Rebuilding Global Fisheries

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 325; no. 5940; pp. 578 - 585
• Main Authors: Worm, Boris, Hilborn, Ray, Baum, Julia K, Branch, Trevor A, Collie, Jeremy S, Costello, Christopher, Fogarty, Michael J, Fulton, Elizabeth A, Hutchings, Jeffrey A, Jennings, Simon, Jensen, Olaf P, Lotze, Heike K, Mace, Pamela M, McClanahan, Tim R, Minto, Cóilín, Palumbi, Stephen R, Parma, Ana M, Ricard, Daniel, Rosenberg, Andrew A, Watson, Reg, Zeller, Dirk
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Association for the Advancement of Science 31-07-2009; The American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Applied ecology; Aquaculture; Aquatic ecosystems; Biodiversity; Biological and medical sciences; Biomass; Conservation biology; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Ecosystem models; Environment and sustainable development; Exploitation and management of natural biological resources (hunting, fishing and exploited populations survey, etc.); Fisheries - methods; Fisheries management; Fisheries science; Fishery collapse; Fishery economics; Fishes - anatomy & histology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Internationality; Marine; Marine Biology; Marine ecosystems; Models, Biological; Ocean fisheries; Oceans and Seas; Population Dynamics; Species; Sustainable fisheries management; Population exploitation; Fishery; Endangered species; Overexploitation; Natural biological resources; Resource management; Fishing; Sustainable use
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.1173146

After a long history of overexploitation, increasing efforts to restore marine ecosystems and rebuild fisheries are under way. Here, we analyze current trends from a fisheries and conservation perspective. In 5 of 10 well-studied ecosystems, the average exploitation rate has recently declined and is now at or below the rate predicted to achieve maximum sustainable yield for seven systems. Yet 63% of assessed fish stocks worldwide still require rebuilding, and even lower exploitation rates are needed to reverse the collapse of vulnerable species. Combined fisheries and conservation objectives can be achieved by merging diverse management actions, including catch restrictions, gear modification, and closed areas, depending on local context. Impacts of international fleets and the lack of alternatives to fishing complicate prospects for rebuilding fisheries in many poorer regions, highlighting the need for a global perspective on rebuilding marine resources.