Protect Biodiversity Through Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management

Fisheries management traditionally allows the highest level of pressure on fishing that a population can withstand. While this approach can help maximize short-term profits, it does not take into account the effects of fishing on the entire ecosystem beyond the single species and the delicate balance that exists among predators, prey and their habitat.

However, a more holistic approach is starting to take hold, and its adoption can help ensure the long-term viability of global fisheries and the ecosystems that they depend on. Ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) specifically incorporates marine ecosystem health into management decisions. This means that determining how much fish to catch isn’t limited to any one species. Instead, factors such as climate change and bycatch are considered, along with scientific analysis on how an entire ocean region can withstand fishing pressure. In doing so, EBFM can enable countries to reach their wider commitments to protect ecosystems, including taking urgent action by 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

The Pew Charitable Trusts is working with governments, regional fisheries management organizations, scientists and the seafood industry to encourage adoption and implementation of EBFM to strengthen fisheries and ecosystem health. When adopted at a large scale, EBFM will help ensure that, even as conditions on the water change, fisheries do not compromise the ability of ecosystems to provide catch for humans and support other animals, such as whales, seabirds and sharks, that also depend on fish.