Revolutionizing Ocean Sustainability: Scientists Propose New Framework for Responsible Fishing
Revolutionizing Ocean Sustainability: Scientists Propose New Framework for Responsible Fishing
Experts of University of Exeter are always on their toes to publish research reports on how they can play their part in saving the earth. Newly published rules aim to halt the ongoing destruction of oceans caused by fishing and ensure the regeneration of fish populations for future generations. This initiative comes as scientists have significantly downgraded their assessment of ocean health.
What Are These Rules?
The rules are based on two guiding principles that will transform how we manage ocean exploitation:
1) Fishing must minimize impacts on marine species and habitats, adapt to climate change, and promote the recovery of depleted marine life;
2) Fishing must support the health and resilience of communities, especially the most vulnerable, rather than solely benefiting corporations that prioritize profits for owners and shareholders while imposing costs on others.
Via their work Their work, titled “Rethinking sustainability of marine fisheries for a fast-changing planet”, which has been published in Nature‘s scientific journal npj Ocean Sustainability, the aim to serve as foundation for a complete reform of the appalling current mismanagement of the Earth’s largest common.
The authors of the paper collaborated over several years, united by a common belief: the current definition of “sustainable fishing” is dangerously flawed, resulting in the depletion of marine species, destruction of natural habitats and carbon sinks, and the decline of artisanal fishing communities worldwide.
“The existing concept of ‘sustainable fishing,’ embraced by governments and private entities since the post-war era, is scientifically outdated,” stated lead author Professor Callum Roberts from the University of Exeter and chief scientist of the Convex Seascape Survey. “It relies on a simplistic, productivist theory that assumes as long as global catch volumes stay below a certain limit, anyone can fish virtually anything, anywhere, using any method.”
Professor Jennifer Jacquet from the University of Miami emphasized, “Can we genuinely claim that all fishing gear is environmentally and socially equal? We currently label fisheries as sustainable without considering their impact on marine ecosystems or critical human factors, such as crew safety and rights.”
The scientists criticize this outdated approach to sustainability, which neglects essential environmental, social, and developmental considerations.
Despite being widely accepted by industrial players and consumers, current sustainability standards fail to tackle urgent global biodiversity and climate issues. Instead, they promote high-capital industrial practices that benefit the Global North while damaging ecosystems, threatening artisanal fishing and food security, and jeopardizing jobs.
This model further undermines the universal right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable ocean.
A New Path Forward: Endless Fish Supply and Thriving Ecosystems
The new framework envisions a future where fishing supports abundant fish stocks to meet humanity's long-term needs.
“Our work advocates for fisheries that sustain the vital functions of ocean ecosystems, mitigate climate change, ensure food security, and uphold human rights,” said Professor Daniel Pauly from the University of British Columbia.
This innovative approach recognizes the social, ethical, and ecological dimensions of fishing, proposing a systemic sustainable model that involves market players, policymakers, and the legal system.
Professor Roberts emphasized, “We must regard fishing as a privilege rather than a right. Marine life is a public good that should benefit both society and nature, rather than becoming a target for private profit.”
Their proposals are ambitious yet grounded in proven practices, with most recommended actions rooted in successful models.
An Urgent Call for Action
The scientists urge policymakers, retailers, and fishery managers to recognize the shortcomings of current fishing practices and prioritize the adoption of these proposed golden rules.
Supermarkets, responsible for nearly two-thirds of seafood sales in Europe, play a critical role in this transition. They can influence fishing practices through their sourcing policies, scrutinize sustainability labels, and address consumers' growing concerns about the hidden impacts of their food choices.
“We are witnessing an increasing disconnect between the widespread availability of supposedly sustainable fish products, the collapse of ocean ecosystems, and the rise in reported human rights abuses. Supermarkets must stop misleading consumers,” warned Pauline Bricault, BLOOM’s markets campaign lead.
“With the IPCC and IPBES setting 2030 as a deadline for critical changes, industry stakeholders have no excuses left; they must act now.”