Mediterranean fisheries are in transition. With a poorly developed continental shelf and no 200 mile EEZs, coastal state jurisdiction extends only to 12nm, beyond which lie international waters. The industry's structure is dominated by small scale, artisinal enterprises with poorly developed shore based infrastructure. Management of the region's marine resources is highly fragmented. Moreover, the changing political situation, with the Mahgreb countries now asserting coastal state jurisdiction over waters formerly exploited by southern European countries, further complicates attempts to develop an integrated approach to fisheries management. Guided by the opinion of academic, administrative and political experts, Southern Waters - a companion volume to Northern Waters: Management Issues and Practice - maps out some of the key parameters for the future development of the region's fisheries.
