Aquatic food systems (small-scale fishing, industrial fishing and aquaculture) are essential to food security in many countries and to global nutrition. Although they have a considerable impact on biodiversity, they are also an important source of employment. Particularly for people living in coastal areas and along riverbanks.
Pêche et aquaculture sont des secteurs économiques qui regroupent l’ensemble des activités allant de la capture ou la culture/l’élevage des ressources vivantes aquatiques jusqu’à leur vente. 5 des 16 pays BIODEV2030 ont identifié la pêche ou l’aquaculture comme un secteur économique prioritaire participant à l’érosion de la biodiversité et au développement du pays : le Guyana (pêche irrégulière et illégale), Fidji (pêche côtière), Madagascar (filière crevette), le Mozambique (filières crabe et crevette en mangrove), le Sénégal (pêche artisanale) et le Vietnam (élevage de crevettes et poissons).
THE ECONOMIC PLAYERS AND CHALLENGES OF FISHING AND AQUACULTURE
The fishing and aquaculture sectors have expanded considerably over the past decade, driven by growing global demand. They play a major role in the economic development of certain regions and in the food security of many households. For example, fishing (all sectors combined) provides an income for almost 1.5 million Madagascans and accounted for almost 7% of Madagascar's national GDP in 2018. Moreover, it is estimated that 50% of rural Fijian households practice coastal subsistence fishing1.
With the increase in the number of boats, their engine power and tonnage, the fishing effort is growing all over the world. For example, in Senegal's small-scale fishing industry, the number of pirogues increased by 43.93% in one year in the Thiès region. This puts pressure on fish stocks.
Aquaculture can also become a strategic growth driver: Vietnam is aiming for a 55.5% increase in production over the next 10 years2. But it is in sub-Saharan Africa that aquaculture is expected to see the greatest expansion.
Sustainable management of stocks by all players in the value chain (artisanal & industrial fishermen, breeders, sellers, wholesalers, processors, decision-makers, financiers, etc.) is now necessary to satisfy demand and halt the decline of species.
3.1% PER YEAR
Average annual rate of increase in global consumption of edible fish between 1961 and 2017
Source: FAO. 2020. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020. Sustainability in action. Rome.
8.1 BILLION DOLLARS
Gross added value of artisanal marine fishing in Africa (38.8% of total VA in the African fishing industry)
Source: Wanjohi Kabukuru, "African fisheries still underdeveloped", NewAfrican, 09/30/2020, https://newafricanmagazine.com/24375/ [accessed 06/30/22]
THE IMPACT OF FISHING & AQUACULTURE ON BIODIVERSITY
Increased fishing effort has led to overexploitation of most resources of commercial interest. Bad artisanal fishing practices (intrusion into protected marine areas, juvenile harvesting, failure to comply with the fishing code, use of monofilaments or explosives, etc.) aggravate the phenomenon of overfishing and contribute to the gradual degradation of biodiversity.
The growth of aquaculture is exacerbating the depletion of fish stocks. This practice requires wild fish to feed farmed species. In addition to this indirect impact, aquaculture exerts many other direct pressures on biodiversity. The development of breeding ponds requires the conversion of key ecosystems such as mangroves. Aquaculture activities also contribute to disease transmission and water pollution via chemical, medicinal and biological discharges.
34,2%
Share of world fish stocks overexploited
Source: FAO. 2020. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020. Sustainability in action. Rome.
Fishing and aquaculture have negative impacts on biodiversity due to :
1. Overfishing: a decline in the renewal of populations that can lead to the disappearance of species. Fishing should not be guided solely by the availability of resources. Renewal must be taken into account to preserve biodiversity.
2. Fishing methods and areas: non-selective fishing techniques remove many protected species. They also degrade key habitats for species renewal (spawning grounds, nurseries). Fishing practices and locations must be controlled and regulated.
3. Farming methods and areas: use of chemicals and antibiotics, plastic pollution from tank linings. Aquaculture facilities can be set up in areas of high biodiversity value (coastline, mangroves). Practices and locations must be controlled and regulated.