Selective fishing for sustainable use of marine ecosystems

Selective fishing enables a fishing operation to avoid catching non-target species or limiting species (choke species) in mixed fishery. Successful selective fishing requires that the stock is above safe limits, that fishing targets are achieved and that the fishery is economically sound and socially acceptable.

Selective fishing methods should be evaluated in terms of broader environmental effects, and should be viewed as a part of the toolbox for sustainable management of marine ecosystems.

• Selective methods are either species- and/or size-selective.
• Species selection should reduce impact on non-target species.
• Size-selective fishing can be used to optimally harvest fish stocks in order to reduce impacts on marine ecosystems.