ABSTRACT
The production and consumption of fish and other aquatic organisms has historically been vital to the economic and social well-being of many developing countries. Fish harvests increased very rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s as a result of improved gear, technology and expanded fishing grounds. It must be noted, however, that the benefits of fisheries management are not always measured in terms of increases in yields. Good management based on sound scientific stock assessments will usually embrace sustainability of the fishery, at whatever yield. Although the potential for increases in the harvest from artisanal fisheries is not well known, due to limited resource surveys and unreliable landing records, under better management policies it is reasonable to anticipate increased yields of several million metric tons from tropical small-scale fisheries. The benefits can be substantial if effective fisheries management is based on sound stock assessment. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
