1. FAO International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas
Jessica Sanders
Fisheries Officer
Policy, Economics and Institutions Service
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department

2. Sustainable Fisheries
How can we…
Harvest fish to provide food, economic and social benefits
Safeguard biodiversity and reduce impacts on the environment, including on fish stocks
Sustainable Fisheries

3. Background
Request: by COFI to assist States and RFMO/As in sustainably managing deep-sea fisheries and in implementing the UN General Assembly Resolution 61/105, concerning responsible fisheries in the marine ecosystem
Result: the FAO International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas adopted in August 2008 by 69 States, the EC and the Faroe Islands
Process: multi-stakeholder (FAO Members, industry, NGOs/IGOs, scientists and researchers)

4. Process Expert Consultation and workshops
2006/2007 – Expert Consultations and Workshops
Data and Knowledge
Vulnerable Ecosystems and Destructive Fishing in Deep-sea Fisheries
A trawl industry perspective on the International Guidelines
Technical Consultation and adoption
2008 – Two Technical Consultations
Next steps...
Review of Implementation in Busan (2010)
Continued Implementation of the Guidelines

5. Non-binding FAO Instruments
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES
Technical Guidelines
International Plans of Action (IPOA)
International Guidelines
IG for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas (2008)
IG for the ecolabelling of fish and fishery products from marine capture fisheries (2009)
IG to reduce sea turtle mortality in fishing operations (2009)
IG on Bycatch Management and Reduction of Discards (2011)
IG on flag State Performance (2013)
CCRF
IPOA for Reducing Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries;
IPOA for the Conservation and Management of Sharks
IPOA for the Management of Fishing Capacity
IPOA to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
Seabirds
Sharks
Capacity
IUU Fishing
UNFSA, CBD, PSMA, etc

6. FAO Deep-sea Guidelines: Scope
Guidelines designed for fisheries that occur beyond national jurisdiction, and where:
catch includes species that can only sustain low exploitation rates, and
fishing gear likely to contact the sea floor
Objective of the guidelines:
to provide tools, and guidance on their application, and to facilitate and encourage the efforts of States and RFMO/As towards;
sustainable use of marine living resources,
prevention of significant adverse impacts on deep-sea VMEs,
protection of marine biodiversity that these ecosystems contain.
- ABNJ but recognized that applicable to EEZ DSF where states deem appropriate

7. Section of Guidelines Description of Key Concepts
Species
VMEs
SAIs
Governance and Management
General considerations
Governance framework
Management and Conservation Steps
Data, reporting and assessment
Identifying VMEs and assessing SAIs
Enforcement and comp.
Management and conservation tools
Assessment and review of measures
Special requirements of developing countries
Additional considerations

8. Description of Key Concepts
Vulnerability ~ related to likelihood that a population, community, or habitat will experience substantial alteration from short-term or chronic disturbance / recovery / time-frame
Vulnerable marine ecosystems
The vulnerability of populations, communities and habitats must be assessed relative to specific threats
The risks to a marine ecosystem are determined by:
its vulnerability,
the probability of a threat occurring, and
the mitigation means applied to the threat.
This section includes a description of the characteristics of species typically targeted by deep sea fisheries, which I will not go over right now.
The second section discusses vulnerable marine ecosystems, by first describing vulnerabiliy
Vulnerability is related to the likelihood that a population, community, or habitat will experience substantial alteration from short-term or chronic disturbance, AND likelihood that it will recovery and in what time-frame
The vulnerabiliy must be assessed in relation to specific threats. Noting that Noting that some species may be vulnerable to most forms of disturbances. And that the vulnerability may vary grately according to fishing gears and practices
And the three ways in which vulnerability is determined
SAIs
SAIs compromise ecosystem integrity in a manner that: (i) impairs the ability of affected populations to replace themselves; (ii) degrades long-term natural productivity of habitats; or (iii) causes, on more than a temporary basis, significant loss of species richness, habitat or community types
Impacts should be evaluated individually, in combination and cumulatively.
Six issues to examine when determining scale and significance of an impact
Discussion of time-scales, but largely on a case-by-case basis to be determined by the competent authority
In this context, To examine both the duration and frequency of impact

9. Description of Key Concepts
SAIs compromise ecosystem integrity in a manner that: (i) impairs the ability of affected populations to replace themselves; (ii) degrades long-term natural productivity of habitats; or (iii) causes, on more than a temporary basis, significant loss of species richness, habitat or community types
The scale and significance should be consider:
the intensity or severity of the impact;
the spatial extent of the impact;
the sensitivity/vulnerability of the ecosystem;
the ability of an ecosystem to recover and rate of recovery;
extent to which ecosystem functions may be altered, and
timing and duration of the impact relative to the period in which a species needs the habitat during life history stages.
Significant Adverse Impacts
Of course, it is particularly tricky to determine what signifcant meant operationally and this has been dealt with differently in various RFMOS
This section includes a description of the characteristics of species typically targeted by deep sea fisheries, which I will not go over right now.
The second section discusses vulnerable marine ecosystems, by first describing vulnerabiliy
Vulnerability is related to the likelihood that a population, community, or habitat will experience substantial alteration from short-term or chronic disturbance, AND likelihood that it will recovery and in what time-frame
The vulnerabiliy must be assessed in relation to specific threats. Noting that Noting that some species may be vulnerable to most forms of disturbances. And that the vulnerability may vary grately according to fishing gears and practices
And the three ways in which vulnerability is determined
SAIs
SAIs compromise ecosystem integrity in a manner that: (i) impairs the ability of affected populations to replace themselves; (ii) degrades long-term natural productivity of habitats; or (iii) causes, on more than a temporary basis, significant loss of species richness, habitat or community types
Impacts should be evaluated individually, in combination and cumulatively.
Six issues to examine when determining scale and significance of an impact
Discussion of time-scales, but largely on a case-by-case basis to be determined by the competent authority
In this context, To examine both the duration and frequency of impact
Duration and frequency at which impact is repeated

10. Governance and Management
States and RFMO/As should manage DSFs, in a manner consistent with the Code and the UN Fish Stocks Agreement) and to:
adopt measures to ensure the conservation of target and non-target species (including reference points, measures for prevention of SAIs & the protection of the marine biodiversity)
identify areas or features where VMEs are known or likely to occur, and the location of fisheries in relation to these areas and features;
develop data collection and research programmes to assess the impact of fishing
base the management of DSFs on the best scientific and technical information available taking into account fishers knowledge
implement and enforce conservation and management measures through effective MCS
take appropriate measures to address the problems of overcapacity, overfishing and IUU fishing,
ensure transparency and public dissemination of information, in accordance with appropriate standards for confidentiality , as well as enable participation of relevant stakeholders.

11. Management and Conservation Steps
Data, reporting and assessment
States and RFMO/As should cooperate in intl. efforts to collate biogeographic information, including oceanographic parameters, and make use of this information
States and RFMO/As should obtain and apply information for adaptive management to prevent SAIs on VMEs, including indicators and benchmarks
States and RFMO/As should ensure that data reporting and analysis is as transparent as possible
States and RFMO/As should collaborate in assessing deep-sea stocks throughout their range of distribution.

12. Example of VMEs VME Criteria Uniqueness or rarity
Functional significance of the habitat
Fragility
Life-history traits of component species that make recovery difficult
Structural complexity
Note that the majority of RFMOs have closed what is thought to be the major concentrations of corals and sponges already
- VME database that FAO is working on will provide more detailed accessible information on the each designate VME – how established, relevant background information and decisions. Tool for managers. Start with RFMOS and will also include information states may like to submit
The NEAFC Regulatory Area includes area closures to bottom trawling and other static gears. On Hatton and Rockall Banks, six areas are closed to bottom fishing to protect juvenile fish and coldwater corals (see Map 1). In 2009, NEAFC decided to close 330,000 square kilometres to fisheries with gear that is likely to contact the seafloor during the normal course of fishing on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (see Map 2) to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. In addition, fisheries using gillnets, entangling nets and trammel nets are prohibited below 200 meters.
A further spatially important aspect of bottom fishing regulations in NEAFC is the distinction between new and existing fishing areas. NEAFC recently analysed the extent of its closed areas in relation to fishable areas in its regulatory area and arrived at the rough estimates listed below in Table 1 and 2 (for further information please contact the NEAFC Secretariat).

13. Assessing SAIs
Assessments to be conducted to establish if deep-sea fishing activities are likely to produce significant adverse impacts in a given area.
type(s) of fishing conducted or contemplated, [vessels and gear types, fishing areas, target and potential bycatch species, fishing effort levels and duration of fishing (harvesting plan)];
best available scientific and technical information on the current state of fishery resources and baseline information on the ecosystems, habitats and communities in the fishing area
identification, description and mapping of VMEs known or likely to occur in the fishing area;
data and methods used to identify, describe and assess the impacts of the activity, the identification of gaps in knowledge, and an evaluation of uncertainties
identification, description and evaluation of the occurrence, scale and duration of likely impacts
risk assessment of likely impacts by the fishing operations to determine which impacts are likely to be significant adverse impacts
proposed mitigation and management measures
Noting that the risk assessments should take into account the differing conditions in areas where DSF are well established, have not yet take place or only occur occassionally

14. Fishery Management Plans
…develop and adopt fishery management plans for specific DSFs, including a set of measures with defined longterm/ multi-annual management objectives
…develop and adopt their fishery management plans for DSFs using a transparent process.
…encourage dialogue and collaboration with responsible DSF operators
recognising the value of industry information & experience in resource assessment and fisheries management, identification of VMEs, responsible fishing techniques, gear development, and implementation methods to avoid or mitigate significant adverse impacts on VMEs.

15. Issues in implementation Busan workshop recommendations (May 2010)
Compile, develop guidance, make available information on:
impacts and risk assessment;
encounter protocols and related mitigation measures, and the move-on rule; and
use of the VME criteria, including triggers for what degree of presence constitutes a “significant concentration”
Evaluation of the implementation of the Guidelines and convening of further workshops at regular intervals

16. Issues in implementation (cont.)
Step-wise approach to implementation, prioritize the main provisions
Procedures to build confidence between scientists and industry for improved collaboration including protocols for collaboration
Collection of historical data
Sharing experiences and best practices between RFMOs & RFMO scientists
Build awareness among deep-sea skippers, operators and crew

17. Ongoing work to address challenges
Deep-sea ABNJ project
Partnering with the RFMOs, states and industry to better implement an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries
VME issues
Database to improve accessibility of information for managers and others
Species identification guides and data collection manuals
Develop best practices
EIAs, ‘move on’ rule, operational use of VME criteria, collaboration between scientists/managers/industry
- Commitment from the industry and RFMOs to address FI management

18. Deep-sea ABNJ fisheries
2006
2013
Bottom fishing in general area
Existing and new fishing areas
Mix of qualitative and quantitative stock advice
More quantitative stock advice
Limited benthic protection
Closures to protect VMEs, Encounter protocols, Move-on rules
Fisheries can start rapidly
Strict exploratory protocols for new fisheries
Limited understanding of DSF
Better understanding of DSF
No impact assessments
Impact assessments in new fishing areas
Few regulations on bycatch species
More attention to assessment and regulation of bycatch species
RFMO’s mandate limited to fish stocks
RFMO’s mandate expanded to EAF
Note: Many fishers regard the new fishing areas as essentially closed owing to the large amount of paperwork to gain permission (but there are exploratory fisheries in SEAFO and CCAMLR)
This si essentially quite sever area management with most areas effectively closed to fishing and only historical fished areas open.
The above is close to what many NGOs have been fighting for.

19. Thank you

20. Publications
Report of the Expert Consultation on International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas. Bangkok, 11–14 September 2007.
Report of the FAO Workshop on Vulnerable Ecosystems and Destructive Fishing in Deep-sea Fisheries. Rome, 26–29 June 2007.
Report and documentation of the Expert Consultation on Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas. Bangkok, Thailand, 21–23 November 2006.
Management of demersal fisheries resources of the Southern Indian Ocean
Report on DEEP SEA 2003, an International Conference on the Governance and Management of Deep-Sea Fisheries.
Summary and review of Soviet and Ukrainian scientific and commercial fishing operations on the deepwater ridges of the Southern Indian Ocean
Report of the second Ad Hoc Meeting on Management of Deepwater Fisheries Resources of the Southern Indian Ocean
Report of the Ad Hoc Meeting on Management of Deepwater Fisheries Resources of the Southern Indian Ocean
Report on bottom trawling in the southern Indian Ocean for orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus). (In press)
Report on the workshop on Fishing-vessel Execution of Acoustic Surveys for Deep-sea Species: Main Issues and Way Forward. FAO, Rome, 9 to 11 December 2009. (In press)
Report of the FAO Workshop on the Implementation of the International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas - Challenges and Ways Forward, Busan, Republic of Korea, May 2010.
Report of the Workshop on Deep-sea Species Identification ,Rome, 2–4 December 2009.
Worldwide review of bottom fisheries in the high seas
International guidelines for the management of deep-sea fisheries in the high seas
Report of the Technical Consultation on International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas
Deep-sea fisheries in the high seas: a trawl industry perspective on the International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas
Report of the Workshop on Data and Knowledge in Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas
We have quite a few publications that might be of interest ranging from the more recent FAO guidelines (to be discussed in a moment) and the global review to reports of meetings dealing with management of demersal fisheries, for example in the Indian Ocean

21. Background – time frames
UNGA res. 64/72
UNGA res. 61/105
UNGA res.
66/68 WS
(2011)
UNGA res. 58/14
UNGA Review
Busan
Wrkshp
UNGA 61/105
States to take action immediately, individually and through regional fisheries management organizations and arrangements (RFMO/As), and consistent with the precautionary approach and ecosystem approaches, to sustainably manage fish stocks and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems including seamounts, hydrothermal vents, and coldwater corals...” (para 80)
Consultations
DSF Guide-lines adopted
Implementation of guidelines- FAO DSF Program (various projects)
2004
2006
2008
2009
2010 on

22. Description of Key Concepts
SAIs compromise ecosystem integrity in a manner that: (i) impairs the ability of affected populations to replace themselves; (ii) degrades long-term natural productivity of habitats; or (iii) causes, on more than a temporary basis, significant loss of species richness, habitat or community types
Characteristics of species
Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems
The scale and significance should be consider:
the intensity or severity of the impact;
the spatial extent of the impact;
the sensitivity/vulnerability of the ecosystem;
the ability of an ecosystem to recover and rate of recovery;
extent to which ecosystem functions may be altered, and
timing and duration of the impact relative to the period in which a species needs the habitat during life history stages.
The vulnerability of populations, communities and habitats must be assessed relative to specific threats
Significant Adverse Impacts
This section includes a description of the characteristics of species typically targeted by deep sea fisheries, which I will not go over right now.
The second section discusses vulnerable marine ecosystems, by first describing vulnerabiliy
Vulnerability is related to the likelihood that a population, community, or habitat will experience substantial alteration from short-term or chronic disturbance, AND likelihood that it will recovery and in what time-frame
The vulnerabiliy must be assessed in relation to specific threats. Noting that Noting that some species may be vulnerable to most forms of disturbances. And that the vulnerability may vary grately according to fishing gears and practices
And the three ways in which vulnerability is determined
SAIs
SAIs compromise ecosystem integrity in a manner that: (i) impairs the ability of affected populations to replace themselves; (ii) degrades long-term natural productivity of habitats; or (iii) causes, on more than a temporary basis, significant loss of species richness, habitat or community types
Impacts should be evaluated individually, in combination and cumulatively.
Six issues to examine when determining scale and significance of an impact
Discussion of time-scales, but largely on a case-by-case basis to be determined by the competent authority
In this context, To examine both the duration and frequency of impact
Duration and frequency at which impact is repeated

23. North Atlantic Sharks, Batoids and Chimaeras Pocket Guides

24. Enforcement and Compliance
States, both individually and cooperatively through RFMO/As, should work to implement effective MCS frameworks
National or international cooperative observer programmes should be implemented
States should maintain and periodically update vessel registers or records to document changes in fleet characteristics and submit vessel register or record data on at least an annual basis to RFMO/As
States and RFMO/As should cooperate to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing in DSFs, and to take action related to IUU vessels and their listing.
Very brief as largely aimed at action by states or by states through RFMOs, and not necessarily as relevant for this discussions

25. Mechanisms to include Industry into the RFMO/A process
RFMO/As operate at the Contracting Party level. At working Groups – Typically individual experts can be invited in their own right. Usually would not represent their organisation. At Scientific Council Meetings – Organisations can be invited as observers and would often be able to contribute to the meeting upon invitation from the Chair. Unlikely to be able to attend as an expert scientist unless actively involved in research. At Commission Meetings – As Observers or as part of CP delegations. Can assist delegations during their meetings, but not able to speak during plenary sessions.
Are there other ways???

26. Major relevant instruments and processes
Binding
UNCLOS
UNFSA
Compliance Agreement
Port State Measures Agreement
CBD CITES
Non-binding
UNGA Resolutions
Code of Conduct
IPOAs
Guidelines on Flag State Performance
Deep-sea Guidelines
Bycatch Guidelines
Discuss those negotiated through FAO
- discuss status and implementation later in specific topics?
All relevant, available instruments for managing fisheries.
Note that NEAFC has now made their scheme in line with the Port State Measures Agreement

28. Final sections Assessments and Reviews Others
transparent system for regular monitoring of the implementation of fishery management plans
regularly review the scientific information on deep-sea fish stocks, known or likely location of VMEs & the impacts of DSFs on VMEs
regular and independent reviews of the data and impact assessments
Others
…RFMO/As should collaborate to address common issues such as the development of compatible standards, tools and information
… provide assistance and support to develop a global database on VMEs in ABNJ
Finally, Pursuant to UNGA Resolution 61/105 and the agreement reached at
the twenty-seventh session of COFI, States and RFMO/As should provide
appropriate assistance and support for FAO to develop a global database on
VMEs in areas beyond national jurisdiction, in cooperation with other
relevant organizations.
88. FAO should, based