RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES - AN OVERVIEW OF FAO POLICY DEVELOPMENTS (1945-1994)

The paper outlines the evolution of fisheries development policies (aquaculture excluded), from an international perspective as seen within the various UN and FAO fishery committees, It begins with the first FAO Technical Committee on Fisheries in 1945 and extends through the various periods corresponding to post-war reconstruction (1945-1958), geographical expansion (1959-1972), establishment of a new economic order of the oceans (1973-1982), and transition towards global concerns (1983-1992). It underlines the gaps between government resolutions at the international level and effective implementation at national policy level. This identifies the elements to be considered in responsible fishing policies. Finally, the FAO International Code of Conduct for Responsible fisheries is presented as the conceptual framework for achieving sustainable fisheries development and UNCED's objectives within the framework of the 1992 Convention.