Prince of Wales Sees ‘Positive Future’ for Global Fish Stocks

The Prince of Wales has said today that despite evidence about the continued decline of the world’s fish stocks there is real cause for optimism about the future of this vital resource.

Citing a new report published today by his International Sustainability Unit (ISU), The Prince says that if sustainable management of fisheries is applied more widely the long-term benefits will be seen in larger catches at sea, higher earnings, more secure jobs and healthier marine ecosystems.

However, His Royal Highness warns that if action is not taken now to significantly increase the sustainable management of fish stocks worldwide then the current alarming situation may become even more serious and, ultimately, irreversible.

While fisheries currently contribute approximately £173 billion to global GDP, the World Bank estimates that they could be worth as much as £31.6 billion more per year if they were better managed.

Evidence of this capacity for recovery and growth is featured in the ISU's report in the form of interviews with representatives from 50 fisheries around the world highlighting the benefits they are enjoying from managing their resource more sustainably.

The ISU believes these successful examples can and must be replicated more widely

In a speech at Fishmongers' Hall in London to mark the launch of the ISU's Marine Programme, The Prince of Wales said: "The story today need no longer be one of doom and gloom and inevitable decline, but one that harbours the possibility of generating more value from a strongly performing natural asset. This potential can only be tapped if we manage it well."

The aim of the ISU's Marine Programme is to build consensus globally on how the positive examples of sustainable fisheries management seen around the world can be replicated at scale.

The ISU's new report – "Towards Global Sustainable Fisheries: The Opportunity for Transition" – is published today following two years of consultation with the public, private, scientific and NGO sectors.

Words: David Foad

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