What does WECAFC mean in OCEAN SCIENCE
The Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) is an intergovernmental organization based in Miami, Florida, United States. It has been formed to promote the conservation and optimal utilization of the fishery resources in its area of competence along the Western and Central Atlantic Ocean. The members of WECAFC are countries located in this region, including Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Cuba and others. WECAFC also works with non-governmental organizations, scientists and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable management of marine resources within its region.
WECAFC meaning in Ocean Science in Academic & Science
WECAFC mostly used in an acronym Ocean Science in Category Academic & Science that means Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission
Shorthand: WECAFC,
Full Form: Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission
For more information of "Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission", see the section below.
Objectives
The primary objectives of WECAFC are to ensure responsible and effective fisheries management through monitoring, research and assessment; promote proper compliance with fishing regulations; facilitate cooperation between member governments; provide technical assistance; coordinate research activities; and foster sustainable use of the aquatic ecosystem and its resources in the area of expertise.
Activities
The activities undertaken by WECAFC include implementing programmes for research on fish stocks essential for food security as well as programmes aimed at improving coastal communities' livelihoods. In addition to conducting meetings amongst members states to develop joint strategies for managing shared resources such as pelagic fish stock assessment, identification and alleviation of fishing bycatch mortality from commercial trawlers in coastal waters both inside their region as well as outside their geographic scope.
Essential Questions and Answers on Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission in "SCIENCE»OCEAN"
What is the mission of WECAFC?
The Mission of the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) is to provide technical advice and assistance to its member countries, in order to ensure sustainable development of living aquatic resources within the Convention Area through their conservation, management, development and best utilization.
Who are WECAFC members states?
The Members States are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago
What is the purpose of WECAFC?
The main purpose of the Commission is to promote cooperative activities of its Member States in pursuit of rational utilization and conservation of fishery resources within its Convention Area; To review issues related to management and conservation measures for fisheries resources; and To facilitate communication between governments concerning fisheries matters among its Member States.
How does WECAFC work?
WECAFC works by collaborating with all stakeholders including fish stock assessors, national institutions involved in coastal zone management and marine pollution control agencies. It also provides technical assistance and advice relating to fisheries research planning and management as well as to strengthen regional cooperation in areas such as coordination of fishing effort for sustainable development throughout the region.
What type of information does WECAFC collect?
WECAFC collects data from member states on fish catches from commercial vessels operating in their waters as well as data from recreational fishing vessels operating in certain areas under specific agreements with these countries. This information is used by scientists to study variations in abundance of fish species so that appropriate stock assessment models can be developed that help guide decision makers when setting fishing regulations and other measures aimed at managing these species sustainably.
In which geographic area does WECAFC work?
The commission operates within an area commonly referred to as the “Convention Area," which encompasses approximately 7 million square kilometers off Central America ranging eastward across much more than 20 third-party waters into western parts of the Caribbean Sea up until mid-Atlantic regions.
What types of species does WECAFA focus on?
Fish stocks found within or adjacent to the Convention Area include tuna (yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus), Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) swordfish (Xiphias gladius)), mackerels (king mackerels Scomberomorus cavalla) wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), dolphinfish(Coryphaena hippurus), snappers (Lutjanidae), jacks(Carangidae) groupers(Serranidae) grunts(Haemulidae).
Why does monitoring Fish Stocks matter for Fisheries Management?
In order for any fishery management initiative or regulation to be successful it should be based upon reliable scientific data so that decision makers have clear guidance when designing their policies or adaptations thereof when results show necessary changes must be made. Monitoring programs such as those conducted by WECAF assist fisheries managers decision making processes allowing effective use of limited resources while enhancing fishery sustainability.
Final Words:
The Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission (WECAFC) is an important intergovernmental organization that seeks to promote sustainable management of marine resources in its area of expertise. Through initiatives such as scientific research, monitoring and assessment programmes they aim to ensure responsible utilisation while increasing stock abundance that can contribute significantly towards global food security.