Across the nation, fishing stands as a vital pillar of numerous communities, offering employment opportunities and fostering economic stability. The sustainable seafood sector and the responsible fishing industry play a pivotal role, not only in driving substantial economic growth within the UK and beyond but also in championing and attaining global food security objectives.

Amidst the government’s call for all food producers to reduce their emissions towards achieving UK net-zero by 2050, the fishing sector assumes a vital responsibility in offering a sustainable and low-carbon food source. Key to this effort is debunking the misconception that the fishing industry inevitably harms the environment, as a sustainable fishing industry has indeed emerged.

The development of the sustainable fishing industry

The issue of hunger stands as one of the most urgent global challenges, with its prevalence increasing since 2014. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified this crisis, as evidenced by the alarming statistics of 720 million to 811 million individuals experiencing hunger in 2020, representing an increase of approximately 161 million people compared to 2019.

The magnitude of food insecurity ranks it as the third most significant global emergency we confront today. Disturbingly, in 2020, approximately 2.4 billion individuals were categorized as moderately or severely food insecure, witnessing an alarming surge of nearly 320 million people compared to the preceding year.

The second Sustainable Development Goal set by the United Nations focuses on eradicating hunger, attaining food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. With a significant portion of the global population relying on fish as a primary source of nutritious animal protein, pelagic fish, in particular, emerge as a sustainable food resource. Pelagic fish inhabit the mid-water column of the ocean, situated away from the seabed and found in the vast expanse of the open sea.

Capturing these fish is a cost-effective process, thanks to its ability to be carried out on a large scale, with the added benefit of immediate freezing in onboard ship factories. Not only are pelagic fish a nutritious choice, being low in cholesterol, but they also offer a rich source of essential nutrients like iron, riboflavin, calcium, and beneficial long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

With the continuous growth of the global population, there arises an increasing need for affordable, protein-rich sustenance. Presently, the world’s population stands at 7.9 billion, and according to UN projections, it is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2023 and a staggering 11 billion by 2100. Meeting the dietary requirements of this expanding population inevitably necessitates the inclusion of fish as a vital food source, encompassing both wild-caught varieties and those cultivated through aquaculture practices.

In essence, the significance of fishing becomes evident when we consider the task of nourishing the world’s population. Nonetheless, meeting these demands hinges upon the industry’s capacity to adapt and demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. Moreover, it is crucial to communicate that fishing operations predominantly adhere to stringent regulations and operate within sustainable frameworks. By doing so, we can highlight fishing as a pivotal solution to address global challenges related to food sourcing and security.

So, what steps are we taking – both as a country and globally – to ensure a productive, sustainable fishing sector?

Climate and biodiversity is a core tenet of a thriving, sustainable fishing industry

The thriving fishing sector is built upon the foundation of sustainability, emphasizing the importance of minimizing bycatch and safeguarding marine biodiversity. However, as the global population continues to grow, there is a pressing need to expand marine food production to meet increasing demands. Balancing the imperative of sustainability with the necessity for scaling up production becomes a crucial challenge in ensuring the viability of the fishing industry.

For us to effectively provide sustenance to the projected population of ten billion by 2050, it is imperative that the fishing industry takes a proactive role in embracing sustainable practices. At present, approximately 82.5% of wild-caught fish originates from sustainable stocks, accounting for 66% of total stocks worldwide. As the reliance on oceanic food sources intensifies to ensure global food security, it becomes crucial to further enhance sustainability efforts while simultaneously ramping up production to meet the growing demand.

The role of research and innovation cannot be overstated when it comes to comprehending and mitigating the environmental consequences of fishing. One such instance is the substantial investment made by the pelagic fishing sector to subject all catches to rigorous scientific analysis, evaluating both operational aspects and the quality of the catch. The resulting data is widely disseminated within the scientific community, facilitating informed decision-making by government-led fisheries management in shaping regulations and policies for the betterment of the industry.

To achieve sustainable and abundant fishing stocks, international cooperation among nations, fisheries, and supranational organizations is indispensable. Such collaboration should involve the establishment of agreements, effective monitoring of waters to combat illegal fishing, and close coordination between fisheries and national governments in formulating fisheries management policies. Additionally, fisheries must prioritize ongoing investments in innovative practices, including the adoption of modern fishing equipment, greener fuels, and propulsion technologies. This commitment to innovation will contribute to the overall sustainability and environmental consciousness of the fishing industry.

UK fisheries management for sustainability goals

Taking into consideration the broader global context, it is worthwhile to examine the specific efforts undertaken by the UK to foster sustainable fishing practices. The UK Fisheries Act of 2020 outlines eight key objectives that all UK fisheries are mandated to uphold. These objectives encompass sustainability, precautionary measures, ecosystem considerations, reliance on scientific evidence, bycatch management, equal access to resources, national benefits, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By adhering to these objectives, the UK aims to promote responsible fishing practices and ensure the long-term viability of its fisheries.

The UK’s new fisheries strategy is built upon these objectives, forming the bedrock for a comprehensive approach that integrates cutting-edge innovations with a steadfast commitment to safeguarding marine life. Serving as a blueprint, these objectives aim to establish a framework that fosters both productivity and sustainability in fishing practices within UK waters. Fisheries management policies play a crucial role in regulating fishing stocks, ensuring a consistent supply of fish to meet the needs of global communities. Continual updates to these policies, driven by research and innovation, are essential to preserve marine biodiversity and prevent the detrimental effects of overfishing. By embracing such measures, the UK strives to strike a balance between meeting the demand for fish and safeguarding the delicate marine ecosystems.

UK government funding for the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme

In a significant commitment, the UK government has allocated a generous funding of up to £100 million for the Fisheries and Seafood scheme. This financial support aims to facilitate and promote new advancements in various aspects of the industry, including catching, processing, and aquaculture. By providing this funding, the government seeks to drive innovation, boost productivity, and foster sustainable practices within the fisheries and seafood sector.

Specifically, the scheme aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Foster a more sustainable and resilient sector.
• Enhance the demand for English seafood in new markets.
• Encourage participation by involving stakeholders in co-design and co-management processes.
• Attain good environmental status by conserving and restoring the marine environment.
• Contribute to net-zero goals by reducing emissions within the industry.

As part of its commitment to sustainability objectives, this scheme incorporates funding for marine conservation efforts. By allocating resources to protect habitats, preserve ecosystems, and promote biodiversity, the aim is to foster vibrant and thriving marine environments. Such measures not only contribute to the sustainability of fishing stocks but also play a crucial role in safeguarding the overall well-being of marine life.

The government’s commitment is of significant importance, considering the vital economic contributions and employment opportunities that the fishing industry brings to coastal communities across the UK, many of which heavily rely on this sector. The sustainability and effective management of fisheries are paramount to securing the long-term success and viability of these communities. By prioritizing well-managed fisheries, we can ensure the preservation of these opportunities and the sustained prosperity of fishing communities in the years to come.

Sustainable stocks and communities

Fish is an indispensable and affordable source of nourishment, brimming with essential nutrients. It plays a crucial role in addressing the global challenge of feeding a growing population sustainably. Rather than being a problem, fish is an integral part of the solution to ensure a sustainable food supply. As the global population continues to expand, there will inevitably be an increased demand for fish. However, it is crucial that this growth in consumption is accompanied by sustainable practices. Recognizing the invaluable contribution of fish in combating hunger and its potential to provide sustenance for future generations is vital. Therefore, international investment in research and innovation within the fishing industry becomes imperative to support its sustainability and address food security challenges effectively.

The commitment demonstrated by the UK government in this initiative will play a significant role in promoting sustainable fishing stocks and practices. Not only will it contribute to the preservation of marine life, but it will also foster economic growth, offering valuable opportunities to fishing communities throughout the nation. This investment serves as a catalyst for positive change, bolstering both environmental conservation and the prosperity of those reliant on the fishing industry.

The plan includes the creation of more marine protected areas, banning trawling in these areas, improving the management of fish stocks, and promoting the use of less energy-intensive vessels, as outlined by the French daily.

The Telegram states that the proposal was eagerly anticipated by NGOs and the fishing sector. With the Common Fisheries Policy reform a decade ago, the European Commission believes that “structural transformations” are necessary to reduce the environmental impact of the fishing sector while ensuring its profitability and carbon neutrality by 2050, as reported by Le Figaro.

According to El País, the new commitments aim to legally protect EU seas by increasing marine protected areas from the current 12% to 30%. The Spanish daily highlights that this objective aligns with the EU’s stance during COP15 in Montreal, Canada, and its strategy in favor of biodiversity.

Strengthen marine protected areas

As per Les Echos, the “flagship measure” of the action plan involves the prohibition of bottom trawling, including trawls, dredges, gillnets, etc., in protected maritime areas. While it has been banned below 800 meters since 2016, the European Union and NGOs consider bottom trawling as one of the most damaging activities for the seabed.

National administrations have until March 2024 to develop their roadmap for eliminating bottom trawling, as reported by Ouest-France. The roadmap will be assessed by the Commission, which will determine if new legislation is required. Additionally, the European executive will request member states to increase their protected areas to meet the target of protecting 30% of the seas in Europe, compared to the current 12%, as highlighted by Les Echos.

Measures still too timid?

The European Commission’s new action plan also aims to promote more transparent annual catch quotas set by member states, respecting the recommended maximum levels by scientists, as stated by Liberation. This is a crucial requirement, as Europe has been grappling with overfishing for many years, as noted by TF1. The channel further highlights that one-third of fish species in the North-East Atlantic are currently affected by overfishing (compared to 70% in the 2000s), and approximately 85% of stocks in the Mediterranean are being overexploited.

According to Ouest-France, the European Commission’s measures are seen as a timid step towards sustainable fishing. This sentiment is echoed by another local newspaper. The Telegram highlights that the European executive has not altered its stance on landing obligations, but has emphasized that this provision is poorly implemented, despite its potential to limit accidental fish catch.

Widespread discontent

The media consensus is that the proposed action plan by the European Commission has not satisfied any party. It has been criticized by fishing professionals as too timid, while environmental NGOs also find it lacking. The Telegram describes it as a “blow” for fishermen, with concerns raised about potential job losses, affecting around 4,350 fishermen on 1,200 vessels, according to the president of the National Fisheries Committee.

NGOs, including Oceana, are expressing discontent with what they perceive as a slow timeline in the proposed action plan. France info quotes the association as deploring that bottom trawling will be allowed in protected areas for another seven years, and after 2030 outside of those areas, which they consider to be a significant discrepancy between observation and the proposed actions.

Marine pollution from the fishing industry is significant in Canada. In the last year alone, 4,105 pieces of gear were lost according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The worst sector of the industry is lobster, which accounts for 80% of lost gear. A fact that does not spare Madelinot fishermen.

“The lockers will hook in the bottom and you can’t lift them. The current, and the bad weather, and the size of the boats cause them to be broken from time to time, ” says the president, regrouping of fishermen and fishermen from the coasts of the islands (RPPCI), Charles Poirier.

Quebec has the worst record with 1,829 gear units lost, which corresponds to 44.5% of the losses for the whole country. For lobsters, it is mainly cages that remain stuck in rocky bottoms. The cables currently used by lobster boats have a resistance of 2000 lbs. Right whale protection measures could cause a reduction in the resistance of cables, which should increase pollution.

“If we go with what the government wants to force us to do, which is 1,700 test pounds, we will lose them more easily and there will be a lot more phantom gear to recover,” concludes the president of RPPCI.

To protect the right whale, the US government wants to impose restrictions on the Canadian industry. The mammal is threatened by ghost gear that is lost by fishermen. Washington requires weaker wiring for whales to break gear. The request would apply to all sectors of fishing: from fish to shellfish.

“There are a variety of fishing gear modifications and we are still developing our analyzes to inform the approach for certain fishing activities. So it won’t be just one solution that works for everyone, for all fisheries across Eastern Canada,” says Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s gear modification manager, Andrea Morden.

Another alternative proposed was to advance the fishing period. This adjustment would make it possible to reach the quotas more quickly before the arrival of the whales.

At the same time, the opportunities for catching Baltic herring in the central part of the sea will increase more than the EC proposed – by 32% instead of 14%. This was agreed on Monday by the Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries of the European Union (EU). According to Lithuanian Minister of Agriculture Kestutis Navickas, fishing for pelagic species is the only remaining alternative for Lithuanian fishermen on the high seas in the Baltic.

Therefore, we sought to ensure that next year there will be greater opportunities for fishing for Baltic herring and sprats and, at the same time, ensure the continuity of the process. Since the condition of cod in the eastern and western parts of the Baltic Sea is not improving, its purposeful fishing is still prohibited. Member States are deeply concerned about Russia’s unsustainable fishing in the Baltic Sea, which ignores the advice of scientists and international agreements, so the Commission was again called for a strong response.

The elusive fish, known as the “carrot” because of its orange color, was caught in Bluewater Lake in Champagne, France. They were put into the lake 20 years ago.

Andy Hackett is known to have spent 25 minutes pulling the fish. The fish is a hybrid of leathery carp and koi carp, which is considered the second largest of this type ever caught.

As the man himself noted, he knew that there was a “carrot” in the lake there, but he never thought that he would catch it.

“I knew it was a big fish when it took my bait and started going side to side, up and down with it. Then he surfaced for 30 or 40 yards and I saw that he was orange. It was brilliant to catch him, but it was also pure luck,” said the fisherman.

He took a picture with the fish and released it back into the water.

According to the calculations of Australian researchers, only one fishing line enters the oceans every year so much that it would be enough to encircle the Earth 18 times. And in 65 years, the gear lost in sea waters will be enough to cover the entire surface of the planet – and this is taking into account industrial fishing, ignoring recreational fishing.

This conclusion was made by marine socioecologist Kelsey Richardson from the University of Tasmania and his colleagues. They surveyed 450 fishermen in seven countries, asking them about the volume and causes of loss of fishing gear.

The researchers found that from the US to Morocco, Indonesia and New Zealand, the types of ships used affected losses.

“Proportionately more gear was lost on smaller fishing boats,” write Richardson and his team in their article. Scientists have suggested that larger vessels may have better navigation technologies and instruments that reduce losses.

Among the types of gear, trawl nets were in the lead, which are used at great depths. Bottom trawling is known to be environmentally damaging in itself.

Nevertheless, this practice is widespread and quite profitable – it supplies humanity with about a quarter of all seafood caught in the wild.

According to this survey, bad weather also contributed to the loss of gear.

The good news is that Australian researchers estimate that fewer gear is being lost today than in 2019, despite rising rates of fish catches. This is probably also due to improvements in fishing techniques and increased manufacturability of equipment.

The authors of the study insist on revising the approach to doing business in the oceans. They emphasize that many non-industrial species, such as rays, suffer from the catch. Their population has already declined by 70% over the past half century.

The Ministry of the Environment of South Africa spoke about the measures taken, according to a Fishnews correspondent. The ban, introduced on September 1, applies to the waters near the Dassen Island, Robben Island, Dyer, Santa Cruz and Bird Islands, to the waters near the Stony Point nature reserve. Also closed is the purse seine fishery in Falls Bay, where penguins nest regularly on Boulders Beach.

It is noted that the decision was the result of long negotiations between the advocates of seabirds and representatives of the fishing industry. Although the ban was not the result of a consensus between the parties, the ministry believes that now such a decision will best help in saving the penguin population.

It is planned that the interim measure will allow the establishment of an international scientific commission to review the results of all recent studies on the impact of fishing on penguins. As conceived by the ministry, the commission will make recommendations on fishing restrictions to restore the bird population, as well as assess the impact of these measures on the industry.

Representatives of the “greens” and fishermen promised to comply with the recommendations of the international group of experts. In the near future, the ministry is to issue a special statement calling for nominations of candidates for the commission.

Scientists attribute the decline in penguin populations to several reasons. Thus, the number of sardine in the waters of South Africa is still at its lowest level on record, which leads to a shortage of food for birds. Other causes include shipping and associated noise and vibration, as well as pollution and degradation of nesting sites, including coastal development.

Over the past century, the number of penguins endemic to South Africa and Namibia has declined from more than 1 million to about 10,000 breeding pairs, according to the ministry.

This summer, with temperatures up to 40 degrees, has reminded many of us again: We are in the middle of a climate change. The English gazette Angling Times asked Professor Mark Everard what the climate crisis means for fishing.

This means the climate crisis for fishing

In the coming years there will be more and more periods of heat and thus severe drought. While heat-loving species such as grass carp cope well with the heat, others such as grayling, salmon and trout are on the verge of heat collapse. Lower water levels and critical oxygen levels also make the fish easy prey for cormorants and otters.

In order to protect the stocks, there will be a ban on fishing in particularly affected waters. Many pond owners are now planting more trees on their water bodies. The fish need this natural shade to survive.

Fish need more help

Fluctuations in temperature can also make spawning successful or absent. This mainly applies to barbels. Chubs, however, cope well with hot summer temperatures if they are not robbed of their bedding by floods caused by heavy rain. Catfish and Amure, on the other hand, can finally spawn at water temperatures of around 25 degrees in our latitudes – bad news for our native fish species.

The dandruff carriers will need more help in the years to come. We need to reclaim old habitats, create spawning gravel bars, provide cover for fry, plant trees for shade, and create new wetlands. Renaturation projects by fishing clubs play a crucial role in enabling fishing to continue despite the climate crisis.

Health is the most important thing

But the summer heat can not only harm the fish, but also us anglers. The number of skin cancers caused by too much and too long exposure to the sun is piling up. Or you suffer a heat stroke when the temperature is well over 30 degrees. On the other hand, wearing light cotton clothing, drinking plenty of fluids and applying a sunscreen with a strength of 50 to uncovered skin can help. And always remember: No fish is worth risking your health for.

However, hot temperatures in summer also ensure that new fish species feel at home with us. Tuna are now being caught off our coasts again, while cod and mackerel are declining and migrating north.

The general manager of the Regroupement, O’Neil Cloutier, indicates that this observation can be made both from the point of view of prices and of the volumes caught.

Gaspé fishermen brought 8,170,000 pounds of lobsters to the wharf in 2022, a drop of about 2% compared to 2021.

Prices followed the same trend, decreasing slightly. On average, anglers had earned a record landed price of $8.35 a pound in 2021. They received an average of 40¢ less this year.

According to the Association of Professional Fishermen of Southern Gaspésie, the 2022 season is second among the best fishing seasons for Gaspé lobster boats, after that of 2021.

The general manager of the Regroupement, O’Neil Cloutier, indicates that this observation can be made both from the point of view of prices and of the volumes caught.

Gaspé fishermen brought 8,170,000 pounds of lobsters to the wharf in 2022, a drop of about 2% compared to 2021.

Prices followed the same trend, decreasing slightly. On average, anglers had earned a record landed price of $8.35 a pound in 2021. They received an average of 40¢ less this year.

Difficult start to the season

However, the storms at the end of April and the beginning of May did not suggest such a result.

The spring cold weighed on the first two weeks of fishing for those who went out at the very start of the season, on April 25.

This explains why catches were worse than in 2021 in area 20, which extends from Gaspé to Bonaventure East. At the end of the season, in the last five or six weeks, the volumes have increased, whereas normally it is the opposite, which showed that the lobster was indeed present on the bottom, explains O’Neil Cloutier.

Mr. Cloutier indicates that the fishermen of the bordering zones, that is to say zone 19 and zone 21, experienced good weeks of fishing throughout the season. It’s also one of the reasons why the season ended up being excellent without reaching the heights of 2021.

According to the Association of Professional Fishermen of Southern Gaspésie, the 2022 season is second among the best fishing seasons for Gaspé lobster boats, after that of 2021.

The general manager of the Regroupement, O’Neil Cloutier, indicates that this observation can be made both from the point of view of prices and of the volumes caught.

Gaspé fishermen brought 8,170,000 pounds of lobsters to the wharf in 2022, a drop of about 2% compared to 2021.

Prices followed the same trend, decreasing slightly. On average, anglers had earned a record landed price of $8.35 a pound in 2021. They received an average of 40¢ less this year.

The market responded

At the Association québécoise de l’industrie de la Pêche (AQIP), which represents manufacturers, spokesperson Jean-Paul Gagné confirms that the sale of live lobster went as well. Consumers have responded. I’ll give you an example, in the Magdalen Islands, at the end of the season, there was almost no inventory left, argues Mr. Gagné.

This is good news for seafood processing plants that have had more difficulty selling processed lobster. The same factories have also been shaken by the fall in the price of snow crab in the spring, which is weakening the industry.

Maintaining prices is also good news for lobster fishermen who, like many, have to juggle with rising costs. Gasoline, bait, traps, the price of several inputs has doubled in the last two years, underlines the spokesperson for the Gaspé lobster fishermen.

Lobster fishermen are now keeping an eye on the next season.

The conflict in Ukraine, inflationary uncertainties and fears of a recession could cloud the market. Added to this are industrialists struggling with unsold snow crab stocks and new constraints to protect marine mammals.

The challenge will be to stay in a horizon that does not appear so beautiful, without making people panic, comments Mr. Cloutier.

In addition to the issue of wild fish quotas, the UK seafood industry is facing increased paperwork for exports to the European Union and a labour shortage due to new restrictions on EU recruitment, the report said.

In the winter of 2021, APPG Fisheries published a survey to compare the experiences of Brexit as reported by the fishing industry. The responses revealed serious and common concerns about the financial losses and long-term viability of individual businesses, fishing fleets and other parts of the industry, including processors and transporters.

Exporters typically struggled to get their supplies across the border, resulting in loss of revenue or, in extreme cases, entire markets, while small fishermen felt unable to compete with larger EU vessels, which retained some access to UK waters until at least 2026.

One respondent reported, for example, that “EU shellfish sales have fallen by 65-70% and at least 60% of live crustaceans and the remaining sales have come from wholesalers, rather than custom, smaller and more profitable traders and retailers. The economics of these [previously] more profitable small sales have been ruined by costs such as health certification, customs inspections and VAT agent fees.”

All exporters faced delays due to the increased number of documents, which affected processing times. One respondent shared that almost all trucks entering the EU from the UK are physically checked at border checkpoints (BCPs), compared to the spot checks they felt were occurring for shipments from countries such as New Zealand.

As previously reported in Fish Farmer , EU import regulations that exclude most live UK bivalve shellfish have had a devastating effect on producers of farmed and harvested shellfish.

Fishermen also reported that the agreement finally reached with the EU on fishing quotas has not improved the industry’s position compared to when the UK was still a member state.

A number of respondents also noted that both the quota auction system and the new challenges to export to the EU had disproportionately affected small producers, who were less able to cope than larger players.

A summary of the respondents’ recommendations in the survey included:

Ensuring fairer allocation and management of quotas.
Further limiting non-British fishing fleet access to British waters before 2026.
Ensuring effective and inclusive management of inland stocks.
Working with the EU to free up trade and remove regulatory and financial barriers
Introducing additional restrictions on access to UK waters for non-UK fishing fleets.
Investing in infrastructure and new markets at home and abroad.
Alistair Carmichael MP, APPG vice-chairman, said: “After the government has repeatedly raised many issues facing fishermen and the wider seafood industry over the past two years, APPG’s work has been vital in gathering evidence from around the world. sector.

“This timely report provides a direct insight into the unique circumstances facing our fishing industry as a result of the new terms of trade and will be an important resource for those in Parliament and Government who are keen to support the sector.”

The report was co-funded by Seafarers’ Charity and the Fisheries Charitable Trust, part of The Fishmongers’ Company.

Tina Barnes, Head of Impact at The Seafarers’ Charity, said: “This report sheds light on what is required from policy to help support UK fishermen who have suffered many negative impacts on their livelihoods as a result of Brexit.

“Listening to the advice of the industry itself will help them get the help they need.”

Alistair Carmichael concluded: “Based on the correspondence I have received personally and the reports in this report, it is clear that greater engagement is needed and a pragmatic, serious effort is required from ministers to support the fishing industry to ensure that coastal communities can continue to thrive in the future.”