Green Practices Guideline for Fisheries Sector

PART II: ASSESSMENT 2.1 ABOUT THE ASSESSMENT OF GREEN PRACTICES Green practices in the fisheries sector in Malaysia aim to foster innovation, minimise resource usage, eliminate or minimise toxic substances, reduce waste generation, and achieve sustainable fishing practices throughout the entire fishing life cycle. While facing certain constraints, the industry recognises the importance of embracing sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability and environmental stewardship. This guideline has been specifically developed considering the unique capacities, operations, and environmental impacts of the fisheries sector. It provides a framework for implementing green practices that are applicable and beneficial across various fisheries operations in Malaysia. The goals of green practices in the fisheries sector include: RESOURCE CONSERVATION: The industry aims to conserve valuable resources such as fish stocks, aquatic habitats, and marine ecosystems. By implementing sustainable fishing practices, including setting catch limits, implementing size restrictions, and employing selective fishing techniques, fisheries can minimise overfishing, protect biodiversity, and maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems. REDUCTION OF HARMFUL PRACTICES: Green practices focus on minimising the use of harmful fishing practices that can negatively impact marine life and ecosystems. This includes measures such as reducing bycatch through the use of selective fishing gear, minimising ghost fishing by properly disposing of lost or discarded fishing gear, and avoiding destructive fishing methods that damage marine habitats. SUSTAINABLE AQUACULTURE: The fisheries sector can embrace sustainable aquaculture practices, such as responsible fish farming and mariculture, to meet the growing demand for seafood while reducing pressure on wild fish stocks. This includes ensuring proper site selection, managing waste and effluents, and using sustainable feed sources to minimise environmental impacts. The guideline provides general recommendations that can be applied across different sectors within the fisheries industry. It emphasises the importance of adopting and implementing green practices in Malaysia’s fisheries sector. These recommendations enable companies and fishing communities to develop action plans and implementation strategies tailored to their specific capabilities, operations, and long-term sustainability goals. By following the outlined steps, fisheries companies and fishing communities can develop comprehensive action plans for integrating green practices into their existing and future fishing operations. The approach takes into account the sector’s current capabilities and strategies, ensuring a practical and achievable transition towards sustainability and responsible resource management. Overall, embracing green practices in the fisheries sector in Malaysia is crucial for conserving fish stocks, protecting marine ecosystems, reducing environmental impacts, and promoting the sector’s long-term viability in alignment with global sustainability goals. By adopting sustainable fishing practices, the fisheries sector can contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources and ensure a thriving and resilient fishing industry for future generations. 32 GREEN PRACTICES GUIDELINE FOR FISHERIES SECTOR (AQUACULTURE)