The competition between rival fishing fleets in the South China Sea (SCS) to secure access to valuable marine living resources is not only threatening the livelihoods of millions of people in coastal states who depend on fisheries but is also posing a serious risk of triggering a full-fledged crisis whose consequences could prove difficult to control. Although confrontations over the use and management of fisheries are fairly widespread, the nationalist postures adopted by SCS claimants have led to an upsurge in violence between fishermen and coast guards. This article examines the possibility for the countries bordering the SCS to shelve their differences over sovereignty rights and move towards greater regional cooperation. It suggests that fishery management cooperation could help reduce friction between rival fishing fleets, keep the fishing industries afloat, and promote the sustainable management of fishing resources. The objective is to show how fishery conflicts can be resolved in a win-win situation, encouraging opposing parties to cooperate rather than enter a race to the bottom where everybody loses.
Relation:
Tamkang Journal of International Affairs 27(1), p.1-42
