Distant Water Fisheries Research Articles

Evolution of support policies for the development of distant-water fishing bases in China: Review, performance, challenges and prospects

Distant-water fishing bases are an important carrier and development platform for the development of distant-water fishing. It is necessary to analyze the evolution of the policies supporting offshore fishing bases in order to promote the standardized and orderly development of distant-water fisheries. Based on 302 policy documents, this paper adopts the content analysis method to analyze the policies since 1993 using ROSTCM6 software. These policies can be divided into three phases: the start-up period (1993–2010), the rapid development period (2011–2015) and the steady development period (2016–2023). The study found that the interrelationship and complementarity between fishing base-focused and related policies have increased, with continuous improvements in the policy framework, a shift toward developing a green and healthy industry chain, and an expanded scope of policy support. However, there are still some limitations in the evolution of support policies for the development of distant-water fishing bases, including an imperfect industrial support system, insufficient talent reserves and inadequate management policies. Finally, the paper emphasizes the need to improve the policy system, promote the development of the whole industry chain of distant-water fisheries, build a talent training system, strengthen scope and capacity of international cooperation in distant-water fisheries, promote the sustainable development of fisheries and enhancing international compliance capacity.

Environmental and economic dynamics of the Galician fishing sector and compared perceptions of the agents involved in the value chain

ABSTRACT This case study analyses and compares the perceptions of agents that participate in different productive and commercial processes of the fishing activity (such as small-scale fisheries, distant-water fisheries and processing and commercialisation companies). It focuses on the regional level (Galicia, NW Spain) and considers sustainability, governance and socioeconomic aspects from the perspective of socioecological systems. Results show similarities and differences in agents’ perceptions related with specific aspects and problems relevant to each group, intersectoral relations and sustainability issues. In this sense, agents share a positive perception of the sustainability objectives proposed by international organisations, as well as concerns about the uncertainty linked to globalisation processes. However, they differ in their evaluation of some specific regulatory measures. Regulatory policies could consider this information in order to achieve a greater degree of complicity and compliance by fishers and other agents of the value chain.

Research on participants in China's distant-water fisheries management

Research on participants in China's distant-water fisheries management

A geopolitical-economy of distant water fisheries access arrangements

AbstractIn recent decades, fishing fleets and effort have grown in aggregate throughout the waters of lower-income coastal countries, much of which is carried out by vessels registered in higher-income countries. Fisheries access arrangements (FAAs) underpin this key trend in ocean fisheries and have their origins in UNCLOS’s promise to establish resource ownership as a mechanism to increase benefits to newly independent coastal and island states. Coastal states use FAAs to permit a foreign state, firm, or industry association to fish within its waters. This paper provides a conceptual approach for understanding FAAs across the global ocean and for exploring their potential to deliver on the promise of UNCLOS. Illustrated with the findings from multiple case studies, we advance understanding of FAAs by developing a geopolitical-economy of access that attends to the combination of contingent and context-specific economic, ecologic, and geopolitical forces that shape the terms, conditions and practices of the FAAs shaping this persistent phenomenon of higher-income industrial fleets fishing throughout lower-income countries’ waters.

Study on the status and improvement of national observer programs for Korean distant water fisheries

Study on the status and improvement of national observer programs for Korean distant water fisheries

Spatio-temporal variability of fishing habitat suitability to tuna purse seine fleet in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Understanding the spatial distribution of fishing activity is important for ecosystem-based fisheries management.The dynamic vessel trajectory information provided by Automatic Identification System (AIS) together with local remote ocean environment data, provide an opportunity for new technologies to enable improvements in fisheries management.The spatio-temporal and variability to tuna purse seine fleet suitable fishing were evaluated based on fishing effort from AIS by constructing an integrated habitat suitability index (HSI), which weight of variables were determined with boosted regression trees (BRT) model. The results show that the fishing activity tuna purse-seine fleet and catch data from the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) have the same spatial distribution.The tuna purse seine fleet operation concentrate in EEZ area of the Pacifc Island countries and has seasonal environmental preferences. The fishing habitat suitability can be characterized by a few environmental factors. The HSI model had good capacity to predict habitat suitability to tuna purse seine fleet for mostly catch and fishing effort located in the suitable area. The suitable fishing areas showed significant seasonal changes and low utilization of the available environmentally suitable fishing habitat in each month. The most stable suitable area located in the New Guinea Offshore latitudinal region, may be experiencing high tuna purse-seine fishing pressure throughout the year. The research could help to improve the scientific and effective management of distant water fisheries under limited regulatory capacity.

A study on improving the IUU Fishing Index of Korea's distant water fisheries

A study on improving the IUU Fishing Index of Korea's distant water fisheries

A GIS-based maritime supply chain network design of distant-water fisheries

In the pursuit of efficient and cost-effective supply chain management within the marine capture fishery sector, this study introduces a novel approach that integrates the supply chain network for distant-water fisheries. This approach not only involves an integrated maritime location inventory routing problem (MLIRP) but also considers the identification of offshore fishing grounds based on geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The proposed model centers on critical decision variables, including selection of fishery production areas, strategic placement and sizing of perishable goods depots, and allocation of refrigerated vessels. Meanwhile, the model proposes two trade-off objective functions: one seeks to maximize the weighted coverage rate of fishery resource within selected production areas, while the other aims to minimize the total cost of the built network. To address the complex model, a method based on the k-means clustering and the multi-objective plant growth simulation algorithm (MO-PGSA) is adopted. Key elements, such as growth operators, dominant strength, crowding distance, and partially ordered sets, are involved to enhance algorithm performance. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model and method are discussed through numerical experiments based on the real-life case in the Spratly Islands.

Widening mismatch between UK seafood production and consumer demand: a 120-year perspective

AbstractDeveloped countries are increasingly dependent on international trade to meet seafood requirements, which has important social, environmental, and economic implications. After becoming an independent coastal state following Brexit, the UK faces increased trade barriers and changes in seafood availability and cost. We compiled a long-term (120-year) dataset of UK seafood production (landings and aquaculture), imports, and exports, and assessed the influence of policy change and consumer preference on domestic production and consumption. In the early twentieth century, distant-water fisheries met an increasing demand for large, flaky fish such as cod and haddock that are more abundant in northerly waters. Accordingly, from 1900 to 1975, the UK fleet supplied almost 90% of these fish. However, policy changes in the mid-1970s such as the widespread establishment of Exclusive Economic Zones and the UK joining the European Union resulted in large declines in distant-water fisheries and a growing mismatch between seafood production versus consumption in the UK. While in 1975, UK landings and aquaculture accounted for 89% of seafood consumed by the British public, by 2019 this was only 40%. The combination of policy changes and staunch consumer preferences for non-local species has resulted in today’s situation, where the vast majority of seafood consumed in the UK is imported, and most seafood produced domestically is exported. There are also health considerations. The UK public currently consumes 31% less seafood than is recommended by government guidelines, and even if local species were more popular, total domestic production would still be 73% below recommended levels. In the face of climate change, global overfishing and potentially restrictive trade barriers, promoting locally sourced seafood and non-seafood alternatives would be prudent to help meet national food security demands, and health and environmental targets.

International advocacy and China’s distant water fisheries policies

This article examines the impact of international advocacy on China’s Distant Water Fisheries (DWF) policies. Content analysis demonstrates that both international advocacy documents and China’s official responses have focused on the politics and transboundary governance of DWF, with China stressing agrofood production and international advocates emphasizing DWF’s environmental consequences. Neither party has placed much emphasis on structural complexity in China’s DWF policymaking. Even so, the congruence of interests in politics and transboundary governance underscores the importance of international advocacy in influencing perception changes that necessarily precede policy change in China’s DWF governance.

The plight of the fishers and the management of IUU fishing

It is now four decades since the conclusion of the Law of the Sea Convention, which came into force in 1994, and an appropriate point to review the human dimension of the development of global fisheries during this period, with special reference to the widespread exploitation especially of migrant fishers. The scale of global fisheries activity is reviewed with reference to statistics on the catch of wild fisheries, followed by a focus on the small-scale fisheries characteristic of the developing world on the one hand, and the industrial distant water fisheries operated largely by regions within the developed world on the other. The plight of the fishers is then considered in terms of both their living and working conditions and the management system which applies to their circumstances. The legal basis provided by the Law of the Sea Convention and related legal enactments are noted, including the several agreements concluded under the aegis of United Nations agencies. Finally, the world of enforcement in the context of emerging polycentric management is discussed, underlining the long-term nature of the extreme difficulties which must be faced to mitigate the plight of the fishers.

Provincial variations and entrepreneurialism in the development of China’s Distant Water Fisheries (2011–2020)

This study rescales the current state-centric understanding of the development of China’s distant water fishing (DWF) and explores the instrumental role of Chinese provinces in actualizing and shaping this development. The rapid growth of China’s DWF during 2011–2020 can be attributed primarily to five subnational provinces and actors. As a case study, this article shows that the Fujian provincial government proactively carved out development space for boosting its DWF industry, despite Beijing’s growing efforts to tighten central control out of concern over environmental externalities. Central–Local relations remain a critical perspective for those who seek to understand the challenges faced by China’s central government as it tries to rein in the rapid expansion of the country’s DWF activities.

Transshipment activities in the North Pacific Fisheries Commission Convention Area

At-sea transshipment, transfer of catch from a fishing vessel to a carrier vessel is largely practiced in distant water fisheries. In the Convention Area (CA) of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC), major portions of catches are known to be transshipped from fishing vessels to carrier vessels. To achieve proper stock assessment and management of small pelagic species, Japanese sardine, mackerels, Pacific saury, and neon flying squid, the transshipment data during 2018 and 2019 were analyzed. Based on this data and the registered vessel list, the transshipment activities were clarified by the analysis of AIS data, and the amount of catch landed directly by fishing vessels to markets were estimated. The transshipments of Pacific saury were well-reported by the Members and generally corresponded with the catch data. The transshipments of Japanese sardine and mackerels were presumably under-reported due to several observed inconsistencies between the transshipment and catch data. Ongoing stock assessment concerning these two species is thought to produce a weak incentive to report the related transshipments accurately, resulting the under-reporting or reporting as “Others”. Attempts were made to identify the transshipped species reported as “Others” by an analysis of AIS data and SST, and these were concluded as either transshipments of Japanese sardine or mackerels. The present study revealed transshipment activities of Members using the transshipment data and AIS data for the first time and indicated the Members report transshipment data accurately and that analysis of these activities can support the sustainable use of pelagic species within the CA.

한국의 IUU 어업 예방 및 관리방안 연구

The drastic change in Korea's IUU fishing control system was caused by external factors such as preliminary designation of IUU fishing countries, and the contents were rapidly reorganized to meet the international level, which differed from the perception of the ocean industry. In this study, in order to more actively participate in all efforts to prevent IUU fishing by the international community, domestic laws and institutional improvement measures in Korea were proposed. as follows; First, four improvement measures were proposed as institutional improvement measures. Although each plan has advantages and disadvantages, the most reasonable alternative is to establish a (tentative name) Distant Water Fisheries Management Center belonging to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to focus, systematically, and efficiently search institutions that played a distributed role. Through this, it is expected that maximizing capabilities by synthesizing distributed functions will overcome the problems of the existing system. Second, compared to the maximum monetary punishment limit for IUU fishing in major countries, fines and penalties can be imposed simultaneously on IUU fishing under the Korea Distant Water fisheries Development Act, and the limit is high, so it is necessary to review the easing of the maximum fine limit. Third, when fines other than Article 33 (Penalty) of the Distant Water fisheries Development Act are imposed, an amendment to the Enforcement Decree was proposed in preparation for the treatment of catches. Fourth, in order to increase the efficiency of the port country search system, a plan to produce a risk analysis matrix suitable for domestic conditions was proposed, as in the case of the United States. Fifth, for the exercise of authority of fishing surveillance, supervision, and control officials and port bureau search officials, the 「Act on the arrival, departure, etc. of ships」 and 「Act on the persons performing the duties of judicial police officers and the scope of their duties」related to port bureau search were proposed.Sixth, as a way to strengthen the follow-up management of punishment for captains who participated in IUU fishing, as shown in China's "Distant Fisheries Management Regulations", a plan to strengthen human punishment for individual captains was proposed. Seventh, in order to strengthen its role as a port state, it was suggested to prepare a revised 'pre-entry declaration' that requires more details on incoming ships. In preparation for rapid changes in the international maritime order, it is necessary to actively participate in international efforts to prevent IUU fishing through structural readjustment of the oceanic industry and education and promotion of employees in overseas fisheries industry.

세계무역기구(WTO) 수산보조금 협정의 발효와 국내적 이행에 관한 소고

In the last June, the WTO MC 12 has made the millstone where the MC 12 adopted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies for prohibiting subsidies on overcapacity fisheries, and overfishing, and eliminating subsidies on IUU fishing. It still remains “instrument of acceptance” of the protocol of the Agreement on fisheries Subsidies, but the international communities and the WTO secretariat are calling WTO members to deposit their instruments of acceptance. For its operation, two-thirds of WTO members need to deposit them at the WTO. Korea is one of the major fishing countries such as China, Japan, Norway and others and so enforcement of this agreement will have significant effects on the Korean fishing industry, especially distant shipping. On the basis of the Distant Water fisheries Development Act of Korea, the Korean government is supporting its distant shipping industry in terms of policy support, subsidies, consulting and others. The WTO subsidies agreement has not specified and detailed which fisheries subsidies of the agreement will include governmental support as the prohibited subsidies. In this line, the Korean government should be able to implicate the Korean policy to the agreement in terms of extent of the Korean subsidies.

Towards responsible fisheries: Management of gillnet fishing in Taiwan

Taiwan is a country known for its fishing industry. Inshore, offshore, and distant water fisheries in Taiwan are all well-developed and gillnet fishing played an important role. As the international community maintains its focus on overfishing, bycatching, and derelict fishing gear issues and adopts the corresponding measures, Taiwan, despite not being a member of the United Nations, has established and complied with the said measures. This study will analyze the development of gillnet fisheries in Taiwan from the 1980 s to the present and the actions taken, including the ban of gillnet fishing on the high seas, prohibition of large fishing vessels from gillnetting, restriction on the length of gillnets, and requirements for gear marking and other measures to mitigate abandoned, lost and discarded gillnets. Through the various fisheries management policies and the formulation of relevant regulations, fishermen have been urged to conduct fishing activities responsibly to reduce damages to the marine environment and further achieve the goal of sustainable development of fishery resources. Other countries can learn from Taiwan’s experiences in improving the management of gillnet fisheries.

Indo-Sri Lanka Fishing Conflict in the Palk Bay and Its Implications for Fisheries

The Palk Bay constitutes exceptionally rich fishing grounds for the fishers of India and Sri Lanka. In the recent past, dispute between Indian and Sri Lankan fishers has emerged in exploiting fisheries resources, posing serious threats to the livelihoods of thousands of fishery dependents in the two countries. Present study comprehensively explores all aspects of Indo-Sri Lanka fishing conflict, reviewing articles published during 1995-2018. Twenty-five articles that addressed the Palk Bay fishing conflict were obtained, using a systematic search strategy. The present study unfolds that fishers were engaged in fishing activities in Palk Bay, using different craft and gear combinations over many decades. Conspicuously, several factors are influential for the emergence and escalation of Indo-Sri Lanka fishing conflict, including; (1) establishment of International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL); (2) introduction of mechanized trawls by Indian fishers in 1960s with the expansion of the export market demand for shrimp; (3) imposition of fishing ban by Sri Lankan government during civil war during 1983-2009; (4) recommencement of distant water fisheries in the Palk Bay by Sri Lankan fishers with the conclusion of civil war in 2009, and (5) damage to fishing crafts and gears of artisanal fishers. Moreover, the study elucidates that Indo-Sri Lanka fishing conflict has a detrimental impact on the fisheries industry, livelihoods of the fishers, economy and political stability of India and Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the fishing conflict has caused many negative impacts including depletion of fishery resources, increase in enforcement cost, reduction of foreign exchange earnings, arresting fishers, presence of illegal trading and smuggling of arms and ammunition. Several measures have been taken by Indian and Sri Lankan Governments to resolve the fishing conflict. Albeit, they have yet to come to a common agreement to find an amicable long-lasting solution, vital for moving forward the industry in a sustainable manner.

A constructive critique of the World Trade Organization draft agreement on harmful fisheries subsidies

November 2021 could see members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) reach an agreement to prohibit harmful fisheries subsidies, culminating over 20 years of negotiation and discussion. This commentary highlights strengths and places where the current draft text can be improved to ensure the agreement truly contributes to sustainable and equitable fisheries. Overall, conditionalities and exemptions are better streamlined and defined, time periods to enter into compliance are allowed yet reasonably short, types of subsidies to be particularly avoided are clearly noted, and appropriate emphasis is placed on reducing impacts from distant-water and transboundary fishing fleets. Key places for improvement relate to unspecific language on supporting fisher incomes, the uniform handling of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fisheries (IUU), and transparency in distant water fisheries, issues partly stemming from historical definitions that are useful for some fisheries but may not capture the complexity of others. Capacity-enhancing subsidies should be avoided, and it is important to avoid further negative impacts on marginalized fisher populations. Given the importance of reaching an agreement without further delay, we urge members to proactively and inclusively formalize their fishing definitions and practices to prevent inequitable outcomes for vulnerable fishers during the implementation stage of a new agreement. A WTO agreement to prohibit harmful fisheries subsidies is an opportunity to catalyze the design and funding of improved and cooperative national and international fisheries policy and management strategies, to the benefit of fishers, global seafood production, and indeed all who hold relationships with our oceans.

Beyond slavery scandals: Explaining working conditions among fish workers in Taiwan and Thailand

This paper draws on research on fisheries based in Taiwan and Thailand, to build an exploratory framework that identifies diverse and multilayered causes for unacceptable working conditions in industrial fisheries. We break down labour relations and working conditions into various elements that can be examined separately, including facilitation of individual and collective actions by workers, wages, recruitment, the role of crewing agencies, employment mobilities, mode of travel to a vessel, type of vessel and gear, locations of ports, working hours, physical and mental abuse, and everyday living conditions, including access to health care. Poor or good performance among these elements do not necessarily co-vary, and that policy actions to improve each of elements are distinct. Although the spotlight has been on labour conditions in Thai fisheries, we observe how there is significant room for improvement in Taiwanese fisheries, particularly the distant water fisheries, and that the improvements in Thailand suggests policy actions for the Taiwan fisheries. While improvements in working conditions require government regulation, monitoring and inspection, it is also crucial to facilitate the ability of workers to improve their situations through individual and collective action.

The Criminal Jurisdiction and Applicable Law concerning the Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999 Case

Abstract On 13 August 2017, a Chinese-flagged carrier vessel, Fu Yuan Yu Leng 999, entered the Galapagos Marine Reserve (gmr) without giving appropriate notice, on the captain’s explanation that he entered the area to shelter the vessel from strong winds. Ecuadorian naval aircraft and a coastguard ship began to pursue the vessel from the internal waters and it was intercepted within the territorial sea. This area belongs to the new marine sanctuary of the gmr, where high levels of protection are implemented, and all fishing activities are prohibited. This incident reflects that, as the world’s largest distant-water fisheries (dwf) nation, much more needs to be done by China to crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated (iuu) fishing and to promote the orderly development of dwf.