The third informal Consultations of the States Parties to the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of UNCLOS relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks took place from 8-9 July 2004 in New York.

The meeting considered:
*new developments in the implementation of the Agreement, including on strengthening flag States duties;
*implementation at the regional level, including the establishment of new regional fisheries organizations and arrangements;
*implementation by regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements;
*update on initiatives by States at the global level, including within FAO;
*review of the implementation of the provisions of Part VII of the Agreement on requirements of developing countries, including contribution by States, international financial institutions and donor organizations to the Assistance Fund established by the General Assembly; and
*preparatory work for the Review Conference, called for under article 36 of the Agreement.
On the Review Conference, most delegates agreed that such an event should be convened, while some noted the need to clarify certain aspects of the review. Delegates also discussed potential mechanisms for the preparatory process, and the scope and overall objective of the Review Conference. Proposals were tabled on broadening the species coverage of the Agreement to include discrete high seas fish stocks, while one State Party stressed that the review should focus on implementation of the Agreement and not reopen negotiations on its provisions. Canada announced that it would convene an international conference in St John’s, Newfoundland in May 2005 to discuss issues regarding the scope and implementation of the Agreement. A number of recommendations to the General Assembly were adopted at the conclusion of the meeting on various matters discussed during the Consultations. More information is available in the report of the meeting.