The publication contains the 17 invited papers which were presented and discussed at the Expert Consultation on Sustainable Fishing Technologies and Practices held in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada (1-6 March 1998). The papers cover four broad categories. The first section deals with the methodologies for development and assessment of the effectiveness of fishing gears. The second section deals with the review of impact assessments of fishing activities on the marine habitat. Representative examples of sustainable fishing technologies and practices are dealt with in the third part and finally the fourth and final section deals with the introduction and implementation of sustainable technologies and practices.

The purpose of this expert consultation was to review the draft Guidelines for Responsible Fish Trade, taking into account the current environment for the international trade in fish products, illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing (IUU), sustainability and post-harvest practices. This consultation followed on from a recommendation made by the FAO Committee on Fisheries Sub-Committee on Fish Trade (COFI:FT) at its 10th session held in 2006,

The publication contains the 17 invited papers which were presented and discussed at the Expert Consultation on Sustainable Fishing Technologies and Practices held in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada (1-6 March 1998). The papers cover four broad categories. The first section deals with the methodologies for development and assessment of the effectiveness of fishing gears. The second section deals with the review of impact assessments of fishing activities on the marine habitat. Representative examples of sustainable fishing technologies and practices are dealt with in the third part and finally the fourth and final section deals with the introduction and implementation of sustainable technologies and practices.

The issue of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in world fisheries is of serious and increasing concern. This document contains the report and papers presented a meeting of experts held in May 2000, which was organised by the Government of Australia in co-operation with the FAO. The preliminary draft international plan of action elaborated by the experts is appended to the report of the Consultation.