April 15, 2024 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:
Heading into the 9th Annual Our Ocean Conference, the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) is calling on policy makers to make fisheries management recommendations that are realistic and holistic.
In a resolution posted on the group’s website (fishcoalition.org), they note that without a balanced approach, people starve; active fisheries management works, lines on a map don’t; and the Blue Economy is as green as it gets.
People Starve Without a Balanced Approach: A balance among conservation, sustainable use of natural resources and food security is important.
Active Fisheries Management Works, Lines on a Map Don’t: Effective fisheries management is the strongest tool to simultaneously protect ocean health while also fostering human development. Focusing solely on creating Marine Protected Areas without considering the sustainable use of marine resources and the needs of coastal communities may have detrimental effects on food security and livelihoods.
The Blue Economy is as Green as It Gets: The fishing industry is committed to being an active participant in solutions for climate change resilience. It is crucial to recognize that fisheries products, with their low carbon footprint and essential nutritional value, play a pivotal role in achieving global climate objectives.