New strategies for sustainable fisheries management: A case study of Atlantic salmon

Authors: Olivia F Morris, Professor José Barquín, Professor Andrea Belgrano, Professor Julia Blanchard, Dr Colin Bull, Dr Katrin Layer-Dobra, Dr Rasmus Lauridsen, Dr Eoin J O’Gorman, Professor Guõni Guõbergsson, Professor Guy Woodward

This briefing paper considers the alarming declines in fish stocks in recent years, and how holistic, integrated approaches can help manage fish stocks within biologically sustainable limits. Using Atlantic salmon as a case study, the authors highlight the challenges facing fisheries management and conservation, and the implications for policy and management.

Headlines

• Fish stocks have declined globally in recent years, including wild Atlantic salmon populations throughout their geographic range, this is a cause for concern as Atlantic salmon are ecologically and socio-economically important.
• There have been significant efforts to manage and restore Atlantic salmon but declines and local extinctions continue across many populations.
• Incorporating a more holistic approach to Atlantic salmon management – considering the entire life cycle, feeding interactions, and integrating the wider food web and ecosystem effects – can offer additional insights to help improve current conservation efforts.
• Sustainable management can best be achieved through continued coordinated efforts amongst researchers and stakeholders as well as through more targeted efforts.
• The holistic approaches described in this paper can be applied to managing other important fish species and the ecosystems they inhabit.