The First Workshop on Implementation of the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol between China, Japan and R. Korea Opens

Author: Liang Baozhong

Source: MOA website

On September 1, the three-day workshop on implementation of the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol between China, Japan and R. Korea was launched in Beijing. Inspectors from the three countries would, based on the current situation and features of their fishing vessels, make an in-depth study and discussion on the amendment of the protocol for its early entry into force.

Liu Zheng, Director-General of the Bureau of Fishing Vessel Inspection of China s Ministry of Agriculture, said in his speech that the workshop would facilitate exchanges and communication between the three countries, deepen their own study on the protocol, and promote the standard of laws and regulations in the inspection of fishing vessels.

Liu Zheng pointed out that the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol had exerted a far-reaching influence on the building of fishing vessels, safety of fishermen, and marine fisheries at the global level, but how to make the protocol adapt to the developing nations and leading ones in this field, even to the whole world, was a core issue of common concern. He added that we should do our utmost to reduce the impact of the protocol on current fishing vessels and fishermen s production and life, while ensuring safety of fishing vessels.

According to Liu Zheng, MOA Bureau of Fishing Vessel Inspection would continue to actively participate in international security affairs concerning fishing vessels by strengthening its exchanges and cooperation with the International Marine Organization; play a positive role in the formulation of international safety rules of fishing vessels through carrying on the study on the protocol and reduce as much influence as possible on China after it came into force; and adopt practical measures to advance the establishment of modern fishing fleets in China.