Fisheries management, the ecosystem approach, regionalisation and the elephants in the room

摘要: Many definitions of the ecosystem approach circulate, common denominator being system which seeks to take entirety a marine into consideration. As ecosystems cover large geographical areas this calls for cooperation between riparian states. This has acknowledged in EU policies such as Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Spatial Planning Directive. Yet implementing practise runs some operationalisation issues position regional Member States vis treaty European Union; positioning fisheries management Directive; problem stakeholder involvement balancing ecological economic concerns; tension need relative stability introduction possible new models organising cooperation. These appear be like elephants room: obvious related regionalisation apparently remain undiscussed. In article, based on analyses within number projects discussions with relevant actors, needed discussion how organise human activities at appropriate geo-political level matching scale ecosystem, hence institutionalising level, is initiated.