The 11th session of FAO’s Sub-Committee on Fish Trade meeting was attended by 52 FAO Members. It was held in Bremen, Germany between June 2-6’ 2008. They members have endorsed a set of technical guidelines aimed at promoting responsible international trade in fish and fishery products. The guidelines are intended to help countries ensure that international trade in fish and fishery products do not compromise the sustainable development of fisheries and responsible utilization of living aquatic resources.
The members have called on governments to take necessary actions to promote sustainable fish trade globally. And for this the FAO members have set some rules and regulations. As per the record the value of world exports of fish and fish products climbed to a record high of US$92 billion in 2007, with the proportion of world fish production (145 million tonnes) that is traded internationally now representing 38 percent of the total, or 55 million tonnes.
According to FAO this can involve significant benefits for poor countries – their net export revenues from fish trade currently run around US$25 billion, translating into more jobs, better incomes, and increased government revenues. Grimur Valdimarsson, director of FAO’s Fish Products and Industries Division, told that the fish trade can also pose some risks. He added that the rise in demand for fish to supply international markets can sometimes result in excessive fishing pressure, potentially leading to the over-exploitation and wasteful use of some fish stocks and thereby exacerbating the consequences of ineffective fisheries management regimes.
According to Valdimarsson these guidelines will help countries maximize the poverty reduction, food security and nutrition benefits of fish trade while minimizing potential negative aspects.
