3. Implementing responsible fishing practices and combating IUU fishing are issues for the whole region. Articles 63, 64 and 116-119 of the UNCLOS requires countries to cooperate in the conservation and management of shared stocks and highly migratory species. The management expertise and technical capacity built up over the years by regional organizations should be harnessed to assist with the problems of the region. Countries should work closely and collaboratively with regional organizations to develop conservation and management measures for fish stocks to promote optimum utilization.
3.1 Countries acknowledge the important roles of regional organizations in strengthening fisheries management and conservation in the region including the FAO/APFIC, WCPFC, IOTC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), ASEAN, INFOFISH, the South East Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), and WorldFish Center. The measures promoted by these organizations which may be applicable to this RPOA should be supported by all participating countries where relevant.
3.2 Countries should encourage relevant regional organizations to provide assistance in technical support and development of guidelines for conservation and fisheries management, capacity building, sharing data and information on fisheries and trade, and strengthening networking for the purpose of enhancing participation and ensuring implementation
