The impact of overfishing and what you can do about it

The impact of overfishing and what you can do about it: Explained by Ocean Generation.

Fish is one of the most important food sources on the planet with more than 3.3 billion people relying on it as an important part of their diet.

Fishing is an ancient practice first thought to emerge 40,000 years ago, and for many people, it is central to their culture and way of life.  

However, with our population on the rise and the demand constantly increasing, pressure from commercial fleets is causing fishing to become a problem. 

Fisheries ideally harvest the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), which is the most that can be continually extracted from a population without causing it to decline.

However, more and more of our wild fish stocks are being harvested at a rate faster than the fish populations can naturally regenerate. This is known as overfishing. Advancements in modern technology have exacerbated this by allowing modern fleets to track, target and process huge amounts of seafood.

According to the 2024 FAO report, 37.7% of global fish stocks are fished at unsustainable levels.

However, a recent study of 230 fisheries has revealed that the computer models used to set catch limits often overestimate the size of fish populations. This new research suggests that 85% more fish populations have collapsed than is recognised by the FAO estimate.  

This high level of uncertainty when counting fish stocks poses a greater risk of overfishing and highlights the need for extra precautions to be taken.

37.7 percent of global fish stocks are fished at unsustainable levels. Posted by Ocean Generation.

Fishing in the open Ocean

Countries are allowed to exploit Ocean regions within 200 nautical miles of their coast, called the Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ). Beyond these areas is what’s known as the high seas: 60% of our Ocean which lies beyond national jurisdiction.

The risk of overfishing is high here, as there’s great difficulty regulating such a huge expanse of Ocean that belongs to no one. 

One of the principles of the high seas is the freedom for any state to have passage and engage in fishing.

However, it’s companies that rule these regions, not countries.  

The combined impact of illegal fishing, and legal fishing that fails to follow scientific advice has led to 65% of straddling (fish that migrate between the high seas and EEZs) and high seas fish stocks to become overfished and for species richness to decline. 

The challenges of regulating the Ocean and fisheries lead to the damage of one of our most important resources.  

Threats such as over-exploitation, destructive fishing methods, and bycatch endanger the health of our Ocean and Ocean biodiversity. Therefore, there’s an immense need for change.  

We need to improve the sustainability of fisheries

How can we make the fishing industry more sustainable?  

Improving the sustainability of fisheries can be done in many ways. Just to name a few: increased regulation on catches and fishing gear, more legislative protection on different areas or cooperation between nations.

One important way is to influence the market and demand sustainability, which can be achieved through consumer action. 

When you step into your local market, opting for sustainable seafood helps to place pressure on suppliers and drives the industry to improve – as it all comes down to consumer demand. 

So, what can I do as a consumer? 

1. Check the certification. 

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) completes an assessment of a fishing operator. They look at the sustainability of their fishing, minimisation of environmental impact and how effective their management is.

Sustainable fisheries will be awarded an MSC blue badge, which appears on the packaging of their fish in store. It’s an easy way to identify sustainably caught fish while shopping. The MSC blue label is found on more than 25,000 seafood products all over the world.  

However, it’s worth noting that while the MSC blue badge is the world’s most widely used certification programme for wild fisheries, it’s not without its limitations.  

An independent review by ‘On the Hook’ in 2023 argued that the certification process is insufficient as an indicator of sustainable fishing and doesn’t meet consumer and market expectations.  

Nevertheless, if consumers favour MSC approved seafood whenever possible, this will encourage fisheries to improve their sustainability and meet standards – as it’s currently the best sustainability certification we have. 

Opting for sustainable seafood helps the industry to improve. Posted by Ocean Generation

2. Educate yourself on your options. 

Another way to direct your decision to the most Ocean-friendly option is through education.  

The Marine Conservation Society has a Good Fish Guide, designed to have a traffic light system to represent the environmental impact of your food. It uses scientific advice on the species and how and where it was caught to help inform the consumer on the best possible choice. The guide can be downloaded onto a phone and therefore accessed at any time! 

Similar resources such as  Seafood Watch and GoodFish assess Canadian and U.S markets and Australian markets respectively, who will also help you navigate the most sustainable choices. 

3. Choose your supplier. 

Rather than asking consumers to make the effort, some retailers will make the choice for them, and only stock sustainably produced goods.   

For example, in the UK, M&S has worked with the WWF since 2010, focusing on their supply chains and ensuring traceability and sustainability in their seafood products. Sainsbury’s won both the MSC and ASC (Aquaculture Sustainability Council) awards in 2023, celebrating their achievements in sustainable fishing and responsible aquaculture.

So, if possible, try to consider buying seafood from retailers such as these, as more hassle-free way of making more fish friendly decisions.  

The management of our Ocean resources is vital in allowing them to provide for us in the future. For those who choose to, fish is a favourite, but it will taste much better for having made it to your plate in the most sustainable way, minimising the harm to our Ocean.  

What can I do to make the fishing industry more sustainable: Explained by Ocean Generation

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