Fisheries co-management is flexible and cooperative management of the aquatic resources by the user groups and the government.Sen S., Nielsen JR. 1996. Fisheries co-management: a comparative analysis. Marine Policy 20(5):405–418. The responsibility of the resource is shared between the user groups and the government, both the community and the government are involved during the decision making, implementation and enforcement processes.

Types of co-management

Depending on the level of participation between the government and the community, five different types of co-management have been identified. * Instructive Instructive management is

top down "Top Down" is a song by American hip hop record producer and recording artist Swizz Beatz, included as the eighth track from his debut studio album ''One Man Band Man'' (2007). "Top Down" contains Sampling (music), samples of swirls and riotous b ...

management from the government.Jentoft S., McCay B. 1995. User participation in fisheries management: Lessons drawn from international experiences. Marine Policy 19(3): 227–246. The government instructs the fishermen as to what laws and policies they are required to follow. Information is only shared with the community towards the end of the planning process. * Consultative In consultative management, the government consults with the community either through public hearings or advisory boards. The government is not required to implement any of the suggestions or comments into the policy. This consultation can also serve merely as a symbolic gesture rather than something that the government will necessarily implement. * Cooperative In cooperative management, there is a degree of co-management of the resource by the government and the user group. The responsibility is shared by both parties. Certain areas such as access rules may be the responsibility of the user group. * Advisory In advisory management, users decide what decisions should be made and advise the government as such, the government than endorses the decision. * Informative In informative management, the user group makes all of the decisions, and informs the government once they have decided.

History of co-management

Co-management developed due to an attempt to improve the success of fisheries management as many of the aquatic resources risked being or were already depleted. The aim was to involve the community in the decision making process so that there may be an increased adherence to the regulations set by the government. The

approach of fisheries management has frequently failed as it often goes against the community and their internal structure. Furthermore, the reason for the new governmental regulations and laws such as a decrease in

total allowable catch The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union (EU). It sets quotas for which member states are allowed to catch each type of fish, as well as encouraging the fishing industry by various market interventions. I ...

(TAC) or

catch per unit effort In fisheries and conservation biology, the catch per unit effort (CPUE) is an indirect measure of the abundance of a target species. Changes in the catch per unit effort are inferred to signify changes to the target species' true abundance. A decr ...

(CPUE) were often poorly understood by the community due to lack of education. Without proper enforcement or co-management the community would often disregard the law and continue as they previously were, often despite the detrimental impact this may have on the ocean.

Difference between
community management Community management or common-pool resource management is the management of a common resource or issue by a community through the collective action of volunteers and stakeholders. The resource managed can be either material or informational. Exa ...
and co-management

Co-management is different from

community management Community management or common-pool resource management is the management of a common resource or issue by a community through the collective action of volunteers and stakeholders. The resource managed can be either material or informational. Exa ...

as the government plays an important part in the decision making process. In

the laws are generally not enforced as governmental laws, rather a community guide and framework, this can make prosecution difficult. In co-management the user group and the government develop laws and regulations together and works towards implementing them as a unit.Pomeroy RS., Berkes F. 1997. Two to tango: the role of government in fisheries. Marine Policy 21(5): 465–480. If community based management forms part of national legislation, or developmental plans than it is classified as co-management.

Advantages of co-management

The community, specifically the users of the resource often possess knowledge that can aid the government in the decision making process, therefore co-management is the combination of scientific and traditional knowledge, this process ensures the best possible outcome. Armitage D., Berkes F., Dale A., Kocho-schellenberg E., Patton E. 2011. Co-management and the co-production of knowledge: Learning to adapt in Canada’s Arctic. Global Environmental Change 21(3): 995–1004. If the community is involved with and agrees on the new laws and decisions they are more likely to comply and may even aid in ensuring the new laws are enforced and maintained.Jentoft S., McCay BJ., Wilson C. 1998. Social theory and fisheries co-management. Marine Policy 22(4): 423–436. In dynamic environments conditions can vary at a rapid rate. The Arctic environment is a good example of a fast changing environment. If a good co-management structure is already implemented, it allows for quick decisions and implementations based on the required modification.

Limitations of co-management

Co-management is known to be time consuming, as one must spend time collecting surveys and gaining trust within the community.Trimble M., Berkes F. 2013. Participatory research towards co-management: Lessons from artisanal fisheries in coastal Uruguay. Journal of Environmental Management 128: 768–778. Strong lines of communication between the government and the community is essential. Educating the community is often necessary so that more informed decisions can be made.Rodwell LD., Lowther J., Hunter C., Mangi SC. 2014. Fisheries co-management in a new era of marine policy in the UK : A preliminary assessment of stakeholder perceptions. Marine Policy 45:279–286. Many of the more isolated communities have a different language and communication can be slow and lack vital information. Existing laws and policies may need to be altered, or new ones created so as to allow for the structure of co-management. Conflicting views and economic versus conservation issues appear to be some of the main limitations to a successful co-management process. Lack of funding, data and resources are also main contributing factors to un-successful co-management. Co-management requires constant communication and effort, and therefore long term sustainability can be difficult. Third party involvement such as

non-governmental organizations A non-governmental organization (NGO) or non-governmental organisation (see spelling differences) is an organization that generally is formed independent from government. They are typically nonprofit entities, and many of them are active in h ...

(NGO’s), or student groups, often forms an essential part of a successful co-management.

References

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External links

* https://archive.today/20140926172812/http://www.eeu.org.za/thematic-areas/coastal-and-fisheries-governance/kogelberg-co-management * http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1112780840/balance-biodiversity-development-indonesian-coral-triangle-020913/ Fisheries science Indigenous peoples and the environment