What defines sustainable fisheries?

Sustainable fisheries are defined by the principle of maintaining healthy fish populations and ecosystems. This approach ensures that fish stocks are managed in a way that meets current demands without compromising the ability of future generations to continue to benefit from these resources. By prioritizing the health of both fish populations and their ecosystems, sustainable fisheries aim to create a balance between economic interests, environmental health, and social responsibility.

This concept encompasses practices such as regulating catch limits, protecting breeding grounds, minimizing bycatch, and considering the overall ecological impact of fishing activities. The goal is to preserve marine biodiversity and ensure that fishing can continue as a viable industry for the long term, while also protecting the habitats that support not only fish but other marine life as well.

The other options presented do not align with the principles of sustainability. For instance, overfishing and ignoring environmental impacts contradict the fundamental goal of sustainability, which is to ensure resources are available for future generations while also protecting ecosystems. Focusing exclusively on recreational fishing also fails to address the broader ecological and economic implications that sustainable fisheries management seeks to integrate.