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Safety at sea as an integral part of fisheries management

Year of publication 2001

Author Gudrun Petursdottir, Olafur Hannibalsson, Jeremy M.M. Turner;Fisheries and Aquaculture Management Division

Product type Book (series)

Series title FAO Fisheries Circular

Series number 0429-9329 - C966

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Fishing has always been, and continues to be a dangerous occupation. While risk will always be an inherent part of fishing, measures to reduce risks at sea have had some success, particularly in the technologically advanced parts of the world. Nevertheless, fishing still holds the record as the most dangerous occupation pursued by man. One of the basic obstacles to improved safety is the fact that, in most places, safety measures have been carried out on a voluntary basis. Regulations covering the construction and equipment of larger vessels generally exempt vessels under 24m and in most countries safety education and training are still not obligatory. In this paper it is argued that safety at sea should be integrated into the general management of the fisheries in each country. The global fisheries situation has changed dramatically in recent years. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which came into force in 1994, states not only the rights, but also the obligati ons of coastal states to manage their 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). Thus it is to be expected that coastal nations will take measures accordingly over the coming years. This will open the way for regulations ensuring the safety and well-being of the fishermen, as well as sustainable utilization of the fishstocks. The industrialized countries have spent decades trying to improve safety at sea on a voluntary basis. There is now general consensus amongst safety promoters that obligatory safety training is the prerequisite for any success. Linking safety requirements to fishing permits for example, is a practical way of overcoming the lack of motivation that has been a barrier to improved safety at sea for fishermen for so long. Safety at sea is a very serious problem in the developing countries. It is likely that many developing nations will seek external advice in planning the management of fisheries in their EEZ.

Cite this content as:

Petursdottir, G.; Hannibalsson, O.; Turner, J.M.M. Safety at sea as an integral part of fisheries management. FAO Fisheries Circular. No. 966. Rome, FAO. 2001. 39p.

Language English

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