c). Unsustainable Fisheries
The proportion of marine fish stocks estimated to be underexploited or moderately
exploited declined from 40% in the mid-1970s to 15% in 2008, and the proportion of
overexploited, depleted or recovering stocks, increased from 10% in 1974 to 32% in 20089
.
Fishing fleet subsidies are estimated to be between US$ 10-30 billion per year driving the
further depletion of fisheries that have otherwise ceased to be economically viable. The
benefits lost to fishing nations as a consequence of over fishing are estimated to be in the
order of US$ 50 billion per annum
.
Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector now providing 47% of the fish for human
consumption globally
. The last three decades have seen massive expansion in aquaculture
operations raising concerns of environmental damage and unsustainable development
models. Aquaculture sites have often been carved out of important natural coastal habitats
with rapid expansion exceeding the capacity of planning controls and oversight. Aquaculture
with fed species, if not managed properly, can impact biodiversity and ecosystem functions
through excessive nutrient release, chemical pollution and the escape of farmed species and
diseases into the natural environment.
It is essential that integrated ecosystem approaches are utilised in wild capture fisheries and
aquaculture based on the best current scientific information with judicious application of
the precautionary approach, and subsidies that encourage overfishing are removed.