New Report Offers Regulatory Guidance for Small-Scale Fisheries
(Washington, D.C.): The future of the ocean, and that of the planet, depends on sustained, effective changes to natural resources governance. Over the last couple of decades, ocean stewardship efforts have turned to focus on several key approaches, such as the creation and enforcement of marine protected areas (MPAs) and the implementation of sustainable fisheries practices, including small-scale fisheries (SSF) co-management.
Law and Governance Toolkit for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries: Best Regulatory Practices

Over the last couple of decades, ocean stewardship efforts have turned to focus on several key approaches, such as the implementation of sustainable fisheries practices, including small-scale fisheries (SSF) co-management. This Toolkit presents a methodology for assessing the reform needs to strengthen SSF governance, along with examples of model regulatory language for the core governance elements.
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Legal Reports: Summary and Regional Comparison

This document was prepared by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with Rare. The legal reports for Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico – the four countries of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (MAR) – cover aspects of fisheries and marine management laws that set out the framework for protecting the sustainability of small-scale fisheries, marine ecosystems, and the livelihoods of the fisherfolk who depend upon them.
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Legal Reports: Honduras

This document was prepared by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with Rare. The report provides information regarding the structure and function of the Honduras government and the institutional and legal framework for the governance of small-scale fisheries and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Specifically, this report summarizes main actors and the legal framework for artisanal/small-scale fisheries and for management of fish resources in protected areas.
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Legal Reports: Guatemala

This document was prepared by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with Rare. The report provides information regarding the structure and function of the Guatemalan government, and the institutional legal framework of the governance of small-scale fisheries and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Specifically, this report summarizes main actors and the legal framework for artisanal/small-scale fisheries, and for management of fisheries resources and marine protected areas.
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Legal Reports: Belize

This document was prepared by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with Rare. The report describes the legal framework for regulation of small-scale fisheries and Marine Protected Area (MPA) management in and adjacent to the coastal waters of Belize. The report also describes the structure and function of the government of Belize.
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Legal Reports: Mexico

This document was prepared by the Environmental Law Institute in partnership with Rare. The report provides information regarding the structure and function of the Mexican government, as well as the institutional legal framework for the governance of small-scale fisheries and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Specifically, this report summarizes main actors and the legal framework for artisanal/small-scale fisheries, and for management of fish resources in protected areas.
U.S. Fisheries Compliance and Enforcement
The Ocean Program seeks to advance understanding of the compliance with and enforcement of domestic fisheries laws, regulations, and policies. Through a project undertaken in collaboration with the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science, ELI has surveyed fishing communities and analyzed historical data to characterize compliance and enforcement in United States fisheries and identified potential strategies for improving fisheries management.
Fisheries & Aquaculture
Achieving sustainable fisheries
The Environmental Law Institute works to develop legal and policy frameworks to support the sustainable management of wild and farmed fish and shellfish resources.