It's Time for Sustainable Fishing

It's Time for Sustainable Fishing

Around the world, billions of people rely on fish as a source for the nutritious protein they need. But, the ocean’s supply can’t keep up with our demand for wild fish, and they’ve begun to disappear. Taking fish out of the ocean faster than they can reproduce is bad for fish, fishermen, coastal economies and the marine ecosystems on which they all depend
Ocean Conservancy is working to create a new kind of fishing for the future. Well-managed fisheries are an investment in the future of the ocean as an engine that drives our climate, our economy, and our ecosystems. It’s in everyone’s best interest — distributors, retailers, fishermen and consumers — to restore the ocean’s bounty and strengthen our coastal economies.
So, we’re changing the rules. We’re taking a broad, bait-to-plate approach to fixing things that we call "From fishery to fork." We’re focusing our work in the Gulf of Mexico to build new economic incentives that reward fishermen for innovative practices that protect entire ocean ecosystems. We’re working with seafood buyers to help them identify and purchase sustainably harvested seafood. We’re shaping a shared vision for retailers, restaurant chains, and other seafood businesses to support good fishing practices—so we never catch fish faster than they can reproduce.
And, it’s working. Our conservation partnerships have generated new policies to rebuild red snapper stocks in the Gulf of Mexico. We’ve helped introduce new nets and fishing gear to reduce wasteful fishing practices that often leave as many dead creatures in the water as make it to market. These innovations are also more efficient, helping fishermen save on fuel costs and reduce their carbon emissions at the same time.
The bottom line is that rebuilding our fisheries responsibly makes for stronger local economies. Sustainable fisheries generate sustainable jobs. Our work keeps fishermen on the water and coastal economies working.