Maximum sustainable yields

maximum sustainable yield

the highest possible annual catch that can be sustained over time, so it should be used to set caps on fishing quotas MSY is the highest fish catch that allows the fish population to reproduce itself

sustainable

development should meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

quotas

A permitted or required quantity, for example of fish that can be caught in a year by a particular ship. Quotas are set to prevent overfishing.

Maximum sustainable yield (MSY) curve for the fishing industry. (5 elements)

WHy do we still overfish

• demand is high

• poor regulation

• high tech gear

natural capital

the Earth's natural resources and ecosystems that provide humans with essential services, goods, and benefits

natural income

the value of the natural capital that humans consume. For something to be a sustainable practice, the amount of natural income has to stay at an amount that allows the natural capital to renew itself in time to be used again.