New Approaches to Fisheries Management

World-wide, many fisheries are in a state of crisis. Some fish stocks are close to collapse. Within the European Union (EU), fisheries are managed under a Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). This has established a programme for monitoring and conserving fish stocks, regulating fishing, sharing out the resource, policing, restructuring fleets and maintaining employment within fishing communities. The CFP is currently under review. Increasing thought is being given to the development of a more comprehensive, holistic system of fisheries management. As well as conserving fish stocks, there is a need to consider the wider ecosystem, protect the economic viability of the fishing industry and preserve social and cultural values within coastal communities. Any new system should involve all the stakeholders and, wherever possible, should pass management down to a local level. Fishermen, fisheries scientists, fisheries managers and environmental interests must work closely together if fisheries are to be better managed.