1. BACKGROUND
1.1 The 1995 Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (the Code) of the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) calls
for the sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems and requires that fishing
be conducted with due regard for the environment. The Code also
promotes the maintenance, safeguarding and conservation of
biodiversity of ecosystems by minimizing fisheries impacts on nontarget
species and the ecosystem in general. However, despite the
Code’s endorsement by all FAO Members, there is growing concern
that levels of fishing mortality as a result of bycatch and discards
threaten the long-term sustainability of many fisheries and the
maintenance of biodiversity in many areas, resulting in increased food
insecurity and adversely affecting the livelihoods of millions of fishers
and fishworkers dependent on fish resources.