Shared fish stocks: Bioecology, management and applied aspects in Brazil

Abstract

The management and assessment of shared fish stocks are the main focus of international discussions. They can be classified as transboundary, highly migratory, straddling and high sea stocks and their management requires knowledge about fish stocks potentials and biology, which must be always monitored. Game Theory basic concepts can be applied to shared fish stocks management, which follows two systems: non-cooperative and cooperative. The cooperative system may either involve or not equality among participants. Cooperation establishment begins with research cooperation, bargain being essential. If adopted, management cooperation involves discussion on marine limits, exploitation strategies, quotas allocation and illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries. Several commercially important species are shared by Brazil and neighbor countries. Fishing cooperation is being established with French Guiana, Surinam and Guyana through WECAFC, but not yet with Uruguay and Argentina to the south in spite of CARPAS action in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Brazil and these countries must coordinate efficiently political and administrative efforts to manage shared fish stocks competently, following international guidelines for their sustainable use.