Report of the Ninth Meeting of Regional Fishery Body Secretariats’ Network – Rome, 2, 3 and 9 September 2022

Book excerpt: The Ninth Meeting of the Regional Fishery Body Secretariats’ Network (RSN-9) brought together Secretariats of regional fishery bodies (RFBs) with diverse mandates from all geographic regions, including FAO and non-FAO regional fishery bodies, marine and inland fishery advisory and management bodies and agreements, the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other invited organizations. RSN-9 took place immediately before and after the Thirty-fifth Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI-35), which was held from 5 to 9 September 2022. As was the case with COFI, RSN-9 met in hybrid format, in person and virtually, via videoconference, to facilitate the participation of those who could not assist personally. For the first time, the meeting was convened over three days. The meeting allowed participants to exchange views and discuss global processes of particular relevance to RFBs. In addition, RSN-9 provided the opportunity to discuss the development and strengthening of RSN, which included the adoption of the RSN terms of reference and the subsequent amendment of the RSN rules of procedure, as well as a space for reflection on the outcomes of COFI 35 and their implications for regional fishery bodies. The meeting had a high level of participation, which underlined the role of the Network as a unique forum to foster cooperation, facilitate discussion and share experiences.