October 14, 2010

APEC nations work to ensure sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member nations will contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture, in order to ensure global food security, Peru's Minister of Production Jorge Villasante said.

Decision was made at the end of this week's meeting in Paracas, Peru, where representatives from 16 APEC economies adopted the Paracas Declaration.

The grouping acknowledged that they met at a time when the global economy continues to recover from a recession, in the wake of a spike in food prices, in the face of intensifying effects of climate change, and when marine ecosystems were under increasing stress due to a growing range of activities.

One of the agendas is to seek ways to promote cooperation among APEC economies to contribute towards regional assessments in the APEC region and understanding of the marine ecosystem.

Ministers resolved to ensure sustainable management of the marine environment by encouraging capacity building and information sharing on approaches among APEC economies to protect human health, provide economic and social benefits, and contribute to food security in the APEC region.

They agreed to encourage APEC economies to reduce both sea and land-based sources of marine pollution and marine debris.

Representatives decided to gather and share scientific knowledge on climate change and its impacts on coastal and marine ecosystems, fisheries and aquaculture, among other actions.