ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the evolution, normative content and status of the precautionary principle in the context of international fisheries law. In so doing, the chapter surveys the application of the principle in global, regional and national fisheries instruments. The chapter finds that the precautionary principle has become a prominent concept of international environmental law because of its ability to deal with risks and uncertainties surrounding natural resources management caused by the lack of scientific information. The chapter argues that since fisheries management also entails a great deal of risk and uncertainty, the principle of precaution should be incorporated in the legal and institutional frameworks for managing marine fisheries and preserving marine biodiversity.
