The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF)

The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) is a way of managing fishing that considers the entire marine environment, including all species, habitats, and human activities. Instead of focusing only on specific fish stocks, EAF aims to balance ecological health, biodiversity, and sustainable use of resources. It recognizes that healthy ecosystems support productive fisheries and that human actions, like fishing or pollution, can affect the broader marine community. By adopting EAF, fisheries management promotes sustainability, resilience, and the long-term well-being of both marine life and communities dependent on fisheries.