect vulnerable ecosystems, and provide guidance on the sustainable use of marine living resources in deep-sea areas.
Links to further information
FAO Press Release, 3 September 2008
The guidelines


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