At its 19th annual meeting held in Piura, Peru from April 14-17, 2008, the FWG focused on identifying major gaps and challenges in implementing the Bali Plan of Action, the ministerial framework for healthy oceans and resources adopted at the second APEC Oceans-related Ministerial Meeting in September 2005. The impact of climate change on oceans and fisheries, and ecosystem-based management were among the issues, including a joint session with the Marine Resources Conservation Working Group (MRCWG). The conclusion of the "BPA stock-take" project later in 2008 will provide FWG and MRCWG members with an evaluation of not only what activities are contributing to BPA implementation, but also specific challenges that need to be addressed, with a view to helping find solutions through collaboration, including with multilateral organizations, in the Asia-Pacific region.
The FWG also continued to build on efforts to find the group's niche in global and regional debates and challenges. Discussions focused on issues such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, diversification of use of small pelagics into higher value uses including human consumption, sustainable development of aquaculture, eco-labelling and energy efficiency in fishing. The discussions aimed at achieving a common understanding of challenges in the region and strengthening regional cooperation to respond to pressing international issues.
