Measuring the Impact of Management Reforms on the Triple Bottom Line of an Industrial Deep-Sea Shrimp Fishery in the Colombian Pacific

This study compares the performance of the industrial deep-sea shrimp fishery in the Colombian Pacific prior to and following important management reforms aligned with the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The Fishery Performance Indicators (FPIs) methodology was applied to examine changes in the ecological, economic and social outcomes brought about by the reforms. The analysis revealed that regulatory reform improved environmental performance through increases in stock size and reduction of bycatch. Positive social outcomes were also observed as food security and the status of local labor were improved. In addition, resource revenues were partially restored, with positive impacts reverberating through the supply chain. However, economic performance is still constrained by high operating costs, inefficient harvest technologies and low product value. Adjustments to the management system were grounded on scientific advice but also benefited from substantial feedback from the fishing industry, which contributed to the overall success of the reform process.