Safeguarding Our Seas: Fisheries Management and Policy Training Course

Introduction

Global fish stocks are facing unprecedented pressures from overexploitation, habitat degradation, and the accelerating impacts of climate change, jeopardizing marine biodiversity, food security, and the livelihoods of millions. Effective fisheries management and robust policy frameworks are therefore not just desirable but absolutely critical to reversing these trends and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our aquatic resources. This requires a nuanced understanding of biological, ecological, socio-economic, and governance dimensions.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of modern fisheries management and policy. From mastering stock assessment techniques and developing science-based management plans to navigating complex regulatory frameworks, fostering stakeholder engagement, and addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, you will gain the expertise to contribute to sustainable and resilient fisheries. This empowers you to champion responsible practices, secure vital food sources, and promote equitable benefits for coastal communities and beyond.

Target Audience

  • Fisheries Managers and Administrators.
  • Policy Makers and Regulators in Fisheries and Marine Sectors.
  • Marine Scientists and Fisheries Biologists.
  • Environmental Conservationists and NGOs working on marine issues.
  • Fishing Industry Representatives (commercial and artisanal).
  • Researchers and Academics in Fisheries Science and Policy.
  • Development Practitioners focusing on Food Security and Rural Livelihoods.
  • International Organization Staff involved in Fisheries Governance.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of fisheries science, ecology, and socio-economics.
  • Grasp the concepts of sustainable yield, stock assessment, and population dynamics.
  • Analyze various management tools and measures used in fisheries regulation.
  • Comprehend the role of international and national legal and policy frameworks in fisheries governance.
  • Evaluate strategies for combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
  • Develop practical skills in designing, implementing, and monitoring fisheries management plans.
  • Navigate the complexities of stakeholder engagement, co-management, and conflict resolution in fisheries.
  • Formulate robust policies that balance ecological sustainability with socio-economic benefits for fishing communities.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to Fisheries Science and Ecology
  • Overview of global fisheries: status, trends, and importance to food security and livelihoods
  • Fish Biology : life cycles, growth, reproduction, and mortality
  • Aquatic ecosystems: marine, freshwater, and brackish environments
  • Food webs and trophic levels in aquatic environments
  • Concepts of fish stock, population dynamics, and sustainable yield
  1. Principles of Sustainable Fisheries Management
  • Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) : concept, limitations, and alternative reference points
  • Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM): principles and approaches
  • The precautionary approach to fisheries management
  • Adaptive management in fisheries: learning by doing
  • Socio-economic considerations in fisheries management: livelihoods, economic viability, equity
  1. Fisheries Stock Assessment and Data Collection
  • Methods of Stock Assessment : direct (surveys) and indirect (catch and effort data) methods
  • Data collection for fisheries management: catch, effort, biological data, socio-economic data
  • Age-structured and production models for stock assessment
  • Uncertainty in fisheries science and its implications for management
  • Role of scientific advice in policy-making
  1. Fisheries Management Tools and Measures
  • Technical Measures : gear restrictions, mesh size regulations, closed areas, closed seasons
  • Input Controls : limits on fishing effort (e.g., vessel numbers, fishing days)
  • Output Controls : Total Allowable Catch (TAC), quotas, individual transferable quotas (ITQs)
  • Rights-based fisheries management
  • Area-based management: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and their role in fisheries
  1. Fisheries Policy and Legal Frameworks
  • International Fisheries Law : UNCLOS, UN Fish Stocks Agreement, FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
  • National fisheries legislation and regulations
  • Role of regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs)
  • Enforcement and compliance mechanisms in fisheries law
  • Policy coherence across sectors (e.g., fisheries, environment, trade)
  1. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
  • Definition and Impacts of IUU Fishing : ecological, economic, social consequences
  • Causes and drivers of IUU fishing
  • International instruments to combat IUU fishing: Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), flag state responsibilities
  • Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) systems: VMS, observers, aerial surveillance
  • Market-based measures to combat IUU fishing
  1. Co-management and Stakeholder Participation
  • Principles of Co-management : shared responsibility and decision-making
  • Engaging diverse stakeholders: fishers, communities, industry, NGOs, scientists
  • Conflict resolution and negotiation skills in fisheries management
  • Building trust and fostering collaboration
  • Gender considerations in fisheries management and policy
  1. Climate Change Impacts on Fisheries and Adaptation Strategies
  • Impacts of Climate Change : ocean warming, acidification, shifting fish stocks, extreme weather events
  • Vulnerability assessment of fisheries to climate change
  • Adaptation Measures : diversified livelihoods, resilient infrastructure, adaptive management
  • Mitigation strategies within the fisheries sector (e.g., reducing fuel consumption)
  • International cooperation on climate change and fisheries
  1. Socio-Economic Aspects of Fisheries
  • Livelihoods and Food Security : dependence of coastal communities on fisheries
  • Economic value chains in fisheries: harvesting, processing, marketing
  • Trade in fish and fishery products
  • Poverty alleviation and equitable distribution of benefits from fisheries
  • Social impacts of management decisions and displacement
  1. Emerging Issues and Future Directions in Fisheries Management
  • Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) Implementation : challenges and opportunities
  • Traceability and certification schemes for sustainable seafood
  • Small-scale fisheries governance: challenges and policy needs
  • Blue Economy and its relationship with sustainable fisheries
  • Digitalization and technology in fisheries management: AI, blockchain, data analytics
  • The future of global fisheries: challenges and pathways to sustainability.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Safeguarding Our Seas: Fisheries Management And Policy Training Course in France
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