Assessing the added value of the recent declaration on unregulated fishing for sustainable governance of the central Arctic Ocean. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shephard, Grace Elizabeth; Dalen, Kari; Peldszus, Regina; Aparício, Sara; Beumer, Larissa; Birkeland, Roger; Gkikas, Nikolaos; Kourantidou, Melina; Ktenas, Panagiotis; Linde, Peter Wilhelm; Marazzi, Francesco; Pincinato, Ruth Beatriz Mezzalira; Radianti, Jaziar; Schartmüller, Bernhard; Stübner, Eike Ingrid; Varnajot, Alix; Vullierme, Magali; Zhilina, Irina
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 66(2016)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: A5 Arctic Five, including U.S., Canada, Russia, Norway, Denmark -- A8 Arctic Eight, including the A5 plus Iceland, Sweden, Finland -- AIS Automatic Identification Systems -- EEZ Economic Exclusion Zone -- E.U. European Union -- NEAFC North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission -- RFMO Regional Fisheries Management Organizations -- UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 -- UNFSA Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the conservation and management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish species -- U.S. The United States of America; Arctic Ocean -- Fishing -- Resource management -- Arctic five -- Declaration; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2016.01.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: The 'Declaration concerning the prevention of unregulated high seas fishing in the central Arctic Ocean' signed by the Arctic 5 nations, limits unregulated high seas fishing in the central part of the Arctic Ocean, and holds potential social, economic and political impacts for numerous stakeholders. In this paper, the four Interim Measures in the Declaration are discussed and what value these measures bring beyond the existing international agreements is explored. It is found that even though the Declaration fills a gap in the management of potential fish stocks in the central Arctic Ocean, adopts an appropriate precautionary approach and encourages joint research activities, there are both opportunities and challenges connected to its implementation. The most valuable and urgent Interim Measure is that of joint scientific cooperation, which will facilitate more region-specific research and an increased understanding of the fisheries as well as the broader Arctic environment. Furthermore, the research generated by this measure will provide an important decision base for both regulation and management of human activity in the Arctic. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Discussion of Declaration on unregulated fishing in the central Arctic Ocean. Declaration fills a policy gap of potential fish stocks but not regulation. Precautionary approach underpins four interim measures. Joint research program measure most imperative for effective implementation.