A new study has found that global fisheries could be worth five times more if they were managed sustainably.

The study, published in the journal "Nature", found that by reducing overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, global fisheries could produce an additional 16 million tonnes of fish per year, worth an estimated US$32 billion.

This would not only benefit the fishing industry, but would also help to improve food security and protect marine ecosystems.

The study's authors say that their findings provide a blueprint for how to make global fisheries more sustainable and profitable.

Key findings of the study

* Overfishing is the biggest threat to global fisheries, accounting for 34% of the decline in fish stocks.

* Pollution and habitat destruction are also major threats, accounting for 27% and 19% of the decline, respectively.

* By reducing these threats, global fisheries could produce an additional 16 million tonnes of fish per year, worth an estimated US$32 billion.

* The benefits of sustainable fisheries would be felt by the fishing industry, consumers, and the environment.

Recommendations for improving the sustainability of global fisheries

The study's authors make a number of recommendations for how to improve the sustainability of global fisheries, including:

* Reducing fishing quotas to levels that are sustainable for fish stocks.

* Improving enforcement of fishing regulations.

* Protecting marine habitats from pollution and destruction.

* Promoting the use of sustainable fishing practices.

* Increasing investment in research to develop new and more sustainable fishing methods.

By following these recommendations, we can help to ensure that global fisheries continue to provide food, livelihoods, and economic benefits for future generations.

More information

For more information on the study, please visit the "Nature" website: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-05220-7