Article 4 deals with implementation, monitoring and updating of the Code. The FAO, through its competent bodies, may revise the Code, taking into account developments in fisheries. States and international organizations are urged to promote the understanding of the Code, which would promote its voluntary acceptance and effective application. Article 5 provides for the special requirements of developing countries, especially in areas of financial and technical assistance and technology transfer. Article 6 covers the general principles of the Code, underscoring that the right to fish carries with it the obligation to do so in a responsible manner.
States are to promote the prevention of overfishing and reduction of excess fishing capacity.
Article 7 deals with fisheries management and gives focus to management objectives, data gathering and the application of the precautionary approach. Article 8 deals with fishing operations. The duties of flag States and port States are covered in this article, which also deals with harbors and landing places for fishing vessels, protection of the environment, the abandonment of structures and artificial reefs. Article 9 deals with aquaculture development and covers aspects of responsible development under national jurisdiction and within transboundary aquatic ecosystems as well as the uses of aquatic genetic resources. Article 10 deals with the integration of fisheries into coastal area management and covers institutional frameworks, policy measures, regional cooperation and the implementation of coastal area management.