Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
2.4.5 Gaps in application of modern conservation approaches and tools
Even in areas covered by regional agreements, this coverage does not necessarily translate
to comprehensive ecosystem-based management of all biodiversity. Many agreements only
cover specific species, rather than all fisheries and biodiversity. Similarly, many agreements
(particularly older agreements and those covering only one or a few species) do not yet in-
corporate modern conservation principles, such as the ecosystem approach and precaution-
ary approach, and do not comprehensively take into account the impact of fishing activities
on the environment, or on non-target species (i.e. by-catch). While many RFMOs have now
identified and protected vulnerable marine ecosystems on the deep seabed, these efforts are
far from comprehensive. Of the regional seas agreements, only OSPAR and the Antarctic
Treaty have made progress in identification and declaration of marine protected areas in the
global commons. These two agreements are also the only ones with environmental impact
assessment provisions.
An additional challenge for the international community is to bring agreements into
force once negotiations have been concluded. Of the fisheries agreements, the Antigua Con-
vention and SPRFMA are not yet in force.
