SLS/BIICL Symposium on the SLS/BIICL Symposium on the Law of the SeaLaw of the Sea

22-23 March 200522-23 March 2005

Dr Richard BarnesDr Richard Barnes‘The Future of Fishing’‘The Future of Fishing’

Fishery Management, Fishery Management, Excludability and Biodiversity Excludability and Biodiversity

Tragedy of the Commons and Tragedy of the Commons and Fisheries RegulationFisheries Regulation

• The Problem of Open AccessThe Problem of Open Access

• The Solution?The Solution?– Privatisation or Communal OwnershipPrivatisation or Communal Ownership

• ExcludabilityExcludability

• Limits on ExcludabilityLimits on Excludability– PhysicalPhysical– Legal constraints in the ‘public interest’Legal constraints in the ‘public interest’

International Fisheries LawInternational Fisheries Law

• 1982 Convention1982 Convention– Part V: Stewardship of Living Resources?Part V: Stewardship of Living Resources?

• Compliance AgreementCompliance Agreement• Fish Stocks AgreementFish Stocks Agreement• Convention on Biological DiversityConvention on Biological Diversity• Non Binding InstrumentsNon Binding Instruments

• Public Responsibilities:Public Responsibilities:– Sustainable Fishing – Biodiversity - PrecautionSustainable Fishing – Biodiversity - Precaution

Private Property-Based Private Property-Based RightsRights• Property - Sticks in a BundleProperty - Sticks in a Bundle• The ITQ - What Rights?The ITQ - What Rights?

• Excludability and transferabilityExcludability and transferability• Not management. Limited Duration.Not management. Limited Duration.

• Can it satisfy the Public Requirements Can it satisfy the Public Requirements of Fishing? of Fishing?