Marine resources and their exploitation, recovery and economic networks they generate are here from the perspective now inevitable growing environmental constraints, policy management and technical innovation. The recent development of marine biotechnology , the discovery of a great pharmacopoeia especially in reef environments , the development of marine renewables , are examples which show that man can develop through these new technologies property and services of the ocean. But this development resources under pressure of global change requires not only taking into account technical, but also social and political. This is the price that the analysis of maritime activities will assess the sustainability and development of various economic sectors and coastal populations, faced with the objectives of a "blue growth" associated with a return to the "good state" of the marine environment.

Marine resources and their exploitation, recovery and economic networks they generate are here from the perspective now inevitable growing environmental constraints, policy management and technical innovation. The recent development of marine biotechnology , the discovery of a great pharmacopoeia especially in reef environments , the development of marine renewables , are examples which show that man can develop through these new technologies property and services of the ocean. But this development resources under pressure of global change requires not only taking into account technical, but also social and political. This is the price that the analysis of maritime activities will assess the sustainability and development of various economic sectors and coastal populations, faced with the objectives of a "blue growth" associated with a return to the "good state" of the marine environment.

This report explores the growth prospects for the ocean economy, its capacity for future employment creation and innovation, and its role in addressing global challenges. Special attention is devoted to the emerging ocean-based industries.

This Draft Marine Bill (Cm. 7351, ISBN 9780101735124) contains the following: a policy paper; the draft Marine Bill and explanatory notes; an impact assessment. The Bill sets out the Government's approach to a number of marine related issues, including environmental protection of the coastal marine environment and the seas surrounding the coast as well as access to the coastal environment for recreation. The legislation set out in this Bill was originally proposed in "Sea Change", a Marine White Paper, published in March 2007 (Cm. 7047, ISBN 9780101704724). The White Paper itself had proposed a strategic system of marine planning to balance conservation, energy and resource needs, using the principle of sustainable development. The Draft proposals in this Bill puts the earlier proposals of the White Paper into a legislative framework, which includes: the creation of the Marine Management Organisation; deliverance of new marine planning systems, including establishing new powers to enable the Government to put in place a network of marine conservation zones to protect marine life; better licensing decisions for licensing activities in the seas; reforms to a range of marine, migratory and freshwater fisheries management arrangements; allow greater access to the English coast. Comments on the Draft Bill should be submitted in writing by 26 June 2008.

The fishing industry's critical dependence on the natural environment makes it very different from other economic sectors. The industry comprises everything from operator-owned small boats to large corporations operating fleets of high-tech trawlers or purse seiners processing their catches into finished products. All however exploit a common resource. This book provides an introduction to the economics of the fishing industry and the role of fisheries in the world economy. It focuses primarily on capture fisheries, although the discussion brings in wider acquaculture for comparative analysis. Trade in fish products and how it has developed is highlighted, as well as the main rules governing the fish trade. The basic concept of sustainable yield is explained and how economically optimal exploitation is used to avoid overexploitation. The book discusses the variability of fish stocks and uses case studies of some spectacular stock crashes that have occurred. The law of the sea is explained and how the movement of fish stocks across ocean boundaries has meant the development of government and inter-governmental bodies to manage international fisheries. At the heart of this management lies the quota system and the book outlines how it works and how, controversially, such quotas have become transferable and have acquired elements of private ownership. The regulation of the fishing industry is shown to be fundamental to prevent the possible total depletion of fish stocks, yet political pressure from the industry and from pressure groups can make the industry less efficient than it could be. Wider questions about whether fisheries management should only be about food production are also considered. The book offers readers a comprehensive and rigorous guide to the economic considerations motivating the industry and highlights the environmental challenges facing the sector as global consumption of fish continues to rise.

This new OECD report on the ocean economy emphasises the growing importance of science and technologies in improving the sustainable economic development of our seas and ocean. Marine ecosystems sit at the heart of many of the world’s global challenges: food, medicines, new sources of clean ...

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.

Marine resources and their exploitation, recovery and economic networks they generate are here from the perspective now inevitable growing environmental constraints, policy management and technical innovation. The recent development of marine biotechnology , the discovery of a great pharmacopoeia especially in reef environments , the development of marine renewables , are examples which show that man can develop through these new technologies property and services of the ocean. But this development resources under pressure of global change requires not only taking into account technical, but also social and political. This is the price that the analysis of maritime activities will assess the sustainability and development of various economic sectors and coastal populations, faced with the objectives of a "blue growth" associated with a return to the "good state" of the marine environment.

'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.

This report updates previous studies that measured in economic terms the extent of biological losses attributable to overfishing globally. The new estimates assess these 'sunken billions' at $83 billion annually. The report further shows that a clear path can lead to the recovery of these considerable losses, including through significant reduction in global fishing overcapacity. A breakdown between regions is also included, showing that the effort needed to achieve this reform will not be felt equally throughout the world. While the cost of such reform will likely be high, the expected benefits include an increase in biomass by a factor of 2.7, increase in annual harvests by 13 percent, and a 30-fold increase in annual net benefits accrued to the fisheries sector (from $3 billion to $86 billion annually). This urgent call for action is reinforced by the impacts of climate change on fish stocks and fisheries worldwide.