The current steep decline in ocean health and productivity threatens the wellbeing of hundreds of millions of people. It’s a particularly serious prospect for some small coastal communities which rely on small-scale fishing. Dwindling catches and falling revenues put income and food security at risk.
 
These communities are often in regions which receive a high number of tourists, and some small fishing ports are gradually becoming more like marinas for summer visitors. Some small-scale fishers have seen their work areas shrink to the point where they don’t fish at all during the tourist season.

There’s no single magic solution to the crisis facing small-scale fisheries: action is needed on many fronts to make fisheries sustainable. However, Sustainable Fishing Tourism is an increasing popular activity around the world.

Sustainable Fishing Tourism has different names in different countries - Pescaturismo, Pescaturisme, Pêchetourisme, Pesca Vivencial, Experiential Fishing, Ribolovni turizam etc. - but the concept remains the same: it is only intended for professional fishers, allowing the diversification of their activities while continuing their traditional trade.

This alternative income stream should reduce the intensity of fishing activities, contribute to sustainable management of fishery resources, and promote the cultural heritage of artisanal fishing.

As part of the MedMPA Network project, WWF has developed a set of principles and recommendations for defining what is, and what is NOT Sustainable Fishing Tourism, providing background information, practical case studies and a summary of the principles themselves.

If - and only if - it’s done right, it can be a sustainable alternative activity that works for people and the marine environment alike.
 

Read the full publication here.