Untangling the net: Redefining fisheries management with fully documented fisheries

Technical measures (TMs) are widely used in fisheries management to regulate fishing operations and ensure sustainability. Categorised into input and output measures, TMs regulate various parts of the fishing process. However, the accumulation of TMs in regulations and limited monitoring and control adds complexity and rigidity to management systems. This study investigates whether Electronic Monitoring (EM) providing Fully Documented Fisheries (FDF) can fulfil the same objectives as some TMs, making these TMs redundant without compromising the sustainability of fish stocks. We developed a methodology to evaluate the different TMs and applied it in a case study focused on the Kattegat. Our findings indicate that most gear TMs could become redundant under FDF. In Kattegat, nearly half of the regulations, as well as the most complex ones, belong to this category. Hence, FDF could facilitate a notable simplification of the management system in this area. While some TMs remain necessary to incentivise selective fishing practices, FDF facilitates more flexible and adaptive management, aligning with the dynamic nature of fisheries. This study suggests that FDF could address the longstanding criticism of the complexity in the current management system and return responsibility of avoiding unwanted catches to the fishers. These findings are particularly relevant for fisheries managers, as regulatory simplification through FDF can create strong, long-term incentives for fishers to adopt EM. • FDF can reduce the need for gear-related technical measures in EU fisheries. • Nearly half of the Kattegat TM regulations could become redundant with FDF. • Output measures remain critical under FDF to ensure sustainable fishing practices. • FDF shifts responsibility for avoiding unwanted catches to fishers.