A team of leading ocean scientists has published a report that redefines the concept of “sustainable fishing” and introduces 11 “golden rules” aimed at transforming global fisheries management. Released ahead of Brussels’ Ocean Week and in the run-up to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, the report calls for urgent reforms to halt the destruction of marine ecosystems and ensure the future availability of fish stocks.
The study, titled Rethinking Sustainability of Marine Fisheries for a Fast-Changing Planet, was published in npj Ocean Sustainability. (Roberts et al., 2024) It highlights a significant downgrading in the assessment of the ocean’s health and urges immediate action to protect marine life and habitats. The proposed golden rules center around two core principles: (1) Fishing practices must minimize harm to marine ecosystems, adapt to climate change, and allow for the regeneration of depleted species; (2) Fishing should support the well-being and resilience of people and communities, especially the most vulnerable, rather than prioritize corporate profits.
The scientists behind the report believe their work could form the foundation for a complete reform of the flawed management of the world’s oceans. They are urging policymakers, retailers, and industry leaders to embrace this new vision and make swift changes to current fishing practices.
Fishing is widely regarded as the leading cause of ocean degradation. The authors argue that the current definition of “sustainable fishing” is dangerously outdated, leading to the depletion of fish populations, the destruction of habitats, and the collapse of artisanal fishing communities. According to lead author Professor Callum Roberts of the University of Exeter, the existing framework, which has been in place since the post-war period, is built on the erroneous assumption that as long as catch limits are maintained, any type of fishing is permissible. This simplistic approach, he says, is no longer viable.
Professor Jennifer Jacquet from the University of Miami adds that current sustainability labels fail to consider the environmental and social impacts of different fishing methods. She questions whether all fishing gear can be viewed as equally sustainable, given their varying effects on marine ecosystems and crew safety.
The report criticizes the widespread acceptance of “sustainable” fishing standards that primarily benefit large-scale industrial operations. These practices, the authors argue, contribute to environmental degradation and economic inequality, harming ecosystems and threatening the livelihoods of small-scale fishers in developing regions. The scientists warn that this approach jeopardizes food security and humans’ right to a clean, healthy ocean.
The researchers call for fisheries management to focus on minimizing environmental damage while maximizing social benefits. Their visionary approach integrates insights from biology, oceanography, social sciences, and economics to create a more comprehensive definition of sustainability. The 11 golden rules laid out in the report are intended to guide policymakers and industry leaders toward a sustainable future where fishing supports ocean health, mitigates climate change, ensures food security, and upholds human rights.
The scientists emphasize that fishing should be considered a privilege, not a right, and that marine resources are a public good that must benefit both society and the environment. Their proposals are ambitious but grounded in proven practices that have succeeded in various parts of the world.
The report concludes with a call to action for policymakers, supermarkets, and fishery managers. Supermarkets, which are responsible for the majority of European seafood sales, are urged to rethink their sourcing policies and address the hidden environmental and social impacts of “sustainable” fish products. Pauline Bricault of BLOOM, an environmental campaign group, warns that the 2030 deadline set by the IPCC and IPBES for critical ocean reforms is fast approaching, leaving little time for industry stakeholders to act.
The scientists hope their recommendations will inspire a global shift toward more equitable and environmentally sound fishing practices, ensuring abundant fish stocks and thriving ecosystems for generations to come.
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