Better fisheries management An EU team fostered international cooperation in sustainable fisheries with the aim of improving research. The study identified regional examples of best sustainability practice, research needs and key problems. Industrial Technologies © Thinkstock Participation in international agreements concerning sustainable use of resources requires international and inter-agency scientific coordination. In the case of fisheries, the coordination involves fostering of sustainable practices, in combination with promoting good research. The EU-funded TXOTX (Technical experts overseeing third country expertise) project aimed to facilitate a coherent approach for fisheries research. The goals involved developing an international network of scientists to compare data collection, assessment methods and management systems, leading to improved research coordination. The focus was areas where European fleets fish in international waters or those of third countries, or where the EU has development goals. Research identified and contacted key individuals in each regional fisheries management organisation (RFMOs) and major participating countries. The team sent a set of three questionnaires to the contacts, concerning tuna RFMOs, other international RFMOs and third country agreements. Both types of RFMO plus most of the relevant countries responded to the questionnaires. Based on the received information, researchers prepared review reports for each case, presented to an international panel during a regional review workshop. The team prepared a synopsis of common issues encountered during the project. Following comparison of different regions, researchers identified for each region examples of good practice and research needs, which answer key questions concerning sustainable management. The comparison also identified emerging problems facing fisheries management worldwide. Results were presented at the project's final workshop, allowing international fisheries experts and stakeholders to review the findings. The experts were also invited to suggest future research needs, opportunities for collaboration, and funding and coordination mechanisms. The outcome was a list of 23 recommendations. The TXOTX project helped to summarise and compare fisheries research being conducted in different regions. The undertaking also improved research coordination, leading to key research areas being targeted, and has led to more effective fisheries management. Keywords Fisheries, fisheries management, sustainability, fisheries research
