Sustainable fishery

Seawifs global biosphere Centered on the Pacific

Primary production to sustain global marine fisheries

Maximum-sustainable-yield-of-fish-with-addition

World map of bathymetric data - GEBCO 2014

Grizzly bear with salmon - journal.pbio.1001304.g001

Sustainable fishery is a concept and practice within the fishing industry that aims to maintain healthy fish populations and ecosystems while also supporting the economic viability of fishing communities. Sustainable fisheries are critical for ensuring that fish, a vital source of food and livelihood for billions of people worldwide, remain abundant and accessible for current and future generations. This approach balances ecological health with human needs, adhering to principles that prevent overfishing, reduce bycatch, protect vulnerable species, and preserve marine habitats.

Principles of Sustainable Fishery

The principles of sustainable fishery revolve around managing fish stocks at levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield (MSY) over the long term. Key principles include:

• Ecosystem-based management: This approach considers the entire ecosystem, including all living and non-living components, rather than focusing solely on a single species. It aims to maintain the structure, function, and diversity of the ecosystem.
• Precautionary approach: In the face of uncertainty, fisheries management should err on the side of caution to protect fish stocks and ecosystems. This may involve setting more conservative catch limits or taking action to protect vulnerable habitats.
• Selective fishing gear and practices: Using fishing methods and gear that minimize bycatch (the capture of non-target species) and reduce impacts on marine habitats. Examples include modifying fishing nets to allow juvenile fish to escape or avoiding fishing in areas with high biodiversity or vulnerable species.
• Science-based management: Decisions on fishery management should be based on the best available scientific evidence. This includes regular stock assessments, monitoring of fish populations, and research on ecosystem impacts.
• Stakeholder involvement: Engaging local communities, fishers, and other stakeholders in the decision-making process to ensure that management measures are equitable and account for local knowledge and needs.

Challenges to Sustainable Fishery

Achieving sustainable fishery faces several challenges, including:

• Overfishing: The most significant threat to fish populations, where fish are caught at a rate faster than they can reproduce. This leads to declining fish stocks and can result in the collapse of fisheries.
• Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing: IUU fishing undermines efforts to manage fisheries sustainably, contributing to overfishing and environmental degradation.
• Climate change: Changes in ocean temperature, acidity, and currents can affect fish populations and distributions, complicating management efforts.
• Habitat destruction: Activities such as bottom trawling, coastal development, and pollution can damage or destroy critical fish habitats, reducing their capacity to support healthy fish populations.

Sustainable Fishery Practices

To address these challenges, sustainable fishery practices are implemented, including:

• Marine protected areas (MPAs): Designating areas of the ocean where fishing is restricted or prohibited to protect biodiversity and replenish fish stocks.
• Catch shares and quotas: Allocating a specific portion of the total allowable catch to individual fishers or communities to prevent overfishing.
• Ecolabelling and certification: Programs like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certify fisheries that meet specific sustainability standards, helping consumers make informed choices.
• Community-based management: Involving local communities in managing fisheries resources to ensure that local knowledge and needs are incorporated into management practices.

Conclusion

Sustainable fishery is essential for the health of the world's oceans and the communities that depend on them. Through a combination of science-based management, stakeholder involvement, and the adoption of sustainable practices, it is possible to achieve a balance between ecological conservation and economic needs. Ensuring the sustainability of fisheries is a complex, ongoing process that requires the cooperation of governments, the fishing industry, scientists, and the global community.