Strengthening RFMOs: key insights from the case studies

The analysis in this study highlights the challenges that RFMOs face in strengthening and modernising their structure and operations. Each RFMO is imbued with a different set of historical, cultural, social, environmental and economic circumstances that strongly influences the viability, stability and success of reform. Issues such as lack of political will, disparate national agendas, divergent economic priorities, different time horizons, and scientific uncertainty combine to hamper the ability of coalitions for change from developing and pushing through improved methods of operation. In recent years, however, a number of RFMOs have been moving forward to strengthen their organisations, with varying degrees of success in terms of ensuring stable cooperative agreements and improved management of fisheries resources.