Governance Approach to Fisheries Policy

One of the most important policies of the European Union that became separated from agricultural policy is the fisheries policy, developed to ensure the future of fishing industry as well as environmental protection. These are the main reasons I chose the subject; secondly, I’m interested in the way the policy is implemented in member states, related to governance approach. The Romanian territory is characterized by the presence of many rivers, lakes and, of course, the Black Sea and the Danube Delta; all these elements represent a considerable amount of fish. To be applied in Romania, governance approach to fisheries policy requires a significant number of partnerships at national, regional and local level, and also the existence of consultation with other ministries, institutions, research institutes, associations, NGOs and other factors involved in governance. The main conclusion of my paper is that fisheries management decisions have to be taken involving fishermen and stakeholders, and must take into account national particularities and specific features of this area. Even if governance theory and practice have their critics, I think it also brings many arguments that support the idea mentioned before and a well implemented policy through a set of governance parameters leads to a long-term balance and sustainable use of living aquatic resources.