Fisheries Sustainability

From Local to Global

Name of the Author(s) : RJ Abisha

3rd B. F. Sc Student
Dr. MGR Fishries College and Research Institute
Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University
Thalainayeru, Nagapattinam – 614 712
Corresponding Authors Mr.V Vijayarahavan
Assistant Professor
Department of Fish Processing Technology
Dr. MGR Fishries College and Research Institute
Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University
Thalainayeru, Nagapattinam – 614 712
Email : vijayarahavan@tnfu.ac.in
Phone number : 8072663906

Introduction:
Global demand is increasing for dietary fish protein, which has resulted in
widespread overfishing in wild fisheries, resulting in a significant decrease in
fish stocks and even complete depletion in some regions. Sustainable fishing
guarantees there will be populations of ocean and freshwater wildlife in the
future.
Factors that affect sustainability of fishery:
 This is confirmed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) in one of its latest reports, which calls for a
sustainable fishing model to ensure the survival of species and fishing
activity. For example, in 2018, the FAO published a report that stated
overfishing in the South-East Pacific and the South-West Atlantic affects
more than58% of the fish populations that inhabit them, while in the
Mediterranean and the Black Sea the fish catch exceeds 62%, which
endangers food sustainability.
  Rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification are radically altering
aquatic ecosystems. A recent survey of global ocean health concluded
that all parts of the ocean have been affected by human development
and that 41 percent have been fouled with human polluted runoff,
overfishing, and other abuses.
 There are ways to fish sustainably, allowing us to enjoy seafood while
ensuring that populations remain for the future. For example, in the
Philippines, the Tagbanua people have traditionally employed fishing
practices that simultaneously harvest and maintain fish populations.
 The remaining struggle is that policymakers must consider the needs of
consumers, the livelihoods of fishers, and the data of scientists as they
look ahead.
 Sustainable fishing is a more artisanal and small-scale method with
social, economic, and environmental benefits, some of which are based
on the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Some of these
are summarised below:

Protects Marine Fauna:

Sustainable fishing respects marine ecosystems and adapts to the
reproductive rate of fish to maintain a balance and ensure the
survivalofallspecies.

Uses Selective methods:

Sustainable fishing rejects the indiscriminate capture of fry and endangered
species or those without commercial value.
Avoid wastes:
In sustainable fishing, the bycatch is used, for example, to make fishmeal to
minimise food waste.

Contributes to food security:

Sustainable small-scale fisheries account for 66% of all catches destined
directly for human consumption.

Generate Jobs:
Sustainable artisanal fishing provides employment for 90% of the global
fishing industry and is the basis for the development of small fishing
communities.

Reduces Pollution:
Sustainable fishing generates less waste, minimises energy consumption and
reduces the use of chemicals that damage the ozone layer.

Certifies the sustainbaility of the catches:

International standards such as the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council)
Standard determine whether a fishery is sustainable and is being well-
managed

Conclusion:
Sustainability in fisheries combines theoretical disciplines, such as the
population dynamics of fisheries, with practical strategies, such as avoiding
overfishing through techniques such as individual fishing quotas, curtailing
destructive and illegal fishing practices by lobbying for appropriate law and
policy, setting up protected areas, restoring collapsed fisheries, incorporating
all externalities involved in harvesting marine ecosystems into fishery
economics, educating stakeholders and the wider public, and developing
independent certification programs.