Fisheries Support Unit
The Fisheries Support Unit is one of the flagship projects of
the IOR-ARC organization and enjoys support of all IOR-ARC Member
States. The Fisheries industry provides a source of living
and food security for millions of people in countries bordering the
Indian Ocean Rim. To be reiterating the need for greater
cooperation among Member States, to share experience, consolidate
and mobilize resources and enhance fish trade activities in full
accord with broader international efforts to promote sustainable
fisheries practice. The challenge is to grow and sustain this
important industry and to propose some solutions to the threats
facing the industry, namely, illegal and over-fishing, the
depletion of stocks and pollution of the Indian Ocean, to name just
a few.
BACKGROUND
In November 2003, IOR-ARC Member States agreed to establish the
Fisheries Support Unit (FSU) in Sri Lanka. The Unit is
expected to play an important role in enhancing the cooperation
within the Fisheries Sector of IOR-ARC, better utilization of the
Fisheries Resources, Expertise Exchange and conducting Joint
Research Activities.
The Fisheries Support Unit (FSU) was officially announced in
Sultanate of Oman in May 2004.
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
Since September 2001, the following developments took place for
the establishment of the IOR-ARC FSU.
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No.
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Date
|
Name
|
Objectives
|
|
1.
|
15-16 September 2001, Muscat,
|
First Meeting of the Group of Experts (GOE) on Fisheries
|
To discuss in detail the possibilities
of future cooperation between Member States in the
fields of Fisheries Research, Fisheries Management,
Aquaculture and Fisheries Trade.
Strengthen cooperation between Fisheries and Academic institutes
in IOR-ARC. |
|
2.
|
4-5 Nov 2002, Muscat,
|
Second Meeting of the Group of Experts (GOE) on Fisheries
|
To follow up recommendations of the
previous meeting
To discuss the formation of a Coordination Office and Fisheries
Fund |
|
3.
|
2-4 May 2005, Muscat,
|
First Meeting of the Fisheries Focal Points of IOR-ARC
|
The need for the FSU to develop its profile to improve
collaboration and cooperation on Fisheries Issues throughout the
region.
|
|
4.
|
19-20 October 2008, Muscat,
|
Second Meeting of Fisheries Expert Focal Points of IOR-ARC
|
Discussed internal by-laws for the FSU and operational
matters.
|
|
5.
|
16-19 January 2011, Muscat
|
Workshop on Fisheries Biology and Stock Assessment
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Several presentations were made by experts from different Member
States highlighting their research in Fisheries Biology
|
Memorandum of Understanding
The Memorandum of Understanding giving the Objectives, Activities,
Membership, Executive Committee, etc of the Fisheries Support Unit
was drafted and proposed at the 1st Meeting of Fisheries
Focal Point in Muscat, 2-4 May 2005. This was adopted at the
Ninth Council of Ministers in 2009.
Headquarters of the Fisheries Support Unit
(FSU)
The Fisheries Support Unit will be headquartered in the Sultanate
of Oman. The Headquarters Agreement for Fisheries Support
Unit is currently being finalised