Fishing: A very ancient practice undergoing major change

Abstract

Fisheries and aquaculture provide 4.3 billion people with at least 15% of their animal protein diet. The rise of aquaculture dates back to the end of the 1980s, when the production rate of fisheries was beginning to decline, sounding the end of its post World War II growth phase. The volume of official landings culminated 25 years ago, with no outlook for any further increase. About 60% of fish stocks are currently exploited at the level of maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Most of the others are overexploited due to the chronic overcapacity of the fleets and poorly regulated access to fishing. The ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) emerged as a paradigm shift in the 1990s, underpinning the renewal of management objectives and governance along with turning towards the ecological and economical sustainability of the exploitation of marine ecosystems. Referred to in several international agreements, EAF percolates the management of regional fisheries, for instance the Common fishery policy of the European Union. In concert with multilateral instruments, this comprehensive management system is henceforth faced with the rapid development of human societies and accelerated ocean change.