Reef ecosystems extend throughout the tropics. Exploited by small-scale fishers, reefs supply food for millions of people, but, worldwide, there are growing worries about the productivity and current state of these ecosystems. Reef fish stocks display many features of fisheries elsewhere. However, habitat spatial complexity, biological diversity within and among species, ecosystem intricacy and variable means of exploitation make it hard to predict sustainable modes and levels of fishing.

This is the first systematic assessment of the international 200-mile exclusive economic zone. To date, 145 states have ratified the Law of the Sea Convention, and most have established EEZs. This volume focuses on the specific nature of the EEZ and the construction and evolution of institutions stemming from its introduction, specifically examining developments at local, national and international levels.

This sixth annual study focuses on the effects of globalization on developing countries and the growing divide between fast and slow- integrating economies. It describes current trends in integration and answers key questions on trade and on commodity-reliant economies. The book examines two questions in particular detail: Will trade liberalization work? The report argues that countries that embark on trade liberalization in the current environment are likely to be rewarded and recognizes that genuine adjustment costs exist and that complementary reforms are important. How can commodity-reliant countries enhance productivity and diversify exports? Although many of these countries have been among the high growth, fast integrators, many others have been poor performers. Successful exporters are characterized by high productivity in existing commodity sectors, the capacity to diversify to non-traditional commodity exports, and the maintenance of economic stability. The report projects continued rapid acceleration of integration over the next decade, with moderate import growth in the developed countries and continued sharp import increases in developing countries. Those countries that continue to reform their economies and expand their participation in the world economy will be in a position to take advantage of the resulting opportunities; those that do not, risk falling further behind.

Marine Environmental Governance: From International Law to Local Practice considers the relationship between international environmental law and community-based management of marine areas. Focusing on small island states, in which indigenous populations have to a large extent continued to maintain traditional lifestyles, this book takes up the question of how indigenous customary law and state-based legislation can be reconciled in the implementation of international environmental law. Including a range of case studies, as well as detailed comparative analysis, it pursues an interdisciplinary approach to legal pluralism 'in practice' that will be of considerable interest to environmental lawyers, legal anthropologists, conservation biologists and those working in the area of community-based conservation.

'The Sunken Billions: The Economic Justification for Fisheries Reform' shows the difference between the potential and actual net economic benefits from marine fisheries is about $50 billion per year, or some $2 trillion over the last three decades. If fish stocks were rebuilt, the current marine catch could be achieved with approximately half the current global fishing effort. This illustrates the massive overcapacity of the global fleet. The excess competition for the limited fish resources results in declining productivity, economic inefficiency, and depressed fisher incomes. The focus on the deteriorating biological health of world fisheries has tended to obscure their equally critical economic health. Achieving sustainable fisheries presents challenges not only of biology and ecology, but also of managing political and economic processes and replacing pernicious incentives with those that foster improved governance and responsible stewardship. Improved governance of marine fisheries could regain a substantial part of this annual economic loss and contribute to economic growth. Fisheries governance reform is a long-term process requiring political will and consensus vision, built through broad stakeholder dialogue. Reforms will require investment in good governance, including strengthening marine tenure systems and reducing illegal fishing and harmful subsidies. Realizing the potential economic benefits of fisheries means reducing fishing effort and capacity. To offset the associated social adjustment costs, successful reforms should provide for social safety nets and alternative economic opportunities for affected communities.