Migratory Fish Stocks in Transboundary Basins — Implications for Governance, Management and Research

Abstract

Migratory fish species move between habitats in order to complete their life- cycles, and are therefore vulnerable not only to fisheries, but also to habitat degradation and loss of connectivity between habitats. In order to conserve migratory fish stocks fisheries must be properly managed, critical habitats maintained and rehabilitated where they have been degraded, and connectivity between habitats ensured. In river basins shared between various countries concerted efforts are needed as impacts in one part of the basin may affect fisheries elsewhere. In inland waters, fisheries compete with different stakeholders and powerful economic interests for access to water resources. Governments are responsible for setting goals for their river basins, elaborate river basins plans and follow up with appropri- ate legislation in compliance with international agreements e.g. FAO CCRF, Ramsar, CITES and CMS. Keywords: