Assessment, management and future directions for coastal fisheries in Asian countries: Key papers from a workshop held in Penang, Malaysia in March 2001

Abstract: Coastal fisheries, including industrial, artisanal and subsistence sectors, are an integral and vital part of the economies of south-east Asia with annual landings of >16 million tonnes. Most of these fisheries are either fully exploited or over-exploited and only meaningful and coordinated management of harvesting can hope to avert major collapses. Recognising the importance of an integrated and collaborative approach to research and management between countries sharing a common resource, the Worldfish Center organized an “International Workshop on Management of Tropical Coastal Fisheries in Asia” in March 2001. Five key papers from this workshop were selected for inclusion in this special section of Fisheries Research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]