Enhancing global food security through the introduction of Maximum Sustainable Yield targets in fisheries

Abstract Calories and protein from aquatic sources play a crucial role in ensuring global food and nutrition security. Additionally, fishing serves as a vital source of income in developing countries. Nevertheless, overfishing has resulted in fish stocks, falling below their most productive (maximum sustainable yield - MSY) levels and, if current trends persist, the consequences could be severe. To address these concerns, we examine the potential effects of implementing a global MSY management target on catches and the agri-food markets over time. Our results indicate that sustainable management of overfished stocks would lead to lower catches in the short-medium term (~10 years) and vice versa in the longer term. The long-term sustainable increase in total catches (~16 Mt), would alleviate the need for a significant expansion in aquaculture production and reduce the demand for alternative protein resources, such as meat. Moreover, the resulting lower food prices could enhance global food security.