Regional Fisheries Management Organizations

This book analyzes empirical data from three specific Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) designed to establish rules for the conservation and management of fish stocks in the ocean, in order to assess their effectiveness in converting science into policy for the recovery and maintenance of fishery populations. The three RFMOs discussed are the CCAMLR (Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), the ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) and the CCSBT (Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna). The book seeks to understand when governments choose to listen to science, and establishes a framework to examine the institutional designs currently in place to accommodate RFMO policy suggestions and the conditions under which they are implemented successfully. The study will be of interest to academics and professionals broadly interested in global environmental governance and international relations, and will specifically appeal to policymakers, conservationists, and environmental researchers interested in fishery management and policy at the global and regional scale. Gonçalves provides an accessible and comprehensive analysis of RMFOs. She offers valuable insights into the role of science and politics in shaping sustainable fisheries policies for the open oceans. ---Peter M Haas, Professor Department of Political Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst As envisaged by the UN Decade of Ocean proclamation, this book is an important and sincere effort, hopefully to be accompanied by many others to come during this promising decade, that will help to build a common framework to ensure that ocean science can support countries and the international community in creating improved conditions for the sustainable development of our cherished Ocean. ---Fabio H. Hazin - Professor at Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil

This book analyzes empirical data from three specific Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) designed to establish rules for the conservation and management of fish stocks in the ocean, in order to assess their effectiveness in converting science into policy for the recovery and maintenance of fishery populations. The three RFMOs discussed are the CCAMLR (Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), the ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) and the CCSBT (Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna). The book seeks to understand when governments choose to listen to science, and establishes a framework to examine the institutional designs currently in place to accommodate RFMO policy suggestions and the conditions under which they are implemented successfully. The study will be of interest to academics and professionals broadly interested in global environmental governance and international relations, and will specifically appeal to policymakers, conservationists, and environmental researchers interested in fishery management and policy at the global and regional scale. Gonçalves provides an accessible and comprehensive analysis of RMFOs. She offers valuable insights into the role of science and politics in shaping sustainable fisheries policies for the open oceans. --Peter M Haas, Professor Department of Political Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst As envisaged by the UN Decade of Ocean proclamation, this book is an important and sincere effort, hopefully to be accompanied by many others to come during this promising decade, that will help to build a common framework to ensure that ocean science can support countries and the international community in creating improved conditions for the sustainable development of our cherished Ocean. --Fabio H. Hazin - Professor at Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil.

The regional dimension is key to international fisheries management policy, as demonstrated by the rapid expansion of the family of regional fisheries bodies (RFBs). There are some 50 RFBs worldwide. Most provide only advice to their members, and are hence referred to in this work as regional fisheries advisory bodies (RFABs). Regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) have mandates to adopt legally binding conservation and management measures based on the best scientific evidence. Global instruments and normative processes have to be implemented and translated into actions at the country and regional levels, as appropriate. In this regard, regionalization of fisheries and aquaculture governance can provide opportunities not only to address common concerns, create synergies and mainstream the global objectives of relevant UN bodies, but also to broaden outreach on the global fisheries agenda to regional partners that may not be directly concerned with fisheries, as well as to the general public. The present study provides an overview of the activities and developments of RFMOs and RFABs from 2000 to 2017. It is based on a compilation of data and information for 46 RFMOs and RFABs.

This study takes stock of the changes made in Regional Fisheries Management Organisations,(RFMOs), highlighting a gradual process of improvement that has translated into significant success stories.

In 2021/2022, FAO studied the role of regional fishery bodies (RFBs) in promoting safety and decent work in fisheries under their mandates. Secretariats of thirty-seven regional fisheries management organizations and regional fishery advisory bodies representing inland and marine small-scale and industrial fisheries across the globe participated in a survey. The research showed that safety at sea is a priority for 51 percent of the RFBs. Thirty-five percent regard safety as important, but not a priority. Moreover, 38 percent of the RFBs surveyed consider decent working conditions a priority. Decent working conditions are important, but not a priority for almost 30 percent of the RFBs. The basic texts of RFBs provide the main legal basis for their mandate to work on safety and decent work in fisheries. Commission meetings and requests by members contribute substantially to RFB measures on these subjects. Management measures, especially for safety of observers, are often the entry point for work on safety and decent work standards by regional fisheries management organizations. The obligations of members under international fishing safety instruments also play a role. RFB secretariats support safety in fisheries through trainings and manuals (32 percent), awareness raising materials (32 percent), and recommendations and measures (24 percent). Most RFB secretariats noted that decent working conditions in fisheries have not been addressed or are not within the mandate of these organizations. Some RFBs however prioritize decent working conditions in fisheries. Since 2018, several RFBs have supported decent work and safety in fisheries through regional technical seminars organized by FAO in collaboration with the Apostleship of the Sea, International Maritime Organization and the International Labour Organization. These seminars aimed to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, decent work and safety in fisheries. Knowledge of international fishing safety instruments is generally limited among RFB secretariats. The technical, financial and human capacity limitations within the secretariats impede their attention to safety and decent work. Many RFB secretariats recognize that development of action plans would be beneficial to integrate safety and decent work better in the management of fishing fleets under their mandates. FAO is supporting some RFBs with their action planning processes, with assistance from the European Commission DG Mare.