Healthy fish stocks are a vital part of the marine ecosystem, and provide protein and livelihoods for billions of people. Globally, fisheries supply over 2.6 billion people with at least 20% of their average protein intake.

Over fishing is widely acknowledged as a significant and growing threat to marine biodiversity and many fish stocks are widely reported to be in a state of serious decline. Not only does taking too many fish reduce stocks and ultimately affect livelihoods, but the methods used can also have devastating impacts on habitats and non-target species such as dolphins as a result of dredging and bycatch.

The MCS fisheries programme aims to:

• Promote sustainable fisheries management at the UK and EU level;

• Encourage more selective fishing practices to reduce bycatch and habitat damage;

• Promote sustainable seafood consumption; and

• Develop and promote the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices within the fish-farming industry.

MCS has active campaigns on many important fisheries issues including deep-water fisheries, bycatch, sustainable seafood and fish-farming. To find out more and for how you can help choose one of the pages listed on the right.