Legal aspects of fisheries: the need for legal training facilities in the South Pacific

Many of the small developing island states in the South Pacific have claimed exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Those who have not yet done so are in the process of making their claims as part of their Law of the Sea Convention implementation programs. One of the problems being faced by by the South Pacific states with regard to their EEZ claims is the shortage of trained personnel, particularly in the legal field, to manage their fisheries resources. A regional strategy for training in the legal aspects of fisheries is necessary.