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real benefits derived by member countries from their participation in IPFC; (iii) the need to continue and develop the fruitful cooperation in inland fisheries between Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean coastal states, bearing also in mind the situation of landlocked states; (iv) the wish clearly expressed by the coastal states in the South China Sea region to reinforce their cooperation in the field of fisheries at a time when China had announced its interest in joining IPFC, thus enhancing the Commission's status, particularly in the South China Sea region; and (v) the desirability of ensuring proper exchange of information not only between Indian Ocean and Pacific coastal states (e.g. in regard to highly mobile fishing fleets) but also between all regional fishery bodies.
66. Bearing in mind the COFI recommendation to revitalize and strengthen IPFC activities in the technical and policy fields, it was stressed that before this could be done there was a need to review the functions, roles and objectives of IPFC. It was thought that the factors which may have limited its efficiency might also be considered. In this regard one member referred to the very limited role played in recent years by IPFC in the tuna fishery. The view was also expressed that besides its traditional advisory functions, IPFC should play a more action-oriented role,
more action-oriented role, in the implementation of regional programmes.
67. Several members stressed that no change in the membership of IPFC is envisaged for the moment. Moreover some members noted that membership of the Commission per se would not form part of the Terms of Reference of the Ad hoc Committee. However changes in membership may or may not be implied result of recommendations made by the Ad hoc Committee on other matters.
as a
68. The Commission realized that no final conclusion could be reached on such a wide range of issues at the present Session and endorsed the Executive Committee recommendation that the matter be referred to an ad hoc Committee.
69. The Commission recommended that' an ad hoc Committee comprising representatives of Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Sri Lanka and Thailand should be urgently convened
(i) to review the objectives, role, and functions of IPFC,
(ii) to identify the factors which may have limited the
efficiency of IPFC, and
(iii) to make recommendations to Member States for rationalizing
the activities of IPFC, by:
(a) identifying activities which are of direct benefit to member
countries;
(b) identifying activities which do not duplicate the work of
other regional FAO and non-FAO fishery bodies;
(c) identifying activities of IPFC which might more effectively be
carried out by other regional FAO and non-FAO fishery bodies; (d) reviewing its geographic scope and area of competence; and (e) in light of conclusions drawn from (a)-(d), reviewing the IPFC agreement and making suggestions for its amendment (including the structure and budget of IPFC).
70. The Commission recommended that all Member Countries be invited to comment on the issues covered by the Terms of Reference for the ad hoc Committee agreed to by the present Session. These comments should be taken