A new study, co-authored by University of Washington researchers, has revealed that most of the world’s wild fisheries could be at healthy levels in just ten years.
The report explained how the world’s fisheries could produce more seafood and increase profits for fishermen by 204% in the next 35 years, if reforms such as secure fishing rights are implemented.
“We have uncovered a really important insight: there is urgency and tremendous of fisheries around the world,” said Ray Hilborn, co-author and UW professor of aquatic and fishery sciences.
He added: “The research adds to the body of work that shows that most of the world’s large fisheries are doing relatively well, but it emphasises the critical need to rebuild fisheries that millions of fishermen and their families depend on for food and livelihoods, most of which are in the developing world.”
Published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study argues that if the reforms were implemented today three quarters of exploited fisheries worldwide could reach populations goals within ten years.
The conclusions were made from analysis that used a database of 4,713 fisheries, including most US West Coast fisheries, that represents 78% of the ocean’s catch.
It suggests that implementing reforms is critical to providing the combined benefits of increased fish populations, profits and production.
Allocating fishing rights is a management approach that ends the race for fish by asking fishermen to adhere to strict, science-based catch limits in exchange for a right to a share of the catch or to a traditional fishing area.
“Our research reveals a stark choice: manage fisheries sustainably and realise the tremendous potential of the world’s oceans, or allow status quo to continue to draw down the natural capital of our oceans,” concluded Chris Costello, the paper’s lead author.
