2024 Guide to Sustainable Fisheries: How can we improve fishing practices and protect marine ecosystems for the future?

1. Implementing science-based management strategies
2. Reducing bycatch and discards
3. Protecting critical habitats
4. Promoting sustainable aquaculture

Implementing science-based management strategies

To improve fishing practices and protect marine ecosystems, it is crucial to implement science-based management strategies. This involves setting catch limits based on scientific assessments of fish stocks, monitoring and enforcing regulations, and using data-driven approaches to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

Reducing bycatch and discards

Bycatch and discards are major threats to marine ecosystems. To address this issue, it is important to develop and implement technologies and practices that minimize bycatch, such as using selective fishing gear and modifying fishing techniques to reduce unintended catch.

Protecting critical habitats

Protecting critical habitats, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and spawning grounds, is essential for the long-term health of marine ecosystems. This can be achieved through the establishment of marine protected areas, habitat restoration efforts, and the implementation of spatial management measures to limit fishing in sensitive areas.

Promoting sustainable aquaculture

Sustainable aquaculture can help reduce the pressure on wild fish stocks and provide a reliable source of seafood. To promote sustainable aquaculture, it is important to develop and enforce regulations that minimize environmental impacts, promote responsible farming practices, and support research and innovation in aquaculture technology.