Fisheries Ministers from the region and Africa and the Caribbean will be in Apia this week to discuss united efforts to develop the sustainable development of fisheries and aquaculture. 

The sixth meeting of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (A.C.P.) Fisheries Mechanisms aims to advance the fisheries-related export and employment interests of more than 60 nation states in those regions engaged in the export of fishery and aquaculture products.

To be held at the TATTE Convention Centre, the two-day Ministerial meeting from the 12-13 of September, will be preceded by a two-day senior fisheries officials meeting, beginning today.  

The dialogue brings together high-level policy decision makers in fisheries and aquaculture from the A.C.P. member states, leading fisheries professionals and practitioners to discuss policies for developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

The Mechanism was established in 2009 with the aim of guiding effective management of fisheries, ensuring optimal returns from the fisheries trade, and supporting the development of industry and food security while maintaining its environmental impact. 

The outcome of the meeting is expected to be a Ministerial Declaration outlining key decisions on priority actions, recommendations and positions to advance implementation of the key themes of the meeting for the sustainable development of A.C.P. fisheries and aquaculture sector. 

An adopted report of the meeting of senior officials is also expected to be part of the meeting outcomes. 

Speakers on thematic areas during the meeting will include officials from member states, invited representatives of the regional fisheries organisations and international organisations, and invited experts. 

The meeting follows the 5^th meeting of A.C.P. Ministers in Charge of fisheries and aquaculture, following the offer by Samoa to host the biennial meeting.