Chapter 4. OECD country and non-OECD economy snapshots1
This chapter provides additional country-level data and details on institutions and policies based on contributions by participating countries and economies.
Argentina
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In 2016, Argentina started developing a strategy to implement ecosystem based fisheries management with support from the Global Environment Facility programme.
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In 2015, the National Plan of Action to reduce the number of interactions with marine mammals was approved. This came after earlier approved action plans to protect seabirds and sharks.
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Since 2015, a new system of on-board cameras has been implemented to assure better compliance with regulations to strengthen control and surveillance over the fisheries sector.
Australia
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Under its newly developed National Aquaculture Strategy, Australia aims to double the value of its existing AUD 1.2 billion (USD 0.9 billion) aquaculture industry by 2027.
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In March 2017, a national seafood industry representative body was established with AUD 535 000 of seed funding from the Australian Government. The new body will be the voice of the industry at the national level and promote a viable and sustainable seafood industry with representation from the wild-catch, aquaculture and post-harvest sectors.
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In November 2015, the Australian Government published a framework for conducting recreational fishing surveys and committed to undertaking regular surveys to collect data on the social and economic impact of recreational fishing.
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Australia signed three international agreements in 2015 and 2016 that will reduce or eliminate tariffs on the trade of fisheries products.
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Stocks managed solely by the Australian Government were found to be free of overfishing in the annual Fishery Status Report 2016.
Belgium
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Belgium ended its overcapacity period by decreasing the number of vessels. The Belgian fleet counted 72 vessels in 2016, four less than in the previous year and a decrease from 100 vessels in 2008.
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Belgium’s Operational Programme (OP) contributes to increasing the sustainability of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, from both an economic and environmental standpoint. Investment and increases in selectivity drive the core strategy for fisheries. For aquaculture, increased investments in production capacity combined with greater exchange of knowledge and research aim to increase production.
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The Belgian government actively supports work on a strategy to operationalise a maritime spatial planning exercise in the European Union.
Canada
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Results of the Sustainability Survey for Fisheries (SSF) were published for the first time in 2016, reporting on progress towards implementation of the policies within the Sustainable Fisheries Framework (SFF). While most fisheries have been brought into alignment with multiple elements of the SSF, additional work remains.
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On World Oceans Day, June 8, 2016, Canada announced its commitment to increase marine conservation from approximately 1% of Canada’s vast marine and coastal areas to 5% by 2017 and 10% by 2020. In October of 2017, Canada announced that it has achieved the 5% target.
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In 2016, a review of the 2012 Fisheries Act amendments began – one of several environmental legislative and regulatory reviews concurrently underway. The review is focused on gaps in protection under the current legislation and on how to incorporate modern safeguards to protect and conserve fish and fish habitats.
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In July 2015, after four years of development, the Aquaculture Activities Regulations (AAR) – the first national aquaculture regulations – came into effect. Under authority of the Fisheries Act, the AAR provides greater environmental assurances and regulatory stability for businesses.
Chile
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Chile’s legislative framework in for 2014-18 includes a portfolio of new regulations that focus on the development of artisanal fishing and small-scale aquaculture. The establishment of the National Institute of Sustainable Development of Artisanal Fisheries and Small-Scale Aquaculture is close to final approval by the National Congress.
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Action has been taken in recent years to tackle illegal fishing in Chile’s waters. The National Congress is discussing a bill which would strengthen the authority of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service, an executive body that supervises compliance with fisheries and aquaculture regulations.
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Chile is investing in initiatives that reduce the vulnerability of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors to climate change. Several measures are underway that aim at better adaptive capacity, including the Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Fisheries and Aquaculture approved in 2015.
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In 2016, Chile’s fisheries and aquaculture suffered form an unusually intense harmful algae bloom. Wide areas were closed for production by sanitary authorities. An extremely high concentration of toxins in harvested fish and cultivated mussels months after the outbreak resulted in a series of modifications in sanitary control and surveillance processes.
People’s Republic of China
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The 13th five year plan (2016-2020) envisions a more sustainable and market-oriented fishery in the People’s Republic of China (hereafter “China”), continuing a shift away from past emphasis on increasing production.
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The diesel fuel subsidy will be progressively reduced to 40% of the 2014 amount by 2019, with the funds shifted to fisheries resources conservation, vessel modernisation and infrastructure.
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Artificial restocking, artificial reefs and seasonal closures are the main measures used for restoration of fish stocks.
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Distant water fisheries are the main source of growth in capture fisheries landings, while aquaculture is the main source of growth in total fish production.
Colombia
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In 2015 and 2016, progress has been made with the implementation of the "Comprehensive policy for the development of sustainable fisheries in Colombia". At the same time, the legislative process has advanced on the introduction of the law on illegal fishing activities.
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In 2016, Colombia allocated approximately USD 14 million to the development of fisheries and aquaculture industry, nearly triple (considering values in USD) compared with 2011. Most of the budget is earmarked for research and development.
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Colombia continues to struggle with environmental issues affecting the availability of fisheries resources. The causes include poor water quality due to pollution from inland activities, increased sedimentation following deforestation, climate variability and overfishing.
Czech Republic
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The Czech Republic will receive support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) according to European Union (EU) regulations. The funds will support aquaculture in the aim of making the sector more productive without compromising sustainability and conservation goals. The total budget for the Operational Programme (OP) is approximately EUR 41 million (USD 55 million) for the period 2014-20.
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Additional government financial transfers, of approximately EUR 5 million (USD 5.5 million) annually in the last years, represent a broad spectrum of the supports for freshwater aquaculture.
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The government is also funding actions aimed at boosting fish consumption in the country; these measures include investments in improved market organisation and marketing to consumers.
Denmark
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Denmark is preparing for the launch of a new scheme for coastal fisheries in 2017. More quotas for cod, sole and plaice will be transferred from the part of the quota reserved for vessels with individual transferable quotas (ITQs) to strengthen the sector. For the first time, quotas for Norway lobster, turbot, sprat, herring and saithe will be introduced. This initiative is part of an effort to improve the functioning of the transferable fishing concessions system in Denmark.
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The National Strategic Plan for Development of Sustainable Aquaculture 2014-2020 is in progress. The goal is a 25% increase in aquaculture output with a focus on eco-friendly production.
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New measures for the protection of reef structures in Kattegat and the Western Baltic Sea were formulated in 2016 and forwarded to the European Commission (EC) as joint recommendations. The initiatives are part of the final implementation of the Natura 2000 directives for marine designated sites.
Estonia
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A new smartphone application for fishers will improve and simplify electronic record-keeping of catches.
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A multi-annual plan to manage Baltic fish stocks is now in effect, covering Baltic herring, sprat, cod and salmon.
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Primary production remains stable although a Russian Federation embargo on European Union (EU) food imports, in place since 2014 and expanded in 2015, has affected prices and trade flows.
France
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France has substantially increased the coverage of marine protected areas (MPAs) with almost 22% of waters under French jurisdiction designated as protected areas at the beginning of 2017, compared to 4% at the beginning of 2014.
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France is one of the largest aquaculture producers in the European Union (EU). In 2014, total aquaculture production amounted to 203 000 tonnes, of which 155 000 tonnes of farmed shellfish. 3 200 enterprises, employing over 10 000 people, are active in this sector, generating an overall turnover of EUR 730 million.
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In 2016, France embarked on a wide-ranging process of procedural harmonisation and simplification for enterprises in the fisheries sector.
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61% of budgetary support was directed to management of resources in 2015.
Germany
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A 2014 notification allowing enterprises to improve efficiency and reduce capacity without the risk of consequently being allocated less quota resulted in five successfully completed proceedings between 2015 and 2016.
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Decommissioning has resulted in the continued reduction of German fishing vessel numbers, predominantly those less than 12 m in length, but the fleet’s overall tonnage has increased.
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Changes to Germany’s Sea Fisheries Act in 2015 have increased the country's capacity to penalise infringements of fisheries rules.
Greece
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National planning for aquaculture and simplified formalities for licensing have been put in place to encourage growth in the sector.
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Profits have increased as fuel costs decline, but the long-term economic viability of the small-scale fleet remains uncertain.
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Gear bans have been established in certain regions following a seagrass mapping exercise that identified vulnerable areas.
Iceland
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Identifying an approach to ensure the resource rent tax that vessel operators pay on landed catch reflects the real economic rents accrued by the industry is an ongoing policy priority.
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There is a push to increase aquaculture output and permitted levels of production increased in 2015. Production has been following an increasing trend in recent years and this is expected to continue in 2016-17.
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Iceland is an export-oriented seafood producer and the appreciating krona, driven by recent increases in tourism, has put downward pressure on the value of export earnings.
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A changing climate is influencing the distribution and accessibility of some stocks, necessitating continued international collaboration on the issue and requiring future policy decisions to account for these changes.
Indonesia
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Indonesia has become the second-largest producer of fish, crustaceans and aquatic plants globally by volume, after the People’s Republic of China (hereafter “China”), notably due to a boom in aquaculture production dominated by seaweed.
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Since the election of President Widodo in 2014, maritime and fisheries policy has been a central priority for the Indonesian government. The budget of the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) doubled in 2015.
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The Indonesian government has taken significant measures to combat illegal fishing piloted by the Presidential Task Force to Combat Illegal Fishing, which co-ordinates the actions of all administrative bodies concerned under the authority of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. A permanent moratorium on fishing by ex-foreign vessels operating within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and a ban on transhipment at sea were adopted in 2014.
Ireland
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The National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF), established by the Irish Government to facilitate the discussion of inshore fisheries issues and to foster industry-led development of proposals, is now operational and met nine times over the 2015-16 period.
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In its 2015 National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development the Irish Government introduced a set of ‘Guiding Principles for the Sustainable Development of Aquaculture’, and ‘Scale Limits for Individual Offshore Salmon Farms’.
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A review of Ireland’s regulatory framework for aquaculture licensing was initiated in 2016 with recommendations due in the first half of 2017.
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By the end of 2016 the assessment of likely interactions between aquaculture activities and conservation features of designated NATURA sites had been completed for 22 bays with aquaculture activities in Ireland.
Italy
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Italy is in the process of implementing the second phase of its National Operational Programme for fisheries and aquaculture. The key objective is to improve the competitiveness of its seafood industry. The total budget of the programme is nearly EUR 1 billion (USD 1.3 billion).
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The portfolio of regulations targeting small-scale fishers is growing. Italy is focusing on reversing the decline of coastal communities and allocates funds to support sustainable development of traditionally fisheries-dependent areas. It also promotes diversification into tourist services and recreational fishing.
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Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Good Environmental Status of the seas defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive is challenging in Italy. The measures adopted through the regulatory instruments of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are intended to serve this purpose.
Japan
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Government support to the fisheries sector in 2015 was JPY 227 billion (USD 1.9 billion), representing an increase of 3% from 2014. Most of the support went to general services for the fisheries sector such as management resources and infrastructure.
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In 2015, the Japanese government set catch quotas for Pacific bluefin tuna for troll fishing, set-net fishing and purse seine fishery in accordance with the Conservation and Management Measure adopted by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
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The 7th Basic Plan for Fish Farming in Japan was established in 2015. The plan aims to further promote fish farming for aquaculture production and to restore depleted fish stocks.
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In 2016, the Fisheries Agency developed the Seaweed Beds and Tidal Flats Vision to conserve these areas and restore habitats for fisheries resources. The Vision proposes practical measures in response to the shrinkage of these areas.
Korea
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In 2016, Korea adopted a five year master plan (2016-2020) for the development of fisheries related industries and fishing villages. The plan supports the sustainability of fisheries, food safety and fishing communities. The new integrated plan aims to increase policy effectiveness, by harmonising previously fragmented plans.
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The government’s support to the fisheries sector in 2015 was KRW 482 billion (USD 426 million), a 29% decrease compared with the 2009-2011 average. Support policies for the sector continue to provide low interest loans to small fishers to secure their businesses, and vessel decommissioning to maintain fleet size at sustainable levels.
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In 2016, the vessel buyback programme underwent reforms. The government can now designate special vessel types which could deplete fisheries resources and require vessels demonstrating a history of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing to register for the programme starting in 2017.
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The government enacted the Fish Seed Industry Development Law in 2015 to develop the aquaculture industry and launched a pilot project to provide consultant services to fish seed businesses. An aircraft-mounted camera monitoring system, introduced in 2015, improved analysis and estimation of production and market prices.
Latvia
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An electronic fish product traceability system is in development to improve control of fishing activity. The existing traceability system is based on paper documents with a unique traceability number. The new electronic system provides more flexibility, convenience and reduces paper use.
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New technical control measures for vessels participating in Baltic fisheries are under development within the context of the Baltic Sea Fisheries Forum (BALTFISH).
Lithuania
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The new Fisheries Law extends the use of transferable rights to fishing quotas to the long-distance fishing fleet and small scale Baltic Sea fisheries. This extension is already in place for inland waters and the large-scale Baltic Sea fleet and now covers almost all fisheries and fleet segments.
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A new traceability system was created and came into force in early 2017. The system is based on electronic record-keeping and is implemented by the Fisheries Service under the Ministry of Agriculture.
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A target has been set to increase the production volume of aquaculture by 66% and the production value by 111% by 2022.
Mexico
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The government of Mexico is currently implementing the National Development Plan 2013-2018 and the Sectorial Program of Farming and Fishing of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food. The programmes put an emphasis on the need for improved competitiveness in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the country.
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Mexico is in the process of restructuring its fisheries and aquaculture related regulations. The goal is to establish a procedure for regular updating of regulations in order to assure efficient conservation of available resources.
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Digitalisation plays an important role in the development of the aquaculture sector in Mexico. A small number of new web-based services are available. The goal is to support efficient operations, assure transparency in compliance with regulations and accelerate the permit application process.
Netherlands
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The economic performance of the Dutch fleet has improved and further profit growth is expected in 2015 and 2016 as a result of higher landings of valuable species, higher fish prices, lower energy costs due to decreasing fuel prices and use of fuel saving techniques.
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Financial support has been directed mainly towards data collection, better management and use of collected data, as well as the promotion of environmentally sustainable, resource-efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge-based production techniques.
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Catch limits have been adopted for sea bass – for commercial fishing as well as for recreational fisheries – in the Atlantic and North Sea to prevent the stock from collapsing.
New Zealand
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In 2015 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) undertook a process of engagement to obtain public, stakeholder and Maori comment on the current operation of the fisheries management system. This had the objective of ensuring the management system is able to provide sustainable fisheries resources for all of New Zealand. Throughout 2016 a major work programme called Future of our Fisheries was developed on the basis of the feedback received and is now working towards informing proposed regulatory changes in the areas of electronic monitoring and trawl technology.
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Since 2016, all vessels operating within New Zealand’s fisheries waters must be New Zealand flagged and are subject to all relevant domestic legislation.
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Marine Stewardship Council certification, which recognises the use of sustainable practices, has been extended to an additional three of New Zealand’s fish stocks taking the total number to 21 stocks.
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The Marine Protected Areas Act was proposed during this period, which, if adopted, would enhance, protect and restore marine biodiversity in its coastal marine area by taking a more integrated policy approach to the management of marine resources.
Norway
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A new system for regulating growth in the salmon farming industry was introduced in 2015 and implemented in 2017 based on environmental indicators and production areas. Furthermore, Innovation Licences were introduced, a hybrid of research licences and regular commercial licences aimed at stimulating productivity-enhancing innovations.
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To reduce complexity, a plan to reform the existing quota management system for capture fisheries is under consideration. A resource rent taxation scheme will be part of this process.
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Area-based fisheries management is being progressively introduced, including during this reporting period, to ensure sustainable production and reduce resource conflicts, including through the use of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Poland
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Polish catches from the Baltic Sea have consistently increased during the review period, but the composition of these catches is changing. Cod has traditionally been the most valuable catch but, has recently been replaced by European flounder due to poor cod stock status. Pelagic species, herring and sprat constituted the most valuable fisheries in 2016.
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The largest share of support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund allocated to Poland is intended for the development of aquaculture. Poland aims to become a European Union leader in intensive aquaculture production.
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The assessment of the Baltic Sea environment, where Polish fisheries are concentrated, conducted under the HELCOM HOLAS II project produced mixed results. Hazardous substance pollution is decreasing, but eutrophication remains a key concern. Only three out of eight assessed stocks were classified as being in good status.
Portugal
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Aquaculture output is increasing in Portugal and with support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund it aims to treble the volume produced while also increasing the diversity of species farmed by 2023.
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Sustainable development objectives have resulted in deep sea habitats being protected from trawling, and laws enacted in 2014 pave the way for sustainable spatial planning and aquaculture development.
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The Portuguese fishing sector has recognised the need for management measures and is taking a greater role in the decision-making process.
Slovak Republic
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The Slovak Republic plans to simplify its current certification scheme of aquaculture farms. The goal is to ease access to the sector and encourage new entrants.
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The main objective of investments in the aquaculture sector is to increase domestic fish supply to 80% in volume by 2020, up from current level of 40%. At the same time, funds from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund support a move towards sustainable production which takes into account environmental, social and economic aspects.
Slovenia
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Slovenia’s Operational Programme for 2014-20 allocates the largest share of funds for aquaculture development.
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The poor state of anchovy and sardine stocks in the Adriatic Sea has led to actions to reduce capacity and effort and to preparation of new management plans related to the status of these stocks.
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The government is concerned that reduced fishing opportunities, due to declining stocks, in the Adriatic Sea pose a risk to small-scale fishers.
Spain
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Spain’s investments in fisheries are focused on adapting the fleet to evolving environmental conditions and protecting aquatic biodiversity. Concern about marine ecosystems has resulted in the creation of new marine protected areas (MPAs) and policies to address the impact of fisheries on the marine environment.
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The national strategic plan for aquaculture aims to boost the competitiveness of Spain’s fish farming sector. To this end, detailed plans have been developed to maintain environmental integrity along the production chain.
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Spain is also working towards more transparent aquaculture production by implementing a unified information system that traces seafood origin. In addition, efforts to provide industry with a well-functioning certification scheme are underway.
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Spain is also investing in research to better understand the potential role of the aquaculture industry in global climate change.
Sweden
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Sweden tackles landing obligations by introducing limited transferability of fishing rights in the demersal sector. More flexibility in the system aims at better utilisation of national quotas.
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Land-based aquaculture production increased in Sweden. The changes in the sector are demand driven, following a growing interest in sustainable production techniques.
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The Swedish Government actively supports work on a strategy to operationalise an ecosystem-based fisheries management. The effort aligns with the goal of Good Environmental Status by 2020, following the definition from the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Chinese Taipei
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The Five-Year Program for strengthening international co-operation on combating IUU fishing began in January 2016. It contains several elements, including a legal framework, an international economic and trade strategy, rules for traceability of fish and fisheries products, new regulations for control and management of coastal and offshore fishing vessels in port and at sea.
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Policies and fisheries law have been reinforced in 2015 and 2016 to address overfishing, overcapacity and IUU fishing. This includes better management of vessels operating in different fisheries as well as regulations adopted by RFMOs to implement effective measures to combat IUU fishing.
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Major policy changes include the establishment of a National Plan of Action - Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (NPOA-IUU), reinforcing monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) measures, enhancing catch traceability and promoting of sustainable aquaculture and traceability of fisheries products.
Thailand
In 2015 and 2016, Thailand’s governance and management framework for fisheries and aquaculture was structurally reformed to promote sustainable and responsible practices throughout the sector. Key changes include:
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Adoption of the Royal Ordinance on Fisheries (ROF) B.E. 2558, which entered into force in November 2015 and aims to empower relevant authorities to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and unlawful labour practices in the fishing and seafood industries. A National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Fishing was also adopted while a Command Centre for Combating Illegal Fishing (CCCIF) was established under the leadership of the Royal Thai Navy.
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Adoption of a Marine Fisheries Management Plan (MFP), which aims to tackle overfishing and overcapacity of the Thai fishing fleet. In the framework of this plan, a ban on new vessel registration was established in August 2015, as well as a vessel buy-back scheme, more stringent gear regulations, limits on days at sea and Total Allowable Catch (TAC) limits with a maximum sustainable yield (MSY) objective.
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Adoption of a National Plan of Control and Inspection (NPCI), which sets new requirements in terms of the use of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) numbers, Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) and a temporary ban on transhipment.
Turkey
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Turkey is aligning its fisheries and aquaculture regulations with the recommendations of affiliated regional fisheries management organisations and the policy framework of the European Union. A special focus is placed on the development of environmentally friendly fisheries and aquaculture.
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The Government of Turkey financially supports the restructuring of its national fishing fleet aiming for balance between fishing capacity and available marine resources.
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The Government of Turkey is investing in improved control of its fisheries fleet. In 2016 a project introducing the Fishing Vessel Monitoring System was completed. Consequently, vessels landing 90% of the marine catch are subject to continuous monitoring. In addition, a system of electronic logbooks was implemented.
United States
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In 2016, NOAA Fisheries finalised its Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) Policy and Road Map that will facilitate more full integration of EBFM into its fisheries management decisions.
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In 2016, NOAA Fisheries established a rule implementing import provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to reduce marine mammal bycatch.
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In May 2016, NOAA Fisheries released its Marine Aquaculture Strategic Plan to guide development of sustainable marine aquaculture and established the target of expanding US marine aquaculture production at least 50% by the year 2020.
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The 2016 Status of the Stocks Annual Report to Congress on the status of US fisheries reported that 91% of 313 stocks are not subject to overfishing. Two stocks were declared rebuilt in 2016.
European Union
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Recent developments in EU-wide fisheries related policies reflect the ambitious goal of sustainably exploiting fisheries by 2020, mainly through reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. Funding of EUR 5.7 billion (USD 7.6 billion) is allocated to achieve that goal under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
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Meeting the objectives of fisheries policies in the EU is challenging and although progress is steady, it is not uniformly distributed. Progress has been made in the North-East Atlantic region (including also the North Sea and the Baltic Sea), but moving towards maximum sustainable yield in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea remains challenging.
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Development of aquaculture is supported by the EU and is part of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy. In 2015, all Member States finalised Multiannual National Strategic Plans for the promotion of sustainable aquaculture in their countries. Aquaculture is an EMFF priority with EUR 1.2 billion (USD 1.6 billion) worth of support allocated to it.
Note
← 1. The statistical data for Israel are supplied by and under the responsibility of the relevant Israeli authorities. The use of such data by the OECD is without prejudice to the status of the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank under the terms of international law.