To promote programmes of development for the rational utilization of fishery resources; to assist in establishing basis for regulatory measures; to encourage training.; Established by Resolution of FAO Council Resolution 1/48 at its 48th Session, June 1967 under Article VI(2) of the FAO Constitution. Its Statutes were promulgated by the Director-General of the FAO on 19 September 1967 (amended in November 1992 and in June 2003).