This publication gives an updated review of the quantity of discards in the world's marine fisheries, using information from a broad range of fisheries in all continents. A number of policy issues are discussed including a 'no discards' approach to fisheries management, the need for balance between bycatch reduction and bycatch utilisation initiatives, and concerns arising from incidental catches of marine mammals, birds and reptiles. The report also highlights the need for more robust methods of estimating discards, and the development of bycatch management plans.

Drawing on a number of case studies from around the world, this publication considers how the local knowledge and practices of indigenous fishing communities are being used in collaboration with scientists, government managers and non-governmental organisations to establish effective frameworks for sustainable fisheries science and management. It seeks to contribute towards achieving the goal of establishing international responsibility for the ethical collection, preservation, dissemination and application of fishers' knowledge.