How to Have More Fish, More Food, and Greater Prosperity

Overfishing is one of the greatest threats to the ocean, with two out of three fisheries around the world depleted or collapsed. Overfishing also poses a threat to the four billion people around the world who rely on seafood as an important source of protein and the millions of workers who depend on fishing for their livelihoods. But there is hope. Research and experience shows that, with effective management, we can rebuild fish in the water, provide greater yield, and increase value to fishermen and communities. And cutting edge research shows this is possible, even in the face of climate change. The key is a market-based approach that vests fishermen in the long term health of the resource through a secure share of fish.

In this interactive session, Fellows will learn how market-based approaches have been applied in fisheries worldwide to deliver ecological, economic, and social results. Specifically, we will review the case of the British Columbia groundfish fishery, which has evolved over the last 40 years into a full-retention, fully monitored fishery that accounts for all catch. Wes will speak to how the success of the fishery is rooted in a four-year, consensus-driven process and the creation of an advisory body that reflects the values of the fishing community.