Conserving wild fish in a sea of market-based efforts

Jennifer Jacquet, John Hocevar, Sherman Lai, Patricia Majluf, Nathan Pelletier, Tony Pitcher, Enric Sala, Rashid Sumaila, Daniel Pauly

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Over the past decade conservation groups have put considerable effort into educating consumers and changing patterns of household consumption. Many groups aiming to reduce overfishing and encourage sustainable fishing practices have turned to new market-based tools, including consumer awareness campaigns and seafood certification schemes (e.g. the Marine Stewardship Council) that have been well received by the fishing and fish marketing industries and by the public in many western countries. Here, we review difficulties that may impede further progress, such as consumer confusion, lack of traceability and a lack of demonstrably improved conservation status for the fish that are meant to be protected. Despite these issues, market-based initiatives may have a place in fisheries conservation in raising awareness among consumers and in encouraging suppliers to adopt better practices. We also present several additional avenues for market-based conservation measures that may strengthen or complement current initiatives, such as working higher in the demand chain, connecting seafood security to climate change via life cycle analysis, diverting small fish away from the fishmeal industry into human food markets, and the elimination of fisheries subsidies. Finally, as was done with greenhouse gas emissions, scientists, conservation groups and governments should set seafood consumption targets.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)45-56
    Number of pages12
    JournalORYX
    Volume44
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Jan 2010

    Keywords

    • Consumption targets
    • Effectiveness
    • Fisheries subsidies
    • Fishmeal
    • Life cycle analysis
    • Marine Stewardship Council
    • Sustainable seafood
    • Traceability

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
    • Nature and Landscape Conservation

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