scholarly journals Reflections on the success of traditional fisheries management

2014 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 1040-1046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Hilborn ◽  
Daniel Ovando
Keyword(s):  
Fisheries Management ◽  
Statistical Models ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Marine Resources ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
Stock Assessments ◽  
The World ◽  
The Status ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
Precautionary Management

Abstract The argument persists that the continued overexploitation by many fisheries around the world is evidence that current approaches to fisheries management are failing, and that more precautionary management approaches are needed. We review the available estimates of the status of fish stocks from three sources: the FAO's “State of Marine Resources”, a database on scientific stock assessments, and recent estimates from statistical models designed to determine the status of unassessed fish stocks. The two key results are (i) that stocks that are scientifically assessed are in better shape and indeed are not typically declining but rebuilding, and (ii) that large stocks appear to be in better shape than small stocks. These results support the view that stocks that are managed are improving, while stocks that are not managed are not. Large stocks receive far more management attention than small stocks in jurisdictions that have active fisheries management systems, and most unassessed stocks are simply not managed. We assert that fisheries management as currently practised can (and often does) lead to sustainable fisheries, and what is needed is to actively manage the unassessed fisheries of the world. More precautionary management is not necessarily needed to ensure the sustainability of managed fisheries.

scholarly journals Effective fisheries management instrumental in improving fish stock status

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 2218-2224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Hilborn ◽  
Ricardo Oscar Amoroso ◽  
Christopher M. Anderson ◽  
Julia K. Baum ◽  
Trevor A. Branch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fisheries Management ◽  
Marine Fish ◽  
Food System ◽  
Fish Stock ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
Fisheries Science ◽  
The World ◽  
Fish Catch ◽  
Intensively Managed

Marine fish stocks are an important part of the world food system and are particularly important for many of the poorest people of the world. Most existing analyses suggest overfishing is increasing, and there is widespread concern that fish stocks are decreasing throughout most of the world. We assembled trends in abundance and harvest rate of stocks that are scientifically assessed, constituting half of the reported global marine fish catch. For these stocks, on average, abundance is increasing and is at proposed target levels. Compared with regions that are intensively managed, regions with less-developed fisheries management have, on average, 3-fold greater harvest rates and half the abundance as assessed stocks. Available evidence suggests that the regions without assessments of abundance have little fisheries management, and stocks are in poor shape. Increased application of area-appropriate fisheries science recommendations and management tools are still needed for sustaining fisheries in places where they are lacking.

Ocean Recovery

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Hilborn ◽  
Ulrike Hilborn
Keyword(s):  
Fisheries Management ◽  
Marine Ecosystems ◽  
Popular Media ◽  
Fish Stock ◽  
General Audience ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
The Status ◽  
Comprehensive Survey ◽  
Graduate Seminars ◽  
The Impact

Over the last 2 decades, the scientific and popular media have been bombarded by gloom-and-doom stories on the future of fisheries, the status of fish stocks, and the impact of fishing on marine ecosystems. Dozens of certification and labeling schemes have emerged to advise consumers on what seafood is sustainable. In recent years, an opposing narrative has emerged emphasizing the success of fisheries management in many places, the increasing abundance of fish stocks in those places, and the prescription for sustainable fisheries. However, there has been no comprehensive survey of what really constitutes sustainability in fisheries, fish stock status, success and failures of management, and consideration of the impacts of fishing on marine ecosystems. This book will explore very different perspectives on sustainability and bring together the data from a large number of studies to show where fish stocks are increasing, where they are declining, the consequences of alternative fisheries management regimes, and what is known about a range of fisheries issues such as the impacts of trawling on marine ecosystems. Aimed principally at a general audience that is already interested in fisheries but seeks both a deeper understanding of what is known about specific issues and an impartial presentation of all of the data rather than selected examples used to justify a particular perspective or agenda. It will also appeal to the scientific community eager to know more about marine fisheries and fishing data, and serve as the basis for graduate seminars on the sustainability of natural resources.

scholarly journals The Importance of Involving Stakeholders and Scientists in the Management of Marine Fisheries

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony D. Hawkins
Keyword(s):  
Fisheries Management ◽  
The State ◽  
Expert Advice ◽  
Fish Stock ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
Stock Assessments ◽  
Set Up ◽  
European Regional

In recent years there has been increasing concern over the state of fish stocks, especially those that support key fisheries and supply food to many consumers. There is also concern over the state of aquatic environments, and the effects of climate change. Fisheries management is controlled by government agencies, often cooperating with similar agencies from other nations. This paper deals with the need for expert advice on fisheries, involving fishers as well as scientists. Mention is made of a Fisheries Partnership set up in Europe, bringing fishers and scientists together with other stakeholders to discuss the problems of managing fish stocks. The partnership was especially successful in improving relationships between fishers and scientists, and made significant improvements to some fish stock assessments. European Regional Advisory Councils were later established to play a similar role. They are providing significant advice on fisheries, but they do not yet play a key role in actual management. It is important to consider how stakeholders and scientists can become more actively involved in fisheries management. There is a crucial need to develop new, more participatory ways of managing fisheries.

The Future of Fisheries

2019 ◽  
pp. 179-184
Author(s):  
Ray Hilborn ◽  
Ulrike Hilborn
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Fisheries Management ◽  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Marine Ecosystems ◽  
Fish Production ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
The World ◽  
The Future ◽  
Uncertain Future ◽  
Traditional Fishing

The Future of Fisheries. The much-ballyhooed imminent collapse of the world’s fish stocks is simply not borne out by the available data. In much of the world, fish stocks are increasing. We foresee continued fish production wherever there is effective fisheries management, but an uncertain future where there is none, and it is there that establishing effective fisheries management is the most pressing issue. Individual countries and their management agencies will increasingly be challenged to decide between economic efficiency and maintaining traditional fishing communities and practices. As long as the management systems stay in place and the marine ecosystems remain productive, the fish they produce can be sustainably harvested and contribute to food security.

scholarly journals Simulation testing the robustness of stock assessment models to error: some results from the ICES strategic initiative on stock assessment methods

2014 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.J. Deroba ◽  
D.S. Butterworth ◽  
R.D. Methot ◽  
J.A.A. De Oliveira ◽  
C. Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Stock Assessment ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
Production Models ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Stock Assessments ◽  
The World ◽  
Simulation Testing ◽  
Pseudo Data

Abstract The World Conference on Stock Assessment Methods (July 2013) included a workshop on testing assessment methods through simulations. The exercise was made up of two steps applied to datasets from 14 representative fish stocks from around the world. Step 1 involved applying stock assessments to datasets with varying degrees of effort dedicated to optimizing fit. Step 2 was applied to a subset of the stocks and involved characteristics of given model fits being used to generate pseudo-data with error. These pseudo-data were then provided to assessment modellers and fits to the pseudo-data provided consistency checks within (self-tests) and among (cross-tests) assessment models. Although trends in biomass were often similar across models, the scaling of absolute biomass was not consistent across models. Similar types of models tended to perform similarly (e.g. age based or production models). Self-testing and cross-testing of models are a useful diagnostic approach, and suggested that estimates in the most recent years of time-series were the least robust. Results from the simulation exercise provide a basis for guidance on future large-scale simulation experiments and demonstrate the need for strategic investments in the evaluation and development of stock assessment methods.

scholarly journals The I, the T or the Q? Which fishing opportunity attributes are associated with sustainable fishing?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maartje Oostdijk ◽  
Griffin Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Fisheries Management ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Mixed Effects Models ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Fishing Mortality ◽  
Difference In Differences ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
Individual Transferable Quotas

Abstract While several prominent studies link the use of individual transferable quotas (ITQs) to sustainable fishing, it remains unclear which attributes of this system (i.e., individual, transferable, or quota), or any other system, lead to sustainable outcomes. To test for a linkage between management systems and sustainable fishing, we systematically classified how fishing opportunities are allocated for 443 fish stocks from 1990 to 2018 to produce the largest database of its kind. Using mixed-effects models and a difference-in-differences approach, we tested the occurrence of system attributes against two metrics of sustainable fishing: mortality (i.e., overfishing) and biomass (i.e., overfished). Our results reveal that quota limits and individual allocation reduce the probability of overfishing, but offer no evidence supporting the transferability of fishing opportunities or the length of time they are held for. These results highlight the importance of considering specific attributes in the design of fisheries management systems.

scholarly journals Analysis of the second generation buy-back program for fishing vessels in Turkey

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Betül Ekmekci ◽  
Vahdet Ünal
Keyword(s):  
Fisheries Management ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Telephone Interview ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Marine Resources ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
Fishing Vessels ◽  
Mediterranean Regions ◽  
Management Implication ◽  
Buy Back

Many implementations are put into practice on the national and international scale for the purpose of enabling the sustainable use of living marine resources. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock published a notification in 2012 and the buy-back program for fishing vessels was initiated to keep the balance between the fish stocks and fishing capacity, prevent overfishing and enable sustainable fishing. While 12 m and larger vessels were considered in the first program, length of the vessels was reduced 10 m in the second. The aim of this study is to reveal the results of the related program. A telephone interview was applied to the owners of 207 fishing vessels determined through the stratified sampling method among 446 fishing vessels in 2014. In the 2nd program, 446 fishing vessels were withdrawn from the fleet by paying 51 million TL in total. Mostly the buy-back of the fishing vessels with the length of 10-20 meters (440 vessels) was carried out, and the fishing vessels with the length of 21-30 meters (6 vessels) were bought back at the least. Most of the vessels (44%) were from the Marmara and the least was from the Mediterranean Regions (19%). Only 9% of the vessels bough-back was trawl or purse seine vessels. It was found that 28% of vessel owners have a second vessel and gave the inactive or unprofitable vessels they had to the buy-back program. Furthermore, 62% of the individuals who gave their vessels stated that they will continue working in the fishing industry, and 27% of respondents stated that they will buy a new fishing vessel. As a result; buy-back program is one of the most important management implication of fisheries management authority in recent years. However, it should be considered by the managers that the large vessel owners have not shown interest in the program. One of every four fishermen giving his vessel is also a second vessel owner, and he gives his inactive vessel to the program, and the fishers have a similar tendency to buy a second vessel with the money they receive from the program. However, it is the basic approach that should be taken into account by the fisheries management authority to take advantage of relevant global experiences to ensure the highest possible benefit from the buy-back programs. This approach should at least be followed in future buy-back programs.

From Protest to Participation? Environmental Groups and The Management of Marine Fisheries

2002 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-Kristian Hernes ◽  
Knut Mikalsen
Keyword(s):  
Fisheries Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Political Campaigns ◽  
Marine Resources ◽  
Environmental Action ◽  
Environmental Groups ◽  
Current Management ◽  
The Earth ◽  
The World

With most of the world's fisheries in a state of crisis, environmental groups have started to take a keen interest in the management of marine resources. As initiatives of a more official stripe, such as the UN Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, have strengthened the case for environmental action, several groups and organizations have launched political campaigns against current management practices. This article analyzes the fisheries campaigns of three major environmental organizations: Greenpeace International, the World Wide Fund for Nature and Friends of the Earth, Norway. What are the objectives and concerns of these groups and how do they "translate" into strategies and action? Judging from the cases reported in this article, environmental action in the fisheries bears little resemblance to earlier crusades against whaling and sealing. The commitment to sustainable and responsible fishing, even among industry representatives, represents a significant change iin the opportunity structure of environmental groups—strengthening their legitimacy as stakeholders in fisheries management. The outcome, as for the organization and orchestration of fisheries campaigns, is a stronger emphasis on cooperation and participation—at the expense of direct and disruptive action.

scholarly journals Fisheries management impacts on target species status

2016 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 178-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael C. Melnychuk ◽  
Emily Peterson ◽  
Matthew Elliott ◽  
Ray Hilborn
Keyword(s):  
Fisheries Management ◽  
Research Management ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Fishing Pressure ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Management Objectives ◽  
The Status ◽  
Fishing Fleets ◽  
Management Institutions ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

Fisheries management systems around the world are highly diverse in their design, operation, and effectiveness at meeting objectives. A variety of management institutions, strategies, and tactics are used across disparate regions, fishing fleets, and taxonomic groups. At a global level, it is unclear which particular management attributes have greatest influence on the status of fished populations, and also unclear which external factors affect the overall success of fisheries management systems. We used expert surveys to characterize the management systems by species of 28 major fishing nations and examined influences of economic, geographic, and fishery-related factors. A Fisheries Management Index, which integrated research, management, enforcement, and socioeconomic attributes, showed wide variation among countries and was strongly affected by per capita gross domestic product (positively) and capacity-enhancing subsidies (negatively). Among 13 management attributes considered, three were particularly influential in whether stock size and fishing mortality are currently in or trending toward desirable states: extensiveness of stock assessments, strength of fishing pressure limits, and comprehensiveness of enforcement programs. These results support arguments that the key to successful fisheries management is the implementation and enforcement of science-based catch or effort limits, and that monetary investment into fisheries can help achieve management objectives if used to limit fishing pressure rather than enhance fishing capacity. Countries with currently less-effective management systems have the greatest potential for improving long-term stock status outcomes and should be the focus of efforts to improve fisheries management globally.

scholarly journals Data-poor stock assessment of fish stocks co-exploited by commercial and recreational fisheries: applications to pike (Esox lucius) in the western Baltic Sea

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob van Gemert ◽  
Dieter Koemle ◽  
Helmut Winkler ◽  
Robert Arlinghaus
Keyword(s):  
Stock Assessment ◽  
Recreational Fishing ◽  
Recreational Fisheries ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Recreational Angling ◽  
Mixed Use ◽  
Stock Assessments ◽  
The Status

AbstractInformation on catch and effort of recreational angling in mixed-use fisheries (co-exploited by commercial and recreational fishers) is often scarce, preventing the application of data-rich stock assessments typically performed for industrialized commercial fisheries. Here, we show how data-poor stock assessment methods developed for marine fisheries, particularly a class of models labelled as “catch-only” models (COMs), offer a possible solution. As a case study, we use COMs to assess a northern pike stock around the German Baltic island of Rügen. We fit multiple COMs to a time-series of total pike removals, and use their outputs as explanatory variables in superensemble models. We conclude that the stock is fully exploited and currently declining. Our study highlights the potential for using COMs to determine status of previously-unassessed coastal and freshwater stocks facing recreational fishing pressure, and demonstrates how incorporating recreational removals is crucial for achieving reliable insights into the status of mixed-use stocks.

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