Understanding the Social-Ecological Impacts of Distant Water Fishing Fleets

Distant water fishing fleets (DWFs) engage in fishing activities within the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of other nations or in international waters, enabling big rich fishing nations to access valuable fish stocks, legally or illegally, in distant regions. These fleets often traverse long distances and spend prolonged periods at sea. This Collection aims to comprehensively explore the impacts of DWFs on domestic fisheries and communities, focusing on, but not exclusively on the waters of the Global South. Specifically, this Collection seeks to present the latest research encompassing ecological, social, and economic impacts, which underlines diverse and innovative questions concerning DWFs and their effects on both people and nature in coastal countries of the Global South, in particular.

We welcome contributions that systematically characterize DWF activities and their socioeconomic repercussions. Submissions quantifying interactions among domestic, regional, and DWF fishing activities, while identifying spatial and species-based competition, are highly desired. Additionally, articles evaluating reported and unreported catches, including the funneling of unreported catches through illicit trade into the formal economies of both Global North and South countries, are encouraged. Expected contributions to this Collection should address key questions, including the ratio of reported and unreported catches by DWFs in EEZs compared to domestic and regional catches, as well as spatial overlaps among fishing activities of different fleets. Some contributions should aim to identify jointly targeted (by DWF, regional and domestic fleets) fish stocks, potentially leading to conflicts between DWFs and domestic and/or regional fleets.

Ultimately, this Collection aims to offer critical scientific insights and benchmarks for future research into the ramifications of DWFs on marine biodiversity and the socio-economic wellbeing of communities, primarily in the waters of the Global South. The overarching objective is to leverage this information to formulate policies at local, regional, and global levels, that seek to manage interactions between DWFs and domestic fishing fleets. The hope is that the contributions within this Collection will support the admirable goal of ensuring that valuable fisheries in developing countries benefit their residents while ensuring sustainable conservation of marine biodiversity.