fisheriesalongside

Fisheries alongside is a term used to describe an integrated approach to managing fisheries in a way that allows them to operate alongside other marine uses and conservation objectives. It envisions planning and governance that coordinate fishing activity with sectors such as shipping, tourism, energy development, and habitat protection, rather than treating fishing in isolation.

The concept rests on several core principles. It emphasizes holistic, ecosystem-based management, precaution in the face of uncertainty, and transparent, inclusive decision-making that involves fishers, communities, scientists, and other stakeholders. Spatial planning and multi-use zoning are common tools, aiming to minimize conflicts and distribute ocean space and time fairly among different activities. Data sharing, monitoring, and adaptive management are important to adjust rules as conditions change.

Implementation typically involves mechanisms such as Marine Spatial Planning, co-management arrangements, and licensing that accounts for other users and ecosystem considerations. Tools may include time- and place-based restrictions, flexible gear rules, environmental impact assessments, and conflict-resolution processes. The approach seeks to maintain or improve tuna, groundfish, shellfish, and other stocks while safeguarding habitats and reducing bycatch and ecosystem impact.

Benefits are often described as reduced user conflicts, more predictable operations for fishers and other industries, and increased resilience of coastal economies. Critics caution that successful implementation requires strong governance, reliable data, and power balance among stakeholders, or risks simply relocating conflicts rather than resolving them.

Related concepts include Marine Spatial Planning, ecosystem-based management, and co-management.