The concept of sustainable fisheries management is at the heart of efforts to protect marine ecosystems, ensure food security, and support coastal and fishing communities around the world. As global demand for seafood continues to grow, managing fish stocks and marine resources in a sustainable manner has never been more important. With overfishing, habitat degradation, and the effects of climate change posing significant challenges to fish populations, the need for effective, ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) has become critical.
In this blog post, we will explore the fundamental principles of sustainable fisheries management, the role of fisheries management plans, the importance of ecosystem health, and how modern fisheries management practices help preserve fish stocks and protect the environment for future generations.
Understanding Sustainable Fisheries Management
Sustainable fisheries management refers to practices and policies aimed at maintaining healthy fish populations, protecting marine ecosystems, and ensuring that fishery resources are available for future generations. It involves a combination of scientific research, regulatory measures, and community involvement to achieve the balance between the economic benefits of the fishing industry and the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
1. The Role of Fisheries Management Plans
A fisheries management plan (FMP) is a comprehensive approach that outlines the goals, strategies, and actions necessary to manage fish populations and their ecosystems sustainably. These plans are designed to ensure that fish stocks are maintained at levels that can support fishing activities without compromising the long-term health of the ecosystem.
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Key components of FMPs include:
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Stock assessments: Regular evaluations of fish populations to determine their health and sustainability.
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Catch limits: Establishing limits on how many fish can be harvested to prevent overfishing.
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Protected areas: Designating marine protected areas (MPAs) where fishing is restricted to allow ecosystems to recover and thrive.
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Monitoring and enforcement: Ensuring that management measures are followed through regular monitoring and enforcement actions.
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By creating detailed management measures, FMPs help prevent overfishing, rebuild depleted stocks, and ensure that fish populations are resilient to changes in the environment.
2. The Importance of Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM)
Ecosystem-based fisheries management is an approach that considers the entire ecosystem—rather than just target fish species—when developing management strategies. This holistic approach takes into account the impacts of fishing on marine ecosystems, including habitat degradation, the role of forage species in the food web, and the broader ecological context in which fish populations exist.
EBFM seeks to:
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Maintain ecosystem health by protecting key habitats like seafloor habitats and mangroves, which are critical for fish breeding and feeding.
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Address the impacts of fishing on non-target species and the environment, ensuring that fishing activities do not harm the broader ecosystem.
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Adapt to changes in the environment, such as climate change, that can affect the availability of fish stocks and the health of marine habitats.
By focusing on the overall health of marine ecosystems, ecosystem-based fisheries management helps ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries, not just for today, but for future generations.
Key Challenges in Sustainable Fisheries Management
The fishing industry faces numerous challenges that threaten the sustainability of marine fisheries. These challenges include overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate change, and habitat degradation. To address these challenges, effective fisheries management strategies need to focus on restoring depleted fish stocks, reducing bycatch, and promoting sustainable seafood practices.
1. Overfishing and Depleted Fish Stocks
One of the most pressing concerns in global fisheries is the depletion of fish stocks. Overfishing occurs when fish are harvested at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to a decline in population sizes. This not only reduces the availability of fish for future harvests but also disrupts the broader marine ecosystem.
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Example: The population of wild salmon in certain regions has been significantly impacted by overfishing. The depletion of wild salmon stocks has serious implications for both the marine ecosystem, as salmon are a key prey species for many marine predators, and for the livelihoods of fishing communities dependent on this fishery.
To combat overfishing, fisheries management must implement sustainable fishing practices, such as setting catch limits, introducing seasonal closures, and establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) to allow stocks to rebuild.
2. Unregulated Fishing Activities
Unregulated fishing, including illegal and unreported fishing, continues to be a significant issue for global fisheries. IUU fishing undermines the efforts of legitimate fishing operations and can lead to the collapse of fish stocks, as it occurs without regard for the sustainable harvest levels or environmental impact.
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Example: Tropical fisheries have been particularly vulnerable to unregulated fishing, with certain countries or regions lacking the resources to enforce fishing regulations effectively. As a result, illegal fishing activities can reduce the availability of fish for legal markets, harming both local economies and marine ecosystems.
To address IUU fishing, stronger enforcement measures, international cooperation, and better monitoring of fishing activities are essential. Organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) are working to promote responsible fishing practices and reduce the impacts of illegal fishing on global fish stocks.
3. Climate Change and Fisheries
Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major factor affecting the sustainability of fisheries. Rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and changes in ocean ecosystems can significantly alter fish migration patterns, reduce the availability of certain fish species, and negatively impact fish habitats.
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Example: Warmer ocean temperatures are affecting the distribution of fish species, forcing them to migrate to cooler waters. This creates challenges for fishermen, especially in regions where marine fisheries are a key source of food and income. Coral reefs, which are vital habitats for many fish species, are also being damaged by rising ocean temperatures, further threatening the resilience of fish populations.
Effective fisheries management must take climate change into account by implementing adaptive strategies that allow for the flexibility needed to respond to changing environmental conditions.
The Role of Stakeholders in Sustainable Fisheries Management
Successful sustainable fisheries management requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, fisheries scientists, commercial and recreational fishermen, fishing communities, and international organizations. Each of these groups has a role to play in ensuring that fish stocks are managed responsibly and that the fishing industry continues to thrive.
1. Fisheries Scientists and Data Collection
Fisheries scientists play a vital role in sustainable fisheries management by conducting stock assessments, habitat surveys, and data analysis on fish populations and ecosystems. Their research provides the basis for sound management decisions, allowing fishery managers to establish appropriate catch limits, identify critical habitats, and implement conservation measures.
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Example: NOAA Fisheries in the United States conducts extensive research on marine species and fish populations, providing essential data for fishery management plans (FMPs). These data help managers make informed decisions on how to balance the needs of the fishing industry with the health of marine ecosystems.
2. Commercial and Recreational Fishermen
Both commercial and recreational fishermen play an important role in sustainable fishing. Commercial fishermen need to comply with catch limits and fishing regulations, while recreational fishermen must adhere to similar rules to ensure that their impact on fish populations is minimal.
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Example: The Regional Fishery Management Councils (RFMCs), established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in the United States, are responsible for managing federal fisheries. These councils include representatives from the fishing industry who help develop fishing regulations that ensure the sustainability of marine resources while balancing the economic needs of the fishing communities.
3. Fishing Communities and Sustainability
Fishing communities are directly impacted by changes in fish stocks and the health of marine ecosystems. By adopting sustainable fishing practices, these communities can ensure that fish populations are maintained and that future generations have access to the same resources. Additionally, coastal communities depend on sustainable seafood for food security and economic stability.
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Example: In places like Iceland, fishing communities work closely with government agencies and fisheries scientists to implement sustainable fisheries practices. The country has developed a robust management system that focuses on fishery management plans and ecosystem-based fisheries management, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The Importance of Adaptive Management in Sustainable Fisheries
As the world’s oceans continue to face significant environmental changes, such as climate change and pollution, adaptive management has become a crucial component of sustainable fisheries management. Adaptive management refers to a flexible, dynamic approach to managing fish stocks and ecosystems, where policies and practices are continuously adjusted based on new scientific data and changing environmental conditions. This method allows fishery managers to respond to unforeseen challenges and adapt to evolving circumstances in real-time.
1. Adapting to Climate Change
Climate change poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, with rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and shifting migratory patterns affecting fish populations and their habitats. Adaptive fisheries management allows for real-time data integration from a variety of sources, such as satellite data, marine monitoring systems, and climate models, enabling decision-makers to quickly respond to these changes.
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Example: In tropical fisheries, where temperature shifts can drastically alter fish migration patterns, adaptive management techniques can help adjust catch limits, seasonal closures, and fishing areas to accommodate the movement of target fish species.
By staying responsive to changes, fishery managers can ensure that fisheries remain productive and resilient despite the challenges posed by climate change.
2. Incorporating Scientific Data into Management Decisions
An adaptive approach to fisheries management relies heavily on the continuous collection and analysis of scientific data. This includes information on fish stocks, marine species, ocean health, and environmental conditions. By working with fisheries scientists and data analysts, fishery managers can create management plans that are based on real-time data rather than outdated assumptions, allowing for better decision-making and more effective conservation efforts.
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Example: In Alaska, NOAA Fisheries conducts annual stock assessments for wild salmon populations, which help guide catch limits and seasonal closures. When new information about stock health emerges, the regulations are adjusted to ensure that wild fish stocks are not overharvested and that populations can rebuild if necessary.
3. Engaging Stakeholders in Adaptive Management
A key feature of adaptive management is involving all relevant stakeholders—fishermen, fishing communities, environmental organizations, government agencies, and scientists—in the decision-making process. By incorporating local knowledge and scientific research, stakeholders can work together to ensure that management measures are both scientifically sound and practically feasible.
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Example: New Zealand has adopted a participatory model for fisheries management, where commercial and recreational fishermen, fishery scientists, and regulatory authorities collaborate to make decisions on catch limits, marine protected areas, and species conservation efforts. This inclusive approach has contributed to the recovery of several fish species and has helped build trust between the fishing industry and regulatory bodies.
Through collaboration and adaptability, the fisheries sector can thrive in a rapidly changing world, ensuring that fish populations and marine ecosystems remain robust for years to come.
The Role of International Cooperation in Sustainable Fisheries
Fisheries management does not stop at national borders. Since fish stocks often migrate across vast ocean regions and are shared by multiple countries, international cooperation is essential to ensure the sustainability of global fisheries. Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs) and international agreements play a crucial role in coordinating efforts to manage fish stocks that span across international waters, such as those found in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and the high seas.
1. Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs)
RFMOs are international bodies that bring together countries to collectively manage fish stocks in specific regions. These organizations play a pivotal role in establishing management measures, such as catch limits, seasonal closures, and marine protected areas, for species that are shared across multiple nations.
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Example: The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) manages the tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean, coordinating the efforts of 32 member countries. By working together, these countries can ensure that tuna populations are sustainably managed, helping preserve the species for both commercial and recreational fishermen.
RFMOs are integral to ensuring that global fisheries are managed sustainably, allowing fish stocks to thrive while enabling countries to benefit from shared resources.
2. International Agreements and Treaties
In addition to RFMOs, international treaties and agreements help regulate the management of marine resources and promote sustainable fisheries practices. These agreements focus on reducing overfishing, protecting endangered species, and improving fisheries sustainability.
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Example: The United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA) aims to conserve and manage highly migratory species and straddling fish stocks in the high seas, where governance and enforcement are more challenging. This agreement facilitates cooperation between countries and provides a framework for sustainable fisheries management in international waters.
By adhering to international frameworks, nations can collaborate to ensure that fish populations and marine ecosystems are preserved, preventing overfishing and promoting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
3. Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
IUU fishing poses a significant threat to global fish stocks and undermines sustainable management efforts. The lack of regulation and monitoring in international waters makes it difficult to control overfishing and protect vulnerable fish species. International cooperation is key to combating IUU fishing through the establishment of strong enforcement mechanisms, vessel monitoring systems, and shared reporting structures.
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Example: The Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) is an international treaty that seeks to prevent IUU fishing by denying access to ports for vessels involved in illegal fishing activities. This initiative helps curb illegal practices, ensuring that global fish stocks are not depleted by unregulated fishing activities.
Efforts to curb IUU fishing must be a global priority, with countries working together to monitor fishing activities, ensure compliance with regulations, and safeguard the health of marine ecosystems.
The Role of Technology in Advancing Sustainable Fisheries Management
In recent years, the integration of emerging technologies has provided new opportunities to advance sustainable fisheries management. From satellite-based monitoring to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, these technologies allow for more accurate data collection, real-time monitoring, and better decision-making. As global demand for marine resources grows, these innovations are becoming essential tools in managing fish stocks and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
1. Satellite Monitoring for Fish Stock and Habitat Tracking
Satellite technology has revolutionized marine conservation and fisheries management by providing a way to monitor vast oceanic regions in real-time. Satellite-based systems allow fishery managers to track fishing vessels, monitor changes in sea temperature, and observe shifts in marine habitats. This data is invaluable for making informed management decisions.
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Example: Global Fishing Watch, a partnership between Google, SkyTruth, and Oceana, uses satellite data to track fishing vessel activity worldwide. By identifying illegal and unregulated fishing, this technology helps improve enforcement and sustainable fisheries management by providing transparency to fishing activities in international waters.
The ability to monitor large-scale ocean environments with high precision enables fishery managers to respond quickly to changes in fish stocks or fishing patterns, ensuring that fishing operations remain within sustainable limits.
2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Data Analysis
AI and machine learning algorithms have become critical tools for analyzing the vast amounts of data generated by modern fisheries management. These technologies can process complex datasets much faster and more accurately than traditional methods, allowing fisheries scientists to identify patterns, predict trends, and make data-driven decisions.
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Example: AI models are being used to predict the impact of climate change on fish stocks and migration patterns. By analyzing historical data alongside environmental data, machine learning algorithms can forecast how fish populations will react to rising temperatures, ocean acidification, and other climate-related challenges.
This predictive capability not only improves risk assessment and management actions but also enables fisheries managers to adapt to changing conditions and implement timely measures to safeguard marine species.
3. Smart Fishing Gear and Bycatch Reduction
Innovations in fishing gear technology are helping to reduce the negative impacts of fishing on marine ecosystems. Smart fishing gear, such as selective fishing nets and bycatch reduction devices, allows fishermen to target specific species more effectively while minimizing the capture of non-target species or endangered species.
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Example: Bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) are designed to allow non-target species, such as sea turtles or juvenile fish, to escape from fishing nets. The use of these devices helps reduce unwanted catches and allows fish populations to recover, improving the sustainability of commercial fishing practices.
Advances in fishing gear technology are essential for reducing overfishing, ensuring that target species are harvested while protecting vulnerable marine species and preserving marine biodiversity.
4. Aquaculture and Fish Farming: Balancing Growth with Sustainability
As wild fish stocks become more depleted due to overfishing and environmental challenges, aquaculture—or fish farming—has emerged as a key solution to meet the growing demand for seafood. However, it’s crucial that fish farming is managed sustainably to avoid creating additional pressures on marine ecosystems.
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Example: Sustainable aquaculture practices, such as closed-loop systems, reduce the environmental impact of fish farming by recycling water and minimizing pollution. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for sustainable seafood includes standards for fish farming, ensuring that farmed fish are produced without damaging the environment or relying on wild fish populations for feed.
While fish farming offers the potential for sustainable seafood production, it must be carefully managed to prevent issues like habitat degradation, the spread of diseases, and the overuse of resources like forage species used for feed.
The Global Impact of Sustainable Fisheries Management
Sustainable fisheries management is a global concern, as marine resources are shared by nations and ecosystems across the world’s oceans. Ensuring that fish populations remain healthy and that fishing practices are sustainable requires international cooperation, the establishment of management frameworks, and a commitment to marine stewardship.
1. International Trade and Fisheries Sustainability
The seafood industry is a significant part of the global economy, with fishery products traded internationally. Ensuring that fisheries management practices are sustainable is not only vital for environmental protection but also for the stability of global seafood markets. Countries that adhere to sustainable fishing practices can secure long-term trade relationships and access to international markets, while avoiding the depletion of fish stocks that could lead to economic collapse.
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Example: Norway, a major exporter of wild-caught seafood, has implemented robust sustainable fisheries management policies. By ensuring the long-term health of its marine species, Norway has secured its position as a leading supplier of sustainable seafood to international markets, benefiting both its economy and the environment.
International organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), support sustainable fisheries by establishing regulations that promote responsible fishing and conservation in global supply chains.
2. Food Security and the Role of Fisheries in Global Nutrition
Fish remains a critical source of animal protein for billions of people, particularly in coastal communities. Sustainable fisheries management is crucial for ensuring that fish stocks continue to provide a reliable and nutritious food source. The depletion of wild fish stocks would not only harm the environment but also undermine food security for millions of people who depend on fish as their primary source of nutrition.
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Example: In countries like West Africa, where fish is a major component of the diet, sustainable fisheries management is essential for food security. Local communities rely on marine fisheries to meet their nutritional needs and support their economies.
By focusing on sustainable fisheries, governments and international organizations can ensure that fish populations remain robust and that seafood continues to be an important part of the global food system.
3. Supporting Livelihoods in Fishing Communities
Fisheries are often at the heart of coastal communities, where fishing provides jobs, income, and sustenance. By promoting sustainable fishing practices, we can help preserve these livelihoods for future generations. Sustainable fisheries management ensures that fishing communities can continue to rely on healthy fish stocks, while also benefiting from eco-tourism and sustainable seafood industries.
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Example: In Pacific Island nations, small-scale fisheries are essential for the livelihoods of local communities. These countries have implemented community-based fisheries management strategies, which empower local people to monitor fish stocks, establish marine protected areas, and promote sustainable fishing practices. These initiatives ensure that fishing communities can thrive while maintaining the health of the ocean ecosystems they depend on.
Moving Toward a Sustainable Fisheries Future
The future of global fisheries depends on our ability to balance the needs of fishing communities, the marine ecosystem, and the seafood market. As fisheries management continues to evolve, ecosystem-based approaches and adaptive management will play key roles in ensuring that fish populations are maintained at sustainable levels and that ocean ecosystems are resilient to the challenges of climate change and human activity.
1. Strengthening Global Governance for Sustainable Fisheries
To achieve truly sustainable fisheries, greater collaboration is needed between governments, fisheries managers, scientists, and international organizations. This includes enforcing international agreements on sustainable fishing, ensuring better compliance with management measures, and creating effective monitoring systems to track fish stocks and illegal fishing activities.
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Example: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provides guidelines and standards for fisheries management worldwide, helping countries adopt sustainable practices and create frameworks that ensure the protection of fish stocks for future generations.
2. Public Awareness and Consumer Responsibility
Consumer behavior plays an important role in fisheries sustainability. By supporting sustainable seafood initiatives and choosing MSC-certified products, consumers can encourage responsible fishing practices. Public awareness campaigns about the importance of sustainable fishing and marine conservation are key to building global support for sustainable fisheries.
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Example: The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has helped increase awareness of sustainable seafood by certifying fisheries and creating a market for sustainably sourced fish. Consumers are increasingly making informed choices about the seafood they purchase, pushing the industry toward more sustainable practices.
The Economic and Social Impacts of Sustainable Fisheries Management
Sustainable fisheries are not only important for the environment but also for the economic well-being of fishing communities around the world. Proper fisheries management can provide long-term economic benefits by ensuring that fish stocks remain abundant and that marine ecosystems are resilient to environmental changes.
1. Supporting Coastal and Fishing Communities
Fishing communities depend on the health of fish stocks and the marine environment for their livelihoods. By managing fisheries sustainably, fishermen can continue to make a living from marine resources, while coastal communities can benefit from sustainable seafood production, tourism, and other industries dependent on a healthy marine environment.
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Example: In Iceland, sustainable fisheries management practices have helped the country maintain healthy wild fish stocks while supporting a thriving fishing industry and associated coastal businesses. The emphasis on sustainable fishing practices has ensured that both the environment and the economy benefit from the country’s marine resources.
2. Ensuring Food Security
Fish and seafood are a critical source of protein and nutrition for millions of people worldwide. Ensuring that fish populations remain healthy and abundant is essential for global food security. Sustainable fisheries management plays a crucial role in ensuring that fish stocks are managed in a way that provides a reliable source of food for present and future generations.
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Example: In Southeast Asia, countries like Thailand and Vietnam rely heavily on marine fisheries for both local consumption and export. By implementing sustainable management practices, these nations can continue to provide affordable, nutritious seafood to their populations while protecting the long-term health of their fisheries.
3. Economic Benefits of Sustainable Seafood
The global demand for sustainable seafood is increasing as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of fishing practices. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification program promotes sustainable fishing practices and helps consumers identify seafood products that have been harvested responsibly. This has created new economic opportunities for sustainable seafood businesses and has encouraged fisheries to adopt more sustainable practices.
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Example: MSC-certified fisheries have experienced growth in demand for their products, particularly in regions where consumers prioritize sustainability. The seafood industry benefits from this demand by securing premium prices for sustainably harvested fish, which can support higher wages and job creation in fishing communities.
Conclusion: Securing the Future of Global Fisheries
Sustainable fisheries management is essential for protecting fish populations, maintaining resilient ecosystems, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. By adopting ecosystem-based fisheries management, enforcing catch limits, and promoting sustainable fishing practices, we can ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from marine resources. Collaboration among government agencies, scientists, and fishing communities is critical for creating a sustainable and thriving global fisheries industry that meets both environmental and economic goals.
