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Fishing
What we are doing
NEW! WWF Heads to the World Ocean Conference
OUR VISION: Implement sustainable fishing practices globally to protect marine life and ocean habitats and continue to support the livelihoods of those who depend on the sea
Improving fishing practices
Bycatch occurs when fishermen inadvertently hook or trap sea life other than their targeted catch. It is among the most problematic aspects of modern fishing and a major threat to marine biodiversity that costs fishermen time and money. WWF reduces bycatch by facilitating improvement to fishing gear and practices that reduce bycatch while still allowing fishermen to catch fish.
Seiner in Togiak Herring Fishery with Hagemeister Island in the background, Bristol Bay, Alaska
© WWF / Scott Dickerson
Influencing the global market for fish
Instituting sustainable market-driven practices in the seafood industry depends on informing buyer about the impact they can have on the world’s oceans. Consumers of wild-caught and aquaculture products are often unaware of how their actions affect marine biodiversity. To address this challenge, WWF partners with global retailers – such as Wal-Mart – that purchase large amounts of fish in order to gain their commitment from sustainable sources.
Fishing subsidies
Today’s worldwide fishing fleet is estimated to be up to two and a half times the capacity needed to sustainably fish the oceans. To guarantee sustainable fisheries around the world, nations need to reduce and reform fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing.
Promoting sustainable fisheries management and alleviating poverty
No one has more at stake in the conservation of marine biodiversity than those who depend on the sea for survival. Policy and governance decisions have inadvertently promoted global overfishing, often adversely impacting poor coastal communities. We help countries implement policies that benefit people by assuring long-term food security and providing coastal communities with a higher – and sustainable – standard of living.
Learn more about WWF efforts to alleviate impacts on coastal communities:
Laughing Bird Caye National Park Aerial view of coral reef from 6,000 ft. Belize
© WWF-Canon / Anthony B. RATH
Creating and expanding marine protected areas
Coastal communities rely on fishing for their sustenance and livelihoods. Without protected areas for marine life and critical habitats, many marine species will not survive. WWF collaborates with communities, scientists and governments to create flexible zoning places that designate different types of protected areas.
Learn more about WWF programs to address this challenge:
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