Best Practices for High Seas Fisheries Management: Lessons Learned.

Abstract

• Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM), used in concert with the Precautionary Approach (PA), shows promise for improving management of marine resources on the high seas. • An examination of the approaches, operational benchmarks (process, methodology or reference points) and best practices of 12 Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), all with direct regulatory authority, provides insight into guidelines for more effective high seas management through the adoption of EBM and PA. • Best practices include an overarching mandate with a broader ecosystem focus, precautionary principles and the use of the best available science in management decisions as well as precautionary decision rules, a comprehensive research programme and effective enforcement. • While RFMOs have made progress in identifying EBM and PA management measures, implementation has been slow. In order for there to be meaningful improvement in high seas ocean governance, new means for effectively deterring Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities will have to be identified. Such measures would include addressing the socio-economic drivers of IUU fishing, as was suggested in the final report of the ministerially led Task Force on IUU Fishing on the High Seas in March 2006.