Report of the FAO workshop for the Development of a Global Database for Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems

Presents the findings of the Workshop for the Development of a Global Database for Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). The main objectives of the workshop were to determine what types of data and information need to be collated to facilitate decision-making for RFMO/As and states and to determine a development strategy for options for developing the FAO VME database based on stakeholder input.

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This report presents the findings of the Workshop for the Development of a Global Database for Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), held at the headquarters of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) in Rome, Italy from 7 to 9 December 2011.

The workshop was organised in response to the need for implementation and development of a Global Database for Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). The main objectives of the workshop were to: (i) determine what types of data and information need to be collated to facilitate decision-making for RFMO/As and states (and industry) in relation to management of impacts on VMEs; and (ii) to determine a development strategy for options for developing the FAO VME database based on stakeholder input.

The workshop was attended by a range of stakeholders, including representatives of regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs), intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations (IGO/NGOs) and scientific institutes. Participants discussed five different topical areas: (i) an overview of RFMO/As VME-related activities, (ii) an overview of industry perspectives and inputs, (iii) experience in VME-related databases, (iv) tools and frameworks for the database, and (v) VME database options, priorities and a roadmap. The report also presents break-out group discussions and main conclusions pertaining to industry, management and science issues, and addressing database requirements.