Deep-sea fisheries are an important source of employment and nutrition. They typically take place between depths of 200 and 1500 meters, targeting bottom-dwelling species on continental shelves, seamounts and ocean ridges using trawls, set gill nets, longlines and pots.
Their careful management is vital because the target species are generally slow to reproduce which makes them particularly sensitive to overfishing. Additionally, as the gear frequently contacts the seafloor during fishing operations, the potential impacts on vulnerable marine ecosystems such as deepwater corals and sponges needs to be considered.
The FAO International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas, adopted in 2008, set out non-binding guidelines on managing deep-sea fisheries sustainably and protecting vulnerable marine ecosystems from significant adverse impacts in the ABNJ). The Deep-sea fisheries project aims to promote the implementation of these guidelines and achieve more sustainable deep-sea fisheries.
Key activities
Strengthen regulatory frameworks
Addressing gaps in the uptake of international obligations and guidelines for deep-sea fisheries, mainstreaming practices that ensure the long-term sustainability of stocks and protecting the marine ecosystem.
Improve deep-sea fisheries management
Supporting scientific processes for fisheries management by developing innovative ways to collect data, assess and report on deep-sea stocks, providing guidance and tools, and improving decision-making.
Tackle ecosystem impacts
Reducing impacts of deep-sea fisheries on vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as deep-sea corals and sponges, improving reporting on deep-water sharks, and managing the interactions between deep-sea fisheries and other sectors.
Partners
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Facts and figures
Bottom-fishing takes place in 2.5% of the ABNJ
224,000 tons of deep-sea fish catches landed in 2020
30 countries in 7 regional management bodies involved in conservation and management of these fisheries
Deep-sea fish stocks in the ABNJ are 28% overfished, 19% maximally sustained, 17% underfished and 36% unknown status