A meeting to review a UN agreement on straddling and migratory fish stocks has been held in New York.

The Review Conference of the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (UNFSA) convened from 22-26 May 2006, at UN headquarters. By the end of the meeting, delegates had adopted a final report that highlights: a commitment to integrate ecosystem considerations in fisheries management; the urgent reduction of the world’s fishing capacity to levels commensurate with the sustainability of fish stocks; urgent strengthening of regional fisheries management organization mandates to implement precautionary and ecosystem approaches to fisheries management; performance reviews of regional fisheries management organizations; a commitment to develop a legally binding instrument on minimum standards for port State measures and a comprehensive global register of fishing vessels; expanded assistance to developing countries; and continuation of a dialogue to address concerns raised by non-Parties. The final report will be transmitted to the secretariats of the regional fisheries management organizations and the General Assembly, and delegates decided to resume the Review Conference no later than 2011.
Link to further information
Earth Negotiations Bulletin report of the meeting