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Bycatch and discards threaten sustainable fisheries by inflicting unnecessary mortalities.

Sound management of bycatch and reduction of discards in capture fisheries will contribute towards healthier ecosystems and more sustainable fisheries, contributing to long-term global food security, and alleviation of poverty, especially for coastal communities and Small Island Developing States which heavily depend on fish as food, fisheries as the main source of employment, and fishing as a way of life.

Accurate and timely assessment of bycatch and discards provide necessary data for making sound management decisions and effective mitigation measures.

The most recent study on discards produced by FAO is available as Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper 633. 

FAO's work on Responsible Fishing Operations will assist in the implementation of the International Guidelines on Bycatch Management and Reduction of Discards, and related instruments to address bycatch and discards related issues.