The 21st century has been an alarming time for sustainability. Now more than ever we are aware of the impact we have on the planet, and the changes we need to make. Although commercial fishing is often criticized, it is a crucial sector not only in terms of jobs, but also in terms of feeding the planet. We have also seen a lot of progress in recent years when it comes to sustainability in this niche. This is what the future and present look like.
Investment in sustainable fishing gear
One of the most important things being done to address unsustainable practices is widespread investment in sustainable fishing gear. Whether that is clothing from Stormline or stronger fishing nets; Investing in stronger equipment that will stand the test of time can help significantly reduce waste in the long run.
After all, if a higher quality item lasts twice as long as the cheaper equivalent, this will literally have resulted in half the use of raw materials and associated production processes.
Changing regulations
On the other hand, we are seeing a proliferation of regulatory frameworks emerging, with the aim of improving the sustainability of fisheries more broadly. While they may not always strike the right chord, organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council are constantly thinking of new, innovative ways to implement sustainable practices at scale. It’s important to stay abreast of these changes, both in terms of compliance and to ensure you stay ahead of the curve.
Increased efficiency
One of the main issues when it comes to sustainability in commercial fishing is the adoption of cheap, but highly inefficient processes. Practices such as fishing in Alaska, processing the fish in China and then selling the finished product in Britain may be the norm, but they are highly inefficient standards when it comes to the resources required to produce a single meal. produce.
By highlighting these types of inefficient practices, which have unfortunately become the norm, we can expect regulatory changes and investments that place a greater emphasis on the value of sustainability.
Consumer awareness
Finally, we see increasing consumer awareness when it comes to sustainable fishing practices. One of the positive effects of this is that people are often willing to spend a little more on a product that they know comes from a sustainable source, meaning that commercial fishing companies can invest in those sustainable practices if necessary.
As you can see, we are already making significant progress, although there is certainly still much to be done in the field of sustainable fishing.
As long as key industry players, investors and regulators keep these priorities in mind and recognize the existential threat that unsustainable practices pose to the sector, we should be able to turn the tide. It is important that commercial fishing companies also keep these issues in mind and do what they can on a smaller scale to play their part in the process.
