The fishing industry, serving as a vital economic pillar and employment source for numerous communities, plays a significant role in addressing global food security challenges. With the increasing emphasis on sustainable practices and the need to reduce emissions to achieve net-zero targets, the fishing industry has a unique opportunity to provide a lower-carbon and sustainable food source. It is crucial to dispel the notion that fishing inherently damages the environment, as a sustainable fishing industry exists and can contribute to global food security.
The issue of hunger has been a pressing concern, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the problem. In 2020 alone, an estimated 720 million to 811 million people experienced hunger, an increase of approximately 161 million compared to the previous year. Food insecurity affects 2.4 billion people globally, with a rise of almost 320 million from the previous year. To combat these challenges, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Number Two aims to achieve food security, end hunger, and promote sustainable agriculture.
As the global population continues to grow, reaching 8.5 billion by 2023 and 11 billion by 2100, the demand for affordable and high-protein food escalates. Meeting this demand necessitates both wild-caught and aquaculture fish. Fishing is indispensable in feeding the world, but it requires an emphasis on sustainability and responsible practices.
Sustainability lies at the heart of a thriving fishing sector, with a focus on minimizing bycatch and conserving marine biodiversity. Scaling up marine food production is essential to meet the demands of an ever-growing population, projected to reach ten billion by 2050. Currently, 82.5% of wild-caught fish is sourced from sustainable stocks, accounting for 66% of total stocks worldwide. Building on this sustainability while increasing output requires continuous research, innovation, and the analysis of catch quality.
The UK has taken significant steps to promote sustainable fishing practices. The Fisheries Act of 2020 outlines eight objectives that all UK fisheries must adhere to, including sustainability, precaution, ecosystem preservation, reliance on scientific evidence, bycatch reduction, equal access, national benefit, and addressing climate change. These objectives serve as the foundation for the UK’s fisheries strategy, combining innovation with a commitment to protect marine life and ensure productive and sustainable fishing in UK waters. Fisheries management policies, continuously updated through research and innovation, play a crucial role in maintaining fish stocks and preventing overfishing.
The UK government has allocated up to £100 million for the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, aimed at supporting innovations in catching, processing, and aquaculture. The scheme focuses on creating a more sustainable and resilient sector, expanding the demand for English seafood in new markets, improving participation through co-design and co-management, achieving good environmental status by conserving and restoring the marine environment, and supporting net-zero goals by reducing emissions within the industry. This funding also promotes marine conservation efforts, protecting habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity, which are vital for maintaining sustainable fishing stocks and the well-being of marine life.
The fishing industry, when practiced sustainably, offers a vital solution in the fight against hunger and the quest for sustainable food supply. The UK government’s commitment to supporting the fishing industry’s sustainability goals through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme is commendable. By protecting marine life, stimulating economic growth, and providing opportunities for fishing communities, these efforts will contribute to productive and sustainable fishing practices, ensuring a healthier future for both the fishing industry and global food security.