Management objectives are formally adopted goals for a stock and fishery. Within a harvest strategy, operational objectives must be specific and measurable, with associated timelines and minimum required likelihoods that they can be achieved. Setting management objectives is the critical first step in developing a harvest strategy. They set the vision for the fishery and provide mechanisms for measuring the strategy’s long-term success. Management objectives can be modified, but if the harvest strategy is going to be effective, it’s critical that modifications occur only if the vision for the fishery truly changes, rather than as a means to justify a desired short-term outcome.
One of the most critical steps in the harvest strategy development process is choosing the levels of risk that will guide future fishery decisions. Often, these levels are codified in the fishery’s management objectives. Risk is defined in terms of the likelihood of a negative outcome, such as stock collapse or breaching the limit reference point. Conversely, it can establish the probability of success, such as the chance of achieving a target reference point or not breaching the limit reference point. Consistent with the precautionary approach, managers should set low levels of risk tolerance in cases of greater uncertainty. Risk-averse management is preferable because it helps ensure a high probability of achieving the status and safety objectives for a fishery. Alternatively, establishing over-conservative risk levels can result in forgone yield, and so a balance must be struck to ensure suitably precautionary risk tolerances without unnecessary sacrifices in catch.
.
Guidelines for Risk
FACTSHEET: Management Objectives; Language Options: Español 🇪🇸 • Français 🇫🇷 • 日本 🇯🇵 • ไทย 🇹🇭
ICCAT’s annual meeting is here, and big steps for sustainable #Tuna & #Swordfish management are on the table! With new management procedures proposed, ICCAT is poised to expand its impact on safeguarding key marine resources. #HarvestStrategies #ICCAT
🌊 Exciting opportunities ahead for #SustainableFisheries! With new HCRs on the table for key fish stocks in the Mediterranean, big changes could be coming. Read our latest blog to learn more about what’s at stake at GFCM next week. #HarvestStrategies
🌊 NEW BLOG by guest writer Daniel Suddaby from Global Tuna Alliance! Dive into his decade-long journey with #HarvestStrategies and building capacity and ensuring compliance for sustainable tuna fisheries, from early challenges to global progress.
May 3, 2024
harveststrategies.org serves as a resource for fisheries scientists, managers, and other stakeholders, compiling information about how harvest strategies work and how implementing this pioneering management approach can lead to sustainable, profitable fisheries and successful recovery programs for many species around the world. The site is managed by The Ocean Foundation’s International Fisheries Conservation Project with support from The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Common Oceans Tuna Fisheries Project, which is funded by GEF and implemented by FAO.