What's the Catch? An Interrogation of Regional Fisheries Management Organization's Use of Catch Documentation Schemes
Date of Award
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Alcock, Frank
Keywords
Catch Documentation Schemes, International Fisheries Management, Bluefin Tuna
Area of Concentration
Political Science
Abstract
This thesis examines catch documentation schemes as a tool for three regional fisheries management organizations to reduce illegal fishing. Global fishing has been increasing at a dramatic rate over the last half century due to increased industrial capabilities and changing institutional structures, resulting in severely unsustainable practices. Catch documentation schemes, which target illegal fishing by requiring that a document accompany each fish imported into contracting nations' markets, could have a significant impact on global fishing pressures. Unfortunately, their adoption was delayed due to political hindrances. One hindrance is that these measures may be incompatible with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, because they represent a barrier to international trade. An interrogation of relevant cases within the WTO found that these schemes have appropriately incorporated WTO laws into consideration of these schemes. This thesis goes on to evaluate the process by which catch documentation schemes were ultimately adopted and makes conclusions about the nature of the political obstacles which are restricting effective conservation. Political obstacles concerning the balance of national economic interests and the future health of particular fish stocks played an important part in the actions of participating members. Information gathering and increased participation led these organizations into the position of adopting stricter conservation measures when they could no longer delay. This process may have an interesting affect on the future of these schemes, which will now be reliant on proper enforcement of regulations.
Recommended Citation
Davis, Chloe, "What's the Catch? An Interrogation of Regional Fisheries Management Organization's Use of Catch Documentation Schemes" (2009). Theses & ETDs. 4080.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4080
Rights
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