Enhancing regional cooperation in Fisheries Access Agreement (FAA) for Shared Fish Stocks

Abstract

This advocacy note looks at enhancing regional cooperation in Fisheries Access Agreement (FAA) for Shared Fish Stocks. The potential of the fisheries sector to contribute to poverty reduction and improved socio-economic benefits to populations have not been optimally exploited. It is estimated that the continent loses between US$2-US$5 billion annually due to mismanagement in the sector. Part of this loss can be attributed to poorly negotiated bilateral FAA. Reforms, as advocated in this Paper, are essential to ensure the fisheries resources, particularly the transboundary stocks are conserved and managed sustainably.

This Advocacy paper is a synthesis of series of reports based on activities conducted under the project ‘Strengthening Institutional Capacity to enhance governance of the fisheries sector in Africa’, Project number: DCI-FOOD 2013/331 -056’ funded by the EU.