Trade and environment briefings: sustainable fisheries

Fish and fishery products represent one of the most extensively traded commodities in the world. This paper shows that the loss of fishing resources poses particular challenges for developing countries which often rely on these resources in their development strategies.

The paper notes that developing countries produce nearly three times as much fish as developed countries. However, their development possibilities in this sector have been jeopardised by over-exploitation and the effects of climate change.

The author finds that the adoption of green fishing practices, reforming distorting subsidies and eliminating trade barriers, are needed to ensure the long-term viability of the fisheries trade. This would allow developing countries to exploit the full potential of the sector to spur domestic social development while transitioning to a green economy.

Conclusions:

• effective management and regulation is needed to prevent a collapse of fisheries and its devastating consequences for millions of people
• the elimination of environmentally harmful fisheries subsidies and spurring investments in sustainable fisheries offer multiple economic, social and environmental benefits
• in this sense, concluding the WTO Doha Round would offer a number of potential opportunities to support sustainable and more inclusive trade in fisheries
• changing consumer preferences provides additional economic incentives; consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for organic and/or sustainable products
• compliance with developed countries’ standards for sustainable fisheries is an advancement that requires well-developed infrastructure, including fish landing centers, processing facilities, and efficient transportation

Furthermore, domestic and international efforts could focus efforts to help capacity-building and re-training of fisheries workers, as well as developing sustainable aquaculture systems.

The document highlights that sustainable fisheries will help restore damaged marine ecosystems, and sustain greater number and range of communities and enterprises. This, in turn, will raise household income, particularly for those engaged in artisanal fishing.