Taiwan's participation in regional fisheries management organizations and the conceptual revolution on fishing entity: The case of the IATTC

For the past two decades, responsible fisheries have been promoted in order to manage and conserve marine living resources. It is important to include all those engaged in fishing in attaining these goals. Due to its international status, it is difficult for Taiwan to participate in the regional fisheries management organizations established to deal with straddling and highly migratory fish stocks. This article will focus on Taiwan's experience with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). It is concluded that the international legal capacity of a fishing entity is approaching a "state-like entity" in terms of enjoying rights and having responsibilities. Moreover, the application of "fishing entity" to Taiwan should lead to a strengthening of the effectiveness of the management and conservation mechanism of the IATTC.