The role of environmental NGOs in fisheries governance

This chapter explores the evolving role-played by environmental NGOs (ENGOs) in UK fisheries governance in recent years. This role has grown exponentially, as the environmental dimension of fisheries activity has become increasingly understood and accepted by regulators and even by fishermen. There are three sections in the chapter: the first section explains how ENGOs have moved on from 'problem identification' to embrace 'problem solving'; the second section provides five illustrations of ENGO engagement in problem solving; and the third section addresses the challenges of the future, focusing on ENGO participation in the new European Regional Advisory Councils (RACs), and discussing ways in which ENGOs can fulfil their vastly increased workload in relation to fisheries governance.