Towards responsible fisheries: Management of gillnet fishing in Taiwan. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tseng, Huan-Sheng; Kao, Shih-Ming
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 141(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Taiwan -- Abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) -- Gillnet -- Responsible fisheries -- Fisheries management; 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.2022.105098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: Taiwan is a country known for its fishing industry. Inshore, offshore, and distant water fisheries in Taiwan are all well-developed and gillnet fishing played an important role. As the international community maintains its focus on overfishing, bycatching, and derelict fishing gear issues and adopts the corresponding measures, Taiwan, despite not being a member of the United Nations, has established and complied with the said measures. This study will analyze the development of gillnet fisheries in Taiwan from the 1980 s to the present and the actions taken, including the ban of gillnet fishing on the high seas, prohibition of large fishing vessels from gillnetting, restriction on the length of gillnets, and requirements for gear marking and other measures to mitigate abandoned, lost and discarded gillnets. Through the various fisheries management policies and the formulation of relevant regulations, fishermen have been urged to conduct fishing activities responsibly to reduce damages to the marine environment and further achieve the goal of sustainable development of fishery resources. Other countries can learn from Taiwan's experiences in improving the management of gillnet fisheries. Highlights: Although not a member of the United Nations, Taiwan still prohibits gillnet fishing vessels operating on the high seas. Taiwan only allowsfishing vessels less than 100 tons and 2.5 km long gillnet to operate within its waters. Gillnet fishing vessels are the most common but t classified as artisanal fisheries due to their low catch and value. Taiwan selected gillnets, the first type of fishing gear, for compulsory markings to reduce gear littering and ghost fishing. Through gillnet management, Taiwanese fishermen can fish in a responsible manner for the sustainability of fishery resources.