A modest reduction in salmon fishing could protect about a third of coastal ecosystems, according to a study published yesterday by UBC researchers.
Authors Natalie Ban and Amanda Vincent suggest a five per cent reduction at fisheries can increase safeguards instead of the current protection plan, which keys in on certain protected areas.
The key is making the small cuts strategically as shown in a test case using B.C. coastal waters.
"The threat of over-fishing to our marine ecosystems is well-documented," said Ban, a PhD graduate at UBC Fisheries Centre. "Our study suggests a different approach could reduce the impacts on fishers as well as helping us move towards achieving conservation goals."
Vincent said the study could quickly identify different sustainable fishing practices.
"We have little to lose - and much to gain - in trying a new approach in areas where marine conservation remains inadequate," she said.
