This study examines Taiwan’s multifaceted efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of illegal,unreported,and unregulated(IUU)fishing,a challenge that gained urgency following the European Union’s yellow card warn...This study examines Taiwan’s multifaceted efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of illegal,unreported,and unregulated(IUU)fishing,a challenge that gained urgency following the European Union’s yellow card warning.Central reforms-including gear tagging initiatives,buy-back programs,and strengthened enforcement mechanisms-aim to address illegal catches,gear laundering,and fleet overcapacity while simultaneously promoting circular economy principles in fisheries governance.The research employs Fisheries Agency data(2022-2024)on gear tagging,returns,recovered volumes,and recycling rates,combined with stakeholder interviews and market analysis of recycled fishing gear materials,to highlight the complex relationship between IUU practices and abandoned,lost,or discarded fishing gear(ALDFG).A“follow-the-plastic”methodology,adapted from waste-tracing studies,is introduced to trace gear throughout its lifecycle from production to disposal,identifying leakage points linked to IUU activities.Policy effectiveness is critically evaluated,revealing persistent regulatory gaps,weak market incentives for recycling,and barriers to private-sector participation.The study proposes a conceptual framework that demonstrates how circular economy strategies can complement traditional enforcement by reducing gear loss,enhancing traceability,and improving compliance.Findings emphasize that international cooperation,adaptive governance,and local community engagement are essential to achieving sustainable fisheries.Taiwan’s experience suggests that coupling IUU enforcement with circular economy innovations provides a practical pathway to reduce ALDFG,strengthen marine biodiversity conservation,and foster environmentally sustainable resource use.The study concludes that integrated governance,combining legal enforcement with economic and social instruments,is vital for long-term marine ecosystem protection and resilience.展开更多
Anchored fish aggregating devices(AFADs)have been widely used for fishing in Thai waters.However,abandoned,lost,and discarded fishing gears(ALDFGs),including lost AFADs,may cause environmental impacts.Fishing gear mar...Anchored fish aggregating devices(AFADs)have been widely used for fishing in Thai waters.However,abandoned,lost,and discarded fishing gears(ALDFGs),including lost AFADs,may cause environmental impacts.Fishing gear marking(FGM)is considered as a tool to help identification of ALDFGs.The main objective of this study is to compare the durability represented by the percentage of remaining condition(R-value)of three material types of FGM applied for AFADs,i.e.,stainless steel(SS),colored acrylic(CA),and polypropylene(PP).This study was carried out using 50 AFADs deployed in the Gulf of Thailand(GOT)and the Andaman Sea(ANS)between July and October 2020 in cooperation with 10 fishers.The AFADs were deployed in similar habitat(bottom depth and type)between the GOT and the ANS.The three material types of FGM were assumed to be sufficiently durable to last for the lifespan of the AFADs in both the GOT and the ANS(within 2 months and 3.5 months,respectively)though some FGMs in the ANS were detached from cable ties or broken before AFADs were lost.The loss of AFADs and FGMs was mainly caused by adverse weather condition(rough sea).Only data from the ANS was included in comparative analysis due to the insufficient variance data obtained from the GOT.The analysis revealed that SS had the higher durability than CA and PP when the AFADs lasted for less than 3.5 months.As a result of our study,some recommendations were made.For example,the cable ties can be replaced by ropes or threads to improve the installation method.This study serves as a basis to develop FGM and to support responsible fisheries.Beneficiaries of the study include fisheries policy makers,managers,and fishers.展开更多
基金Taiwan National Science and Technology Council financed this study(NSTC 112-2410-H-006-099,NSTC 114-2410-H-006-108-).
文摘This study examines Taiwan’s multifaceted efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of illegal,unreported,and unregulated(IUU)fishing,a challenge that gained urgency following the European Union’s yellow card warning.Central reforms-including gear tagging initiatives,buy-back programs,and strengthened enforcement mechanisms-aim to address illegal catches,gear laundering,and fleet overcapacity while simultaneously promoting circular economy principles in fisheries governance.The research employs Fisheries Agency data(2022-2024)on gear tagging,returns,recovered volumes,and recycling rates,combined with stakeholder interviews and market analysis of recycled fishing gear materials,to highlight the complex relationship between IUU practices and abandoned,lost,or discarded fishing gear(ALDFG).A“follow-the-plastic”methodology,adapted from waste-tracing studies,is introduced to trace gear throughout its lifecycle from production to disposal,identifying leakage points linked to IUU activities.Policy effectiveness is critically evaluated,revealing persistent regulatory gaps,weak market incentives for recycling,and barriers to private-sector participation.The study proposes a conceptual framework that demonstrates how circular economy strategies can complement traditional enforcement by reducing gear loss,enhancing traceability,and improving compliance.Findings emphasize that international cooperation,adaptive governance,and local community engagement are essential to achieving sustainable fisheries.Taiwan’s experience suggests that coupling IUU enforcement with circular economy innovations provides a practical pathway to reduce ALDFG,strengthen marine biodiversity conservation,and foster environmentally sustainable resource use.The study concludes that integrated governance,combining legal enforcement with economic and social instruments,is vital for long-term marine ecosystem protection and resilience.
文摘Anchored fish aggregating devices(AFADs)have been widely used for fishing in Thai waters.However,abandoned,lost,and discarded fishing gears(ALDFGs),including lost AFADs,may cause environmental impacts.Fishing gear marking(FGM)is considered as a tool to help identification of ALDFGs.The main objective of this study is to compare the durability represented by the percentage of remaining condition(R-value)of three material types of FGM applied for AFADs,i.e.,stainless steel(SS),colored acrylic(CA),and polypropylene(PP).This study was carried out using 50 AFADs deployed in the Gulf of Thailand(GOT)and the Andaman Sea(ANS)between July and October 2020 in cooperation with 10 fishers.The AFADs were deployed in similar habitat(bottom depth and type)between the GOT and the ANS.The three material types of FGM were assumed to be sufficiently durable to last for the lifespan of the AFADs in both the GOT and the ANS(within 2 months and 3.5 months,respectively)though some FGMs in the ANS were detached from cable ties or broken before AFADs were lost.The loss of AFADs and FGMs was mainly caused by adverse weather condition(rough sea).Only data from the ANS was included in comparative analysis due to the insufficient variance data obtained from the GOT.The analysis revealed that SS had the higher durability than CA and PP when the AFADs lasted for less than 3.5 months.As a result of our study,some recommendations were made.For example,the cable ties can be replaced by ropes or threads to improve the installation method.This study serves as a basis to develop FGM and to support responsible fisheries.Beneficiaries of the study include fisheries policy makers,managers,and fishers.
