News
The Prince of Wales launches a marine programme to create more sustainable fisheries
3rd February 2012
The Prince of Wales has called for more fisheries around the world to be managed sustainably in a bid to increase catches, boost earnings and secure jobs.
His Royal Highness struck an optimistic tone about the future of the planet's dwindling fish stocks, saying that better management of the resources could reap long-term benefits.
He was at Fishmongers' Hall in London to mark the launch of his International Sustainability Unit's (ISU) Marine Programme, which aims to build a global consensus on how best practices of sustainable fisheries can be replicated around the world.
In his speech, The Prince highlighted what he saw as the problem.
He said: "I think it is fair to say that the general impression of what's happening in fishing has been pretty depressing.
"It has been a story of constant over-exploitation, haunted by the prospect of collapse."
But he added that there were positive examples across the globe which could be followed.
"From Norway to Namibia and from Japan to Peru, there are inspiring examples of good practice which are beginning to translate into bigger catches of fish, higher earnings and more secure jobs."
The Prince said three things were needed to help change the situation: good information about what was happening in the oceans, funding to support the transition from unsustainable to sustainable management, and a more "joined-up" approach.
These ideas are featured in a new report by the ISU, published today, which follows two years of consultation with the public, private, scientific and non-governmental organisation (NGO) sectors.
The Prince's address was made to a range of representatives from world governments to NGOs, including ministers from Oman, the Maldives and Sierra Leone and Britain's Fisheries Minister, Richard Benyon.
The Prince said 20 ambassadors had been drawn from industry bodies and individuals from across the globe to act as "catalysts among the industry, to stimulate the debate about how practical steps might be taken to move towards more sustainable fisheries management".
David Nussbaum, Chief Executive of WWF-UK, said his organisation welcomed the ISU's Marine Programme.
"We share the view of the problem and the collaborative, science-based approach to finding solutions that will protect the marine environment and ensure long-term sustainability for those whose livelihoods are dependent on it," he said.