Selecting ecosystem indicators for fisheries targeting highly migratory species

The ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) has been advocated for in several international legal agreements and guidelines such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Stock Agreement and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. These instruments have also set minimum standards and key principles to guide the implementation of an EAFM. However, implementation of an EAFM in tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) has been patchy and lacks a long-term plan, vision and guidance on how to operationalize it.