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Sectors

Fisheries

About this sector

The fishing industry is crucial to the world economy and food supplies. The fishing industry involves the wild capture and farming of fish, shellfish and other aquatic species, and the processing of these into food items or their sale for other purposes including the aquarium and ornamental trade. This section focuses on both the capture fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Impacts

Overfishing of target species.
By-catch of non-target species when unselective fishing methods are used.
Habitat destruction through destructive fishing practices and coastal development.
Impact on other resources through redirection of exploitative pressure.

Opportunities/Risks

New markets: consumers looking for sustainably produced or caught fish.
Security of Supply: Scarcity and increased cost of resources, reduced quotas and productivity.
Reputational risks: loss of biodiversity can lead to poor reputation with shareholders, investors, supply chain partners and consumers.

Case Studies

No case studies found

Tools and Mechanisms

Global Aquaculture Alliance

http://www.gaalliance.org/

International, non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture. GAA promotes the Best Aquaculture Practices certification standards for aquaculture seafood. The Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) standards address environmental and social responsibility, animal welfare, food safety and traceability in a voluntary certification programme for aquaculture facilities.

GLOBALG.A.P

http://www.globalgap.org/cms/front_content.php?idc...

GLOBALG.A.P. is a private sector body that sets voluntary standards for the certification of production processes of agricultural (including aquaculture) products around the globe.

The GLOBALG.A.P. standard is primarily designed to reassure consumers about how food is produced on the farm by minimising detrimental environmental impacts of farming operations, reducing the use of chemical inputs and ensuring a responsible approach to worker health and safety as well as animal welfare.

Marine Stewardship Council

http://www.msc.org/

The Marine Stewardship Council is an independent organisation that promotes environmentally responsible stewardship of marine fisheries. It has developed a product label based on environmental standards for sustainable and well-managed fisheries.

Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas

http://www.fao.org/docrep/meeting/003/x3130m/X3130...

Improves the regulation of fishing vessels on the high seas by strengthening ‘flag-state responsibility'. Parties to the Agreement must ensure that they maintain an authorisation and recording system for high seas fishing vessels and that these vessels do not undermine international conservation and management measures.