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Techno-economic performance of marine capture fisheries










Tietze, U.; Prado, J.; Le Ry, J-M.; Lasch, R.Techno-economic performance of marine capture fisheries and the role of economic incentives,value addition and changes of fleet structure. Findings of a global study and an interregional workshop.FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. o. 421. Rome, FAO. 2001. 80 p.


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    Book (series)
    Economic viability of marine capture fisheries. Findings of a global study and an interregional workshop. 1999
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    Between 1995 and 1997, FAO in cooperation with fisheries research institutions and administrations in selected countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, carried out studies on the economic and financial viability of the most common fishing craft and gear combinations. Information on the level of exploitation of fisheries resources as well as government policies on fisheries management, financial services, etc., was also collected. The countries covered by the studies include Peru, A rgentina, Senegal, Ghana, China, Republic of Korea, Taiwan Province of China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, France, Spain and Germany. Together, they accounted for about 48 per cent of the total marine capture fisheries production in South America, Europe, Africa and Asia which again accounted for 84 per cent of the global marine capture fisheries production in 1995. The findings of the studies were presented and discussed at an interregional workshop which was held in Kuala Lumpur, Ma laysia, from 15 to 18 December 1997. They suggest that - in spite of fully and sometimes over-exploited fisheries resources - in most cases, marine capture fisheries is an economically and financially viable undertaking which generates sufficient revenue to cover the cost of depreciation as well as the opportunity cost of capital to generate funds for reinvestment in addition to employment, income and foreign exchange earnings. With a view to safeguarding the economic performance of the fishin g industry and with it the employment and income that is generated by the fishery industry, the workshop considered it pertinent that countries put in place, in close cooperation with fishers and fishing industry associations, efficient measures to limit fishing effort, preserve and rehabilitate coastal areas and aquatic resources and make special efforts to protect small-scale fisheries sectors. It was observed that only few countries had already introduced these measures. As far as the role of subsidies is concerned the information which could be collected was limited. However, it was observed that the number of subsidies in developing countries has recently been greatly reduced. Presently, subsidies were only available in some cases for offshore fishing, artisanal fisheries and fisheries cooperatives and for fishing operations in remote and underdeveloped areas. These subsidies were mainly available in the form of capital subsidies and reduced duty on fuel, and even these were in the process of being further reduced. It was also noted that in comparison to developing countries, more subsidies for fisheries sector were available in the EC, e.g., capital subsidies, reduced tax on fuel, compensation for non-fishing days, minimum prices for catch, etc. The interregional workshop observed that the scope and duration of the studies were limited and participants agreed to expand the monitoring of the economic performance of their fishing industries.
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    Review of the techno-economic performance of the main global fishing fleets 2021
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    This review of the techno-economic performance of the main global fishing fleets discusses the outcomes from 20 country-level studies of fishing fleets from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. It includes financial, socio-economic and technical information from 103 major (semi-) industrial fishing fleet segments, which are responsible for an estimated 39 percent of marine capture fisheries production worldwide. The analysis of vessel characteristics reveals substantial differences in fishing capacity (in terms of vessel length, tonnage and power) between fleet segments. An increase in the gross tonnage of average vessels was observed in fleet segments also covered in previous reviews. Substantial increases in average length overall and engine power were observed in several Asian fishing fleets. The age structure of the fishing fleets in most regions, except Asia, shows an upward trend. An analysis of the costs and earnings data showed that labour and running costs were the two main cost components for the majority of fleet segments. Ninety-two percent of 97 fleet segments reported a positive net cash flow in the year they were surveyed, in the 2016–2019 period. Net profit margins of 10 percent or more were realized by average fishing vessels in 73 percent of the fleet segments. Returns on investment (ROIs) of 10 percent or higher were realized by 61 percent of the fleet segments. The review also discusses developments in fishing technologies. These developments, along with a general increase in seafood prices, successful fisheries management in some areas, and improved fleet capacity management in Europe and North America, have all contributed to the ongoing, positive financial and economic performance of the main global fishing fleets in recent years.
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    Techno-economic performance review of selected fishing fleets in Asia 2020
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    This techno-economic performance review of selected fishing fleets in Asia presents the findings of six country level studies of fishing fleets in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The review includes financial and economic information of 27 major fishing fleet segments, including trawlers, gillnetters, long liners, jiggers, purse seiners, as well as pole and line fishing vessels. An analysis of the costs and earnings data of these important fishing fleet segments in Asia was carried out using national statistics of 2017 for the Japanese and the Korean fleet segments and 2018-19 survey data for the other countries. Eighty-nine percent of the 27 fishing fleet segments reported positive net cash flows. Seventy percent of the fishing fleets realized net profit margins of more than 10 percent. Eighty-one percent of the fishing fleets reported positive results in terms of their capital productivity, as theirs returns on fixed tangible assets (ROFTAs) were positive. The review shows that investments in fishing vessels and fishing operations of these major Asian fishing fleets are generally profitable. Marine capture fishing is a financially viable economic activity in all six major fishing nations included in the review. It generates enough income to cover depreciation costs, interest and loan repayments, and provides sufficient financial resources for reinvestment. Nearly 60 percent of the fishing fleets generated returns on investment (ROIs) of 15 percent and higher, which signals an attractive sector for investments. The total gross value added (GVA) of the 27 fishing fleets to the Asian regional economy was substantial and estimated at around USD 66 billion. The review also reveals a need for adequate management measures, including fleet capacity management plans, to improve the status of fish stock in the region and maintain a healthy and profitable fishing sector.

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