Worldwide review of bottom fisheries in the high seas in 2016

Abstract

This review is an update to the first worldwide review of bottom fisheries in the high seas, published in 2009 based on information from 2003 to 2006. It provides States and other interested parties with a summary of the current status of high seas bottom fisheries worldwide.

High seas bottom fisheries contribute approximately 0.3 percent to global marine capture fisheries production. The updated global high seas catch from bottom fisheries was estimated at 226 000 tonnes in 2016, which is similar to the 250 000 tonnes previously estimated for 2006.

The report highlights the considerable changes that have occurred in the monitoring and management of high seas deep-sea fisheries by Regional Fisheries Management Organizations or Arrangement (RFMOs), including relating to total allowable catches and impacts on target and bycatch species.