How do we stop over fishing? Fishing transparency is a great start. Many fisheries around the world lack the data to provide managers with the information to make better management decisions. The Coalition of Fisheries Transparency aims to work with their partners to help gain more information on each fishery. Maisie Pigeon, the Director for the Coalition, koins Andrew Lewin to discuss how transparency is made possible for fisheries. 

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses fishing transparency with Maisie Pidgeon, the director of the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency. The conversation highlights the significant challenges posed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which contributes to overfishing, fisheries mismanagement, and human rights abuses in the fishing sector.

Key Points:

1. Lack of Transparency: The absence of transparency measures in fisheries management leads to various problems, including overfishing and exploitation of fish stocks. Many countries struggle to manage their fisheries effectively due to insufficient data on fish populations and fishing activities.

2. Complex Stakeholder Dynamics: The fishing industry involves multiple stakeholders, including governments, the fishing industry, scientists, and conservationists. The interplay between these groups can complicate decision-making and hinder effective management.

3. The Role of the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency: The Coalition is a global network of civil society organizations advancing fisheries transparency measures. Their goal is to ensure the sustainability and equity of the fisheries sector by promoting better data sharing and management practices.

4. Benefits of Transparency: Implementing transparency measures can lead to informed decision-making, increased accountability, and improved governance in fisheries. This, in turn, can help combat IUU fishing and promote sustainable practices that protect fish stocks for future generations.

5. Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency: The Coalition operates under the Global Charter, which outlines ten policy principles to enhance fisheries transparency. These principles include requiring unique identification numbers for fishing vessels, publishing lists of licenses, and ensuring public access to fisheries data.

6. Collaborative Efforts: The Coalition works with various countries and organizations to implement transparency measures. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, they aim to create a global community focused on improving fisheries management.

7. Future Goals: The Coalition plans to expand its reach and influence, particularly in regions lacking fisheries management. They aim to raise awareness about the importance of transparency at international forums, such as the upcoming Our Ocean conference.

The episode emphasizes that enhancing fishing transparency is a vital step in addressing overfishing and ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish populations. By improving data collection, sharing information, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency aims to create a more equitable and sustainable fishing industry worldwide.

Connect with the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency: https://fisheriestransparency.net/

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