Between 1995 and 1997 FAO, in cooperation with fisheries
research institutions and administrations in selected countries in Asia, Africa,
Latin America and Europe, carried out studies on the economic and financial
viability of the most common fishing craft and gear combinations. The findings
of the studies were presented and discussed at an interregional workshop held in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 15 to 18 December 1997. They suggest that in spite
of fully and sometimes overexploited fisheries resources, in most cases marine
capture fisheries are an economically and financially viable undertaking which
generate sufficient revenue to cover the cost of depreciation as well as the
opportunity cost of capital. Marine capture fisheries also generate funds for
reinvestment, in addition to employment, income and foreign exchange earnings.
With a view to safeguarding the economic performance of the fishing industry,
the workshop considered it pertinent that countries put in place, in close
cooperation with fishers and fishery industry associations, efficient measures
to limit fishing effort and to preserve and rehabilitate coastal areas and
aquatic resources. Countries should also make special efforts to protect
small-scale fisheries sectors.
