Fisheries Management Authority Research Articles

First record of the big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810, Pisces: Atherinidae) from Porsuk Dam Lake, Türkiye

This study represents a preliminary report on the occurrence of Atherina boyeri in the Porsuk Dam Lake, with a total of 420 individuals obtained from local fishermen between May and July 2023. Of these specimens, 34.76% (146 individuals) were males and 65.24% (274 individuals) were females, resulting in a calculated sex ratio (females:males) of 1:0.53. The total length of the sampled fish ranged from 6.06 to 10.84 cm and their weight ranged from 1.34 to 8.60 g. The length–weight relationship (LWR) based on total length was calculated as W = 0.00001003 L2.9359 for the female population, W = 0.00000525 L3.0665 for the male population, and W = 0.00000474 L3.0975 for the entire population. The exponential value of the total length to weight ratio, denoted as ‘b’, was determined as 3.0975, indicating isometric growth for the species. The mean value of the condition factor for females, males, and all individuals of A. boyeri was determined as 0.755 ± 0.085, 0.710 ± 0.076, and 0.740 ± 0.084, respectively. This study not only provides preliminary and valuable data on the presence of A. boyeri in the Porsuk Dam Lake, but also offers a significant perspective on the biodiversity of the new habitat. The findings of the study are considered to be applicable to local fisheries management authorities and decision-makers to ensure the sustainability of fishery resources and the implementation of appropriate fisheries management strategies.

Identifying stakeholder preferences for rebuilding a Canadian Atlantic redfish fishery—limitations and benefits of different opinion survey approaches

Fisheries management authorities seek to improve the incorporation of stakeholders’ preferences into decision-making but conventional approaches to assessing stakeholder viewpoints may risk under-representing a diversity of opinions. In Atlantic Canada’s units 1 and 2 redfish fisheries, there are competing visions about re-developing the fishery following historical overfishing. A management strategy evaluation (MSE) sought to identify which fishery objectives should guide the formulation of performance metrics. Following the MSE, we carried out a study to further sample the social, economic, and ecological objectives for the fishery using multiple questioning methods: i.e., workshops, questionnaires, and interviews. Results of interviews and questionnaires identified areas of consensus and complexity of opinion among the different groups (commercial, government and Indigenous), and showed that the workshop-based performance metrics defined in the MSE underrepresented the diversity of stakeholder preferences, particularly regarding social and economic goals. Multi-method and multi-disciplinary approaches to formalizing objectives are resource-intensive. However, there is value in applying multiple methods to systematically develop and formalize performance metrics that accurately reflect a diversity of stakeholders’ priorities for the fishery.

Application of the Method Evaluation and Risk Assessment Tool for a Small-Scale Grouper Fishery in Indonesia

Management strategy evaluation using the Method Evaluation and Risk Assessment (MERA) platform was used to evaluate management procedures (MPs) for improving the management of the leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) fishery in Saleh Bay, Indonesia. This grouper is a valuable species currently under high fishing pressure. It is targeted by small-scale fisheries using a wide range of fishing methods; hence, management recommendations are needed to ensure sustainability. A suite of MPs for data-limited conditions were evaluated for their ability to achieve limit and target biomass reference points (B/BMSY = 0.5 and B/BMSY = 1, respectively), while maintaining a target yield of at least 0.5 MSY. The simulation results suggest that the currently implemented harvest control rules (HCRs) in Saleh Bay (size limit and spatial closure) may not be effective in achieving the management objective to attain the target biomass reference point due to relatively low compliance with the size limit regulation (320 mm total length) and the very small proportion of existing MPA no-take areas (~2.2%). This study recommends that the fisheries management authority explores the feasibility of implementing the total allowable catch (TAC) and seasonal closure in addition to the existing fishing regulations for P. leopardus in Saleh Bay.

Diagnosis and Management of Small-Scale and Data-Limited Fisheries

Historically, small-scale fisheries (SSFs) have largely been overlooked by fisheries scientists and management authorities at national and international levels [...]

Length-Weight (L-W), Length-Length (L-L) Relationships and Condition Factor of Gobio artvinicus (Teleostei : Gobionidae) from the Lower Çoruh River Basin, NE Türkiye

In this study, some basic biological parameters (e.g. sex ratio, condition factor, LWRs and LLRs) of G. artvinicus (Artvin gudgeon) inhabiting Borçka Reservoir and its tributaries from the lower Çoruh River Basin were investigated for the first time. Fish specimens were collected from June 2017 to May 2018 and totally 120 Artvin gudgeon (65 females and 55 males) ranging from 8.1 cm to 13.2 cm in TL were sampled. The sex ratio (F:M) was calculated as 1.18:1.00 in favour of females, but did not deviate from the expected ratio of 1:1 (χ²=0.834, P˃0.05). The total length-weight relationships were determined as W= 0.008TL3.159 (r2=0.971, P˃0.05) for females, as W= 0.012TL2.971 (r2=0.980, P˂0.05) for males and as W= 0.009TL3.088 (r2=0.970, P˃0.05) for all individuals. While the b-values which reflect the body shape were significantly different from the isometric growth indicating positive allometric growth for females and all individuals (Pauly’s t- test, P˂0.05). however, the b value of males did not differ from the isometric growth (b=3) pattern (Pauly’s t- test, P˂0.05). The slopes (b values) were found statistically significant for both sexes (ANCOVA, P 0.9) for each sex and relationship. Mean Fulton's condition factor values were calculated as 1.128±0.011 for females and 1.102±0.008 for males indicating a good growth condition in this habitat. The present study will provide a baseline on some biological parameters of G. artvinicus to provide a guideline for the fisheries management authority and fisheries scientists for further investigations as well as presents the first known reference on the LWRs and LLRs of this species for the FishBase database. Furthermore, the reported results will contribute to the conservation and sustainability of this species in the area.

Marine life and fisheries around offshore oil and gas structures in southeastern Australia and possible consequences for decommissioning

The Gippsland Basin is the location of Australia’s oldest offshore oil and gas (O&G) structures, with hydrocarbon production beginning in the 1960s. The Bass Strait flows over this area with fisheries providing seafood for the major population centers of Melbourne, Sydney and beyond. Since Australia’s maritime legislation restricts activities to outside of 500 meters from O&G structures as a security exclusion zone, these O&G structures may serve as de facto marine protected areas that may have spillover effects to local fisheries. Therefore, it is critical to understand the habitat value of O&G infrastructure to marine life in the Bass Strait and whether decommissioning of these structures affect local marine ecosystems and fisheries. We analyzed industry-collected remotely operated vehicle (ROV) imagery from 2008-2018 and compared this data with reported catch data from fishing vessels operating in this region collected by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) from 2008-2018. We assessed species richness and relative abundance on two platforms and two pipelines and compared the species composition with retained catch reported by commercial fishers operating in Commonwealth fisheries. We found diverse communities of fishes and invertebrates around O&G structures, with a different subset of species inhabiting pipelines than platforms. We found little overlap between the species that were targeted by commercial fishers and those found around O&G structures (10% overlap), however, species composition data from fisheries often groups species making the data coarse and under-representative of true species diversity. Fishery-independent data from ROV imagery or other methods greatly augments our understanding of deepwater marine communities, including those around O&G structures. Combining data sources provides a holistic look at these novel ecosystems and provides better insight into future decommissioning scenarios.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN PEMANTAUAN KUOTA PENANGKAPAN IKAN UNTUK SUATU WILAYAH PENGELOLAAN PERIKANAN DI INDONESIA

Catch quota would be less effective to control fishing activities if fish production is not monitored properly. Limited support and participation of business players in fish monitoring program are contributing factors to the unreliability of fisheries statistics in many places, including Indonesia. To address this challenge, Indonesia fisheries managers may consider experiences of some fisheries management bodies with advanced monitoring system. This study analyzed the process of establishment of a monitoring system developed by Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) to direct each affiliated country to monitor its catch quota. The study was conducted in June-November 2020 by conducting interviews and literature review. CCSBT implements a monitoring system called the catch documentation scheme (CDS) to record the captured/cultured/traded southern bluefin tuna (SBT). Its development started from discussions to solve data insufficiency for SBT stock assessment. These discussions promoted engagement of its affiliated countries, business players and fisheries experts. CCSBT is successful in building the capacity of some affiliate countries which implement the CDS under supervision of CCSBT. Such process was effective in building compliance of business players in the affiliate countries. In preparation of new fisheries management regime, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries may consider adapting this process by positioning CCSBT as a Fisheries Management Authority and affiliate members as provincial fisheries management bodies. Based on the CCSBT's experience, advocacy in public awareness on fisheries crisis and provision of preliminary data are two priority strategies in bringing stakeholders to build an effective fish monitoring program.

Who Gets the Catch? How Conventional Catch Attribution Frameworks Undermine Equity in Transboundary Fisheries

The focus on flag States for the purpose of attributing fisheries catch is inconsistent with the assignment of sovereign rights to coastal States under international law and undermines equity in contemporary quota allocation negotiations. We propose modernizing reporting frameworks to include zone-based reporting of fish catches to more equitably present data, ensure consistency with the Law of the Sea, and better support the realization by developing coastal States of their development aspirations consistent with SDG 14, Life Below Water. States are already required to collect the data necessary to support this change, and many regional fisheries management authorities already do so. Reforms to data collection and reporting mechanisms should support zone-based catch attribution as a central feature of negotiations around access to future fishing opportunities on shared resources. Doing so will ensure that the sovereign rights of developing coastal States are properly accounted for and implemented.

Assessment of Australian Sea Lion Bycatch Mortality in a Gillnet Fishery, and Implementation and Evaluation of an Effective Mitigation Strategy

Globally, the bycatch of marine mammals in fisheries represents the greatest source of human-caused mortality that threatens the sustainability of many populations and species. The Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) is an endangered species, whose populations off South Australia (SA) have been subject to bycatch in a demersal gillnet fishery targeting sharks since the 1960s. A comprehensive assessment was undertaken of sea lion bycatch mortality that combined independent fishery observer data with species distribution models (underpinned by satellite tracking, abundance data and population modeling) to model the relationship between at-sea foraging effort and bycatch rate. Combined with the distribution of fishing effort, these models enabled the overall level of bycatch mortality to be estimated by age, sex and subpopulation, facilitating population viability analyses that indicated most subpopulations were declining, and subject to unsustainable levels of bycatch mortality. To reduce this mortality, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority implemented an Australian Sea Lion Management Strategy that included an independent observer program (ultimately 100% electronic monitoring of gillnet fishing off SA), permanent spatial gillnet closures around all sea lion breeding sites, bycatch mortality limits that triggered temporal (18 months) spatial closures when zone-specific bycatch trigger limits were reached, and incentives for gillnet fishers to switch to an alternate fishing method (longlines). The Strategy had immediate impacts on the fishery: it resulted in significant reductions in gillnet fishing effort and on the reported bycatch of sea lions. In the next decade, there was an estimated 98% reduction in sea lion bycatch mortality from gillnet interactions and an apparent stabilization of the decline in sea lion pup abundances at some impacted breeding sites. There was an almost complete transition in the fishery from gillnets to longlines, and fishing catches returned to pre-management levels. The successful implementation of management measures to mitigate sea lion bycatch mortality in the gillnet fishery off SA was rapid, science informed, adaptive, comprehensive, and backed by strong compliance and monitoring of the fishery. It provides an important case study which demonstrates how management measures can be effectively applied to mitigate bycatch mortality of marine mammals and other marine protected species.

A fishery in distress: An analysis of the small pelagic fishery of Ghana

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.

Views of fishers and decision-makers on the motivations for compliance in fisheries: a case study from Oman

PurposeThis study integrates fishers’ and decision-makers’ views on the critical factors for non-compliance in the artisanal fisheries of Oman.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was implemented covering all coastal governorates of Oman. The questionnaires for fishers and decision-makers contained 46 and 43 questions, respectively, divided into various sections based on the Table of Eleven. Compliance factors were divided into spontaneous factors and enforcement factors. The data were collected through 1,242 questionnaires (1,125 fishers and 117 decision-makers).FindingsThe results indicated that spontaneous compliance factors (e.g. financial/economic, level of knowledge and social norms) and enforced compliance factors (e.g. social control, sanction certainty and sanction severity) have a significant influence on fishers' motivation to comply with regulations. The chi-square test (X2) was used to show that the differences between the means of responses of fishers and decision-makers in regard to the factors that influence non-compliance in the fishery were insignificant.Originality/valueThis consistency of opinions has an essential policy inference for the regulatory institutions in that it delivers assistance and trust in fisheries management authority's efforts to create effective compliance plans for the fisheries.

Progress and challenges in eliminating illegal fishing

AbstractIllegal fishing is a widespread, global phenomenon that is affecting already heavily depleted wild fish stocks, threatening marine habitats and contributing to marine pollution through discarded fishing gear. Many different measures have been implemented by nation states to deter and prevent illegal fishing. These include coastal surveillance and policing, policies and regulation, and education. In this paper, we examine the case of Australia through an analysis of regulative arrangements, policies and guidelines that form the governance framework to better understand the changing seascape of illegal fishing. We argue that joint efforts with neighbouring states such as Indonesia and regional fisheries management authorities have contributed to a decrease in illegal fishing in and around the Australian EEZ. Finally, we discuss current and future challenges, opportunities, recent advancements and technological approaches for reducing illegal fishing around the world.

Species composition of spiny lobsters caught at the South Sea of Pacitan of East Java, Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest archipelagic state with mixture oceanography lead to bio geographical diversity. Information of the distribution of marine organisms is necessary for their management. The national fisheries management authority of the Republic of Indonesian has set East Java Province in 2 management areas, namely WPPNRI 712 in the North (Java Sea) and WPPNRI 573 in the South (Indian Ocean). Pacitan regency lies at the South Sea of East Java and known as one regency with the highest lobster production in the region. One of the priority fishery groups in the management is a lobster fishery. Lobster is known as a fishery commodity with a very high economic, social and ecological value. This study aims to identify species composition of lobster caught in Pacitan’s waters. The study will be fundamental information for connectivity study of the lobster in the region. Data was based on lobster catch from local fisher. Data collection was carried out in Tamperan, Pacitan regency of East Java. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA test. There are six species lobster found. Dominant lobster species are Panulirushomarus (Pasir), followed by P. penicillatus (Batu), P. versicolor (Bambu), P. longipes (Batik), P. ornatus (Mutiara), and the least dominant is P. polyphagus (Pakistan).

A web based solution to track trawl vessel activities over pipelines in Norwegian Continental Shelf

Vessel activities such as trawling and anchoring potentially affect pipeline integrity. Therefore, the detailed information about the trawl activity in the area is essential for accurate assessment of pipeline, where to inspect and where to implement corrective intervention, based on up to date trawling intensity and equipment used. The main contribution of this paper is to present a detailed analysis of trawling vessels activities based on the automatic identification system (AIS) data combined with DNV GL ship register, data from HIS Maritime World Register of Ships and information gathered on the trawl equipment. In this aspect, an interactive web-based solution has been designed and developed to monitor and track trawl vessel activities in the Norwegian Continental Shelf which can be used for assessing integrity of pipelines. Data Analysis and visualization techniques have been utilized to transfer high-dimensional data by encoding it as visual objects contained in graphical presentations. The extracted knowledge result in the density mapping, vessel tracking, computing crossing points of trawl vessel paths, computing a buffered polygon around the pipeline for the chosen threshold and cross-over statistics of pipeline and vessels, etc. The use of such a framework is mostly advantageous for the port authorities, marine transportation, relevant fisheries management authority, etc.

Community institution development strategy as fisheries management authority institution at Ponggok Village, Klaten

Ponggok village is one of the villages in the Klaten Regency that has an abudance of springs. This condition is used as a potential to improve the village economy. One of the strategies undertaken by the village government is to manage the spring as a means of tilapia cultivation. The management is carried out by developing community institutions through groups of fish farmers. This study aims to determine the implementation of strategies in the management of fisheries resources in Ponggok Village. This study uses a qualitative descriptive research method. Primary data mostly related to community institutions towards the utilization of fisheries resources. The selection of informants is done deliberately by considering the interests of the respondents in the management institution. Data collection is done by interview techniques, observation and documentation using tools such as interview and observation guidelines. The data analysis technique in this study uses an interaction model approach in the form of an institutional approach and the principles of co-management. The results of the study show that the strategy applied by the government in the management of fisheries resources is through institutional development using a participatory approach to decision making. The strategy has been implemented through a predetermined work program by forming a group of fish farmers shaded by Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDes).

Türkiye’de ikinci kuşak balıkçı gemisi geri-alım programının analizi

Many implementations are put into practice on the national and international scale for the purpose of enabling the sustainable use of living marine resources. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock published a notification in 2012 and the buy-back program for fishing vessels was initiated to keep the balance between the fish stocks and fishing capacity, prevent overfishing and enable sustainable fishing. While 12 m and larger vessels were considered in the first program, length of the vessels was reduced 10 m in the second. The aim of this study is to reveal the results of the related program. A telephone interview was applied to the owners of 207 fishing vessels determined through the stratified sampling method among 446 fishing vessels in 2014. In the 2nd program, 446 fishing vessels were withdrawn from the fleet by paying 51 million TL in total. Mostly the buy-back of the fishing vessels with the length of 10-20 meters (440 vessels) was carried out, and the fishing vessels with the length of 21-30 meters (6 vessels) were bought back at the least. Most of the vessels (44%) were from the Marmara and the least was from the Mediterranean Regions (19%). Only 9% of the vessels bough-back was trawl or purse seine vessels. It was found that 28% of vessel owners have a second vessel and gave the inactive or unprofitable vessels they had to the buy-back program. Furthermore, 62% of the individuals who gave their vessels stated that they will continue working in the fishing industry, and 27% of respondents stated that they will buy a new fishing vessel. As a result; buy-back program is one of the most important management implication of fisheries management authority in recent years. However, it should be considered by the managers that the large vessel owners have not shown interest in the program. One of every four fishermen giving his vessel is also a second vessel owner, and he gives his inactive vessel to the program, and the fishers have a similar tendency to buy a second vessel with the money they receive from the program. However, it is the basic approach that should be taken into account by the fisheries management authority to take advantage of relevant global experiences to ensure the highest possible benefit from the buy-back programs. This approach should at least be followed in future buy-back programs.

Genetic Diversity and Demography of Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) In Southern and Western Part of Indonesian Waters

Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is highly migratory species that spread from trophic and sub trophic waters. This species can be found in Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. The genetic information of highly migratory species like skipjack tuna is important to support the sustainability of the fisheries. The objectives of this study are to gain information genetic diversity and population structure of exploited species and to understand the population kinship in Indonesian waters. Tissue samples were collected from six locations, i.e.: Sibolga (North Sumatera), Padang (West Sumatera), Binuangeun (Banten), Pacitan (East Java), Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara) and Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara). Microsatellite analysis was done in this study consisting of extraction, purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and electrophoresis. Three loci used for the analysis i.e.: UTD 172, UTD 523 and UTD 535. The results showed that there are two groups from six locations i.e.: group 1: Sibolga and Padang; group 2: Binuangeun, Pacitan Lombok and Kupang. The variance among these two groups is 0.066 with variance 5.441%. This finding in line with Indonesian Fisheries Management Area of 572 (west of Sumatera waters) and 573 (south of Java waters). However, as highly migratory species across nations, the management strategy for skipjack tuna needs collaboration among countries through regional fisheries management authority like Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

Preventing noncompliance in marine protected areas using a real-time alert system

Effective compliance is a key element to the successful management of marine protected areas (MPAs), and requires a suite of tools to generate awareness of MPA rules, and monitor and regulate their use. Using vessel monitoring systems and creating geo-fences around MPA boundaries is an innovative approach to improve such awareness to vessel masters and commercial fishing licence holders with these systems on-board. In 2014, Parks Australia in partnership with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) introduced a purpose-built alert service for commercial fishing licence holders operating in Australian Commonwealth fisheries managed by AFMA that overlap with MPAs (Australian marine parks). The alert service is customised for each individual fishing vessel to notify masters and licence holders when they enter Australian marine parks where their particular fishing method is prohibited. Since the introduction of the alert service in 25 marine parks, fishers have received 3307 alerts, across eight fisheries. It is estimated that 23 of these alerts averted compliance incidents, in turn protecting marine park values and saving AUD$4.7 million in litigation costs. Of significance, there has been no recorded incidence of noncompliance by Australian commercial fishing licence holders and their vessel master's with access to the alert service since its introduction. The information presented here is the first empirical analysis of the effectiveness of geo-fencing to minimise noncompliance in MPAs. The alert service has the potential to become a front-line tool for supporting compliance by commercial fishing licence holders and their master's in Australian marine parks and other large-scale MPAs and MPA networks, globally.

A review of potential sources of revenue for sustaining fisheries co-management activities in the southern Lake Malawi, Mangochi district

This article seeks to review and identify potential sources of funds for implementation of planned activities within a fisheries co-management arrangement in the southern Lake Malawi, Mangochi District. In this review, we use secondary sources on fisheries co-management at both national and international levels. With adoption of the co-management or participatory fisheries management as it is alternatively called in Malawi, consideration of sustainable financing mechanisms is essential for implementation of planned activities by the local fisheries management authorities and beach village committees within a decentralization framework. Potential revenue sources include development of a fisheries fund and establishment of a benefit sharing mechanism with reference to a district user fee. Other sources include fees charged for conducting fisheries research on the lake, membership fee for joining beach village committees, levies on fish marketing and fees charged for use of facilities especially jetties, store rooms and fish processing facilities on a beach. The revenue collection is recommended as one of the incentives for co-management partners to ensure implementation of activities like law enforcement, licensing, training, community outreach services and research. We recommend that the legal provisions on the establishment of a fisheries fund and revenue sharing be implemented to ensure availability of funds for the fisheries sector. In addition, the existing by-laws with outlined financing mechanisms should be approved by the appropriate authorities.

Birla to supply carbon black to Linglong

Case studies of the Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) highlighted factors influencing scientific communication that are contingent on the characteristics of the many dynamic and iterative science-policy interfaces among decision-makers, scientists, and other stakeholders. Direct observations of 15 scientific and management meetings coupled with interviews with 78 scientists and managers revealed aspects of the information pathways, i.e., production, communication, and use of scientific information in these organizations. Unique features of decision-making and information use enable the production of credible, relevant, and legitimate information in each organization, including trade-offs in these attributes to support fisheries governance objectives. For instance, defined processes for producing scientific advice embedded in fisheries management authorities, such as DFO and NAFO, ensure uptake of information in decision-making. As a boundary organization, FAO bridges science and policy-making groups among its member countries. The demand for scientific advice, policy development, and trade aspects are primary drivers in the information pathways. However, organizational aspects such as dispersed units and inadequate communication persist as barriers to information flow. Across the geographic scales of the three organizations, stakeholders apart from government scientists and policy-makers, e.g., the fishing industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the public, are increasingly involved in the information pathways. Insights about the information pathways can equip the organizations to evaluate or modify practices to increase the uptake of information in decision-making as fisheries management issues and considerations become more complex.