南太平洋擁有絕佳的天然環境,湧升流帶來豐富的營養鹽,加上山脈與洋脊的底部均為良好棲息地,故該區漁業資源豐富。鑑於既存之區域性漁業管理組織未能全面地進行養護與管理,尤其是非鮪類魚種,與南太平洋東邊至南美洲專屬經濟區間的海域欠缺有效之養護與管理機制,故有必要設立南太平洋區域性漁業管理組織以彌補現有規範之不足。在此背景下,國際諮商會議在2006年2月於紐西蘭威靈頓召開第一次諮商會議,歷經八次諮商會議後,通過《南太平洋公海漁業資源養護與管理公約》,而我國亦以「捕魚實體」身分及「中華臺北」名稱,成為該組織委員會會員。南太漁業組織側重環保及永續利用,對漁業資源之養護實有裨益。台灣作為漁業大國,各國當然希望台灣參與並同受法規範之拘束。然核心問題乃捕魚實體之參與模式,有謂捕魚實體需與一般締約方有所差別,因此需做不同規定與安排。從最後之諮商結果可知,我國根據《南太漁業公約》《附件四》成為南太漁業委員會會員,且原則上享有與其他會員相同之權益,惟自台灣最後所獲得權益分析,顯然在形式與實質均已不若在中西太平洋漁業組織與東太平洋漁業組織。
In order to establish a thorough conservation and management regulations in high seas areas in the South Pacific, a series of meetings sponsored by the governments of Australia, Chile and New Zealand were held and discussing the establishment of the Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO). At the eighth international consultation, the Convention on the Conservation and management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the South Pacific Ocean was adopted. Taiwan, as a major fishing nation, has been actively involved in the RFMO as well. However, it is disputable that how fishing entities participate in the organization and enjoy the benefits and rights to fish and other matters. Accordingly, this article analyzes the structure of SPRFMO and then provides assessment concerning the pros and cons of Taiwan’s participation.