Fisheries Convention in Reñaca

From 30 April to 4 May, the third international negotiations on the proposed South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (South Pacific RFMO) were held in Reñaca, Chile with the participation of 24 countries, plus NGOs and Industry Groups.

Australia, along with Chile and New Zealand, is a co-sponsor of the project which aims to establish a management regime for the high seas of the world largest ocean. As marine resources come under increasing pressure from over-exploitation, the establishment of an international, science based management regime for the South Pacific - one of the world’s only non-regulated oceans – is of vital importance in ensuring the long term conservation and sustainable use of the fishery resources and the protection of the marine environment.

At the Reñaca meeting, Australia played an important role in achieving agreement on interim measures to be applied by countries while the RFMO is being negotiated. Australia and Chile will continue to work with other countries to ensure an effective and comprehensive RFMO for the South Pacific.

The next round of negotiations will be held in Noumea, New Caledonia in September.