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The most immediate, serious factor that threatens marine biodiversity at a global scale, besides economic stability and food security, would be overfishing. It grossly detracts from attainment of SDG 14, which is to "conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development." Target 14.4 calls for effective regulation in order to bring an end to overfishing, IUU fishing, and destructive fishing practices by 2020, with restoration of fish stocks to sustainable levels in mind.
Let's learn about some companies involved in preventing overfishing and protecting life below water
Overfishing causes the depletion of fish stocks and, in return, affects marine ecosystems and communities relying on fishing for their livelihood. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs reported that the percentage of world marine fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels declined from 90% in 1974 to 66.9% in 2015. Besides, technological improvement in the fishing vessels further aggravates the issue with more bycatch and catching non-target species, such as sharks, rays, and turtles, which are already under danger.
To deal with these issues, different organizations and startups are working on innovative solutions that discourage overfishing and make fishing more sustainable. Herein, we look into some of the leading organizations contributing a lot to this cause.
Founder: Unilever and WWF
Founded: 1997
Location: London, UK
The Marine Stewardship Council is an international nonprofit focused on making sure fishing is done in a sustainable manner. That means a focus on creating standards around fishing sustainably and tracing seafood, while certifying fisheries meeting those standards. Certified fisheries are independently assessed against the MSC's rigorous standards for sustainability-their impacts on the overall health of fish populations, their impacts on the overall health of the ocean bottom and ocean habitat, and whether the fishery is effectively managed.
Today, the MSC has had an unprecedented influence on the world seafood marketplace, with more than 17% of the world's wild-caught seafood now being MSC-certified. This system ensures that millions of tonnes of seafood are harvested each year in a way that minimizes harm to the marine environment.
Founder: Jim Cannon
Founded: 2006
Location: Washington D.C., USA
The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership works to reduce the environmental and social impacts of fishing and fish farming through industry-led improvement projects and partnerships. SFP works in developing a more sustainable supply chain through collaborations with retailers, producers, and managers of fisheries.
The work of SFP has secured major gains in fisheries management practices that better the sustainability of numerous fisheries around the world.
Founder: FishChoice
Founded: 2016
Location: Boulder, Colorado, USA
FisheryProgress.org is a one-stop shop for information on the progress of Fishery Improvement Projects. The platform ensures transparency and accountability, further helping stakeholders track FIP development and their impacts around the globe.
FisheryProgress.org has rapidly emerged as a key tool to track and catalyze progress in the delivery of more sustainable fisheries.
Founder: Initiative by Stockholm Resilience Centre
Founded: 2016
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
SeaBOS is a unique program that brings the largest seafood companies in the world together around the work of sustainability issues. Industry-led, this platform coordinates and harmonizes large seafood business influence to help drive positive change in the industry.
SeaBOS is one unusually strong coalition able to drive significant improvements in the sustainability of the global seafood industry.
Founder: Government of India
Founded: 1947
Location: Kochi, India
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute is a pioneering and premier research institute in the country for the sustainable development of marine fisheries, established in 1948. CMFRI has grown into a leading institute conducting extensive research and provides scientific guidance on all major aspects of management and conservation of marine resources.
CMFRI research and programmes have played an important role in the sustenance of marine fisheries management in India, thereby helping to ensure marine biodiversity and adding to the prosperity of coastal communities.
Founder: Rare
Founded: 2011
Location: Arlington, Virginia, USA
Fish Forever is Rare's global community-based fisheries management program, empowering coastal communities to manage their fisheries sustainably. Community-based management systems are central to the program, ensuring mutual benefits to people and nature.
Fish Forever has established on-the-ground community-based systems of management across several countries, with ensuing fish population improvements and local livelihood outcomes.
Founder: Alasdair Harris
Founded: 2003
Location: London, UK
Blue Ventures is a marine conservation organization that works with coastal communities to rebuild tropical fisheries. The organization’s approach integrates conservation, community development, and sustainable fisheries management.
Through its holistic approach, Blue Ventures has achieved significant conservation successes and improved the resilience of coastal communities.
Founder: Ted Danson and a group of foundations
Founded: 2001
Location: Washington D.C., USA
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization focused solely on ocean conservation. It aims to protect and restore the world’s oceans through targeted policy campaigns.
Oceana’s advocacy has led to significant policy changes and protections for marine ecosystems worldwide.
Founder: Charles Clover
Founded: 1983
Location: Ross-on-Wye, UK
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is a UK-based charity dedicated to protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable seafood consumption.
MCS has played a key role in promoting sustainable seafood consumption and improving marine protection in the UK.
Founder: Pete Kibel
Founded: 2001
Location: Devon, UK
Fishtek Marine develops innovative technologies to reduce bycatch and promote sustainable fishing practices. The company’s products aim to minimize the impact of fishing on non-target species.
Fishtek Marine’s innovative solutions have made a significant impact on reducing bycatch and supporting sustainable fishing practices globally.
Addressing the challenge of overfishing requires a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, technological innovations, and community engagement. The organizations highlighted here demonstrate the diverse strategies being employed to tackle overfishing and promote sustainable fishing practices. From global non-profits and advocacy groups to innovative startups and community-based initiatives, each organization plays a crucial role in protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks.
By learning from these organizations, startups can develop innovative solutions and contribute to the global effort to combat overfishing. Collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to sustainable practices are essential for making significant progress toward SDG 14 and safeguarding the future of our oceans.
Here is a list of the organizations mentioned above and their respective websites:
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