Topic Guide
Science-based harvests that feed people without collapsing ocean food webs
Billions of people rely on seafood for protein and income. When fishing exceeds ecological limits—or when illegal fleets undercut legal fishers—stocks decline, food webs unravel, and coastal economies suffer.
Sustainable fisheries combine science-based quotas, selective gear that reduces bycatch, transparent supply chains, and community stewardship of nearshore waters.
Independent stock assessments and precautionary catch limits keep harvests within recovery thresholds.
Digital catch documentation and port-state measures help keep illegal seafood out of markets.
Use trusted seafood guides and prefer verified sustainable sources when shopping or dining out.
Community-managed fisheries often protect nursery habitats while sustaining cultural fishing traditions.
We treat Sustainable Fisheries as a cross-cutting priority—linking science, community action, and durable policy so progress in one place can inform work worldwide.
Explore related challenges and solutions across our site, or contact us to partner on projects in this topic area.