June 7, 2012 – New Oceana report outlines how protecting the oceans can feed 700 million people a day
Today, surrounding the 20th anniversary of World Oceans Day, Oceana unveiled a report outlining how saving the world's oceans can help to feed the 9 billion people projected to be on earth by 2050.
The report explains how implementing science-based fisheries management in the 25 countries that control more than 75% of the world's fish stocks – specifically measures that reduce overfishing, protect habitat and limit bycatch – will increase fish stocks to the point that wild seafood could sustainably feed 700 million people a day. Putting in place these policies in the countries that control most of the world's marine fish catch will also help protect important ocean ecosystems.
"Putting in place proper management in the 25 countries that are responsible for more than 75% of the world's global marine fish catch will boost the amount of wild fish available to our increasingly hungry planet," said Oceana CEO Andrew Sharpless. "This is a rare win for both conservation and food production – we can save ocean ecosystems and feed millions of hungry people by establishing these proven conservation policies in the countries that control the world's wild fish catch."