Reimagining sustainable fisheries

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Fisheries Science
• Conservation Ecology

Background:

• Current sustainable fisheries models primarily support industrial fishing for global markets and fishmeal.
• This approach often overlooks the needs of local communities and subsistence fishing practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a paradigm shift in sustainable fisheries management.
• To advocate for a reevaluation of fisheries' goals, moving beyond single-stock management for industrial supply.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of current fisheries management frameworks.
• Comparative assessment of industrial versus artisanal/subsistence fishing impacts.

Main Results:

• Industrial fisheries, focused on single stocks for global markets (including fishmeal), are not optimally sustainable.
• Artisanal and subsistence fishing practices, which directly feed populations, represent a more sustainable and equitable model.

Conclusions:

• Sustainable fisheries should be redefined to minimize exploitation.
• Prioritizing artisanal and subsistence fishing is crucial for food security and ecological balance.