Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas
Ensuring sustainable use of marine resources and the protection of
vulnerable marine ecosystems
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Deep-sea fisheries are fisheries that take place at great depths (up to 1 600 metres). Deep-sea fisheries that occur in waters beyond national jurisdiction (such as the exclusive economic zone [EEZ]), take place in the high seas. The great depths and distances from the coast at which marine living resources are caught by deep-sea fisheries in the high seas pose scientific and technical challenges in providing scientific support for management.
A great deal of work has been accomplished in the last few years, in terms of achieving responsible management of these fisheries, but much remains to be done in creating more appropriate institutions. RFMOs/As will need to be established where they do not exist or duly mandated to address deep-sea high seas fisheries. States and RFMO/As will also need to pursue efforts initiated in implementing international guidance and developing the appropriate set of policies and measures required for the effective management of fisheries and conservation of marine biodiversity.
The FAO International Guidelines provide a good framework and starting point to develop that kind of approach. FAO is building up a special programme to support the effective implementation of the guidelines through, inter alia, institutional building, policy development, improvement of methodologies and management for the identification of VMEs and the development of appropriate fisheries management approaches.
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© FAO 2011