The role of technical measures in European fisheries management and how to make them work better

Abstract

Technical measures such as gear restrictions are commonly used in European fisheries management. Many of the measures are aimed primarily at protecting juveniles. Although they are assumed to provide both biological and economic benefits, proper evaluation of their effects relative to what is intended is often not possible because of a lack of adequate follow-up studies. Moreover, technical measures usually are used in conjunction with other management measures, which greatly complicate the analysis. We describe the principal factors affecting their effectiveness to find the approaches that may help to improve performance. Many regulations are enforced inconsistently, and their implementation is often less restrictive than originally intended. Moreover, trying to solve one problem frequently creates new ones. The successful use of technical measures appears to depend largely on their acceptance by industry. Measures that increase costs or reduce earnings are unattractive, so if short-term effects are not accounted for, the potential long-term gains may never materialize. Successful management actions have addressed these problems. Although technical measures may conserve resource, particularly to supplement a broader management policy, new regulations should be planned with great care, and any measures should be tested properly before implementation. © 2007 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Oxford Journals. All rights reserved.