The oceans of the world are dramatically overfished. In order to secure fish as food for present and future generations, a global network of large marine protected areas and sustainable fisheries management is needed.

Requirements for sustainable fishing

Follows an ecological perspective

The basis of any fisheries management should be the so-called precautionary principle: This means that as a precautionary measure, all conceivable risks for the fish stock, for the ecosystem, and the marine environment are avoided – instead of trying to repair the damage later when it is perhaps too late.

Protects particularly sensitive habitats and species

These include the deep sea with its species-rich deep-sea mountains, coral and stone reefs, breeding areas, the “nurseries” of marine animals, as well as all sea creatures classified as endangered.

Leaves all edible fish stocks in a “healthy” state

A stock is healthy if it remains stable over the long term and regenerates itself after being fished. This is especially important for fish species that grow only slowly and that have little or no offspring.

Fishes with selective fishing methods

Selective fishing means that the fisherman only catches those marine animals that he is targeting. Young animals that are too small or marine animals that are not for sale must not land in the net or be caught by spinning reels under $100.

Preserves the biodiversity in the sea

In order to control this, fisheries management must ensure regular and long-term monitoring of the various ecosystems. It is important for the preservation of biodiversity, for example, that the natural balance between predators and prey in the sea is preserved.

Protects the environment as a whole

Sustainable fishing methods are not everything – an environmentally friendly fisherman is economical with fuel, energy, and his materials, he avoids the use of chemicals, produces as little waste as possible, and dumps waste and sewage properly on land.

Works responsibly, socially and economically just

A responsible, socially, and economically just fisherman adheres to local, national, and international nature rules. Sustainable fishing takes into account the impact of its fishing on other interest groups – for example, it takes into account the needs of the population of poorer countries who are economically dependent on fishing and need fish as their basic food.