Sea fishing is an intensive activity, but absolutely essential to the diet of human societies , as fish is one of the most consumed foods in the world; however, it is equally important to regulate fishing and safeguard the sea, to prevent it from becoming biologically unsustainable for marine creatures and also harmful to fish fauna, which is at risk of extinction.

What is the biological fishing ban?

The biological fishing ban , also known as a temporary fishing ban , is a tool used in Italy, in the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas, for a certain number of days each year. This conservation technique is suitable and necessary to protect the sea, its health, and the aquatic species that live within it, and lasts 42 to 45 days. Intensive fishing, i.e., fishing by large vessels using towed gear (also known as extensive fishing), is halted between the months of July/August and September/October to allow fish to mate , thus repopulating the Mediterranean Sea. It would therefore appear to be the right and sustainable choice, but this ban has not been without its critics.

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Effects of the biological fishing ban

Over the years, this preventive measure has only been partially effective, as the reproduction time of some species is longer than others; the choice is nevertheless sustainable and supported by fishermen, but the implementation of other measures is needed, such as the promotion of small-scale, non-intensive fishing and greater support for local markets that in turn rely on the products of small-scale fishing vessels. and the integration of new , more sustainable non- trawl fishing methods . In this way, the entire ecosystem would be respected .

Respect for the sea

As regards respect for the earth, in recent decades measures and regulations have been adopted as ethical but functional tools for maintaining the health of the planet : for example, biodynamic and organic cultivation can be cited, which respect nature, its seasonality and its rhythms. This same respect is not applied towards the sea , as even underwater there is a very specific seasonality , through the life cycles of the marine species : these reproduce at very specific times and follow specific migratory routes . Therefore, the impact of intensive fishing, even using biological arrest, does not benefit the sustainability of an ecosystem in crisis .

FEAMPA Program

However, the biological shutdown harms intensive fishing activities, which are unable to operate for almost two months, except in aquaculture. Therefore, on 7 July 2021, the FEAMPA ( European Fund for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture ) approved a regulation in force until 2028, which allows these activities to receive funds useful for profit, but also to promote other fishing methods (including those mentioned above) that allow respect for the cycles of the sea , the development of aquaculture through sustainable practices and, finally, the cleanliness of the seas , a very important factor for the future: with plastic polluting seas and oceans, there is no optimal state of health.

Towards maritime sustainability

Ultimately, restaurants are not affected by the fishing ban, as they can source the product whether they want to offer a frozen product (of the highest quality) or a fresh product during the fishing ban. This is partly due to so-called small-scale fishing, which has existed for centuries, is still active, and is increasingly being implemented , as a natural, sustainable choice for the seas and their creatures and ethical for humanity.

The MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) is an organization that standardizes fishing and the supply chain. In 2018, the MSC introduced a set of standards that all certified fishing operations must comply with. These operations must demonstrate the sustainable management of fish resources and their potential impact on various habitats. Likewise, they must have a response plan in place in the event of a decline in fish populations. In fact, 22% of monitored fishing vessels, in addition to operating sustainably, have proactively implemented processes to improve fish habitats and address bycatch issues. For the London-based nonprofit organization, sustainable fishing is achieved by adhering to the 3 Principles it developed and verified through an evaluation process conducted by independent certification bodies based on scientific evidence.

1. Fishing leaves enough fish in the sea

To ensure that the marine population can reproduce and fishing can continue over time, in compliance with scientific recommendations on the state of fish resources

2. Fishing is conducted in such a way as to minimize its impact

Fishing must minimize the impact on the ecosystem, allowing flora and fauna to thrive

3. Fishing is managed responsibly

Fishing must therefore be carried out in compliance with current laws, changing and adapting to changes.

For the MSC, activities that reflect these three Principles are considered sustainable fishing; once certified, the fishing company is required to implement continuous improvements on a regular basis, monitored by the external body, keeping pace with the latest scientific evidence in terms of sustainability so as to conserve marine resources for future generations. In fact, it is

Read the full article on the MSC portal

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