Factors Of Unsustainability And Overexploitation In Marine Fisheries

With financial support from the Government of Japan, an FAO project was initiated in 2001 to address issues related to factors of overexploitation and unsustainability in fisheries, as a way to improve the framework for the implementation of international fisheries instruments. Within the framework of this project, three international workshops were held in order to review the implementation of international fisheries instruments and to attain a worldwide overview of what factors contribute to unsustainability and overexploitation in fisheries. Further, in order to attain a regional perspective on such factors, particularly in relation to the specific issues or the constraints and opportunities facing developing countries, three regional workshops were held focusing on the southern Mediterranean, West Africa, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. This document contains the reports of these regional workshops, including supporting technical documentation.

On cover and title page: FAO/Japan Government Cooperative Programme.

This publication contains the report of an international workshop (including discussion papers and notes submitted by participants) and the conclusions and recommendations adopted regarding sustainable fisheries management. Issues discussed include: key aspects contributing to fisheries unsustainability and overexploitation; the best practical approaches to address these factors; and whether current international fisheries instruments sufficiently address these issues.

This handbook is the most comprehensive and interdisciplinary work on marine conservation and fisheries management ever compiled. Its many valuable contributions offer a way forward to both understanding and resolving the multifaceted problems facing the world's oceans.

This paper addresses the different dimensions of rebuilding or restoring stocks, including in terms of conflicting objectives, the bio-economy of rebuilding, its costs and benefits, and the distributional effects of fishing reforms among the various actors.

The workshop referred closely to the results of a first workshop held in Bangkok in 2002 (The International Workshop on Factors Contributing to Unsustainability and Overexploitation in Fisheries) but aimed more specifically at answering the following three major questions: What are the major obstacles to the implementation of major legal instruments? What are the main lessons learned and the possible paths to solutions for improved implementation? What are the possible gaps that may exist in these instruments to guide the international community in improving the management of marine fisheries? The workshop was based on a review of eleven case studies, each relating to one of the following categories of fishery: large volume small pelagics; tuna and tuna-like species; large volume demersals; and coastal fisheries. This publication contains the report of the Workshop, discussion papers containing case studies and notes submitted by participants. The document, and in particular the conclusions adopted by workshop participants, will serve as a basis for further analytical work aimed at improved fisheries management and a more effective implementation of major international fisheries instruments.

Fluctuations and declines in marine fish populations have caused growing concern among marine scientists, fisheries managers, commercial and recreational fishers, and the public. Sustaining Marine Fisheries explores the nature of marine ecosystems and the complex interacting factors that shape their productivity. The book documents the condition of marine fisheries today, highlighting species and geographic areas that are under particular stress. Challenges to achieving sustainability are discussed, and shortcomings of existing fisheries management and regulation are examined. The volume calls for fisheries management to adopt a broader ecosystem perspective that encompasses all relevant environmental and human influences. Sustaining Marine Fisheries offers new approaches to building workable fisheries management institutions, improving scientific data, and developing management tools. The book recommends ways to change current practices that encourage overexploitation of fish resources. It will be of special interest to marine policymakers and ecologists, fisheries regulators and managers, fisheries scientists and marine ecologists, fishers, and concerned individuals.

Sustainable Development Of Fisheries In India Is A Major Concern For The Public, The Industry As Well As The Administration As It Contributes Signigicantly To The National Economy : To Food Supply, Employment, Earnings, Foreign Exchange, Public Revenue, Regional Development, Recreation, Social Welfare Etc. Nonetheless, The Sustainability Of Indian Fisheries, Like Most Other Nations' Fisheries, Is Threatened By A Number Of Ecological, Economic, Social, Cultural, Institutional And Technological Constraints. This Book Explores The Sustainability Issues Of Indian Fisheries At Length And Suggests 'Stanard' Global Prescriptions For Sustainable Development.