Sustainability

Inspired by the success stories of its neighbouring states, Karnataka is set to implement a proven method to boost fish breeding in its coastal regions. Artificial reefs will be strategically placed at 56 locations along the coastal lines of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts, following the footsteps of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala have witnessed significant increases in fish quantity after employing artificial reefs for four to five years. A team of experts from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has assessed the feasibility of the scheme by visiting the designated spots. The introduction of artificial reefs, initially pioneered by CMFRI officer Jokilakudan in Tamil Nadu fishing ports, has demonstrated that placing these reefs at specific locations in the sea enhances fish breeding, leading to a substantial increase in fish catch.

Scientist Jokilakudan explains that artificial reefs, positioned around six nautical miles into the sea, provide shelter and breeding grounds for fish. Positive results are expected within a year of implementing this method. Additionally, the deployment of artificial reefs is anticipated to discourage illegal fishing techniques such as gillnet, trawling, chauri chauri fishing, and light fishing, as fishing near these reefs becomes challenging. To monitor and regulate these reefs, they are geo-tagged.

In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, 20 locations have been identified, including Someshwara, Ullal, Panambur, Baikampady, and others. The remaining 36 spots are earmarked in the Uttara Kannada district, benefiting purse seine and traditional fishing methods. This initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable fisheries management and conservation practices in Karnataka’s coastal areas.

The federal and Queensland governments have unveiled a $160 million plan to gradually eliminate commercial gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef world heritage area by mid-2027. This initiative aims to enhance the protection of endangered marine species by introducing new net-free zones.

Tanya Plibersek, the environment minister, announced the comprehensive plan on Monday, emphasizing its potential to substantially reduce high-risk fishing practices that harm threatened species such as dugongs, turtles, dolphins, and protected shark species.

As part of the plan, funding will be allocated to buy out gillnet licenses, with the majority of gillnets to be removed by the end of the year and a complete ban in place by mid-2027. The funds will also support the creation of new net-free zones in the northern third of the Great Barrier Reef and parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Additionally, the plan includes the acceleration of a sustainable fisheries strategy implementation and the mandate for independent data validation on commercial fishing vessels.

Plibersek highlighted the immediate threat posed by unsustainable fishing practices to the health of the reef, causing damage and fatalities to threatened marine life. The move aligns with recommendations from a UN-backed mission to the reef, which proposed the phase-out of gillnets and an accelerated rollout of sustainable fisheries strategies.

The announcement follows years of campaigning by conservation groups for an end to gillnet fishing on the reef. Gillnets, often over a kilometer in length, are known for catching fish like barramundi and mackerel but also pose a threat to endangered species by entangling and causing harm.

WWF-Australia, which advocated for seven years to end commercial gillnet fishing, called it a “globally significant moment for ocean conservation, fisheries management, and the Great Barrier Reef.” The Australian Marine Conservation Society also praised the decision to declare hammerhead sharks a “no-take” species, emphasizing the positive impact on threatened species recovery.

This move is seen as a crucial step towards the goal of having a net-free reef by June 2027, allowing threatened species to thrive without the risk of entanglement and drowning in gillnets.

Renowned Hollywood figures and environmental advocates, Ted Danson and Billy Joel, have thrown their support behind a critical World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement on fishing subsidies. Their advocacy efforts are prominently featured in the groundbreaking documentary film, ‘Change Makers: The Global Race to Save our Seas’, produced by Jayde Lovell, CEO of ReAgency Lab. The documentary sheds light on the global issue of fishing subsidies and their detrimental impact on oceans and communities.

The film also showcases the endorsement of marine biologist and marine economist Daniel Pauly and Rashid Sumaila, recipients of this year’s prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement. These influential voices unite to bolster the push for the WTO agreement.

The overarching issue revolves around global government subsidies to the fishing sector, exceeding a staggering US$35 billion. These subsidies incentivize industrial fishing, even when it is financially unsustainable, leading to a severe depletion of global fish stocks. Despite two decades of activism and negotiations, achieving an international agreement to address this problem appeared elusive.

However, on June 17, 2022, the WTO achieved an unexpected global consensus to prohibit some of the most harmful fishing subsidies. This groundbreaking and legally enforceable agreement holds the potential to facilitate the recovery of fish stocks, safeguard food security, and protect the livelihoods of millions of people.

The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a historic milestone as it is the first WTO agreement explicitly focusing on environmental concerns. It also represents the first fully met Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target (Target 14.6) and only the second agreement reached at the WTO since its inception.

Commenting on the potential impact of the agreement, Ted Danson emphasized, “If you manage the world’s fisheries correctly, you could provide a billion fish meals a day forever, and that’s at a time when food security is a huge, huge issue.” The involvement of high-profile advocates like Danson and Joel brings attention to the urgency of addressing fishing subsidies and the critical role of the WTO agreement in securing a sustainable future for marine ecosystems and communities.

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has announced the upcoming premiere of “Hope in the Water,” a transformative docuseries set to air in Summer 2024. The three-part series, produced by Emmy Award-winning David E. Kelley in collaboration with Chef Andrew Zimmern’s Intuitive Content, delves into innovative blue food solutions worldwide, addressing both ecological balance and global waterways.

Kelley, renowned for his storytelling prowess, emphasizes the series’ mission to envision a planet where ecological harmony and food abundance coexist. In partnership with environmental activists Shailene Woodley, Martha Stewart, José Andrés, and Baratunde Thurston, “Hope in the Water” unveils the hidden costs of the climate crisis, irresponsible fishing, and habitat destruction.

The docuseries spotlights stories of visionaries, aquafarmers, and fishers driving initiatives for a sustainable future. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Brian Peter Falk, the series is part of a broader multi-year impact campaign led by Fed by Blue, a nonprofit focused on fostering a responsible blue food system.

Jennifer Bushman, co-founder of Fed by Blue, expresses pride in contributing to essential conversations about water protection and production aligned with the future of food. “Hope in the Water” aligns with PBS’ Climate, Nature, & Our Planet initiative, examining the multifaceted impacts of the climate crisis and exploring intersections with conservation, biodiversity, and the ecosystem.

As part of its exploration of innovative solutions, the series will delve into aquaculture, showcasing how sustainable practices in fish farming contribute to a responsible and resilient blue food system.

Panaji: In a bid to revitalize fish production and promote sustainable fisheries resources, the Directorate of Fisheries has submitted a proposal to the central government under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), advocating for a transition to culture fishing.

Highlighting the drawbacks of traditional capture fishing, Director of Fisheries, Deepesh Priolkar, emphasized the detrimental effects of overfishing and the depletion of fish populations in open sea waters over time. Priolkar noted that the current practice often results in a limited preservation window for caught fish, leading to either export or wastage.

Acknowledging the need for a more environmentally friendly approach, the directorate is urging a significant shift towards culture fishing, an alternative that aligns with the sustainability goals of the PMMSY. Culture fishing involves the cultivation and breeding of fish in controlled environments such as ponds, lakes, and cages, providing better management of fish populations and enhanced production.

Priolkar emphasized the potential for culture fishing in the region, stating, “There is a lot of scope for culture fishing in Goa. A comprehensive awareness campaign is essential to educate stakeholders about the benefits of culture fishing.”

This proposed shift aims to address the consequences of open sea fishing and promote a more responsible and sustainable approach to fisheries, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and the fishing industry.

Thoothukudi: Amidst concerns over the exclusion of specific areas in the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) map, fishermen from Punnakayal hamlet in Thoothukudi drafted their own map. During a grievance redressal meeting at the Collectorate on Monday, they handed the map to District Revenue Officer (DRO) Ajay Seenivasan.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the previous CZMP map, formulated based on the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2019, the fishermen highlighted its failure to identify crucial locations such as fish drying fields, net repair centers, mooring areas, settlements, fisheries, and future expansion plans. In their petition, the fishermen urged the state government to recognize and consider the map they created.

“We are not willing to relinquish these areas, despite the government’s oversight. Hence, we meticulously crafted a CZMP map of Punnakayal hamlet using the Geographical Information System (GIS) to safeguard our social structure, hamlet, and livelihoods,” stated the fishermen in their petition.

Led by the Punnakayal Oor Nirvaga committee, the fishermen referenced an order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), directing the state to involve them in CZMP map drafting alongside the fisheries department and the ministries of forest, environment, and climate change.

Emphasizing their request for validation, the fishermen called on the district administration to conduct a field visit and incorporate the details into the state CZMP. The drafted map was submitted to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and the assistant director of fisheries on the same day.

Source: The New Indian Express

The U.S. Department of Commerce, under President Joe Biden’s administration, in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has announced an additional USD 20 million (EUR 18.9 million) in funding to address the impact of climate change on fisheries management. This funding, allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to support regional fishery management councils in their efforts to enhance climate resilience and responsiveness.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the critical role of regional fishery management councils in developing conservation measures for the nation’s marine fisheries. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act is a key component of the broader economic strategy, known as Bidenomics.

The funding will be divided into two portions, with USD 3 million (EUR 2.8 million) distributed among the eight regional fishery management councils. The remaining USD 17 million (EUR 16 million) will be awarded to councils based on their identification of priority projects aligned with two key goals.

The first goal focuses on developing fishery management measures to enhance climate resilience and address climate impacts. The second goal involves determining effective implementation strategies for these measures, particularly in ways that benefit underserved communities.

Climate change has already prompted adjustments in fishery management strategies. For instance, the New England Fishery Management Council had to adapt its cod and haddock management approaches due to climate-induced changes in stock behaviour. The funding initiative reflects a broader recognition of the challenges posed by climate change on U.S. fisheries, with previous instances such as the closure of the Atlantic cod fishery in Maine in 2017.

Fishery management councils across the U.S. are increasingly grappling with the shifting dynamics of fish stocks resulting from climate change. The funding initiative aligns with efforts to use the best available science to develop and implement fisheries management strategies, with a focus on adapting to changing ocean conditions and mitigating social and economic impacts on fishing-dependent communities.

In a recent report by the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), South American reduction fisheries are shown to either decline or remain stagnant in their management performance. The report, part 1 of the 14th edition of SFP’s assessments, indicates that compared to 2022, two European fisheries have shown improvement, while two South American fisheries have seen a decline. The majority of assessed fisheries are reported to be reasonably well managed or better, but a slow decline in performance has been noted since 2018.

Dave Martin, the program director at SFP, highlighted the contrasting trends between European and South American fisheries. He emphasized the industry’s role in supporting improvements in key European reduction fisheries, while expressing concern about the negative trajectory observed in South America. Martin hopes that this information will spur collaboration among industry, science, government, and other stakeholders to reverse the declining trend in South American fisheries.

The three South American fisheries experiencing a drop in performance—Anchoveta in Southern Peru/Northern Chile, Anchoveta Chile Valparaíso (V) – Los Lagos (X), and Araucanian herring in Central-South Chile—are now categorized as poorly managed (Category C) after recent improvements in European fisheries.

South American countries, notably Chile and Peru, are recognized as global leaders in marine ingredient production, and countries like Chile and Ecuador also lead in farmed seafood production. However, the annual assessments by SFP consistently reveal middling performance in reduction fisheries in the region, particularly in FishSource management strategy scores.

The report underscores the importance of increased regional cooperation on shared fisheries and emphasizes the critical role that pre-competitive industry and multi-stakeholder collaboration play in improving fisheries management. The findings call for redoubled efforts from industry, governments, scientists, and other stakeholders to support and deliver sustainable fisheries in the South American region. Part 2 of the SFP assessments is expected to be published in March 2024.

Source: Sustainable Fisheries Partnership

Singapore is turning to Australia for valuable insights and best practices in order to enhance its fledgling aquaculture sector. During a week-long study trip organized by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Koh Poh Koon, highlighted the importance of adopting Australia’s proven methods for sustainable fish farming.

One major challenge faced by Singapore’s aquaculture sector is a high fish stock mortality rate, reaching up to 70% in some traditional farms. In contrast, Australian farms typically report losses of 10% or less, emphasizing the need for a science-based approach to animal husbandry. The Singapore authorities are considering providing resources for local farms to tap into veterinary science expertise and adopt better practices.

To address high mortality rates and prevent diseases, Singapore’s fish farms are learning from Australian counterparts about strengthening biosecurity measures. These measures include strict protocols for staff disinfection, prevention of cross-contamination between equipment, and ensuring equipment used for one system does not affect another.

Clean Seas Sustainable Seafood in Port Lincoln, Australia, emphasizes sustainability in its operations and aims to use algal oils and insect meals instead of fish oils and meals. The company also explores multitrophic aquaculture, incorporating seaweed to capture the carbon and nutrient footprint of its farming activities.

Singaporean aquaculture entrepreneurs are inspired by Australia’s harmonious integration of nature and farming. The use of seaweed to absorb excess nutrients in the water is one such example. Singaporean farms are working with the National University of Singapore to identify suitable seaweed species for local waters.

Singapore is also studying Australia’s use of a nutrient budget to balance nutrient content and fish health. The comprehensive water monitoring programs in Australia, covering parameters like dissolved nitrogen and nutrients, are being considered for implementation in Singapore. The authorities are exploring the possibility of legislation to manage feeding practices, ensuring sustainable development in the nascent aquaculture sector.

Dr. Koh emphasized the need for regulations to guide the proper use of feeding and stocking, considering the potential impact on water quality shared by multiple farmers. Funding for water monitoring programs is also under consideration to ensure the comprehensive assessment of water quality in Singapore’s fish farms.

Source: Channel News Asia

In a sweeping move against illegal fishing in international waters, Chinese authorities have unleashed fines exceeding a staggering 1 billion yuan ($137 million) on domestic companies since 2016. The jaw-dropping penalties underscore China’s commitment to promoting sustainable deep-sea fishing practices, revealing a strategic shift as the global seafood giant seeks to address food security needs through responsible ocean management.

The revelatory white paper, titled “Development of China’s Deep-Sea Fishing Industry,” serves as a beacon into China’s principles and approach toward deep-sea fishing. It sheds light on a robust campaign to regulate the activities of Chinese companies operating in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans, as well as near the Antarctic. An impressive fleet of 2,551 authorized fishing trawlers, belonging to 177 companies, collectively yields approximately 2.3 million metric tons annually.

The crackdown, as detailed in the report, includes the permanent disqualification of six Chinese companies from offshore fishing since 2016. Additionally, operations of 22 others have faced temporary suspension due to minor offenses. Notably, some violators were exposed by foreign governments and international organizations.

China, as outlined in the white paper, maintains a stringent approach to policing its deep-sea fishing footprint, exhibiting zero tolerance for misconduct through legislative and enforcement measures. The country has embraced digital logging systems to prevent overfishing of crucial species such as tuna, squid, and saury.

China’s resolute stance extends to supporting a multilateral crackdown on illegal fishing. Initiatives include the regular deployment of law enforcement vessels in the North Pacific Ocean since 2020 and denying sanctioned fishing boats refuelling and supplies at Chinese ports under a regional pact initiated in 2018.

China’s rich history in deep-sea fishing, dating back over 4,000 years, has evolved into a modern industry since 1985, marked by bilateral cooperation with over 40 countries globally. The nation actively participates in multilateral fishery management under the United Nations framework, adhering to international laws.

With an unwavering commitment to ecological civilization since 2012, China has implemented measures to limit fishing intensity and combat illegal practices, ensuring responsible and sustainable use of ocean resources. The self-imposed three-month trial moratorium on fishing in international waters in 2020, followed by a formal policy the next year, exemplifies China’s proactive stance.

In line with its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), China has capped the number of deep-sea fishing boats at 3,000, with a yearly catch limit below 2.3 million tons. As China exported 3.74 million tons of aquatic products in 2020, constituting 12% of the world’s total exports, the nation continues to wield influence in global aquatic markets.

Source: China Daily