Sustainable fishing implies an efficient and conscious management of fish in the sea, avoiding overfishing, so that its population can reproduce adequately, renewing itself continuously, remaining healthy and productive.
The overexploitation of the seas and oceans is leaving them without fish. This is what the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) states in one of its latest reports, while calling for a sustainable fishing model to guarantee the survival of species and fishing activity.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) assures in its 2018 Living Planet report that since 1950 we have extracted almost 6 billion tons of fish and other invertebrates from the seas, making the fishing industry the main threat to marine fauna.
Sustainable fishing also requires respect for the structure, productivity, function and diversity of marine ecosystems and habitats, minimizing impacts on other species, paying special attention to protected, threatened or endangered species; and good management that allows the fishery to adapt to changes in the marine environment and comply with local, national and international laws.
Sustainability is about the future
The sustainability of a fishery is an ongoing process. After being certified, fisheries are regularly re-evaluated and many require further improvements. Scientific information is also continually supplemented and fisheries are encouraged to develop new ways to conserve marine resources for future generations.
Protects marine wildlife
Sustainable fishing respects marine ecosystems and adapts to the reproductive rhythm of fish to maintain balance and ensure the survival of all species.
Uses selective methods
Sustainable fishing rejects the indiscriminate capture of juveniles and endangered or non-commercially valuable species.
Avoid waste
In sustainable fishing, dead fish are used, for example, to produce meal and minimize food waste.
Contributes to food security
Small-scale sustainable fishing accounts for 66% of all catches destined directly for human consumption.
Generates jobs and is more responsible
Sustainable artisanal fishing employs 90% of the global fishing industry and is the basis for the development of small fishing communities.
Reduces pollution
Sustainable fishing generates less waste, minimizes energy consumption and reduces the use of chemicals that damage the ozone layer.
Certifies the sustainability of catches
In contrast to sustainable fishing is what is known as destructive fishing. The latter uses more aggressive methods -such as trawling-, makes indiscriminate catches and prioritizes productivity over environmental protection. It also uses only 60% of each catch and polluting gases such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE
Captive fish farming, both in coastal and inland areas, is a growing activity worldwide. FAO considers that a sustainable aquaculture strategy is based on these six principles:
Fair remuneration of fish farmers for their work.
Fair sharing of costs and benefits.
The creation of wealth and quality employment.
A model that guarantees food security.
An environmental management that benefits future generations.
Sustainable growth and proper organization of the authorities and the industry.
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