Report on Public Perceptions of Sustainable Fisheries Management and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Context

A Policy Brief issued by the European Marine Board (EMB), developed under the EU-funded EcoScope project, provides a detailed analysis of citizen perspectives on sustainable fisheries. The report’s findings are critical for policymakers aiming to align marine conservation efforts with public values, directly addressing the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).

The brief, titled “Citizens’ views and preferences for Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM),” is based on a large-scale survey conducted by the University of Malta. The research sought to evaluate public awareness and preferences regarding marine resource management, a practice central to achieving the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Survey Methodology

The study surveyed over 1,500 individuals across the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, and Malta. The respondent pool was designed to be a representative cross-section of each nation’s population, encompassing diverse ages, education levels, income brackets, and ethnic backgrounds to ensure comprehensive data collection.

Key Findings: Public Support for Sustainable Marine Ecosystems

Public Alignment with SDG 14: Life Below Water

A primary finding reveals that while the technical term “Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management” (EBFM) is not widely known, the principles it embodies receive overwhelming public support. This indicates a strong societal mandate for policies that advance SDG 14, particularly Target 14.2, which calls for the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems.

Citizen and Consumer Preferences in Relation to SDGs

The survey identified several key trends that link public attitudes to specific Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): A majority of respondents consume fish at least once a week, highlighting the role of fisheries in regional food security.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): There is strong public endorsement for regulations designed to protect marine life, which is fundamental to achieving conservation targets.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): A significant willingness exists among consumers to pay a premium for fish products labeled as originating from a “sustainable stock” or in a manner that “protects marine life,” demonstrating public support for sustainable supply chains.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Citizens expressed openness to utilizing taxpayer funds and private donations to support improved fisheries regulation, signaling a readiness for multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Policy Recommendations for Advancing the 2030 Agenda

The Policy Brief outlines three key recommendations for policymakers to leverage public support in achieving sustainability targets:

1. Advance SDG 4 (Quality Education): Educate the public about EBFM and its long-term benefits for marine ecosystems and economic stability, thereby fostering an informed citizenry capable of supporting sustainability initiatives.
2. Strengthen SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Integrate public concerns and values directly into the design of fisheries regulations to ensure policies are socially accepted, effective, and democratically informed.
3. Evaluate Social Impacts in line with SDG 2 and SDG 14: Examine the social implications of all fisheries policies, with a particular focus on their impact on food security (SDG 2) and the vital ecosystem services provided by the ocean (SDG 14).

Conclusion: An Integrated Approach to Ocean Sustainability

The report reinforces the principle that achieving sustainable fisheries management requires an approach that extends beyond scientific and economic considerations. To successfully implement policies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14, the values and perspectives of the public are indispensable. The findings confirm that citizens and consumers are prepared to support bold and decisive actions toward ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the ocean.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

The article on citizens’ views on sustainable fisheries management connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting the intersection of marine conservation, public perception, food security, and education.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

This is the most central SDG addressed. The entire article revolves around the management of marine resources, specifically fisheries. It discusses “sustainable fisheries management,” “Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM),” the protection of “marine life,” and maintaining “sustainable stock,” all of which are core components of SDG 14’s mission to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article touches upon consumer behavior and awareness, which are key elements of SDG 12. The findings that citizens are “willing to pay more for fish labeled as ‘sustainable stock'” and the recommendation to “Educate the public about EBFM” directly relate to promoting sustainable consumption patterns and ensuring people have the information needed for sustainable lifestyles.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The connection to SDG 2 is made through the mention of food security. The article notes that “Most people eat fish at least once a week” and explicitly recommends that policymakers “Examine the social implications of fisheries policies—particularly their impact on food security.” This acknowledges that sustainable management of fisheries is directly linked to the availability of fish as a vital food source for many populations.

Specific Targets Identified

Based on the article’s content, several specific targets under the identified SDGs can be pinpointed.

Targets under SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

• Target 14.4: “By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans…” The article’s focus on “Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM),” “strong support for regulations that protect marine life,” and achieving “sustainable stock” directly aligns with this target’s goal of effective regulation and science-based management.
• Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts…” The concept of EBFM, which is central to the article, is a holistic approach aimed at managing fisheries within the broader context of ecosystem health, directly supporting this target. The recommendation to consider the impact on “marine ecosystem services” further reinforces this link.
• Target 14.a: “Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology…” The article itself is a product of the “EU-funded EcoScope project” and a “large-scale survey.” This represents an effort to increase scientific knowledge, specifically on the social and public perception dimensions of fisheries management, which is crucial for creating effective policies.

Target under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

• Target 12.8: “By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.” The recommendation to “Educate the public about EBFM and its long-term benefits” is a direct call to action for this target. The finding that most people had not heard of the term EBFM highlights the existing gap in public awareness.

Target under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

• Target 2.1: “By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.” The article connects to this target by recommending an examination of how fisheries policies impact “food security,” acknowledging that fish is a regular part of the diet for many (“Most people eat fish at least once a week”) and its sustainable supply is crucial.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

Indicators for SDG 14 Targets

• Public support for marine protection: The survey finding of “strong support for regulations that protect marine life” serves as a direct indicator of public backing for Target 14.4.
• Consumer preference for sustainable products: The finding that “Citizens are willing to pay more for fish labeled as ‘sustainable stock’ or ‘protects marine life'” is a measurable indicator of market-based support for sustainable fishing practices (Target 14.4).
• Investment in research: The existence of the “EcoScope project” and the publication of its findings in a “Policy Brief” serve as an indicator of investment in increasing scientific knowledge as per Target 14.a.

Indicators for SDG 12 Target

• Public awareness of management concepts: The survey result that “most respondents had never heard of the term ‘Ecosystems Based Fisheries Management (EBFM)'” is a baseline indicator for measuring progress on public education and awareness under Target 12.8.
• Support for sustainable policies: The finding that citizens are “overwhelmingly supportive of the policies it [EBFM] represents” can be used as an indicator of public alignment with sustainable principles, even without knowledge of technical terms.

Indicators for SDG 2 Target

• Fish consumption frequency: The data point that “Most people eat fish at least once a week” can be used as a baseline indicator to monitor the role of fish in diets and assess the potential impact of fisheries policies on food security (Target 2.1).

Summary of Findings

Source: ec.europa.eu