If carried out successfully, the EAF management process will highlight areas of uncertainty and show where further research is still required. It will identify the priority research needs for fishery management and assist in guiding research investment.
Examples of relevant areas of research that would lead to improved ability to implement effective EAF include the following.
Ecosystems and fishery impact assessments
Collection of better information on ecosystem function and assessment of the impact of fishing on non-target species through bycatch and discarding.
Socio-economic considerations
Investigations into the application of an integrated environmental and economic accounting framework to the assessment and analysis of the interactions between fisheries and other sectors of the economy.
Assessment of management measures
Further research on gear selectivity to reduce undesirable bycatches.
Identification of species suitable for restocking and stock enhancement programmes.
Assessment and improving management measures
Improvements in the compilation of data for management plans.
Research to further enhance and develop participatory processes.
Monitoring and assessments
The development of simpler rapid appraisal methods (in the field and at the analytical level). Identification of practical and feasible sets of indicators and reference points that could be used in EAF.