RECENT INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND THE PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH - NEW DIRECTIONS FOR FISHERIES MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

The dynamics of exploited fish populations can be highly uncertain and the precautionary approach to fisheries management addresses such unc ertainties. The precautionary approach is now embodied in several inte rnational agreements, including (i) the UN Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks Agreement and (ii) the FAO Code of Conduc t. We discuss how application of these agreements will change the dail y operations of many fisheries agencies. Contrary to past practices, t he absence of adequate scientific information can no longer be a reaso n for postponing or failing to take conservation measures. Future harv est strategies will be based on stock-specific reference points and pr edefined decision rules. However, more research is required to quantif y uncertainties associated with reference point definitions and their practical application in a management context. In addition, future res earch will emphasize environmental issues with extensive data requirem ents, such as ecosystem impacts of fishing. Data collection will remai n a core business activity; agencies must address the costs of maintai ning shared and documented data archives over the long term.