Sustaining Marine Fisheries

Explores the nature of marine ecosystems and the complex interacting factors that shape their productivity. This book documents the condition of marine fisheries, highlighting species and geographic areas that are under particular stress. It is useful for marine policymakers and ecologists, fisheries regulators and managers, and more.

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Fluctuations and declines in marine fish populations have caused growing concern among marine scientists, fisheries managers, commercial and recreational fishers, and the public.


Sustaining Marine Fisheries explores the nature of marine ecosystems and the complex interacting factors that shape their productivity. The book documents the condition of marine fisheries today, highlighting species and geographic areas that are under particular stress. Challenges to achieving sustainability are discussed, and shortcomings of existing fisheries management and regulation are examined. The volume calls for fisheries management to adopt a broader ecosystem perspective that encompasses all relevant environmental and human influences.


Sustaining Marine Fisheries offers new approaches to building workable fisheries management institutions, improving scientific data, and developing management tools. The book recommends ways to change current practices that encourage overexploitation of fish resources. It will be of special interest to marine policymakers and ecologists, fisheries regulators and managers, fisheries scientists and marine ecologists, fishers, and concerned individuals.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Introduction
2 Current Status of Marine Fisheries
3 Fishing and Marine Ecosystems
4 Diagnosing the Problems
5 Options for Achieving Sustainability
6 Conclusions and Recommendations
Literature Cited
Appendix A
Appendix B
Index