The issue of how to develop a viable and enforceable management policy for deep-sea fishing has become an important preoccupation for the industry, regulatory authorities and scientists.
Many deep-sea species are overfished and sustainable management is necessary for the long term. The first important attempt to thrash out the issues took place in Vigo (Spain), (see World Fishing October 2003) during the international World Fishing fair when a large number of ministers from around the world were present. This was followed by "Deep Sea 2003" at the end of last year.
This gathering took place in Queenstown (New Zealand) and the agenda continued with analysis, discussion and trying to find solutions to move the current situation forward.
Poor data
One of the main points argued in New Zealand was the necessity to improve data collection. At the moment, the data on deep-sea species and the ecosystem are very poor. During the conference there was considerable emphasis on the need to improve records through better collaboration between scientists and the fishing industry.
Another key point agreed during the forum was to apply the precautionary principle, to ensure first that fisheries are developed in a phased and controlled manner according to the amount and quality of information regarding the stock and ecosystem. Participants also agreed on the implementation of an ecosystem-based approach and multi-species management of stocks.
The speakers also emphasised the main problems surrounding the high seas. Deep-sea science is largely technology driven, hence compliance and monitoring are often very expensive. Meanwhile, fisheries' crime continues to evolve and the industry to evade regulation.
Another problem raised was the need to take into account the particular biological characteristics of deep-sea species compared to other stocks. Deep-sea fish often have high longevity, slow growth rates, high age at maturity and low fecundity. This means that sustainable yield levels for such stocks may be relatively low and recovery from depleted states can be slow.
The participants agreed that pressure on deep-sea stocks is likely to continue to grow and there is a need to put in place an effective management regime before that pressure becomes too great.
