Implementation of the FAO International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity (IPOA-Capacity)

Davies, S.; Durighello, A.; van Anrooy, R .;

Implementation of the FAO International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity (IPOA-Capacity)

Copyright licence

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 162 p.

Author Davies, S.; Durighello, A.; van Anrooy, R .;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

Category Technical study

ISBN 978-92-5-140411-9

Series title FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Papers

Series number No. 723

Full item page

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd8015en

Synopsis (short abstract) This technical paper reviews progress in implementing the International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity (IPOA-Capacity), adopted in 1999 within the framework of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Global trends indicate that, despite some progress, fishing capacity continues to increase in many regions. Since its adoption, the global fishing fleet capacity has expanded. Between 1999 and 2022, the total number of fishing vessels increased by about 10 percent, driven by a 34 percent rise in motorized vessels, while nonmotorized vessels declined by 20 percent. The average fishing vessel grew in size (i.e. in length and gross tonnage) and in engine power. Numerically, small-scale fleets still dominate the global fishing fleet, though data on artisanal and inland fleets remain incomplete. Regional disparities persist with fleet capacities expanding in Africa and Asia but declining in Europe and Northern America. At the national level, implementation of the IPOA-Capacity has been uneven. Many Member States have integrated capacity controls into fisheries legislation and management plans, applying measures such as licensing, gear restrictions, total allowable catches, buyback programmes and rights-based management systems. However, socioeconomic incentives, weak monitoring systems and limited data have constrained effective implementation of fleet capacity management. Regional fishery bodies and regional fisheries management organizations have progressively incorporated capacity management into their mandates and conservation and management measures. Opportunities to strengthen implementation of the IPOA-Capacity include improving data and vessel registries, enhancing capacity assessment methodologies, expanding technical assistance to developing countries, and reinforcing coordination among Member States, regional fishery bodies and FAO. Renewed global attention to the IPOA-Capacity is essential to ensure that fishing fleet capacity is balanced with the productive potential of fisheries resources for long-term sustainability.

Cite this content as:

Davies, S., Durighello, A. and Van Anrooy, R. 2025. Implementation of the FAO International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity (IPOA-Capacity). FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper, No. 723. Rome, FAO.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd8015en

Language English

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These guidelines have been produced to support implementation of the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IPOA-IUU). They are addressed to decision-makers and policy-makers associated with the management of fisheries, but they should also be of interest to fishing industries and other parties. The IPOA-IUU is consistent with the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, as well as with the 1993 Agreement to Promote Complia nce with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas, the 1995 Agreement for the Implementation 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 Stocks and other applicable rules of international law. The guidelines are intended to provide general advice and a framework for development and implementation of national plans of action.