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. 2021 Jan;50(1):242-259.
doi: 10.1007/s13280-020-01371-3. Epub 2020 Sep 3.

Resource allocation in transboundary tuna fisheries: A global analysis

Katherine Seto  1   2   3 , Grantly R Galland  4 , Alice McDonald  5 , Angela Abolhassani  6 , Kamal Azmi  7 , Hussain Sinan  8 , Trent Timmiss  9 , Megan Bailey  8 , Quentin Hanich  7   10
Affiliations

Resource allocation in transboundary tuna fisheries: A global analysis

Katherine Seto et al. Ambio. 2021 Jan.

Abstract

Resource allocation is a fundamental and challenging component of common pool resource governance, particularly transboundary fisheries. We highlight the growing importance of allocation in fisheries governance, comparing approaches of the five tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (tRFMOs). We find all tRFMOs except one have defined resources for allocation and outlined principles to guide allocation based on equity, citizenship, and legitimacy. However, all fall short of applying these principles in assigning fish resources. Most tRFMOs rely on historical catch or effort, while equity principles rarely determine dedicated rights. Further, the current system of annual negotiations reduces certainty, trust, and transparency, counteracting many benefits asserted by rights-based management proponents. We suggest one means of gaining traction may be to shift conversations from allocative rights toward weighting of principles already identified by most tRFMOs. Incorporating principles into resource allocation remains a major opportunity, with important implications for current and future access to fish.

Keywords: Common pool resource; Equity; RFMO; Regional fisheries management organization.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Timeline of initial conventions and emerging allocation language within tRFMOs (by color). WCPFC and IOTC have allocation policymaking processes currently underway
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Sunburst plot of allocation principles defined by each tRFMO through resolutions, measures, and policymaking processes. Inner circles represent the categories of principles, and specific principles are listed on the outer circle (WCPFC ; CCSBT , 1995, ICCAT , IATTC 1998)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Comparison between tRFMOs of total a catches (t) and b values (USD) considered allocated vs. non-allocated (IATTC purse seine capacity allocation was considered quasi-allocated). Catch data represent annual catches of all stocks mandated under each tRFMO for the most recent year available (2016 for IATTC, ICCAT, CCSBT for IOTC, WCPFC), and are not scaled for relative size. Value data are based on 2014 prices and volumes of the seven most commercially important tunas
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Competence areas of Tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (Image copyright Nate Miller)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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