Incorporation of Fisheries Policy into Regional Blocs?—Lessons from the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy

• Published in: Fishes Vol. 7; no. 3; p. 102
• Main Author: Li, Shuo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 28.04.2022
• Subjects: Boundaries; Common Fisheries Policy; Cooperation; COVID-19; cross-border fisheries management; Economic incentives; Economics; Efficiency; Environmental impact; European Union; Fish industry; Fisheries; fisheries governance; Fisheries management; Fishery development; Fishery management; Fishery policies; Fishery policy; Globalization; international cooperation; International organizations; issues and policy; Liberalization; Management; Pandemics; Protectionism; regional blocs; Regions; Supply chains; United Kingdom; Asia; United States > US; China; Africa
• ISSN: 2410-3888; 2410-3888
• DOI: 10.3390/fishes7030102

As globalization is facing increasing challenges, regionalization demonstrates the potential to effectively address many transboundary issues. Current international fisheries management has attracted criticisms, among which the poor incentives for countries to attend and comply with the rules are notable. This paper aims to explore whether the incorporation of fisheries policies into regional economic blocs can be a solution to improve cross-border fisheries management. The development, problems, and future of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European Union are explored in detail. This paper concludes that the evolution and implementation of the CFP provide some precious lessons for the world. An appropriately designed regional fisheries scheme would help to create incentives for countries to participate in regional regimes and improve their fisheries management. Economic incentives, a good institutional design, and financial and scientific support are critical factors in favor of adopting common fisheries policies under regional economic frameworks.