RESUMEN
Ocean governance is complex and influenced by multiple drivers and actors with different worldviews and goals. While governance encompasses many elements, in this paper we focus on the processes that operate within and between states, civil society and local communities, and the market, including industry. Specifically, in this paper, we address the question of how to move towards more sustainable ocean governance aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the UN Ocean Decade. We address three major risks to oceans that arise from governance-related issues: (1) the impacts of the overexploitation of marine resources; (2) inequitable distribution of access to and benefits from marine ecosystem services, and (3) inadequate or inappropriate adaptation to changing ocean conditions. The SDGs have been used as an underlying framework to develop these risks. We identify five drivers that may determine how ocean governance evolves, namely formal rules and institutions, evidence and knowledge-based decision-making, legitimacy of decision-making institutions, stakeholder engagement and participation, and empowering communities. These drivers were used to define two alternative futures by 2030: (a) 'Business as Usual'-a continuation of current trajectories and (b) 'More Sustainable Future'-optimistic, transformational, but technically achievable. We then identify what actions, as structured processes, can reduce the three major governance-related risks and lead to the More Sustainable Future. These actions relate to the process of co-creation and implementation of improved, comprehensive, and integrated management plans, enhancement of decision-making processes, and better anticipation and consideration of ambiguity and uncertainty. Supplementary information: The online version of this article (10.1007/s11160-020-09631-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
RESUMEN
In 2020 the management of transboundary fisheries was severely impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Most annual meetings of regional fisheries and marine management organizations were held virtually, postponed, or cancelled. Even though most organizations managed to meet virtually in 2020, many important decisions were postponed to 2021. Consequently, regional secretariats and delegations face a difficult calendar with substantial agendas and complex decision-making challenges. This commentary provides a brief overview of the virtual meeting processes that have been implemented by regional organisations in response to COVID-19 and provides a calendar of their plans for 2021.
RESUMEN
The global COVID-19 pandemic is impacting on the fisheries sector and posing significant challenges for the management of transboundary fisheries. Due to travel bans and border closures, regional organizations are not able to hold face-to-face meetings. This commentary provides a summary of the meeting procedures of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations and Regional Organizations during the global pandemic. Most organizations have transitioned to online platforms and are holding virtual meetings. These online meetings impose significant challenges concerning sustainable fisheries management, such as limited discussions and negotiations on important issues. Thus to continue their work effectively, these organizations need to develop new decision-making procedures that are more resilient in the upcoming future.
