Fao recognizes the importance of fish and its many associated products for

F ISHERIES



FAO recognizes the importance of fish and its many associated products for:

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  Food security and nutrition.
  
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  Economic growth through fish production and trade.
  
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  Poverty alleviation and the creation of employment opportunities in rural areas.
  

F AO plays a leading role in international fisheries policy, including through the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) and related sub-committees on Fish Trade and Aquaculture. FAO works with a wide range of partners, including Governments, Regional Fisheries Bodies, cooperatives, fishing communities and others on:

I mplementing the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF).

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  Compiling and publishing the global capture production database, including fleet, fishers and trade-related data.
  
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  Reducing the negative impacts of fishing on the environment through technological and community-based management solutions.
  

I mplementing the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

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  Assisting Members countries in disaster preparedness as well as providing assistance to fishing communities affected by emergencies and natural disasters.
  

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  Supporting Member countries in developing and implementing international guidelines relating to fisheries operations including bycatch management and reduction of discards; eco-labelling and traceability; reduction of fish loss and waste; and supply chain efficiency.
  

Improving understanding of the socio-economics of fisheries taking into account value chain dynamics and market access, the status of fisheries resources; access and user right; issues related to decent work conditions and social protection; equitable revenue distribution and profitability and value-addition.

I n close collaboration with intergovernmental organizations (e.g. CITES, CMS, IUCN and NGOs), implementing the International Plans of Action (IPOA) for: Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries; Conservation and Management of Sharks; Management of Fishing Capacity; and Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.

Raising the profile of inland fisheries due to its importance for food security and poverty alleviation.

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  Providing assistance in disaster preparedness planning and in dealing with the impacts of climate change at the national, regional and international levels as well as assisting fishing communities affected by natural disasters and prolonged emergencies.
  

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  Recognizing small-scale fisheries as a fundamental contributor to poverty alleviation and food security, FAO supports the development of the sector, including through the development of a dedicated instrument the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication.