As it has been stated in several publications by international bodies, such as FAO or the OECD, the rights-based fisheries management system is one of the formulas that could help to sustainably exploit fisheries. This will be one of the topics to be discussed at the World Summit on Fisheries Sustainability, which will be held, under the umbrella of the World Fishing Exhibition, on the 15th September 2009 at the Parador de Baiona. The event, organized by the Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, in collaboration with FAO and the Imperial College London, came into being as a response to the urgent need of establishing a future fisheries management system to guarantee the survival of both the fish stocks and the companies and fishing communities that make a living from this activity.

International experts in fisheries, administrations, researchers, the fisheries sector and other stakeholders such as the Regional Fishing Organizations or NGOs will analyze and discuss on the main topics that affect the future of the fishing activity. Nowadays, more and more voices claim a really responsible and less competitive fisheries management, highlighting, among them, the ones that consider that rights-based fisheries management is a step forward towards responsible exploitation. This is due to the fact that the fisherman, when assuming the right in the resource as a negotiable good and given that the incentives of the ‘fishing race’ disappear, would adopt a more proactive attitude during the exploitation. 

Alarming reports and even documents about the economic losses generated as a consequence of an inappropriate management of fishing resources* pile up on the desks of managers and supranational bodies. The sector is conscious of this fact, as more and more new regulations are being implemented and rules are being toughened. Indeed, the fisheries sector is one of the cornerstones and one of the major figures of this Summit, since the event will be attended by international representatives that will present their experiences and achievements in the sustainable exploitation of fisheries with clear examples that could be implemented in other fishing grounds.  

Further information about the Summit is available at: www.worldfishingexhibition.com/cumbrepesquera

* According to a recent report by the World Bank and FAO, the losses reached by the poor management of fisheries amount to 50 billion dollars —bycatch not included.