Top ocean specialists have unveiled a new report that reshapes the notion of “sustainable fishing” and introduces 11 “golden rules” that directly confront the flawed practices currently dominating fisheries management.
Top ocean specialists have unveiled a new report that reshapes the notion of “sustainable fishing” and introduces 11 “golden rules” that directly confront the flawed practices currently dominating fisheries management.
Released just before Brussels’ Ocean Week and a few months prior to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, these guidelines aim to stop the ongoing harm to oceans caused by fishing, ensuring abundant fish populations for future generations.
This comes at a moment when scientists have seriously downgraded their evaluations of the ocean’s health.
The guidelines are based on two foundational principles that could transform ocean management: 1) fishing should reduce impacts on marine species and environments, adapt to climate change, and promote the recovery of endangered marine life and habitats; 2) fishing should bolster the health, welfare, and resilience of individuals and communities — especially the most vulnerable groups — rather than solely enrich corporations that funnel profits to owners and shareholders while placing the burden on others.
This research, titled “Rethinking sustainability of marine fisheries for a fast-changing planet,” is featured in Nature‘s scientific journal npj Ocean Sustainability.
This scientific initiative aims to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive reform of the mismanagement of the Earth’s largest common resource.
The scientists are calling on policymakers, retailers, fishermen, and industry leaders to accept this new vision and commit to its execution.
The pressing need for a new framework for global fisheries
Today, fishing is recognized worldwide as the primary driver of ocean degradation.
The authors of the paper collaborated over several years, unified by the belief that the existing definition of “sustainable fishing” is dangerously flawed, leading to the decline of marine species, the destruction of natural habitats and carbon sinks, and the loss of artisanal fishing communities around the globe.
“The current definition of ‘sustainable fishing’ used by governments and private entities since after World War II is scientifically outdated,” stated lead author Professor Callum Roberts from the University of Exeter and chief scientist of the Convex Seascape Survey.
“It is based on a simplistic production theory that assumes as long as global catch limits are not exceeded, anyone can fish in any manner, anywhere.”
Professor Jennifer Jacquet from the University of Miami remarked: “Can we genuinely assert that all fishing gear is environmentally and socially equitable? Currently, we label fisheries as sustainable without considering their effects on marine ecosystems or human factors like crew safety and rights.”
The scientists criticize the antiquated approach to so-called sustainability that overlooks vital environmental, social, and developmental issues.
Even though current sustainability standards are widely accepted by industrial players and consumers, they fail to address urgent global biodiversity and climate crises, while promoting high-capital industrial practices that benefit the Global North. These practices damage ecosystems and public finances, threaten artisanal fishing and food security, and endanger jobs.
This model further jeopardizes everyone’s fundamental right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable ocean.
A comprehensive vision for the future of fisheries
The authors reached a shared understanding: fisheries must be managed to reduce environmental harm while maximizing social benefits in the face of a growing population and climate change.
A group of leading ocean scholars has thus created a visionary approach to ocean resource use, based on an interdisciplinary understanding of “fisheries sustainability,” incorporating knowledge from biology, oceanography, social sciences, and economics.
By outlining golden rules (comprising two principles and 11 key actions), their research marks a significant turning point, offering economic stakeholders and political leaders essential foundations for an urgent shift to a sustainable fishing model in our rapidly changing world.
A new forward path: abundant fish supplies and thriving ecosystems
The new framework envisions a world where fishing provides ample fish stocks for future generations.
“Our research advocates for fisheries that maintain the essential functions of ocean ecosystems, mitigate climate change, secure food availability, and uphold human rights,” noted Professor Daniel Pauly from the University of British Columbia.
This groundbreaking approach acknowledges the social, ethical, and ecological responsibilities of fishing, proposing a systemic sustainable model embraced by market participants, policymakers, and the legal framework.
Professor Roberts added: “Fishing should be seen as a privilege rather than a right.”
“Marine life is a communal resource that should benefit both society and nature, rather than be the target of a competition for individual gain.”
Their recommendations are both ambitious and achievable, with most actions rooted in successful proven practices.
An urgent call to action
The scientists are calling on policymakers, retailers, and fishery managers to recognize the shortcomings of current fishing methods and prioritize the adoption of the proposed golden rules.
Supermarkets, which account for nearly two-thirds of seafood sales in Europe, play a critical role in this transition.
They have the power to influence fishing practices via their sourcing policies, scrutinize “sustainability” labels, and address consumers’ increasing concerns regarding the hidden impacts of their food choices.
“We are witnessing a growing disconnection between the abundant availability of supposedly sustainable fish products, the decline of ocean ecosystems, and the rising reports of human rights violations. Supermarkets must stop misinforming consumers,” cautioned Pauline Bricault, head of BLOOM’s markets campaign.
“Both the IPCC and IPBES have set 2030 as a timeframe for essential changes. Industry stakeholders can no longer afford to delay; they must take action now.”
