The modern requirements of fisheries management and policy demand a comprehensive understanding of both national, regional and international frameworks, multidisciplinary knowledge, and the ability to navigate complex global challenges.

Formal training in fisheries education often lacks sufficient focus on legal aspects. Officers in development departments, faculty members in universities and colleges, and researchers in the fisheries sector, who collectively play a crucial role in shaping fisheries governance, generally have limited opportunities to study fisheries and maritime law and policies during their academic training. This gap in education means that many professionals enter the field without a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks that govern fisheries management.

Moreover, many fisheries professionals, practitioners, members of civil society and advocacy groups significantly influence national and regional fisheries governance mechanisms. These individuals, despite their practical experience and influence, often lack formal training in the legal and policy aspects of fisheries management.

Despite the significant growth in practical knowledge regarding fisheries law and policies over the years, there remains a gap in its collation and documentation. This absence of systematic academic documentation and synthesis means that valuable insights and lessons learned in the field are not consistently captured and shared. As a result, the development of a comprehensive body of knowledge that could inform future policies and practices is hindered. Therefore, there is an urgent need for formal education programmes that combine fisheries science with legal and policy training. Such programmes would ensure that professionals are well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges of fisheries governance.