Science and Information for Managing the World’s Oceans; A Coordinated Approach to Understanding Fisheries. Doug Beard, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA

Declines in Marine Fisheries From FAO 2004, Review of the state of world marine fishery resources Spawning stock biomass and fishing pressure for North Sea cod From European Environment Agency

Biodiversity in Marine Fisheries From Worm et al. 2006, Review of the state of world marine fishery resources

Climate Change & Ocean Acidification From Guldberg et al. 2007, Coral Reefs Under Rapid Climate Change and Ocean Acidification

Ocean Governance Multiple Conventions and Treaties

Ocean Governance Multijurisdictional From IUCN 2003, Lee Kimball, Ocean Governance From Crowder et a. 2006, Resolving Mismatches in U.S. Ocean Governance

Ocean Governance Serving Many Different Goals, Missions & Priorities 1.conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity); 2.sustainable use of its components; and 3.fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources Convention of Biological Diversity FAO's mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy. Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission is responsible for the conservation and management of fisheries for tunas and other species taken by tuna-fishing vessels in the eastern Pacific Ocean. UNEP - To provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Coordination across multiple options are necessary! From

Clearly there is a role for Integration & Coordination of Data!

These Systems Coordinate Data, not Information Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Clearinghouse Mechanism (CHM) Inter American Biodiversity Info. Network North American Biodiversity Info. Network NBII (US) CBIN (Canada) REMIB (Mexico) ERIN (Australia) TNC State Heritage GAP State Information County Park Information GLOBAL REGIONA L NATIONAL LOCAL

Coordination of information or knowledge about data is an integral part of sustainable ocean management

Govt. Based Forums Exist for Knowledge Sharing

May Also Be a Role for Independent Non-Biased Consortium of Scientific Societies To provide coordination of knowledge across multiple ocean topics

Existing Non-Governmental Science Coordination

But What About Fish?

WORLD COUNCIL OF FISHERIES SOCIETIES (WCFS) The Council is a nonprofit, nongovernmental membership organization open to scientific or professional fisheries societies and affiliated organizations. Other fisheries organizations may become affiliates of the Council by a vote of the Council’s Executive Board. The Council’s headquarters and Secretariat are presently located in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, at the AFS headquarters.

World Council of Fisheries Societies Discussions began in late 1990’s, early 2000’s Formal Existence since 2002 Organized the last three World Fisheries Congresses

World Council of Fisheries Societies Members Members Affiliate Members Indian Society of Fisheries Professionals Mexican Fisheries Society China Fisheries Society Pakistan Fisheries Society

WCFS Strategic Goals Goal 1. Provide a collaborative forum for exchange of global fisheries research data and information. Organize a World Fisheries Congress Develop joint symposia Develop interlinked web pages Develop a common meetings calendar Develop an electronic newsletter Convene meetings of WCFS every 2 years

WCFS Strategic Goals Goal 2. Promote the use of science in development of fisheries policies. Develop an international think-tank or international specialist forum Develop opinion pieces on fisheries issues

WCFS Strategic Goals Goal 3. Facilitate development assistance, including capacity building and technology transfer. Develop mechanisms further collaboration Develop continuing education workshops Develop a list of courses or seminars Develop a procedures guide for fisheries societies Develop a list of Fisheries and Conservation Groups Develop a forum on disaster relief and fisheries Facilitate linkages among fisheries research institutions.

WCFS Strategic Goals Goal 4. Develop review mechanisms to provide guidance on regional and global fisheries issues. Develop a mechanism to review proposals for fisheries related funding Participate in reviews and training of fisheries professionals. Develop an international prize of excellence in Fisheries

World Fisheries Congress Meetings 3 rd, Beijing th, Vancouver th, Yokohama st, Athens nd, Brisbane 1996

WCFS Activities Joint Symposium of AFS & JSFS on Coastal Restoration Joint Symposium of AFS & JSFS on Wild Fish Disease, 2009, Trans-Pacific Fish Health Forum

WCFS Activities

International Award of Excellence in Fisheries Dr. Kurt Fausch, Colorado State University

What is the Role for WCFS in Ocean Science? Capacity Building Unbiased, Independent Review Panels Facilitate Knowledge Sharing