Our survival depends on the oceans – sustainable development goals are key.
The world’s population is constantly growing and 60 percent of the global population live within coastal areas. Hundreds of millions of people depend on the seas for income and nutrition. Ocean sustainability must embody sustainable development goals in order to manage our oceans and the valuable resources that they provide.
Marine ecosystems are under threat.
Habitat destruction, pollution and ocean acidification caused by unsustainable fishing, maritime trade and human misconduct have led to a serious deterioration of sea conditions, endangering the vital marine resources for future generations. Careful management of this essential global resource must be a priority and incorporate sustainable fishing methods and sustainability certification schemes.
Global demand for seafood products is growing rapidly.
Demand for seafood products is growing roughly twice as fast as human population growth, putting enormous pressure on fish stocks, which are now either fully exploited or overexploited and are estimated at 88 percent.
Aquaculture is only part of the answer – sustainability in the aquaculture business is vital.
Growth in aquaculture (fish farming) has been helping mitigate the decline in wild-caught stocks and now accounts for over 50 percent of fish destined for human consumption. But, if not managed sustainably, it can have adverse impacts on aquatic habitats and wild populations. Sustainability in business and certification schemes drives sustainable development goals in this important sector.
Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is increasing
1 out of 5 fish caught is thought to come from IUU fishing. The environmental effects are compounded by the social problem of poor labour conditions on IUU fishing boats. Sustainable fisheries and sustainable fishing methods must address these issues – they are crucial to the health of our people and our planet.
Global trade also has a significant impact on the seas.
Nowadays, around 90 percent of the international trade in goods derives from the sea, causing pollution and collisions between ships and whales.
There is a global will to take action now.
The United Nations 2020 Sustainable Development Goals address the urgency of conserving marine resources and using them sustainably. Friend of the Sea’s mission reflects these goals by prioritising effective management of our precious resources through its sustainable fishing and sustainability certification schemes.
Consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions – we address these through our sustainable development goals.
Sustainable management of aquatic resources is the only way to ensure a future for our oceans, and consequently for the human consumption of seafood products.
