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The Importance of Sustainable Fishing

05-02-2025

Fishing is one of the oldest and most fundamental activities for human survival, especially in coastal and island regions like Madeira, where the sea is a source of livelihood and culture. However, with the growing global demand for seafood, it is essential to adopt sustainable fishing practices to protect marine resources and ensure a balanced future for the next generations.

School of grey fishes swimming.

 

 

What is Sustainable Fishing?

Sustainable fishing is a practice that seeks to balance human needs with the preservation of marine ecosystems. This means:

• Respecting catch limits to prevent overfishing.
• Respect closed seasons – periods when fishing for certain species is prohibited, allowing them to reproduce and grow.
• Catching individuals above the minimum size limit set for the species.
• Using fishing methods that minimize environmental impact, such as reducing bycatch (the unintentional capture of other species).
• Protecting critical marine habitats, such as coral reefs and breeding areas.
• Adhering to local, national, and international laws.

 

 

Why is Sustainable Fishing Important? 

1 – Preserves Biodiversity: The extinction of a species drastically disrupts the ecosystem in which it existed. Sustainable Fishing is crucial for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems by protecting species and their habitats.

Undersea photo with corals and many species of fish.

2 – Ensures a Source of Healthy Protein: Fishing is one of the primary sources of healthy protein. By ensuring the availability of fish, we secure this vital food source for the long term.

Two hands holding a white plate with a gilthead seabream and parsley on top of a red sauce.

3 – Contributes to the Economy: For regions like Madeira, fishing is an economic pillar. Sustainable practices help ensure that fishing-dependent communities can continue to thrive.

A fresh seafood stall with ice.

 

 

Types of Sustainable Fishing

It is well-known that the most harmful type of fishing for marine fauna is trawling.
Thus, a sustainable fishing method is more selective, allowing for the capture of target species while minimizing the bycatch of others, reducing waste and pollution, and contributing to the economy and food security.

Artisanal methods are typically more selective, enabling greater control over the species being caught.
Hook-and-line methods are the most selective, with minimal bycatch rates, and they cause less harm to marine ecosystems as they are non-invasive.

 

In Madeira, local fishermen use artisanal fishing methods such as:

Graphic showing fishing with bottom longline.

Graphic showing fishing with Pole and line.

Graphic showing freediving fishing.

 

The Role of Ilhapeixe in Promoting Sustainability

At Ilhapeixe, we understand the importance of sustainable fishing for both the environment and the local economy. Therefore, we adopt the following principles:

  • Partnerships with Local Fishermen: We collaborate with fishermen who use artisanal fishing methods and follow best practices, respecting the natural cycles of species.
  • Responsible Processing: We aim to minimize waste during seafood processing. When waste does occur, it is repurposed for other uses, ensuring all resources are utilized to their fullest.
  • Education and Awareness: We promote awareness of the importance of consuming seafood from sustainable sources.

 

How Can You Contribute?

As a consumer, you also play a vital role in preserving marine resources. Here are some tips on how you can make a difference:

  • Choose Local Products: Consuming local seafood, like the ones offered by our company, reduces the environmental impact of transportation and supports the regional economy.
  • Stay Informed: Pay attention to the origin of the seafood and the fishing methods used.

 

Conclusion

Sustainable fishing is much more than an environmental practice; it is a commitment to life on the planet and the well-being of future generations. At Ilhapeixe, we are proud to be part of this journey, promoting solutions that respect the sea and value the resources of our land.

Join us in this mission: choose sustainable seafood and help protect the sea that gives us so much!

 

Photo of a tuna, two black scabbardfih, black scabbardfish flitchs, Gilthead seabream and limpets on top of ice.