International Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability: Strengthening the science-policy nexus, 18–21 November 2019. Rome.

Abstract

Marine and inland fisheries today are at an important crossroads. On one hand, they make a crucial and growing contribution to food, nutrition and livelihood security, especially in many Low Income Food Deficit (LIFD) countries in Oceania, Asia and Africa. On the other hand, despite significant successes the proportion of marine fish stocks fished within biologically sustainable levels continues to decline, especially in least developed regions, while inland fisheries are profoundly affected by the growing demand for fresh water. In addition, the impacts of a rapidly changing world on the fisheries sector are becoming more and more relevant as we move towards the middle of the century. Among the many factors involved are the following: n The world population will reach 9.5 billion by 2050, with the African continent growing by more than a billion people compared to today. n Accompanying this, there is a significant shift of population to coastal areas, with consequent land-based environmental impacts on coastal fisheries, e.g. from increasing agricultural run-off, urbanization, etc. n Economic development will continue to drive increased consumption of animal proteins, with annual fish consumption predicted to exceed 25kg per capita by 2025, over 20 percent higher than today. n Climate change may force coastal communities and businesses to shift their geographical centres, following resource displacements, potentially leading to conflict between users.