The Government of Japan is hosting this project workshop with a view to sharing good practices and knowledge on the latest maritime scientific research, observation and policy-making in APEC region with policy-makers and researchers from APEC economies and relevant international organizations.
The key objectives are:
(1) To share good practices and experiences of ocean policy-making for sustainable marine use based on the latest science and technology;
(2) To promote networking among policy-makers, researchers and relevant stakeholders;
(3) To promote capacity building for those working on various maritime issues;
(4) To develop recommendations to OFWG (APECfs Oceans and Fisheries Working Group) and reflect them in the outcomes of various APEC and non-APEC ocean related meetings.
The oceans are changing rapidly, with overuse of marine resources, destruction of marine environment and climate change among others. The health of oceans has rightly been recognized as a crucial issue and is included in the United Nations Sustainable Developments Goal 14 (SDG 14). Despite our efforts so far, many parts of the oceans have not yet been sufficiently surveyed. It is essential to develop far more scientific knowledge necessary to assess the ongoing changes and their global impact. It is also important to develop appropriate policies to ensure the sustainable use of oceans while conserving the marine environment. To tackle these issues, coordination of international observational effort is necessary.
Progress reports
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
October 2017
