Abstract

Fisheries management is traditionally based on catch and effort data but in the majority of instances provides an incomplete picture of the state of targeted stocks. The impacts of anthropogenic activities on the habitats of these populations is rarely factored into the decision-making process of management. The fisheries sector of Member States of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) continues to be of significance showing a steady increase in the net demand of fish over the past ten years. Draft Fishery Management Plans for seven of the nine OECS Member States were reviewed. Statistical methods were used to provide a decision rule in determining which management issues need to be given priority consideration. Three issues stood out as being of most concern to sub-regional fishery officers: inadequate data, habitat degradation and destruction, and destructive fishing methods. This paper looks at those “priority” issues, and considers their combined impact on fisheries management.

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