The immense global demand for seafood, combined with advancements in fishing technology, has led to the widespread depletion of fish and shellfish populations around the world. It's estimated that fishers remove a staggering 77 billion kilograms of wildlife from the world's oceans each year - an unsustainable rate of extraction that has scientists gravely concerned the world's fisheries may soon face a complete collapse.
Trawlers, gillnets and longlines indiscriminately capture a wide range of species, including those that are endangered and threatened, while bycatch results in the decline of huge numbers of non-target species. As the global population continues to grow, it’s crucial that we implement responsible, sustainable fishing methods to preserve the delicate balance of our marine environments.
In this article, discover some of the issues associated with commercial fisheries and how we, as consumers, can support sustainable fisheries for the long-term health of our ocean playgrounds.
Supporting sustainable fisheries
Issues with commercial fisheries
Overfishing
Overfishing is the extraction of fish from the ocean at a rate that exceeds the population's natural ability to replenish and sustain itself. When this imbalance persists over time, it inevitably leads to the collapse of entire fish stocks, devastating both the environment and the livelihoods of those who rely on a healthy, abundant ocean.
In Australia, recent research has revealed that a staggering 17.5% of the country's fish stocks are currently overfished or being fished at unsustainable levels. What's even more troubling is that several species categorised as "Conservation Dependent" (including orange roughy, eastern gemfish and southern bluefin tuna) are still being commercially fished, despite being dangerously close to the brink of endangerment.
This practice highlights the disconnect between scientific evidence and policy decisions, as well as the urgent need for more robust, ecologically-grounded fishery management strategies that prioritise long-term sustainability over short-term economic gains.
Bycatch
Bycatch is a major issue associated with commercial fisheries as countless marine animals are inadvertently killed or injured during commercial fishing operations. While the targeted catch is the primary objective, a wide variety of non-target species often get caught up in the process, with devastating consequences.
Different fishing methods have varying levels of bycatch, with some proving far more destructive than others. Trawling nets, for instance, can ensnare and drown seals as they indiscriminately scoop up everything in their path. Similarly, gillnets set to catch sharks have been known to entangle and kill dolphins, dugongs and sea lions. Even longline fishing for tuna has been implicated in the accidental capture of endangered sea turtles.
Encouragingly, some commercial fisheries have started to make concerted efforts to mitigate their bycatch, implementing more selective gear and real-time monitoring to avoid sensitive areas. However, there is still a long way to go before the problem of bycatch is truly addressed, as countless creatures continue to die needlessly in the pursuit of commercial fishing profits.
Supporting sustainable fisheries
Gillnets
Gillnets are a highly problematic and indiscriminate type of fishing gear that pose a grave threat to vulnerable and endangered species. These large, curtain-like nets are suspended vertically in the water, creating an invisible barrier that entangles any creature unfortunate enough to swim into them. While gillnets are intended to catch targeted fish species, they can also ensnare and drown a wide variety of non-target animals, including sea turtles, dugongs and dolphins.
Conservationists are urgently calling for complete bans on gillnet fishing in areas that serve as critical habitats for these vulnerable species, as the devastating toll on local populations is unsustainable. While gillnets can be used in a more responsible manner by keeping them constantly attended, deploying them for only short durations and avoiding sensitive ecosystems, the indiscriminate nature of this fishing method makes it extremely difficult to prevent unintended catches.
Longlines
Longline fishing is a highly efficient but often environmentally destructive method of harvesting some of the ocean's most valuable species. This technique involves deploying a fishing line that can stretch for kilometres, with thousands of baited hooks suspended at intervals along its length. These longlines are either set to drift in the water column or laid along the seafloor, patiently waiting for tuna, swordfish, sharks and other large pelagic predators to take the bait.
While this method allows commercial fishers to target and capture substantial quantities of these high-demand species, it also poses a major threat to other marine animals. Each year, countless turtles, whales, seabirds and even albatross become entangled in the vast networks of lines and hooks, often leading to their injury or death.
That being said, longline fishing can be made more sustainable through the use of gear modifications, such as the incorporation of deterrents to prevent bycatch. It’s also possible to establish protected marine parks and sanctuaries that restrict or prohibit longline practices, particularly in critical habitats.
How to support sustainable fisheries
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the practice of farming aquatic life and has emerged as a promising solution to the growing global demand for seafood. However, the reality is often more complex than it may initially appear. While the concept of raising fish in controlled environments holds the potential to alleviate pressure on dwindling wild populations, the execution of many aquaculture operations has not always lived up to this promise.
A prime example can be found in the production of farmed Atlantic salmon in Tasmania, where the feed required to raise these fish often exceeds the actual output of the farms. For every kilogram of salmon produced, more wild-caught fish is used as feed than is ultimately generated, undermining the sustainability of the practice.
Beyond the challenges of feed sourcing, aquaculture operations can also introduce new environmental concerns, such as the polluting release of waste and effluent. Coastal regions, which are frequently chosen as sites for fish farms, are often sensitive ecosystems that can be vulnerable to pollution generated by these intensive farming practices. The discharge of nutrient-rich waters and the potential for the escape of non-native species can disrupt delicate marine habitats, leading to a cascade of ecological consequences.
Recognising these drawbacks, the aquaculture industry is being encouraged to improve its sustainability practices, such as exploring alternative feed sources and implementing more stringent regulatory frameworks. However, the path to truly sustainable aquaculture remains a work in progress, with the industry criticised for being blindly focused on profits, despite often devastating environmental consequences.
How to support sustainable fisheries
How to support sustainable fisheries
Many popular seafood species are at risk of overfishing or are caught using destructive practices that damage sensitive underwater habitats. However, there are also numerous well-managed, eco-friendly fisheries around the world that prioritise conservation and responsible harvesting. By educating ourselves on these sustainable options, we can use our purchasing power to incentivise more responsible fishing and aquaculture practices.
As conscious consumers, we have the power to make choices that directly support the long-term health and sustainability of our marine ecosystems. When it comes to seafood, this means being intentional about the origins and harvesting methods of the fish and shellfish we purchase at the supermarket or restaurant.
Resources like Seafood Watch in the United States and Good Fish in Australia provide detailed, easy-to-understand guidance on which seafood items come from the most environmentally-conscious sources. When making purchases at supermarkets or browsing restaurant menus, check online first to see if the seafood is being fished sustainably or if it’s something you should avoid. If a restaurant menu doesn’t say where the product is from, don’t be afraid to ask questions and make it known that you only want to support sustainable fisheries.
With a little research, you can identify the fish and shellfish that you love (but also have a minimal impact on our oceans) and vote with your dollars. Making mindful seafood choices is a simple yet impactful way that each of us can contribute to the long-term sustainability of our global fisheries and encourage supermarkets and restaurants to do the same.
Supporting sustainable fisheries
When travelling, opt to stay at environmentally conscious hotels and resorts that only serve sustainably sourced seafood. Many surf camps and dive resorts are located within fragile marine ecosystems that are highly susceptible to overfishing and other detrimental fishing practices. Before booking, check to see what the accommodation’s stance is on sourcing sustainable seafood. Many dive and surf resorts have “sustainability” sections on their websites that detail the steps they are taking to reduce their environmental impact.
Lastly, support marine conservation organisations that are pushing for sustainable fisheries, whether that’s by putting pressure on local governments or promoting greater awareness through education. Many of these organisations rely on the generosity of the public to conduct their campaigns, which play a vital role in ensuring our oceans remain healthy playgrounds in which we can surf and dive.