Fisheries and coastal ecosystems management plans

Marine fisheries depend on the coastal area in a variety of ways. Many capture fisheries are based on coastal stocks; others exploit offshore stocks that spend some of their lives in inshore waters such as a nursery or feeding areas. The reliance of marine fisheries on coastal area makes them particularly susceptible to activities that result in coastal environmental change and may have major impacts on the sector. At the same time, fisheries can affect other coastal activities, for instance, through competition for space. Thus, it is critical to consider the development and management of the fisheries sector within the context of coastal area management and development planning. Fisheries authorities need to consider access to fish resources and the environment within which the fisheries sector operates and define the trade-offs of all sectors involved in coastal resources. It is also critical to involve stakeholders and seek public involvement to reach consensus and agreement on how best to manage fisheries.