Selective Fishing, Non-Selective Fishing and Balanced Fishing: Concept, Consequences and Challenges

Selective fishing might have practiced since fishing began as most fishing gears inherently select for species and size. Fueled by a desire to reduce bycatch and discards that are viewed as a waste of fisheries resource, the fishing industry are required to use the most selective gear that targets only certain species and sizes to meet the requirement of minimum sizes and individual species quota. However, these fishing practices contradict the concept of ecosystem-based fisheries management strategy that aims for maintaining marine ecosystem structure and functioning. A more balanced harvest strategy may be more appropriate. It is believed that fishing spread over more groups and sizes may result in higher long-term yields. This presentation will explore the concept of balanced fishing and associated strategies. We will attempt to compare and contrast tradeoffs between selective, non-selective and balanced fishing practices by considering specific circumstances, applications, and technological challenges. We will illustrate the concept with a global perspective that includes Northern and Southern Hemisphere examples as well as market conditions and eating habits. We conclude that where fishing effort and landings is less easily controlled and monitored, mandating the use of more selective gear may provide a simple mechanism for reducing overexploitation.