Regresar

Territorial Use Rights in Fisheries (TURFs)

Abstract:

Territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs) are a management tool used to address the open access issue in fisheries, by providing use rights to individuals, communities, or corporations. TURFs can be used to increase economic efficiency and equitable distribution of proceeds from community-managed fisheries. This article examines features that enhance the likelihood of success in the establishment and management of TURFs. This is followed by a discussion on existing TURFs in Chile and Japan with the exploration of their unique features. It is then shown that TURFs often exist as part of a fisheries management system rather than a standalone management tool and can be effective when properly planned and governed.