The Programme supports partner countries with the implementation of the ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF), including the development and implementation of EAF management plans. To do so, the Programme facilitates the collection and analysis of relevant fisheries data, including social and economic data. This increases the understanding of the importance of the fishery sector and of marine ecosystems in the local and national economies, as well as the implications of alternative management strategies on social and economic outcomes.  

The Programme also provides support to the setting up of Fisheries Management Cycles (FMC), and the establishment of management systems for managing fisheries on shared resources, and mainstreaming shared stock management systems at the national level. 

While the Programme is not be able to address all the elements of the sustainability challenge that characterize fisheries in developing countries, it builds on past efforts and focuses on the development of effective fisheries management processes in each of the main regions/ecosystems and partner countries. A Tracking Tool to monitor implementation of EAF was developed and is now available to national and regional partners. 

Resources and tools