Search

The recent economic development of maritime areas has led to the emergence of new approaches to marine governance in many regions. Unfortunately, the complexity of the natural and socio-economic processes that characterise the marine and coastal ecosystems is generally not sufficiently considered by the existing governance mechanisms. This explains that the inclusion of land-sea interactions (LSIs) in marine and coastal governance remains particularly weak and somewhat inadequate to address the current challenges, especially in Europe. The literature review showed that the mechanisms currently in place for this purpose are highly fragmented, even though legislation has been introduced at the EU level. Focusing on the implementation of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD), four types of obstacles to the integration of LSIs into marine and coastal governance have been identified. They are classified as issue-related, institutional, process-related and knowledge-related. To overcome these challenges, three recommendations have been developed in this paper: 1) the effective implementation of EU marine and coastal legislation's fundamental principles related to an integrated approach; 2) the development of new governance mechanisms to enhance policy coordination and 3) the development of collaborative governance processes. The policy recommendations for LSI integration in marine and coastal governance formulated have not been tested through specific case studies. Therefore, the next step would be to create innovative governance mechanisms for a selection of cases. • EU challenges: issue-related, institutional, process-related and knowledge-related. • Land-sea integration in EU marine/coastal governance progresses. • EU can inspire other regions on the first steps of land-sea integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectoral Blue Economy (BE) approach that optimises the use of marine and aquatic resources in an environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive manner, is seen as a means of overcoming the challenges Africa faces including poverty, unemployment and infrastructure development. However, limited information about the state of the BE and associated implementation in Africa exists, despite several BE national and regional strategies or action plans having been developed. Understanding the state of the BE is necessary for better comprehension of the barriers to BE policy development and subsequent implementation. An assessment of the BE at various resolutions is provided; as well as the status of the application of the tools needed to develop the BE in accordance with the African Union's Blue Governance Framework for the African Blue Economy Strategy. The findings show that BE development is lagging, with the exception of Seychelles and Mauritius, which have capitalised on various BE tools available. In most instances, the development of the BE still ensues in a siloed manner, often lacking cross-sectoral coordination and resulting in fragmented management systems that do not harmonise the potential synergies that an integrated approach would offer. From the synthesis of progress, it becomes apparent that the regional scale is also appropriate for developing future BE regulatory frameworks, as habitats are not necessarily confined to socio-political borders. The influence of regional organisations in developing the BE can support accountability with which to motivate member states in their BE progress. Most of the BE progress in Africa was initiated (financially or otherwise) by external organisations or financing organisations. This casts questions on the sense of autonomy Africa has in determining its future prospects for its BE. Nonetheless, the development of BE offers Africa the chance to achieve national sustainability objectives, improve regional integration through diplomacy, and exert global influence. These findings can help decision-makers, practitioners and financiers to support African countries in generating the right enabling environment for a sustainable BE approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Blue Economy, according to the World Bank, is the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem", refers to a set of economic activities that sustainably make use of marine ecosystems while protecting nature at the same time. Similar policy trends, such as the Green Economy, have shown that development in the name of sustainability is likely to guarantee socially just development. To avoid the past mistakes, it is necessary to examine the social challenges faced on this new economic frontier. How, then, the existing patterns of unjust social relations are potentially replicated in the new set of blue economic activities, and what can be done to prevent the replication from happening? This paper presents the analysis of the inclusion of social injustice into the BE, the relationship between the Blue Economy and social (in)justice with a focus on various forms of unjust labour exploitation that have been identified in the sector. From the literature review, this article concludes by presenting seven key principles that may be used to guide policymakers who are seeking to integrate emerging evidence and theoretical critiques relating to justice and labour into blue economy policy and practice: 1) foregrounding of the human impact of blue economic activity, 2) identifying the replication of the existing patterns of exploitation, 3) programming with and for the vulnerable, 4) centralizing labour education, 5) addressing regulations and legislation relating to labour exploitation, 6) conducting research that beyond the blue economy, 7) underpinning the blue economy strategies with a commitment to multidimensional justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core of this paper is an evaluation of the willingness to pay for non-use values of the ecosystem services related to the Banc d'Arguin National Park in Mauritania. This coastal protected area, the largest in Africa, has existed for more than forty years and plays a major role in the conservation of biodiversity. We use contingent valuation to estimate the willingness to pay by Mauritanian populations for the protection of biodiversity in the park. Results show that the non-use value accounts for 12–29% of the total economic value attributed to the park's ecosystem services. Interestingly, a correlation exists between the familiarity with the park and the living conditions of people interviewed and their willingness to pay: rural and distant populations have a lower willingness to pay than closer or urban population. The results also highlight that the protection of biodiversity is compatible with the maintenance of the Imraguen way of life since their fishing practices are based on traditional sustainable catch techniques. • Valuing non-use values offers a weighting of the importance of the connection of people to nature. • Non-use values are positively influenced by the knowledge of the place and the attention paid to the Imraguen. • Non-use values are negatively affected by the importance placed on fish supply service. • Econometric analysis allows for better understanding of these non-use values. • Non-use values account for 12%–29% of the total economic value of the Banc d'Arguin National Park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being complementary to traditional agriculture, seawater agriculture uses seawater to irrigate salt-tolerant crops either on land or on the surface of the sea. Developing seawater agriculture is an important mitigation strategy to address food insecurity. This paper aims to define the policy options for the development of seawater agriculture, based on a marginal efficiency analysis of the seawater agricultural household economic optimisation model. The results indicate that, to develop seawater agriculture, the use of high-tech materials and advanced technology are required along with the use of market-oriented business philosophy and modern management tools to upgrade the agricultural system. In practice, the formulation of development policies regarding seawater agriculture should focus on four aspects: 1) Top-level design planning and optimisation regarding the spatial aspects of seawater agriculture development, 2) increasing fiscal and financial support as well as enhancing the capacity of science and technology, 3) strengthening environmental protection and improving the safety aspects of production, and 4) supporting the diversification of business models and promoting the synergetic development diversified businesses. Given the expected increases in the world population in the coming decades, the development of policy to support seawater agriculture may be a crucial driving force in delivering food security. • We derive policy options for world seawater agriculture development. • The use of high-tech materials and advanced technology are required. • Increased fiscal and financial support are needed to drive growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The processed marine fish sector represents an important component of small-scale marine fisheries in Benin. It plays a crucial role in terms of seafood provision and job creation in the country. However, its socioeconomic performance has been limitedly explored since few investigations have been dedicated to the sector over the past decades. This study investigated the value chain of processed marine fish (VC-PF), focusing on its functional, economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Data was collected using a mixed method approach via in-depth interviews ,(n = 35), quantitative surveys (n = 121), and direct observations. Results evidenced four nodes (fishing, processing, trading, and consumption) along the VC-PF. Adult and local men dominantly operated the fishing node, while the processing node was entirely handled by adult and local women. The trading node had a higher representation of women and a significant proportion of migrants. On average, 2321.4 kg of fish belonging to 21 species is processed annually in the sector, which generates an annual added value of 8217,756 €, corresponding to 3.67% of the GDP of the total fishery sector in Benin. Although the VC-PF's contribution to Benin's economic growth is still marginal, it was observed to be profitable and resilient. Unfortunately, the VC-PF has a negation protection (NPC<1), indicating limited or no protection for the domestic VC-PF against regional and international competition. Policy actions such as actors' engagement, the promotion of environmentally friendly fishing and subsidised fishing and processing equipment provision are vital to sustain the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though Tanzania has been engaging in domestic and international sea-based economic activities for centuries, there are no specific statistical data on the contribution of the blue economy to the Tanzania's economy reinforcing the importance of this work. The purpose of this paper is to present economic, social, and ecosystem values that the blue economy resources generate in mainland Tanzania by using the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Blue Economy Valuation Toolkit (BEVTK). In 2020 the major blue economy industries in Tanzanian contributed USD 7.2 billion to the gross value added (GVA) and employed over 2 million individuals. The value of ecosystem services was approximately USD 104.24 billion in the year 2020, with large permanent freshwater lakes contributing significantly (74.87%). The Composite Social Index Value of BE was estimated at 48.64, indicating that the blue economy contributes positively to the social development of mainland Tanzania. Among the negative outcomes of social indicators, the BEVTK generated a youth unemployment (12.2%) and a gender inequality index (53.0). The BEVTK presented here can be applied to another country context where decision-makers have similar interests in assessing the blue economy components and their contribution to the national economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• International law. • Policy coherence. • Organisational coordination. • Science advice. Marine plastic pollution has emerged as a global threat to our oceans. Although several instruments have been developed at the international level, the global governance of marine plastic pollution is still affected by several weaknesses. The article explores some of these weaknesses and attempts to define areas for action: harmonisation of international laws; coherence across national policies; coordination of international organisations; and science-policy interaction. The article presents the problem of marine plastic pollution and focuses on the policy response in place at the international level. It discusses the problem of national implementation in a web of intertwined sectoral policies and analyses the organisational structure competent for marine affairs at the global level. The role of science advice as a coordinating mechanism is also investigated. While analysing these institutional challenges, the article delineates a policy agenda for the future governance of plastic pollution at the global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is created by the fishing industry and directly impacts fishers' livelihoods through ghost fishing, entanglements and presents navigational hazards. In addition, ALDFG creates a myriad of environmental and socioeconomic impacts that affect fisheries and other commercial sectors operating in the marine environment, as well as recreational users and land-based sectors e.g. tourism. Given the inefficiencies of current approaches to deal with ALDFG, urgent solutions are required. Biodegradability, as a design feature of fishing gear, is not a new idea, but it is one that requires further research to fully understand the potential role of biodegradable fishing gear (BFG) to mitigate (various) environmental and economic impacts of ALDFG. In this paper, we focus on the role of BFG in the Channel static gear fishery, engaging stakeholders through one-to-one interviews at the quayside to consider their views on the role of BFG in their fishery. This research demonstrates the complexity of the problem and the solution. By collecting the fishery's concerns, enthusiasm and requirements regarding BFG it adds a powerful new strand to the debate, moving it on from simply a 'cost to replace' to ensuring that it meets the detailed requirements of a fishery that relies on specificity to earn a living. • Fishing gear is estimated to total 27% of all marine litter in EU sea basins. • Fishers have reservations on the performance of BFG relative to traditional gear. • Highly specific concerns over the choice of BFG compared to the current selection. • BFG is not a 'silver bullet' solution but deserves further attention. • Overall, fishers are ready to trial BFG in the Channel static gear fishery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformation as a concept has gained prominence in environmental governance as a proposed solution to the plethora of major global crises facing ocean spaces. Recent analysis has begun exploring the concept within the context of ocean governance. However, the question of how transformation is achieved is hindered by a perceived lack of clarity, multiple interpretations of the concept, and its growing buzzword status. This comprehensive review untangles theories of transformation in the context of ocean governance by proposing a conceptual 'Taxonomy of Transformation' and synthesises key attributes of definitions of transformation. Conceptualisations of transformation converge around depth of change, but have different interpretations of speed and scale, which highlight potential risks to implementing transformation. In light of this, this review proposes an interpretation of transformation in ocean governance that synthesises multiple theoretical perspectives, and moves towards a more contextually nuanced and less prescriptive approach to transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address the economic impacts of the role of Biodegradable Fishing Gear (BFG) as a mitigation measure for the ghost fishing impact of lost fishing gear, through scenarios based on industry interviews. We find that the use of BFG is a technical challenge and not an economic problem. The majority of costs to fishermen in terms of BFG use are not related to investment and maintenance costs rather the impact of reduced fishing efficiency. At the Channel static gear fishery level, we estimate the costs of implementing BFG to be as high as £8 million. If the issue of fishing efficiency was resolved (i.e. BFG was a like-for-like) then the large negative costs could be overturned to between a cost of £880,000 and a small positive benefit of around £150,000. Considering the negative environmental impacts of lost gear, the benefits of BFG use over traditional fishing gear would grow exponentially. • Fishing gear is estimated to total 27 % of all marine litter in EU sea basins. • Implementing biodegradable fishing gear is a technical problem and not an economic one. • Financial assistance will be essential for fishers to engage with biodegradable gear. • Biodegradable fishing gear offers potential to address ghost fishing from lost gear. • BFG is not a 'silver bullet' solution but deserves further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghana is a fishing nation with a long tradition of active fishing industry in the West Africa sub-region. However, continuous decline in catches, coupled with other socio-economic conditions has resulted in unprecedented migration of fishers. This study aims to better understand migration in the small-scale fisheries sector of Ghana in order to ensure fisheries resources sustainability and secure fishers' livelihoods. We investigated the sources and demographic characteristics of migrant fishers, the patterns of migration (internal and international), accessibility of fishery resources in the host communities, and management and conservation of fishery resources in the host communities. We employed a mixed method in collecting information from local fishers, Chief Fishermen and Fisheries Technical Officers and analysed documents on fishers migration. Our findings revealed that Sekondi, Tema and Apam were the most important internal destinations for migrant fishers while Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast were the most visited transboundary destinations. The main driver for migration to other fishing communities was the desire to catch more fish with information for migration mostly gained through personal experience, friends and relatives. Migrant fishers in host communities have unlimited access to the resources, provided they go through the required protocols (such as payment of landing fee token, and obtaining the necessary documentation). The most common types of gears used by migrant fishers were set nets (35%), poli-watsa (19%) and drift gillnets (46%). The incidence of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing methods such as light fishing, blast fishing and the use of small mesh-sized fishing gears were minimal among migrant fishers in the host communities. In conclusion, the activities of Ghanaian migrant fishers in both internal and transboundary communities are essential to the socio-economic development and food security requirements of the host communities as well as the wellbeing of dependent households. Therefore, there is the need to formulate policies for managing the activities of these migrant fishers for sustainable management of the small pelagic fisheries resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper devises an integrated ecological–economics–social model to assess the implementation of ecosystem-based fisheries management in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) in the South China Sea (SCS). In particular, this paper presents the development of an integrated model, which links a regional economics social accounting matrix (SAM) model to an ecological model constructed using Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) software. The impacts on the ecological–economics–social system are examined by varying fishing efforts for four scenarios, including status quo management, fishing effort reduction policy, fishing gear switch policy, and summer closure extension policy. Key results from the predictions (2010–2020) and policy simulations illustrate that the collapse effect is apparent in the status quo scenario. Further, reducing or switching of fishing effort (e.g. elimination of overfishing and reduced habitat disturbance) positively affects the ecosystem and can lead to economic and social welfare gains in the PRE's economy. The gear switch scenario presents a compromise among the economics, social, and conservation metrics, and also outperforms other scenarios in terms of biomass at the end of the simulation period. The fishing effort reduction policy performs better than the summer closure extension policy in terms of the conservation metrics but does relatively poorly in economic terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies the effect of Mauritian regulation changes on EU industrial vessels' fishing activities and their implications for food security. The rich resources of Mauritanian waters have historically been utilized by large foreign trawlers, creating small ripple effects and jobs in Mauritania. However, in 2012, Mauritanian authorities introduced new restrictive access conditions; a 20 nautical mile limit and an obligation to land fish caught in this area in Mauritania, so as the national fishing industry to play a more important role. This resulted in significant changes to vessel fishing strategies and distribution channels. For instance, EU vessels that had supplied markets in the Gulf of Guinea, providing a low-cost source of protein to populations, were now unable to exploit the important sardinella resources that migrate along the coast for such purposes. Instead, these resources are now harvested by Turkish coastal vessels, supplying a very recent large fishmeal and oil industry based in Mauritania. Large quantities of small pelagics have thus been redirected from being valuable food products to creating fishmeal aimed at non-human uses. Moreover, this change has put the small pelagics stocks under pressure and most species are currently overexploited. Mauritania, under its current 2021–25 policy, is presently implementing measures to develop a fish processing industry aimed at human consumption, to which European vessels can supply fish. Yet, further improvements are still required in the business environment, such as transparency, regulatory framework and fiscal issues, to enhance regional food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, the world oceans, to which a specific goal was assigned, have been high on the global agenda. At the national level, the ocean has received increasing consideration, with many coastal states and islands adopting blue economy strategies and frameworks, and putting the ocean at the centre of development. SDG 14: Life Below Water includes ten targets, four of which (14.2, 14.4, 14.5 and 14.6) expired in 2020. This paper presents the state of progress on these four targets that address marine protection and fisheries management. The study is based on an assessment of the indicators established by the United Nations for each target, using publicly available databases allowing to measure the achievement of the targets. The analysis shows that achievement of these four targets is meagre. Only two countries achieved three of the four targets, while no country achieved all four. Most countries were classified as far from achievement or having made low progress. Across the four targets, SDG 14.5 on marine protected areas saw the highest number of achievers but also a high number of countries still far from achievement. Europe and Oceania had the highest number of countries having performed well in terms of achievement while Africa and the Middle East showed the most countries with limited achievement. These results indicate that there is still a long way to go to achieve these four targets in 2030. To move towards achievement, more investment is needed towards priority countries that have seen limited achievement but also some adaptation might be needed in terms of monitoring processes. Finally, it seems useful at this point to reflect on what has been achieved and how countries, especially those facing various socio-economic and political challenges, can fully benefit from current processes towards implementing SDG 14. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this article is to analyse the marketing of small pelagic fish in Senegal and the issues involved in context of growing national and regional demand and the emergence of new uses, particularly the processing of fish meal. The method consisted of compiling and analysing data (2009–2018) on national small pelagic fish production, foreign trade and the Senegalese population. In Senegal, fish consumption is largely supported by small pelagic fish, which account for 82% of consumption. This represents an average consumption of 13 kg per individual over the period 2009–2018. At the same time, artisanal processing, which is an important element of Senegal's food security, is mainly fed by small pelagics. However, the emergence of non-food uses and export trends of coastal pelagics threaten national food security and the sustainability of small pelagic stocks. Export levels of these species have increased from less than 71,000 tons to over 200,000 tons over the same period coupled with annual industrial non-food processing (fishmeal) of over 20,000 tons. All these mechanisms are responsible for the decline in per capita consumption of small pelagics in Senegal, from 18 kg in 2009 to 9 kg in 2018. As a food safety net in Senegal, the new uses of coastal pelagics threaten the supply of fish products to the local market. The drop in supply to the artisanal processing sector also threatens the employment of thousands of women and compromises their livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Martinique possesses 55 km 2 of coral reefs, 50 km 2 of sea grass and 20 km 2 of mangroves. These three ecosystems produce services to a value estimated at 250 million € (M€)/year (valuation recently undertaken under the French initiative for Coral Reef Conservation—the IFRECOR program). It is estimated that around 60% of this value originates from direct uses such as recreational activities (diving, excursions, beach activities, etc.) tourism and fisheries. Ecosystem services (indirect uses) such as coastal protection, carbon sequestration, biomass production and water purification are significant since their total value reaches 94 M€ annually (38% of the total economic value). Non-use values linked to improvements in health of coastal ecosystems is estimated to be 10 M€/year. At the ecosystem level, sea grass and mangrove contribute the most (per km 2 ) to wealth creation (2.16 M €/km 2 , 1.87 M €/km 2 respectively, against 1.78 M €/km 2 for coral reefs). They need, therefore, to benefit from protection and management measures in the same magnitude as coral reefs already receive. The valuation also shows that, due to policy inaction, the loss of value is about 2.5 M €/year, which urges politicians to develop a sound conservation policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traceability has been gaining in importance recently and has seen its potential uses within fisheries expanding from primarily food safety to combat illegal fishing and promote sustainability. In the tuna value chain, key processing actors have introduced comprehensive systems allowing consumers to trace products right back to the vessel that caught the tuna and the catch date. Traceability is also an important component of EU SFPAs (Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements). This paper explains the rationale for the EU entering into SFPAs and shows how the current portfolio of SFPAs exhibits an increasing dependence on access to tuna stocks. Utilizing a unique dataset, we present information on area, method of capture and landing site for EU SFPA vessels. We show that there are economic incentives for vessels to misreport, and clear traceability challenges as vessels fish several species and across several areas (both coastal and in areas beyond national jurisdiction - ABNJ). The tuna value chains in Cabo Verde and the Seychelles are then examined from a traceability perspective. As we report, while an EU catch certificate scheme (CCS) operates to cover all tuna products imported into the EU market, there are flaws in the current system which need remedying. • Product traceability is a key consideration when the EU negotiates access to the waters of developing countries on behalf of its fishing fleets through SFPAS. • However, fishing several species across multiple SPFAs and over a large area poses clear challenges for traceability when there are incentives for misreporting. • We describe catches, landings, processing and trade and the traceability and transparency of tuna from the SFPA value chains in Cabo Verde and Seychelles. • Tuna traceability is also important for companies in order to be able to demonstrate the provenance of their products • Current weaknesses in the traceability mosaic include: the absence of onboard observers, technical challenges, the lack of landing inspections, and the absence of a central catch registry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the paper is to present an analysis of the existing tensions between the national and external markets for fishery products and the relevance of public policies to support artisanal fisheries in Senegal. The method consisted of analyzing national data on production, local supply, foreign trade and the evolution of retail fish prices on the local market. Overall, the analysis shows the increasing difficulty of obtaining higher quality fish at a price that corresponds to the purchasing power of the Senegalese: the export market absorbs most of the fish with high commercial value and impeccable quality, while the domestic market has to make do with species that are not highly prized abroad and with downgraded fish that are not suitable for export. Thus, Senegalese artisanal fishing supplies the foreign market more than it supplies the local market. This situation renders illusory the contribution of fishing to the food security of the Senegalese people, which is so highly praised in the strategic documents of public fisheries policies. In addition, this situation creates tensions around the resources and markets. These tensions will be even more important in the decades to come with the situation of overexploitation of fisheries resources and climate change, but also the significant population growth of developing countries. The expected demographic growth will mechanically increase the national demand for fishery products. The implementation of a production domestication policy, the revision of policies to support artisanal fishing, as well as regulation of the selling price per kilogram according to the species, are necessary to reach at least the world consumption average of 20 kg/pers/year and to make fishing a determining sector for the nutritional security of Senegalese. • The evolution of retail prices of the most consumed fish species in Senegal is analysed for the period 1980–2016. • The fall in per capita consumption is studied in a context of significant growth in exports over the same period. • Public policies to support artisanal fisheries for nutritional security are reviewed and questioned. • Policy proposals are presented for the accessibility of quality fish to the Senegalese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The article qualifies the fisheries agreement in Mauritania as a payment to ecosystem service. [•] This mechanism is among the first marine payment to ecosystem service to be highlighted worldwide. [•] The article identifies key requirements for successful development of such payments in marine environment. [•] This payment represents a tool for conservation rather than a new paradigm for fisheries agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) play a significant role in ensuring food security, providing employment and generating livelihoods, however the sustainability and viability of their existence into the future is under threat with global pressures such as climate change, the increasing industrialisation of larger fishing activities and depleting fish stocks. The objectives of this article are to highlight the contributions of SSFs to poverty alleviation and food security and document the lessons learned and best practices for small-scale fisheries development in Africa to guide realistic policy reform and sustainable development projects. This paper brings together lessons from the development of Africa's SSFs over the last thirty years alongside a range of case studies, taken from across the continent, of best practices for further development of SSFs from the perspective of food and nutrition security and of improving livelihoods and income. The key findings of best practices and their application to the sustainable development of African SSFs were: (i) supporting local or community governance; (ii) developing integrated, system-oriented policies which focus on the role SSFs play in food and nutrition security; (iii) investing in low cost innovation; (iv) diversifying fishing practices and livelihoods opportunities; and (v) supporting and cross-pollinating existing infrastructure and initiatives. The effective implementation of these practices by projects or governments necessitates the mobilisation of resources, on-the-ground engagement with stakeholders and using local knowledge to make meaningful change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper presents the results of a major assessment of Code adoption and implementation in nine fishing countries in Asia (China, Thailand, Vietnam), Africa (Senegal, Guinea Bissau and Guinea) and in the Caribbean (Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Trinidad & Tobago), which are part of the international research project ECOST. The main findings are that the Code as an international policy instrument remains relevant and adaptable to the current international fisheries context, and that its guiding principles and provisions have been endorsed and adopted in almost unanimous fashion by the countries covered, and integrated into fisheries policy letters and legal frameworks. However, results also suggest that tackling the truly difficult issues in fisheries, such as combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing or adjusting fishing overcapacity has been a lot less successful. The design and implementation of necessary measures often remains very weak in domains with important economic and political dimensions. The causes for this are attributed to a mix of administrative inertia, lack of political will and stamina, and short-sighted economic considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The article evaluates the impact of EU fishing activities for the sustainable development of Senegal''s maritime fishery. An evaluation of Senegalese fisheries’ policy discourse introduces the idea that Senegalese fisheries’ policies have not been fully compatible with the sustainable development of the country''s fishery sector. A comparative analysis of the sustainable development impacts associated with the activities of different fishery user groups shows that managed activities of heterogeneous user groups can benefit the sustainable development of the sector. Conclusions suggest that the heterogeneity of the user groups frequenting Senegal''s marine fishery system can be capitalised upon through allocating fishery access in accord with each group''s ability to generate sustainable development benefits. On the basis of these findings the article suggests that the presence of an EU fleet in Senegalese waters could play a meaningful role in ensuring the sustainable development of Senegal''s marine fishery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A 26-compartment steady-state trophic model (1997–1999) was constructed using the Ecopath with Ecosim software to study the general status and development trends of the Pearl River Delta coastal ecosystem. The results show that the values of effective trophic level ranged from 1.00 to 4.21. It was found that a high trophic niche overlap existed in the typical estuarine ecosystem. Mixed trophic impacts show that detritus and the groups at the low trophic levels had positive influences on most groups. The ecosystem was found to be in an immature state during 1997–1999 based on the system statistics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the results of interviews conducted with stakeholders in the North East Scotland commercial fishing industry who operate with Fixed Quota Allocation (FQA) units under the United Kingdom's (UK's) fisheries management system. The results derived from these interviews provide a view of the FQA system from those operating within it and identify strengths and weaknesses of the system. The implications of these results are that the FQA system, and the introduction of FQA units, led to increased investment and efficiency within the North East Scotland 'over 10 m′ sector. This, however, has led to a consolidation of quota and the raising of barriers to entry. These may threaten the future of the industry and its traditional links to its coastal communities but the situation is complicated by concerns that any changes to the system to address these threats risks destabilising the economic structure of the industry which is built on the asset value of FQA units. The UK Government has indicated that the system will endure post-Brexit so it may be that any additional quota realised from exiting the European Union (EU) is applied to a system where those who will benefit most understand that it may risk the industry's future. This paper calls for more research into the FQA system, with those who work with FQA units and those who do not, to ensure that the socioeconomic impacts of this system are better understood in order that future management safeguards the stability of the industry into the future. • FQA units attracted investment to 'over 10m' in North East Scotland, industry now reliant on system existing in perpetuity. • FQA units have driven efficiency in the 'over 10m' sector but have led to consolidation and raised barriers to entry. • Brexit may benefit 'over 10m' sector but will not address the issues within the FQA system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small pelagic fishery contributes substantially to Ghana's fish production and plays important roles in food and nutritional security. However, the resource is under serious threat due to destructive fishing practices, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), overcapacity of fishing fleets, population growth and climate change. This paper aims to analyze the small pelagic fishery in terms of; mapping of the chain, landings, imports and export, role in food security and management measures to sustain the fishery. Annual landings and imports of five important small pelagic species were obtained from the database of the Fisheries Scientific Survey Division of the Fisheries Commission of Ghana and analyzed for the period 1998–2018. In terms of production, 55% of small pelagic stocks are landed fresh by the artisanal canoes, while 26% come from the inshore fleet, 4% from the industrial fleet and 15% from imports. These are traded in their fresh (65%), frozen (17%) or processed (18%) forms to several actors along the supply chain on national and international markets. The round sardine and anchovy dominated landings while the Atlantic chub mackerel was characterized by a gradual decrease over the period. Per capita small pelagic fish consumption fluctuated over the period analyzed. Imports of small pelagic fish were relatively higher than exports. The decline of these stocks of commercial importance could lead to a domino effect that could diminish the overall contributions to the economy through reduced commercial exports, while at the same time increasing the need for imports, thus threatening the livelihoods and increasing the poverty level of millions of people engaged in the sector and the food security of the nation. Fisheries management authorities should, therefore, as a matter of urgency strengthen fisheries management measures by making clear and bold decisions to reverse the stock decline and to mitigate impacts on society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the world, biodiversity and nature's contributions to people are under threat, with clear changes evident. Biodiversity and ecosystem services have particular value in Africa– yet they are negatively impacted by a range of drivers, including land use and climate change. In this communication, we show evidence of changing biodiversity and ecosystem services in Africa, as well as the current most significant drivers of change. We then consider five plausible futures for the African continent, each underlain by differing assumptions. In three out of the five futures under consideration, negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services are likely to persist. Those two plausible futures prioritizing environment and sustainability, however, are shown as the most likely paths to achieving long term development objectives without compromising the continent's biodiversity and ecosystem services. Such a finding shows clearly that achievement of such objectives cannot be separated from full recognition of the value of such services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African coastline is bordered by highly valuable marine ecosystems, but the environmental degradation due to anthropogenic pressure alter the benefits that they render to people. Our paper aims at assessing the value of ecosystem services provided by mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and kelp forests present in the Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) of Africa. After the mapping of coastal marine habitats, our valuation relies on the transfer of value of all ecosystem services from reference monetary unit values, extracted from the literature. A habitat functionality index based on the assumption that a higher population density and a higher demographic growth rate lead to a decrease in the functionality and services of marine habitats was then defined and incorporated into the valuation. The surveyed coastal habitats cover about 117,000 km2, with seagrass beds being by far the most extensive habitat. Present all along the coasts of Africa, their surface area represents about 62% of surveyed coastal habitats, followed by the mangroves (23%), coral reefs (15%). Kelp forests are only present in the southern Benguela Current LME. We estimated the annual value of the LME's coastal ecosystem services at 814 billion USD. Coral reefs have the highest value (588 billion USD/year), followed by seagrass beds (135 billion USD/year), mangroves (91 billion USD/year), and kelp forests (0.4 billion USD/year). The results show that ecosystem services from the four coastal habitat types had the highest value in the Agulhas Current LME, representing 38% of the total value, followed by the Red Sea LME (28%) and the Somali Coastal Current LME (10%). The three LMEs of the Atlantic side represent 15% of the total estimated value. Our paper highlighted many gaps that remain to be filled in terms of mapping and ecosystem services assessment in Africa. Nonetheless, our estimated values can facilitate dialogue between decision-makers and managers, and between countries sharing the same habitats and marine resources, toward better management of these ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) captures continue to increase. They are now reaching 3.5. million tonnes compared to 2.5 million tonnes 20 years ago. While demersal resources reached a plateau by the end of the 1990s, small pelagic resources continue to increase due to the quality of the up-welling in recent years and now represent 80% of the total catches. Distant water fleets have considerably reduced their presence in CCMLE waters and are progressively replaced predominantly by West African fleets of canoes. The importance of the migratory fishery is growing as a strategy to cope with the drastic decline of coastal fish stocks in key fishing nations such as Senegal and Gambia. They contribute to about 20% of the catches of the sub-Saharan countries of the CCLME despite not appearing in any statistic and not being regulated at both national and regional scales. Trade is also a concern as the main routes are still those toward Europe and Asia for the high value species while low value fish goes to African countries, mainly bordering the Gulf of Guinea. In that regard, the CCLME remains the fish tank of Europe and, to a lower extent, of Asia. Less than 1% of the total catches are traded within the CCLME countries, indicating the strength of trade barriers in place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines potential opportunities for Africa's Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) development driven by blue economy from key strategic sectors including: Coastal and Marine Tourism; Climate Resilience; Environment; Blue Carbon and Ecosystem Services and Infrastructure. The sectoral approach is key to economic development in Africa with potential for income generation, employment creation and poverty reduction, as well as creating blue and green carbon sinks to address climate change problem and environmental management in African LMEs. The sectors establish linkages to countries' established Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change making it possible to promote Integrated Approach at national, regional and continental sustainable development in Africa. The approach is complemented by the utilizing desk-top literature review and secondary data source on LMEs in Africa for blue economy. This approach is supplemented with professional experts' views and opinions, and additional data gathered from field visits to 13 African countries in August 2019 and Nairobi, Kenya Africa Blue Economy Strategy Consultative Workshop in October 2019. The Blue Economy approach development in Africa will benefit both inland and coastal countries. It is recommended that a strong development of the continental tourism will boost the demand for tourism services and infrastructures. The development of eco-tourism will contribute to the conservation of ecosystems and reduce the ecological footprint. Blue Carbon and Ecosystem Services offer an opportunity to develop coastal wetland projects to mitigating climate change. Coastal protection, biomass production and water purification are among the most important ecosystem services delivered by African LMEs. Their current value is estimated to the average monetary value of carbon sequestration of about USD 130,000 per km2 of mangrove, salt marshes and sea grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African sustainable energy and marine mineral resources have the potential for significant contributions to African economic development goals through job creation and contributions to the Gross Domestic Product of the countries bordering the seven African Large Marine Ecosystems – Canary Current, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Somali Coastal Current, Agulhas Current, Benguela Current and the Guinea Current. Though their potential is not fully assessed, based on our preliminary assessment it is expected that by 2030 and 2063 blue energy could add value of about USD1.6 billion and USD2.3 billion, in mining of minerals about USD76 billion and USD123 billion, and in oil and gas production about USD100 billion and USD138 billion, respectively. By 2030, 2063 blue energy employment can reach about 0.2 million and 0.5 million jobs, in ocean mining about 2 million and 4 million jobs could be created, and in oil and gas production about 1.8 million and 5 million jobs would be expected. In order to achieve these benefits, Africans need to tackle complex technical and policy related challenges. Among the recommended changes, it would be necessary to unlock sustainable blue energy regulations with forward looking new development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the capacity to collect fishery dependent data (e.g. catch and effort data), as well as fishery independent data (e.g. gear selectivity) is recognised as central to improving fisheries governance. However, the capacity for collecting and presenting data are often limited in developing countries. This paper focuses on the implementation of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) in the Seychelles. The motivation behind the FiTI is to complement ongoing efforts in achieving transparency and stakeholder participation in fisheries governance [1]. Most of the data and transparency requirements for the FiTI are relevant for increasing sustainability in the Seychelles' fisheries. However, not all of the data are currently collected. Moreover, for some data that are available, it may not be desirable that they are publicly accessible (e.g. sensitive vessel-level financial data). While the FiTI is designed to assist countries in their attempt to increase transparency and participation in fisheries management, it is concluded that further effort is needed to demonstrate the benefits of the FiTI and to ensure its does not merely replicate other data collection practices. The main difficulties that the Seychelles face in implementing the FiTI are the requirement for large amounts of disaggregated data as well as barriers to presenting some data (resulting from other fisheries management agreements e.g. those with the EU). Recommendations on the role of the FiTI in achieving transparency and participation in fisheries governance in the Seychelles are given, including the issues that other developing countries may encounter when implementing the FiTI. • FiTI implementation can increase transparency and participation in fisheries governance. • Seychelles is the first country to attempt to implement the FiTI. • The FiTI can complement the lack of capacity in the Seychelles to collate data. • Most of the transparency requirements for FiTI compliance in the Seychelles are relevant. • The practicality of implementing the FiTI in developing countries is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of surveys conducted with managers of West African Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and focuses on the threats and the extent to which they are taken into account in the management process. The data and information derived from the surveys are used to provide a reference situation and to develop a complete inventory of threats faced by MPAs in the region. MPA managers identified unmanaged fisheries, coastal erosion, overexploitation of natural resources and pollution as the main threats to the sustainability of MPAs in the region. Climate change, although considered to be diffuse, is also a concern for managers. However, management measures are aimed (predominantly) at preventing overfishing and the overexploitation of terrestrial natural resources. Therefore, coastal erosion, pollution and climate change are only indirectly (and marginally) targeted by these management measures. Moreover, the management measures implemented i.e. monitoring, awareness raising and surveillance are insufficient and mainly aligned with the capacity of the local institutions. However, what is actually needed is more far reaching and adaptive actions to mitigate the current threats. The low financial, technical and human resources largely explain the limited scope of management actions taken. Coupled with the information and data deficit, which increases the inertia regarding threats that have been recurrent for more than a decade, management measures have not been sufficient in managing MPAs in the region. This paper recommends that the links between pressures on MPAs, technical recommendations and resulting management actions must be reinforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive social-economic-ecological framework is applied to evaluate the input and output control policies for fishery management in the Pearl River Delta of China. The paper proposes a computable general equilibrium model that can evaluate changes in the economic and social indicators. This model is connected to an Ecopath with Ecosim model that can simulate the dynamics of an ecosystem. The integrated model is constructed to investigate how different scenarios of fishing effort and catch management reflecting varying levels of input and output in four fishery management simulations result in different states of the socio-economic and ecosystem structure. Four alterative fishing management scenarios are defined, namely: (1) fishing intensity and policies maintain the status quo; (2) fishing vessel reduction is implemented as an input control policy; (3) fishermen are required to transfer to others jobs as an input control policy; and (4) total landing reduction is implemented as an output control policy. The modelling results show that the output control policy has the most positive effect on ecosystem restoration and can increase overall social welfare. The fishermen switching policy leads to the most positive increase in economic indicators, whereas the policy of fishing vessels reduction has a positive effect on ecosystem restoration, but also a considerable, negative impact on the social and economic dimensions. To achieve sustainable utilisation of marine fishery resources, China's fisheries management policies should be developed to enhance total output control and ecosystem reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]