A fishing boat in shown in the distance with a bright pink buoy-type device reading 'ghost fishing UK' in the foreground.

Fisheries and aquaculture

How does seafood get from the ocean to our plates? We dive in to the difference between fishing and fisheries, fish farming and fishing methods.

Climate change and fishing

Our ocean's health is vital in tackling the climate crisis and all industries operating across our seas have a role to play. UK fishing needs to modernise and change. A climate-smart approach takes into account the various ways that the fishing sector impacts the environment through emissions, biodiversity loss and habitat damage and then seeks to address these issues. Our report with WWF and the RSPB outlines a way forward for the sector.

Learn more about climate change and fishing
A small white fishing boat is photographed floating in the sea

Image credit: Vector Aim

Fish farming (aquaculture)

Aquaculture, or fish farming, is a general term for the farming of aquatic species, from fish and shellfish to seaweed. It incorporates everything from a few mussel ropes on a Scottish croft to huge salmon farming companies on the New York stock exchange. We take a dive into aquaculture and explain our position on fish farming, particulary around salmon. 

Our position on fish farming
An aerial shot of a fish farm which has several large netted circles in open water

Image credit: Pasta Design

Fishing and fisheries

A fishery is a clearly defined area where specific species of fish are caught using a particular method of fishing. A fishery can be commercial, industrial or recreational. Commercial fisheries provide food for human consumption, with the fish being caught and sold to supermarkets, restaurants, or the general public.

Learn more about the different types of fisheries
An aerial shot of the ocean, with a small fishing boat to the right of the photograph.

Image credit: Sue Ranger

Fishing methods explained

There are many different ways to catch or farm fish and shellfish, and some have a much lower environmental impact than others. In all cases, we want to see better monitoring and reporting of fishing activity, especially where bycatch is an issue. We also want management plans for all species that fishers target, to stop too many fish or shellfish from being taken. We have a dedicated policy team working to achieve this. Here we explain the different fishing methods and how sustainability can be improved.

Read about the different methods of fishing
A close up of two fishing boats resting on pebbles. One boat is a vivid red colour, and the other is a bright blue colour.

Image credit: Jack Clarke