Fisheries in the Southwest Indian Ocean: Trends and Governance Challenges

Abstract

This assessment presents an overview of the current and prospective fisheries in the context of other transnational issues that affect the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) region. It also examines key governance challenges, as well as trade-offs that can be made in the short and long term to meet the needs and interests of local fisher communities, national governments, and the international trade mechanisms that shape the region’s maritime policies. Finally, it reviews the work of regional and global fishery organizations in managing the IO fisheries.