SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES Meaning and
Definition
-
Sustainable fisheries can be defined as a management approach that focuses on ensuring the long-term viability and productivity of fish populations and their ecosystems, while concurrently meeting the nutritional, social, and economic needs of present and future generations. It involves employing responsible fishing practices, resource conservation, and effective management strategies to maintain and enhance the health of fisheries and the surrounding marine environment.
In sustainable fisheries, fishing activities are conducted in a manner that allows fish populations to reproduce and replenish their numbers naturally. This entails setting limits on the amount of fish harvested, monitoring fishing methods to minimize damage to marine habitats, and implementing measures to reduce bycatch and discards of non-targeted species. Furthermore, sustainable fisheries aim to safeguard the health of the entire ecosystem by considering the interactions between different species and the wider environmental factors that influence fish populations.
The ultimate goal of sustainable fisheries is to strike a balance between the extraction of fish resources and their regeneration capacity, thus preventing overfishing, habitat destruction, and the threats posed to biodiversity. Effective management strategies involve collaboration between governments, fishing industries, scientists, and local communities to develop and enforce regulations, implement sustainable fishing techniques, and establish protected areas to preserve essential habitats.
By adopting a sustainable fisheries approach, the world can maintain a steady and reliable supply of fish, preserve the ecological integrity of marine ecosystems, support local economies dependent on fishing, and secure food security and livelihoods for present and future generations.
Etymology of SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES
The term "sustainable fisheries" combines the words "sustainable" and "fisheries".
The word "sustainable" comes from the Latin word "sustinere", which means "to uphold" or "to maintain". It originates from the combination of two Latin words, "sub" meaning "up" or "under" and "tenere" meaning "to hold".
The term "fisheries" refers to the activities related to catching, processing, and selling fish. It is derived from the word "fishery", which comes from the Old English word "fiscerig" or "fiscrieg", meaning "place for catching fish".
Therefore, when combined, "sustainable fisheries" refers to the management and utilization of fish populations in a way that maintains the ecological balance, ensures the long-term availability of fish, and minimizes harm to the marine environment.
