Report of the Sessions Organized by the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department and the IUCN Fisheries Expert Group at the Fourth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4)

Among the topics covered at the Fourth International Marine Protected Areas Congress were the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the high seas from bottom fishing impacts and the linkages between marine protected areas and food security. The sessions discussed the role of regional fisheries management organizations, spatial management measures and the need for participatory approaches that effectively involve local communities.

Founded in 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO provides a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. The Organization publishes authoritative publications on agriculture, fisheries, forestry and nutrition.