Fish for Thought: Fisheries, International Trade and Sustainable Development

Abstract

THE world's fisheries are in crisis with declining yields and rising demands. Fish for Thought is the first in a series of papers that will flag issues at the intersection of fisheries, international trade and sustainable development. The main function of this paper is to outline the pressures of international trade on the increasing demand to harvest fish sustainably and to outline the perceived tensions between international trade in fish, fish products, fisheries services and sustainable development. While Dommen has set out to convene policy dialogues on fisheries, international trade and sustainable development, she acknowledges that this paper does not aim to be exhaustive, nor to suggest policy options. Rather, the author highlights gaps in our knowledge regarding fisheries, international trade and sustainable development that require further attention and analysis. This paper is an excellent introduction to the effects of trade and fisheries, making it a valuable reference work for those interested in the fundamental issues and problems plaguing the fisheries industry.