There is a global consensus that capture fisheries face an environmental and socioeconomic crisis in many parts of the world. Similarly, broad consensus is shared about the root cause of the crisis: poor sector governance. The common property nature of the resources, ecosystem change, the mobility of fishers and fish, the high levels of poverty among some fishing communities, and the diverse objectives of competing stakeholder groups complicate effective governance. Ineffective sector policies and institutional frameworks at the regional, national, and local level are often unable to accommodate the highly charged political process of fisheries management. Ill-defined rights to open-access resources and direct and indirect subsidies have often caused overcapitalization. Rapid technological advances and strong global demand for fish have also contributed to the excessive global fish catching capacity. Benefits The benefits of healthy capture fisheries are reflected in the World Summit for Sustainable Development (WSSD) Plan of Implementation, which sets out targets for restoring and sustaining capture fisheries (box 6.6). More specific benefits of investments in the management of capture fisheries are evident from several World Bank projects; see the IAPs for Bangladesh (poverty alleviation and food supply) and Indonesia (sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management). Box 6.6 Fisheries and the World Summit on Sustainable Development Encourage the application by 2010 of the ecosystem approach for the sustainable development of the oceans.
On an urgent basis and where possible by 2015, maintain or restore depleted fish stocks to levels that can produce the maximum sustainable yield.
Put into effect the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) international plans of action by the agreed dates: for the management of fishing capacity by 2005; and to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by 2004.
Develop and facilitate the use of diverse approaches and tools, including the ecosystem approach, the elimination of destructive fishing practices, and the establishment of marine protected areas consistent with international law and based on scientific information, including representative networks, by 2012.
Establish by 2004 a regular process under the United Nations for global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment.
Eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and to overcapacity.
Source: WSSD Plan of Implementation |
    
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