However, management is often complicated by deficient or unavailable data and inadequate systems of administration. And challenges exist in enforcing conservation and management measures adopted by regional fisheries organizations.

Governance problems are of even greater concern in areas where no RFMO/As currently exist with a mandate to manage deep-sea fisheries. These areas include the Arctic, Central and Southwest Atlantic. In these areas, regulation of fishing is left to the discretion of individual flag States. States are obliged to cooperate with other States on the conservation of marine living resources in the high seas and in developing appropriate management measures where nationals exploit similar resources or different resources in the same area. States are also asked to set up regional fisheries organizations where appropriate. (See articles 117 and 118 of UNCLOS).