Fiskepolitik

Fiskepolitik refers to the policy framework and measures that govern fishing activities, manage fish stocks, and protect marine ecosystems. It seeks to ensure sustainable harvest levels, the long-term viability of fishing communities, food security, and the health of marine environments.

Core instruments include catch limits such as Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas; effort controls like days-at-sea or licensing; gear and technical measures (mesh sizes, bycatch limits, protected areas); size limits; and discard reduction programs.

Monitoring and enforcement rely on port-state control, onboard observers or remote monitoring, vessel tracking systems, and sanctions for violations. Data collection and scientific assessment underpin decision-making, with stock assessments guiding target harvests.

Governance varies by jurisdiction. In the European Union, the Common Fisheries Policy coordinates quotas among member states, supports multiannual management plans, technical measures, and the landing obligation to reduce discards, and is funded in part by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. Outside the EU, national policies, regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), and international agreements under UNCLOS shape fishing rights and conservation obligations.

Key challenges include overfishing and stock declines, climate change effects, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and market pressures. Policy debates focus on balancing conservation with livelihoods, improving data quality, reducing administrative burdens, and expanding ecosystem-based approaches. Proponents argue for precautionary, transparent, and adaptable policies; critics point to enforcement gaps and social impacts on small-scale fishers.