Davies, Sandy and Durighello, Andrea and Anrooy, Raymon Van (2025) Implementation of the FAO International plan of action for the management of fishing capacity (IPOA-Capacity). Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, Italy. ISBN 978-92-5-140411-9
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This technical paper reviews progress in implementing the International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity (IPOA-Capacity), adopted in 1999 within the framework of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Global trends indicate that, despite some progress, fishing capacity continues to increase in many regions. Since its adoption, the global fishing fleet capacity has expanded. Between 1999 and 2022, the total number of fishing vessels increased by about 10 percent, driven by a 34 percent rise in motorized vessels, while nonmotorized vessels declined by 20 percent. The average fishing vessel grew in size (i.e. in length and gross tonnage) and in engine power. Numerically, small-scale fleets still dominate the global fishing fleet, though data on artisanal and inland fleets remain incomplete. Regional disparities persist with fleet capacities expanding in Africa and Asia but declining in Europe and Northern America. At the national level, implementation of the IPOA-Capacity has been uneven. Many Member States have integrated capacity controls into fisheries legislation and management plans, applying measures such as licensing, gear restrictions, total allowable catches, buyback programmes and rights-based management systems. However, socioeconomic incentives, weak monitoring systems and limited data have constrained effective implementation of fleet capacity management. Regional fishery bodies and regional fisheries management organizations have progressively incorporated capacity management into their mandates and conservation and management measures. Opportunities to strengthen implementation of the IPOA-Capacity include improving data and vessel registries, enhancing capacity assessment methodologies, expanding technical assistance to developing countries, and reinforcing coordination among Member States, regional fishery bodies and FAO. Renewed global attention to the IPOA-Capacity is essential to ensure that fishing fleet capacity is balanced with the productive potential of fisheries resources for long-term sustainability.
| Item Type: | Books |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | FAO, Fishery Management, Fishing Vessels, Fishing Fleets, Fishing Capacity, Fishery Regulations, IPOA-Capacity, Fisheries Resources, Fisheries Management, Sustainable Development Goals |
| Subjects: | Right to Resources |
| Depositing User: | Kokila ICSF Krish |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Feb 2026 06:49 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Feb 2026 06:49 |
| URI: | http://icsfarchives.net/id/eprint/22567 |
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