Poultry, Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences
Open Access

Role of Fisheries in Global Food Security: Economic Impact, Challenges and Technological Innovations

Vincenzo Moreira^{* *}Correspondence: Vincenzo Moreira, Department of Aquaculture, Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey, Email:

Author info »

Description

Fisheries development is an important component of global food security, economic growth and environmental sustainability. As the world’s population continues to grow, demand for fish and seafood has increased significantly, making fisheries a vital source of protein and livelihood for millions. Fisheries development focuses on enhancing fish production through sustainable practices, improving livelihoods for fishing communities and ensuring the health of marine and freshwater ecosystems. With the growing threats of overfishing, climate change and pollution, sustainable fisheries management has become more critical than ever [1,2].

Fish and seafood are among the most widely consumed sources of animal protein worldwide. They are especially important in regions with limited access to other protein sources, providing need nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Fish accounts for about 17% of the global animal protein intake, with even higher percentages in coastal and island communities.

As population growth increase food demand, fisheries play a vital role in meeting global food security needs. Sustainable fisheries development is important for maintaining fish stocks that support this food demand without depleting the ocean’s natural resources. Fisheries development programs seek to ensure that fish production can speedup with growing needs while maintaining healthy ecosystems and biodiversity [3,4].

Economic impact of fisheries

Fisheries have significant economic importance, providing jobs and supporting livelihoods in coastal, island and inland regions. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 120 million people are directly employed in fishing and aquaculture industries, with countless others benefiting indirectly. For many developing countries, fish products are among the most valuable exports, contributing to economic stability and growth [5].

In addition to commercial fisheries, small-scale artisanal fisheries play a vital role in local economies. These fisheries often operate with minimal resources but contribute significantly to local food security and job creation. Fisheries development focuses on supporting both commercial and artisanal sectors, ensuring that resources are allocated sustainably while providing economic opportunities for diverse communities [6,7].

Challenges facing fisheries development

Overfishing occurs when fish are harvested faster than they can reproduce, leading to population declines and ecosystem imbalances. Overfishing affects many popular species, including Cod, Tuna and Salmon and can have ripple effects on other marine life. Fisheries development focuses on promoting practices that prevent overfishing, such as setting catch limits and implementing seasonal fishing bans.

Pollution, including plastic waste, chemical runoff and oil spills, poses significant risks to marine ecosystems. Fish can ingest pollutants, which not only harms their health but can also impact human health when contaminated fish are consumed. Fisheries development emphasizes the importance of clean water and habitat protection to support healthy fish populations [8,9].

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing undermines sustainable fisheries management by depleting fish stocks outside of legal regulations. This issue is particularly prevalent in areas with limited enforcement. Addressing IUU fishing is a priority for sustainable fisheries development, as it directly threatens the success of conservation efforts and regulated fishing practices [10].

Technological innovations in fisheries development

Satellite technology enables better tracking of fishing vessels, helping combat illegal fishing by ensuring compliance with fishing regulations. Surveillance systems allow for real-time monitoring of fishing activities, aiding in the enforcement of sustainable practices.

Technologies such as electronic catch documentation systems and artificial intelligence help streamline data collection, improving the accuracy and accessibility of information on fish populations.

Fisheries development is a multifaceted effort to balance the needs of food security, economic development and environmental sustainability. By promoting sustainable practices, control technological advancements and supporting fishing communities, fisheries development aims to protect fish populations and ecosystems for future generations. Addressing challenges like overfishing, climate change, and pollution is need for creating a resilient and productive fishery sector. As the world’s demand for fish continues to grow, fisheries development remains a fundamental in achieving sustainable food systems, healthy oceans and thriving coastal communities.

References

1. Anderson C, Arun AS, Jensen P. Habituation to environmental enrichment in captive sloth bears-effect on stereotypies. Zoo Biol. 2010;29(6):705-714.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

2. Pastorino GQ, Christodoulides Y, Curone G, Pearce-Kelly P, Faustini M, Albertini M, et al. Behavioural profiles of brown and sloth bears in captivity. Animals. 2017;7(5):39.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed]

3. Hassan MA, Noureldin EA, Mahmoud AM, Fita NA. Molecular identification and epizootiology of Aeromonas veronii infection among farmed Oreochromis niloticus in Eastern Province, KSA. Egypt J Aquat Res. 2017;43(2):161-167.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

4. Pessoa RBG, Oliveira WF, Correia MTS, Fontes A, Coelho LCBB. Aeromonas and human health disorders: Clinical approaches. Front Microbiol. 2022;13:868890.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

5. Laith AA, Ambak MA, Hassan M, Sheriff SM, Nadirah M, Draman AS, et al. Molecular identification and histopathological study of natural Streptococcus agalactiae infection in hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Vet World. 2017;10(1):101-111.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

6. Wang K, Chen D, Huang L, Lian H, Wang J, Xiao D, et al. Isolation and characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae from Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in China. Afr J Microbiol Res. 2013;7(4):317-323.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

7. Shannon G, McKenna MF, Angeloni LM, Crooks KR, Fristrup KM, Brow E, et al. A synthesis of two decades of research documenting the effects of noise on wildlife. Biol Rev. 2016;91(4):982-1005.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

8. Kunc HP, McLaughlin KE, Schmidt R. Aquatic noise pollution: Implications for individuals, populations, and ecosystems. Proc Royal Socie B: Biolog Scien. 2016;283(1836):20160839.

   [Crossref] [Google Scholar]

9. De Fraiture C, Kouali GN, Sally H, Kabre P. Pirates or pioneers? Unplanned irrigation around small reservoirs in Burkina Faso. Agricul Water Manag. 2014;131:212-20.

   [Crossref] [Google scholar]

10. Taruvinga A, Muchenje V, Mushunje A. Climate change impacts and adaptations on small-scale livestock production. Inter J Dev Sust. 2013;2(2):664-85.  

    [Google scholar]