Sustainable fishing
Sustainable Fishing
Sustainable fishing (/səˈsteɪnəbəl ˈfɪʃɪŋ/) is a practice that involves fishing methods that ensure the long-term health and stability of marine ecosystems. The term is derived from the English words "sustain" and "fishing", which together imply the ongoing ability to fish without depleting the marine resources.
History
The concept of sustainable fishing has its roots in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European Union, which was established in the 1970s. The CFP aimed to manage fish stocks to prevent overfishing and ensure the long-term sustainability of the marine environment.
Principles
Sustainable fishing is based on three main principles:
- Maximum sustainable yield (MSY): This is the largest catch that can be taken from a species' stock over an indefinite period.
- Precautionary approach: This principle involves taking action to avoid serious or irreversible potential harm, even in the absence of scientific certainty.
- Ecosystem-based management: This approach considers the entire ecosystem, including the interactions among different species and their habitats.
Techniques
Various techniques are used in sustainable fishing, including:
- Selective fishing: This involves using fishing gear designed to catch certain sizes and species of fish, thereby reducing bycatch and impact on non-target species.
- Catch shares: This system allocates a specific portion of the total allowable catch to individual fishermen, cooperatives, or communities, which can help prevent overfishing.
- Marine protected areas: These are areas where fishing is restricted or prohibited to protect marine biodiversity.
Challenges
Despite its benefits, sustainable fishing faces several challenges, such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU fishing) and the impact of climate change on fish stocks.
Related Terms
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