4.3.14 (HL)—Overexploited species recovery

A credible fishery recovery plan aligns rules with stakeholder incentives, short-term losses, evidence and enforcement.

Government can impose temporary bans and limits on licences; fishers can adopt selective gear that prevents bycatch; wholesalers and supermarkets can require traceability; consumers can choose species not being harvested unsustainably; NGOs can monitor stocks and convene negotiations. Shared evidence, transition support and enforceable milestones help resolve different short-term interests.

A temporary ban is more workable when fishers receive transition support and buyers commit to verified alternative catch.

Shared evidence lets users test quotas and trust the rule; hidden data invites conflict and evasion.

Stakeholder inclusion is not automatic agreement; acknowledge unequal power and measurable trade-offs.