Publication Abstract

An analysis of existing Rights Based Management (RBM) instruments in Member States and on setting up best practices in the EU

This report presents a review and analysis of the rights-based management (RBM) systems in place in EU coastal Member States, performed under contract FISH/2007/03. Rights-based approaches to fisheries management have shown potential for promoting biologically sustainable and economically viable fisheries in several parts of the world. Whilst fisheries management is a Community responsibility, under the framework of the reformed EU common fisheries policy (CFP), economic management of fishing rights is a national responsibility and in practice, many Member States have already implemented RBM approaches in a range of fisheries across the EU. This study satisfies the need, identified by the Commission, for a review of these existing RBM practices. It analyses the attributes and effects of RBM systems and investigates their degree of success in contributing to achievement of the CFP objectives of sustainability of exploitation of stocks, matching fleet size with available fish resources, and economic viability of the fishing industry.

The accompanying Catalogue of RBM instruments in coastal EU Member States (Part II of this report) describes the features of the main RBM systems in place in each Member State and scores them against four attributes: Exclusivity, Validity, Security and Transferability. Also described are drivers for the establishment of RBM, the evolution of the systems and how the systems address or affect a number of issues: concentration of fishing rights; protection of small-scale fisheries; access of newcomers; access of nationals of other Member States; and potential effects on discards.

http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/publications/studies_reports_en.htm

Parkes, G., Walmsley, S.F., Savage, S., Cunningham, S., Aranda, M., Sverdrup-Jensen, S., Cotter*, J., Little*, A., Macfadyen, G., Hodgson, S. and Arnason, R.

An analysis of existing Rights Based Management (RBM) instruments in Member States and on setting up best practices in the EU. Final Report. London: MRAG Ltd. 117 pages.