Integrating biodiversity concerns into marine resource policies

The increasing pressure of human activities on marine and coastal environments stress the importance of integrating biodiversity concerns into marine resource policies, including fisheries, and into agreements on the protection of coastal and marine environment and on fisheries.

The conservation and sustainable use of marine and coastal ecosystems is essential to maintain the livelihoods of fishermen and fishing communities. The integration of the Convention on Biological Diversity objectives within the fisheries policy sector requires action at three different levels: (a) the conservation and sustainable use of fish stocks, (b) the protection of non-target species from fishing activities; and (c) the prevention of impacts of aquaculture on different ecosystems. These different levels should also be considered in the context of fisheries agreements with third countries.