A Symposium and Workshop on Management and Ecology of River Fisheries, convened by Ian G. Cowx, was held in the University of Hull International Fisheries Institute, Hull, from 30 March to 3 April 1998. The Symposium was attended by 173 persons from 37 countries.

The main documentation consisted of 53 experience papers and 32 poster presentations. The Workshop was organized into two main Working Groups on:

1. anthropogenic activities/rehabilitation and mitigation;
2. stock assessment, management issue and conflict resolution.

At the last session of the Symposium the main conclusions and recommendations were presented. The proceedings of the Symposium will be published by Fishing News Books, Blackwell Science, Oxford, in autumn 1999.

It was recognized that river fisheries are formed in diverse types of habitats from small streams through large rivers to extensive floodplains. Consequently, there is a need for an array of methods to provide adequate assessment of stocks in those habitats. There is also a need to define the objectives of the assessment activity to ensure the appropriate precision in information is gained. In many instances it was questioned whether stock assessment was necessary as trends in species composition, catches etc., can provide adequate information for management at minimal costs.

The major constraints on stock assessment were inadequate development in gear technology, poor data analytical methods, weak understanding of the limitation of stock assessment procedures, and resources being redirected to other activities.

It was recognized that we are able to:

• identify and prioritize problems impacting upon river fisheries and aquatic communities;
• identify and carry out appropriate technical solutions to these problems (acknowledging, within this context, the influences of continued innovation and the effects of scale of some problems).

Conversely, social and economic aspects of rehabilitation are currently more problematic and present the greatest challenges to maintenance and development of aquatic ecosystems and fisheries.

It was recognized that in many cases, when potentially damaging schemes are being considered, or when alterations to existing schemes might allow rehabilitation work, those operating in the water resource planning sector do not actively solicit the input of fisheries at an early stage, if at all. Fisheries specialists need to interact with other disciplines in projects at the earliest possible stage and must be more vocal in their support of fisheries interests.

Most of the factors causing problems for fish communities are outside the control of the fisheries sector. Those involved in fisheries must therefore broaden and strengthen their cause, by interacting and making alliances with other interested parties, in seeking to limit damage to aquatic ecosystems, and promote rehabilitation and enhancement activities.

Several key management issues were raised which link to other outputs of the Symposium.

Whilst stock assessment may not be required per se there is a need to improve fisheries statistical monitoring procedures to provide baseline information on exploitation levels. It should be noted that new FAO Guidelines on Fishing Data Collection and Handling are in the final stages of preparation and this will support this task.

There is a need to improve communication linkages between fisheries managers, scientists and those utilizing the resource. This can be the first step in management of the resources which appears to be the most desirable way to manage large-scale river fisheries.

The profile of river fisheries needs raising in general, and particularly where there is a multiple array of resource users who are often in conflict or potential conflict. To support this action there is a growing awareness of the importance for economic and social evaluation of fisheries to ensure they are well represented in all development activities. It is recommended that priority be given to developing and promoting economic evaluation of inland fisheries.

If water and aquatic resources are to be exploited on a sustainable basis in the future, concerted effort is needed to resolve the conflicts between user groups. Where possible, this must be based on sound scientific evidence, close liaison between user groups, full cost-benefit analysis and transparency in the decision-making process. Where scientific information is not available this should not prevent decisions being made but the precautionary approach should be adopted. If resolution of conflict is to be successful it must involve cross education of all user groups, recognition of stockholder participation and needs, and probably be implemented at the local community level.

There is also the need for robust methods for prioritizing demands for the water and aquatic resources of rivers that balance human requirements against protection of the environment and biodiversity.