Law Enforcement: A Critical Management Tool for Ensuring Fisheries Sustainability

Law enforcement, which includes the detection, prevention, and investigation of criminal acts, is largely a process by which individuals and agencies are responsible and accountable for enforcing existing laws (i.e., rules and regulations).  Through law enforcement methodologies and actions, public resources can be maintained and protected.  In the field of fisheries management and conservation, fisheries professionals and conservation officers utilize law enforcement strategies as tools to maintain and enhance aquatic ecosystem integrity and productivity, allowing for the sustainability of fisheries resources and continued commercial, recreational, and artisanal use.  Though law enforcement has the potential to effectively maintain fish populations, their habitat, and the ecosystem services they provide from violations of existing environmental laws and fisheries policies, law enforcement is often underrepresented, underfunded, and overlooked as a critical management tool for ensuring fisheries sustainability.  To reverse this, federal, state, provincial, tribal, and international agencies should strive to bolster their capacity and support for enforcement actions, seek out new and diverse technologies, and work in concert with non-governmental organizations and local citizens to educate and promote compliance with rules and regulations intended to maintain healthy, sustainable fish populations.