Overfishing Increases the Carbon Footprint of Seafood Production From Small-Scale Fisheries

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) and the foods they produce are extremely important, contributing 25–50% of global seafood landed for direct consumption. In some cases, SSFs provide seafoods with an exceptionally low carbon footprint, but like all food, it is important to understand factors that regulate footprint in face increasing demand a worsening climate-ecological crisis. We utilize long-term monitoring data from Northwest Mexico generate novel stock assessments and, subsequently, test relationship between underlying fishery biomass fuel intensity observed among several motorized SSFs. Using over 4,000 individual fishing trips, combination estimated 19 regional stocks, we show per kilogram increases sharply as stock’s annual ( B ) falls below its at Maximum Sustainable Yield MSY ). find inverse B/B using simple correlation two r = -0.44), linear regression analysis R 2 adj. 0.17), mixed-effects model gear type, year, genus modelled random effects. These results indicate efforts end overfishing, rebuild and/or minimize intensive practices will help decrease emissions generated by wild-catch fishing. anticipate this study contribute “missing link” discussions on how best secure climate-resilient ideally, SSF stakeholders garner recognition support context.