Fisheries Management - 2. The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries

ISSN 1020-5292
ISBN 92-5-104897-5

FAO TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES
4
Suppl. 2

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Rome, 2003

Table of Contents

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© FAO 2003

Table of Contents

Preparation of this document

Abstract

Abbreviations and acronyms

Background

Executive summary

1. Introduction

1.1 The need for and benefits of an ecosystem approach to fisheries
1.2 What is an ecosystem approach to fisheries?

1.2.1 Principles and concepts

1.3 Making EAF operational
1.4 Moving towards EAF management

1.4.1 The fisheries management process
1.4.2 Biological and environmental concepts and constraints
1.4.3 Technological considerations
1.4.4 Social and economic dimensions
1.4.5 Institutional concepts and functions
1.4.6 Time scales
1.4.7 Precautionary approach
1.4.8 Special requirements of developing countries

2. Ecosystem approach to fisheries data and information requirements and use

2.1 Policy formulation
2.2 Developing management plans
2.3 Monitoring, implementing and performance reviews
2.4 Uncertainty and the role of research

3. Management measures and approaches

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Options to manage fishing

3.2.1 Technical measures
3.2.2 Input (effort) and output (catch) control
3.2.3 Ecosystem manipulation
3.2.4 Rights-based management approaches

3.3 Creating incentives for EAF
3.4 Assessing costs and benefits of EAF

3.4.1 EAF management costs and who pays
3.4.2 EAF cost-benefit analysis

3.5 Other considerations

4. Management processes

4.1 Developing an EAF management plan

4.1.1 Consultation
4.1.2 Defining the scope of a fishery management plan under EAF
4.1.3 Background information compilation and analysis
4.1.4 Setting objectives
4.1.5 Formulation of rules
4.1.6 Monitoring, assessment and review process

4.2 Legal and institutional aspects of EAF

4.2.1 Legal
4.2.2 Institutional
4.2.3 Educating and informing stakeholders
4.2.4 Effective administrative structure

4.3 Effective monitoring, control and surveillance

5. Research for an improved EAF

5.1 Ecosystems and fishery impact assessments
5.2 Socio-economic consideration
5.3 Assessment of management measures
5.4 Assessment and improving the management process
5.5 Monitoring and assessments

6. Threats to implementing EAF

Annex 1. Institutional foundation to the ecosystem approach to fisheries

1. EAF and the concept of sustainable development
2. Institutional path to EAF
3. EAF elements in the Code of Conduct

Annex 2. Principles of relevance to an ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF)

Avoiding overfishing
Ensuring reversibility and rebuilding
Minimizing fisheries impact
Considering species interactions
Ensuring compatibility
Applying the precautionary approach
Improving human well-being and equity
Allocating user rights
Promoting sectoral integration
Broadening stakeholders participation
Maintaining ecosystem integrity

Annex 3. Economic valuation

Annex 4. Linkages between some basic data requirements, indicators (suggested examples) and operational objectives for a hypothetical fishery

Annex 5. Economic instruments for an ecosystem approach to fisheries

Glossary

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