August 2011: The UN Secretary-General, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), prepared a report on actions taken by States and regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements (RFMO/As) to facilitate the further review of the actions referred to in paragraph 129 of UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 64/72.

Paragraph 129 refers to actions by States, RFMO/As and those States participating in negotiations to establish a RFMO/A competent to regulate bottom fisheries, which would address the impacts of bottom fishing on vulnerable marine ecosystems and the long-term sustainability of deep-sea fish stocks.

The report provides an overview of: the impacts of bottom fisheries on vulnerable marine ecosystems and the long-term sustainability of deep-sea fish stocks; actions taken by States and RFMOs to address the impacts of bottom fisheries on vulnerable marine ecosystems and the long-term sustainability of deep-sea fish stocks; and the activities of the FAO to promote the regulation of bottom fisheries and the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems. The report will be considered by the UNGA at its 66th session. [Publication: Report of the Secretary-General]