Fisheries Administration and Lagislation

Unit 10 - International law of the sea

10.7. Code of conduct for responsible fisheries
The FAO of United Nations developed a code of conduct for responsible fisheries and it was adopted in 1995. It is being implemented by committee of fisheries of FAO. India was also one of the founder signatory. There are 12 articles in the code of conduct for responsible fisheries:

• Nature & scope
• Objectives
• Relationship with other international instruments
• Implementation and monitoring
• Special requirement of developing countries
• General principles
• Fisheries management
• Fishing operation
• Aqua development
• Integration of fisheries in to coastal area management
• Post harvest practices
• Fisheries Research

However it is not binding on the part of members & is considered as voluntary code.

Objectives

• To establish principle & criteria for the elaboration & implementation of National policy for conservation of fisheries resources & management.
• To serve as instrument for reference.
• To provide guidance for implementation of international agreements.
• To promote protection of living aquatic resources.
• To promote trade of fish.
• To promote research in fisheries.

Important articles:

• Article 6.1-states and users of living resources should conserve aquatic ecosystem. Right to fish carries with it, the obligation to do so in responsible manner.
• Article 6.4-conservation & management decision should be based on best scientific evidences taking in to account traditional knowledge of the resources and their habitat.
• Article 6.16-promote awareness of responsible fisheries through education and training.
• Article 6.18-protects the rights of fishers and fish workers.
• Article 7.2.2-avoid excess fishing capacity
• Article 7.6.4-measure the performance of all the fishing gears and ensures that fishing practice which is not consistent with responsible fishing are phased out and replaced with more acceptable alternatives.
• Article 7.6.9- minimize waste discard and catch of non target species