A sustainable fishery provides food to nourish people at an affordable cost. Fish harvesters, with their knowledge, legal access rights, and harvesting technologies, are central to sustainable fisheries.

Working definition:

A sustainable fishery respects the ecological integrity of the ocean and its resources; is ethical, responsibly governed, economically viable and technologically appropriate; supports local communities; draws on local culture, heritage, and diverse knowledge systems; and enhances health, wellbeing and the public good.

Framework core elements: 

Ecological

• Productivity and trophic structure
• Biodiversity
• Habitat and ecosystem integrity

Economic

• Economic/financial value and viability
• Distribution of access and benefits
• Regional economic benefit
• Livelihoods

Social and cultural

• Sustainable communities
• Health and well-being
• Ethical fisheries

Institutional/Governance

• Obligations to law and First Nations
• Good governance structure
• Effective decision-making processes

Working definition & Framework core elements are taken from the Canadian Fisheries Research Network, Integrating diverse objectives for sustainable fisheries in Canada, CJFAS Feb 2018