WWF urges governments and industry to act urgently on oceans’ crisis

The analysis by leading marine scientists took four years to compile and concludes that by 2048 stocks of all of the species currently fished for food will collapse.

“For centuries people have regarded the ocean as an inexhaustible supply of food. But in recent years human actions have finally pushed oceans to their limit,” said Dr Simon Cripps, Director of WWF’s Global Marine Programme. “This study confirms the scale of the oceans crisis. Governments and industry must act or we’ll reach the point of no return for fisheries and the marine environment.”

The scientists – who report their work in today’s edition of Science – reveal that stocks have collapsed in nearly one-third of marine fisheries, and the rate of decline is accelerating. The study also reports that as a result of marine biodiversity loss there will be more beach closures, more blooms of potentially harmful algae, and more coastal flooding.

WWF says many governments are failing to prevent over-fishing and ocean destruction. Many are ignoring scientific advice, increasing catches rather than enforcing wise management, and failing to clamp down on pirate fishers.

Governments must implement conservation and management measures, including reducing fishing pressure, stopping destructive fishing practices and establishing effective networks of marine protected areas, if they’re to prevent empty oceans, empty plates and lost livelihoods in the future.

“Despite the serious problems within the world’s oceans, responsible retailers in Europe, Japan and the US are responding to the increasing demand for seafood from well managed fisheries,” adds Dr Cripps. “The best way for consumers to identify seafood coming from well-managed fisheries is through the Marine Stewardship Council label.”