Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fisheries & Aquaculture
In a nutshell, to define and understand the most sustainable fisheries, look at how the fisheries prioritize the health of the populations and the marine ecosystem. To become a sustainable fishery, it is imperative to utilize fishing practices and management strategies that minimize ecological impact and support the resilience of marine ecosystems. Small-scale fishing and community-based local fishing operations that use traditional ecological fishing methods are highly effective ways to make fishing more sustainable for fisheries. Fisheries can become more sustainable in various ways, and the key here is not to aim to be the best but to display dedication to challenging your business practices to do better at every step.
Sustainably sourced fish refers to fish caught or farmed sustainably while being ecologically less impactful. There is a misconception when talking about sustainable sources of fish. Most people believe that only wild or line-caught fish are classified as sustainable. However, when done correctly, farming also helps ensure healthy and resilient ocean ecosystems.
Fish farming can be done by using responsible aquaculture practices that minimize environmental impacts, such as using feed that does not deplete wild fish populations and minimizing the release of pollutants. Therefore, fish farmed in ways that don't harm the environment or other wildlife can also be sustainable.
Sustainable fisheries ensure that there are enough fish in the ocean after completing their fishing activities. Utilizing sustainable fishing practices, they protect habitats and threatened species and help conserve marine biodiversity. Through their safeguarding efforts for oceans, they also protect people and communities whose livelihoods depend on fishing. Sustainable artisanal fishing employs 90% of the global fishing industry and is the basis for developing small fishing communities. Therefore sustainable fisheries also have strong ties to local communities, the economy, cultural traditions, and ecological balance.
Aquaculture refers to the controlled process of cultivating aquatic organisms, especially for human consumption. It's also generally referred to as fish farming. It's similar to agriculture, but with fish instead of plants or livestock. From this, sustainable aquaculture can be defined as practices that focus on eliminating adverse environmental effects and increasing economic and social sustainability.
Sustainable Aquaculture offers an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions contributing to climate change. It helps fisheries to meet the ever-growing demand for seafood in an eco-friendly way. Providing more people with healthy protein, especially in developing countries, without increasing the pressure on wild ocean life will benefit the environment, human life, and economies.
Regardless of the type, all sustainable aquaculture practices aim to reduce environmental impact, minimize waste discharge, and produce food security and economic opportunities for local communities. However, fisheries apply sustainable aquaculture practices to support their eco-friendly aquaculture activities in several ways. These practices include ecological aquaculture, organic aquaculture, composite fish culture, integrated aquaculture, and closed circulatory systems.
There are several reasons why your business should care about sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. To start with, expanding sustainable aquaculture is vital to answering increasing food demand all around the world. Your business can contribute to the answer of these growing demands and even save people in need with the supply of high-quality protein and food without harming the environment. Consumers and stakeholders should demand more sustainable and ethical practices from companies. Promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture could also be an excellent chance for your business to demonstrate its environmental responsibility and commitment to sustainability and protection of human life and improve appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Intengine is an excellent platform for spreading your message or finding like-minded individuals and businesses supporting your sustainable fishery or aquaculture journey. If the topic is new to you, you can easily use Intengine as a starting point to find the right resources or advisories to help you increase your understanding and awareness of the subject.
Sustainable aquaculture technology development using closed systems enables land-based seafood production. Therefore sustainable aquaculture helps to ease the pressure on oceans. Increased on-land fish production will allow the replenishment of currently depleting fish populations and their ecosystems. On the other hand, as with everything, there is always a better way to do something, so here we can talk about ways to make aquaculture more sustainable. These include:
- -Choosing suitable species to farm following the farm conditions
- -Selecting a suitable farm site
- -Sustainable farming design and layout
- -Managing better feeding practices
- -Minimizing the use of chemicals and veterinary drugs
- -Planting native vegetation
Fisheries certified by independent third-party organizations are classified as sustainable fisheries worldwide. These organizations set various standards for sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing practices. These practices are comprehensive and inclusive, from using fishing gear that minimizes bycatch, establishing protection zones, and promoting seasonal closures to creating a better environment for fishing communities. Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is one of the most known organizations that ensure fisheries meet strict sustainability criteria. You can see some worldwide examples of sustainable fisheries certified by MSC here.
Sustainable fisheries refers to the fisheries following practices that ensure fish populations' long-term health and productivity and the ecosystems that support them. The fishing practices that define sustainable fisheries include measures such as setting catch limits and emphasizing traditional fishing methods with minimal ecological impact. Other factors sustainable fisheries take into account include:
- -The biology of target species, habitat damage, and establishing protected areas or seasonal closures to allow fish populations to recover
- -The impact of fishing practices on other marine species and habitats
- -The social and economic needs of fishing communities