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