1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries: Information in support of successful implementation

Largely from a developing country perspective, this paper reviews some issues relating to the information needs required to support the implementation of the 1995 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the challenges that these needs present for information professionals and centers. By way of introduction the paper commences with an examination of the rationale and process for the development of the Code of Conduct. It then addresses the nature and scope of the Code. Information constraints and their possible solutions is the subject of the next section. Actions by FAO to respond to these constraints are also discussed. Avenues for expanded information access for developing countries is the focus of the following section that notes, in part, the declining roles of fisheries extension services and national and regional information centers in many developing countries and the importance of non-government organizations in providing information to vulnerable stakeholder groups. The paper raises some issues and questions for further consideration by information professionals, suggesting that the International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers could provide a valuable forum to address fisheries information issues. The paper's conclusion challenges information professionals and centers to grasp the opportunities to work with new stakeholder groups and to be part of the promotion of responsible and sustainable fisheries, especially in developing countries where information deficiencies are a constraint to the implementation of the Code of Conduct.