The Fisheries Committee (COFI)
WHAT IS THE FISHERIES COMMITTEE (COFI)?
The OECD's Fisheries Committee (COFI) is a specialized body that brings together representatives from member and non member countries to coordinate and develop international policies related to fisheries and aquaculture. It was established in 1961, and its main objective is to promote sustainability in the management of fishery resources, ensure the protection of the marine environment, and encourage responsible fishing practices. The committee provides analysis, reports, and recommendations that guide governments in implementing more efficient and equitable policies in the fisheries sector.
Additionally, COFI is one of the 24 technical committees of the OECD involved in assessing Peru's accession process. In this context, the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) acts as the representative of the Peruvian government before COFI, with its main role being to coordinate and facilitate activities related to the evaluation process conducted by the Committee, ensuring effective communication and adequate representation of Peru's interests in this area.
COFI CONTRIBUTIONS
The Fisheries Committee has played a crucial role in promoting global priorities such as Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the G20 and G7 agendas. Additionally, COFI has exerted significant influence in international negotiations, such as those conducted at the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding fisheries subsidies, and has actively promoted transparency in data exchange.
Although COFI does not have a binding legal instrument under its supervision, its work has been crucial in consolidating a global framework for cooperation on fisheries policies. Moreover, its involvement underscores its significant contribution to the development of sustainable fisheries policies and the integration of environmental and social considerations into global strategies.
COFI stands out for its major contributions through the regular publication of the OECD Review of Fisheries, with various editions analyzing fisheries management and support policies at a global level. Additionally, COFI organizes periodic sessions to discuss the main challenges and advancements in the fisheries sector, promoting the exchange of experiences and collaboration among member countries.
FIRST VISIT OF COFI TO PERU
Las exposiciones durante la visita del COFI se dividieron en ocho temas. Así, PRODUCE destacó avances como la formalización de más de 47 mil pescadores artesanales y la aprobación de la Política Nacional de Acuicultura al 2030. También se presentaron las iniciativas del Programa Nacional «A Comer Pescado», como la realización de más de 28,700 ferias para la comercialización de productos hidrobiológicos en los últimos 4 años. Por su parte, FONDEPES expuso sobre sus las líneas de trabajo, destacando que en 2023 otorgó créditos valorizados en S/ 17.7 millones a pescadores y armadores artesanales, procesadores primarios y acuicultores. Adicionalmente, se expuso sobre las medidas de control para combatir la pesca ilegal, no declarada y no reglamentada (INDNR). Asimismo, se presentaron avances en regulación ambiental y la Hoja de Ruta hacia una Economía Circular en pesca y acuicultura. Finalmente, se abordaron los beneficios fiscales y el tratamiento tributario del sector pesquero y acuícola.
Moreover, COFI visited the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE), the National Fisheries Health Agency (SANIPES), and the Productive Innovation and Technology Transfer Center - CITE Callao
During the visit to IMARPE, the delegation toured the Germplasm Bank of Aquatic Organisms and IMARPE’s specialized laboratories, including the Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Marine Geology Laboratory, Hydrochemistry Laboratory, Phytoplankton Laboratory, Zooplankton Laboratory, Trophic Ecology Laboratory, Modeling Laboratory, and Fish Culture Laboratory.
At the SANIPES facilities in Ventanilla, the delegation visited the physicochemical, bioassay, and microscopy laboratories, as well as the aquaculture health and proficiency testing coordination laboratories.
The delegation also visited the facilities of the Callao Fisheries CITE, such as the Pilot Canning Plant, the Pasta, Pre-formed Products, and Frozen Products Plant, the Industrial By-products and Biogas Laboratory, and the Biotechnology Laboratory. The visit concluded with a tasting session featuring products such as mackerel preserves, bonito fillet, and other processed marine products.
William Symes, in turn, personally thanked the Minister for the excellent cooperation that the OECD's production sector team has maintained with the Fisheries Committee.
Symes mencionó que, “la información recopilada hasta ahora por parte del sector será un determinante crucial para un paso más en el proceso de adhesión del Perú a la OCDE…” «La excelente hospitalidad brindada por todas las diferentes instituciones del sector, así como su disposición para proporcionar información, ha permitido a la Comisión conocer de manera amplia el sector pesquero y acuícola de Perú».