REVERSING ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION TRENDS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND GULF OF THAILAND
 WWW.UNEPSCS.ORG
Need for Improved Management of Fish Stock and Habitat Linkages
v The RWG-F identified an urgent need for a regional initiative that fosters improved management of critical fish stocks and habitat linkages
v It was noted by the RWG-F that:
§ Past environment initiatives, such as the development of MPA systems, have been promoted in terms of benefits to fisheries, but have not effectively integrated fisheries issues into overall planning
§ Sites for marine habitat protection (such as MPAs) have been based on biodiversity rather than fisheries considerations and have had little demonstrable benefit to fish stocks or regional fisheries
§ Fisheries ministries and departments are focused on sustaining yields in face of high community dependence and participation in small-scale fisheries, and have little experience working with the environment sector
§ “Prohibition” of fishing in any coastal area is a difficult if not futile task