Exploring the Importance of Sustainable Fishing on World Oceans Day 2024

Sustainable fishing can secure food for the future, help eradicate poverty and hunger, and reverse the decline caused by unsustainable fishing practices such as overfishing, unregulated fishing activities, and excessive bycatch.

(C) Unsplash @wdtoro

World Oceans Day, first declared at the Global Forum in 1992, is a day to celebrate and honour the oceans that cover more than 70% of our planet. These vast bodies of water generate at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, support the majority of the planet’s biodiversity, and provide sustenance for humans and all other living things on the planet.

The Role of Sustainable Fishing

Fishing is sustainable if it leaves enough fish in the oceans, minimises impacts on habitats and ecosystems, and is managed effectively. Communities worldwide rely on fishing for their livelihoods and as a vital source of food and nutrition. More than a third of the global population relies on seafood as a source of protein, and 38 million people are employed in wild capture fisheries.

The Problem of Overfishing

Overfishing occurs when too many fish in a particular stock are caught, leaving not enough adults to breed and sustain a healthy population. The level of overfishing has been increasing in recent decades, and the number of overfished stocks is now three times higher than in 1970. Overfishing is a major cause of the loss of ocean biodiversity and can have devastating impacts on communities reliant on fishing.

(C) Unsplash @Cast&Spear

The Path to Sustainable Fishing

Sustainable fishing involves scientists determining how many fish can be safely caught without impacting the future health of the stock. This involves collecting data on the size of the stock, when and where the species spawns, and how many juveniles are likely to survive into adulthood. They also assess environmental factors that may affect the stock, such as predation from other species.

Different management measures can be implemented to protect stocks from overfishing, such as prohibiting fishing during spawning seasons and setting size limits to protect juveniles. A key aspect of sustainable fishing also involves adopting precautionary measures known as harvest control rules, which require catches to be reduced if the stock population declines.

Protecting the Oceans Through Sustainable Fishing

Sustainable fishing helps maintain healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and minimises impacts on endangered, threatened, and protected species. All species have a unique role within ocean ecosystems and are part of a balanced food web of predators and prey. The loss of a single species due to overfishing or excessive bycatch can have a knock-on effect across the entire food web.

Minimising Environmental Impacts Sustainable fishing also involves measures to reduce bycatch and minimise impacts on the environment. This might involve modifying gear, avoiding fishing in areas where unwanted or endangered species are known to live or migrate through, and adapting practices to minimise the risk of interactions.

Fishing methods that interact with the seabed, such as bottom trawling and dredging, can be sustainable if well-managed. Research into seafloor habitats can identify vulnerable areas which should be avoided, including those with sensitive slow-growing species, such as corals. Fishers can also use lighter gear to reduce the impact of contact with the seabed.

As we celebrate World Oceans Day 2024, let’s remember the importance of sustainable fishing in preserving our oceans and their rich biodiversity. Our oceans, our responsibility.

In conclusion, sustainable fishing is vital for the health of our oceans and the livelihoods of communities around the world. By taking steps to fish responsibly and protect marine ecosystems, we can ensure the sustainability of our oceans for generations to come. Let's work together to celebrate World Oceans Day in 2024 and beyond, by committing to sustainable fishing practices and preserving the precious resources of our planet's oceans.

Remember, the future of our oceans is in our hands.

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