Guide to fisheries sector studies

In this document, the fisheries sector is viewed primarily, but not exclusively, from an economic perspective. It suggests that a sector study should assess the material benefits society gains from the fisheries sector and compare these with the human and financial resources employed in the sector. It then suggests a sector study should recommend ways in which the balance of advantage to society can be improved. The Guide emphasises that a sector study should be a relatively short and readable document. It suggests that the key to a satisfactory study lies in the criteria governing the selection of material. It provides advice on this issue. The role of a sector study in the sector planning process is described. Whilst the Guide views the fisheries sector primarily as an economic sector, it is recognized that governments may view the sector as supplying other public benefits apart from a contribution to economic wellbeing. The Guide emphasis that a sector study should consider unpriced environmental effects originating outside the sector and impacting upon it, and those generated within the sector which have effects within the sector or elsewhere. The Guide provides advice to the sponsors of sector studies, notably with regard to the selection of consultants and the preparation of terms of reference. The document also contains advice on the management of sector studies and on the content and presentation of the final report.