Principles for Fisheries Management in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction—the Essential Role of Incentive-Based Approaches

Fisheries that intersect with the high seas, or areas beyond national jurisdictions (ABNJ), are ecologically, institutionally, and politically complex. These fisheries also generate enormous economic and social benefits and have the potential to generate even greater benefits and wealth under improved management regimes that incorporate incentives to fill in gaps in governance. This report identifies the barriers and opportunities for the adoption of incentive-based tools for fishery management in ABNJs at the global and regional scales. It highlights the need for a “smart mix” of regulatory and incentive-based tools and instruments and lays out nine principles for smart mixes through examples and case studies.