Fisheries governance

Albacore long lining, FFA/MSG strategic review

Poseidon has extensive experience in fisheries governance. We conduct reviews and advise on national, regional and international policy, legislation and management, with recommendations underpinned by fisheries research and assessment of the status of stocks and ecosystems. Services include: capacity reviews, needs assessments, and related capacity development/training of relevant governance organisations (such as fisheries departments); the development and implementation of national plans of action and fisheries management plans; support for an ecosystem approach to fisheries; work to enhance traceability; putting into practice the numerous voluntary guidelines to the CCRF; and studies and projects in support for international agreements and regulations. We help fisheries policy makers and managers consider different governance options and the potential need for trade-offs, and plan for implementation in terms of budgets, timeframes, and the allocation of responsibilities.

In the specific area of fisheries compliance, we support enhanced Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) through assessing and recommending on: the economic arguments for improved management; the levels of penalties necessary to act as a deterrent to fisheries infringements and fraud; constraints in the legal framework and the application of law; risk assessment frameworks and their use in increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of different inspection means; deployment strategies based on cost efficiency analysis; the potential benefits of improved information technology; the setting of MCS targets and inspection benchmarks; and development of inspection protocols, Standard Operating Procedures, and Memorandums of Understanding between different agencies involved in inspection activities.