VNIRO and FAO have been connected for a long time and fruitfully: even before Russia joined the organization in 2006, the institute annually transmitted statistics on catches and fish products. Since 1972, VNIRO has been a national partner of ASFA, a global information system and abstract database on aquatic sciences and fisheries established by FAO. There is an ASFA branch in Russia with 11 regional centers based on VNIRO branches, fisheries universities and institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences — the system provides the scientific community with access to data on fisheries and helps to disseminate them.
At the suggestion of FAO, VNIRO prepared for the first time in Russia a study "Information on the inland waters of the Russian Federation, their status and potential as a food supplier and source of employment for the population." The work has been published in Russian and English.
An important industry tool is the FAO's biannual "State of Global Fisheries and Aquaculture" report. It provides a comprehensive picture of the sector: statistics, ecology, economics, and legal regulation, including data on sustainable and overexploited reserves. On this basis, fisheries management measures are being developed.
The FAO Committee on Fisheries, the organization's only intergovernmental body on global fisheries issues, plays a key role in governance. Russia has been involved in its work since its inception: first as an observer, then as a full member. VNIRO specialists are part of the Russian delegations and are actively involved in the activities of the Committee, its subcommittees and working groups.
VNIRO also cooperates with the FAO Office for Relations with the Russian Federation: for several years now, joint round tables have been held within the framework of the International Fisheries Forum, which arouse great interest in the industry. This partnership highlights Russia's role as a member of FAO and strengthens cooperation in the field of fisheries and fisheries science.
Following the results of the round table, a meaningful and constructive discussion took place: the exchange of views helped not only to better understand the current state of affairs in the industry, but also to formulate practical recommendations.
VNIRO Press Service
