Developing profiles of fish stocks

Description

Developing profiles of fish stocks involves systematically collecting, analyzing, and documenting biological, ecological, and catch data to assess the status and trends of fish populations. This essential action enables resource managers to identify overexploited or at-risk stocks, inform sustainable harvest limits, and guide conservation measures. By providing accurate, up-to-date information, fish stock profiling remedies problems of overfishing, resource depletion, and ineffective management, supporting the long-term health and productivity of aquatic ecosystems.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

Claim

States, through bilateral and multilateral cooperation and within the framework of subregional and regional fisheries bodies, as appropriate, and with the support of other international intergovernmental agencies, should assess high seas resource potentials and develop profiles of all stocks (target and non-target).