Building a cross-strait cooperation mechanism for the conservation and management of fishery resources in the South China Sea

Fishery resources in the South China Sea play an essential role in the economic and social development of Mainland China and Taiwan as well as the conjunct regional communities. Beyond the sovereignty disputes and competing maritime claims, the over-exploitation and unregulated harvesting of fishery resources are placing serious pressures on the health and security of the South China Sea ecosystem. This article argues that sub-regional cooperative actions with a regional thinking were deemed effective approaches for the sustainable development of regional fisheries before the establishment of regional arrangements. The lack of collective approach for fisheries conservation and management in shared waters means that a mutually beneficial situation for Mainland China and Taiwan is yet to be achieved. An integrated and collaborative mechanism for cross-strait fisheries cooperation and ecological management is urgently needed. This article analysis the major factors that could enable the ultimate success of cross-strait cooperation on fisheries issue in the South China Sea areas. In addition, a prudent stepwise approach and viable actions which the two sides should undertake to conserve and manage the fishery resources are also discussed. Finally, the article proposes a coordinative and cooperative mechanism for Mainland China and Taiwan towards the sustainable conservation and co-management of fishery resources in the South China Sea waters, as well as the sound measures for learning, exchanging and capacity building of the two sides.