As environmental concerns mount, scientists worldwide are advocating for sustainable fishing practices as a key solution to help save our planet. Inland and marine fisheries provide essential food security, support livelihoods, and play a critical role in biodiversity. However, unsustainable practices are pushing many species to the brink of extinction, exacerbating climate change, and degrading ecosystems.
Here are some scientifically backed tips to promote sustainable fishing and ensure a healthier future for our oceans:
1. Prioritize Low-Impact Fishing Methods
Large-scale fishing practices, especially those using heavy trawling equipment, are responsible for widespread marine habitat destruction. These methods disturb ocean floors, destroy critical habitats, and lead to significant bycatch of non-target species. Scientists recommend shifting towards selective fishing methods that reduce bycatch and minimize damage to ecosystems. Practices such as line fishing or the use of traps can help ensure that only the targeted species are caught, allowing for the regeneration of marine populations.
2. Address Freshwater Biodiversity in Policy Decisions
Freshwater species, especially those in inland fisheries, contribute to global biodiversity and play a vital role in ecosystems and food security. Yet, they are often overlooked in policy decisions that prioritize hydropower, agriculture, and industry over fish and their habitats. According to a study published in Nature Sustainability, integrating inland fisheries into development programs and policy can help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as Zero Hunger and Life on Land. Well-managed inland fisheries are essential to global food security, especially in developing countries.
3. Eliminate Harmful Subsidies
Harmful subsidies, such as fuel discounts and financial support for larger fishing fleets, contribute to overfishing and environmental degradation. These subsidies allow industrial fisheries to overexploit marine resources, leading to the decline of fish populations and loss of biodiversity. Eliminating these subsidies is a critical step toward reducing overcapacity in fisheries and promoting the sustainable use of marine resources. Reducing financial incentives for destructive fishing practices would encourage industries to adopt greener, more sustainable methods.
4. Support Freshwater Fisheries and Ecosystems
Inland fisheries are often overlooked in discussions of sustainable fisheries, despite their importance to global food security. The report on inland fisheries emphasizes their role in achieving SDGs related to poverty alleviation and hunger reduction. Freshwater ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to overuse and pollution from human activities such as hydropower and agriculture. Protecting these habitats ensures the survival of freshwater species, many of which are vital for local communities’ food and livelihoods.
5. Promote Marine and Freshwater Conservation
Scientists stress that well-managed fisheries can contribute to the protection of both freshwater and marine biodiversity. This requires creating more marine-protected areas (MPAs) where fishing is limited or prohibited to allow ecosystems to recover. Additionally, responsible consumption of fish, such as choosing species that are sustainably sourced and avoiding those at risk of extinction, can make a significant difference.
6. Focus on Equitable Fisheries Management
Sustainable fisheries must also support the well-being of local communities. Often, large fishing corporations benefit disproportionately from marine resources, while small-scale and artisanal fishers struggle. Scientists argue for more equitable management, ensuring that small fishers have access to resources and markets, which in turn supports local economies and protects biodiversity.
7. Incorporate Climate-Resilient Strategies
With climate change becoming an increasing threat to marine ecosystems, it’s vital to incorporate strategies that ensure fisheries are resilient to these changes. A report published by the IUCN emphasizes the role of sustainable fisheries in mitigating climate impacts by maintaining healthy fish stocks and marine habitats that help store carbon. By reducing destructive practices like trawling, fisheries can help preserve ocean ecosystems that act as carbon sinks.
8. End Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
IUU fishing remains one of the most significant threats to global fish populations. Scientists recommend a zero-tolerance approach to this practice, which not only depletes fish stocks but also undermines legal fisheries and contributes to human rights violations. Strengthening international collaboration and enforcing stricter regulations on IUU fishing can help curb this issue.
Conclusion:
Sustainable fishing is a pivotal component of global efforts to save our planet and meet the Sustainable Development Goals. By adopting low-impact fishing methods, supporting biodiversity, eliminating harmful subsidies, and prioritizing the needs of local communities, we can work toward a future where both the oceans and people thrive.
At The Happy Turtle Straw, we support these efforts and are committed to promoting practices that protect marine and freshwater ecosystems for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Sources:
- Roberts, C., Béné, C., Bennett, N., Boon, J.S., Cheung, W.W.L., Cury, P., Defeo, O., De Jong Cleyndert, G., Froese, R., Gascuel, D., Golden, C.D., Hawkins, J., Hobday, A.J., Jacquet, J., Kemp, P., Lam, M.E., Le Manach, F., Meeuwig, J.J., Micheli, F., Morato, T., Norris, C., Nouvian, C., Pauly, D., Pikitch, E., Piña Amargos, F., Saenz-Arroyo, A., Sumaila, U.R., Teh, L. & Watling, L. (2024) Golden Rules for Sustainable Fishing. npj Ocean Sustainability. Available at: https://bloomassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Roberts-et-al._2024_Golden-Rules-Paper_BLOOM_Francais.pdf.pdf [Accessed 26 Sep. 2024].
- IUCN (2024) Inland Fish and Fisheries Integral to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Available at: https://iucn.org/fr/node/17631 [Accessed 26 Sep. 2024].
