WWF is calling on governments, businesses and individuals to take action:
  • Support and adhere to international fisheries agreements, such as the UN Fish Stocks Agreement and the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.
  • Reduce fisheries bycatch -the incidental killing of unwanted fish and other marine wildlife that now accounts for more than one-quarter of the world catch.
  • Eliminate destructive fishing practices, such as cyanide and blast fishing on coral reefs.
  • Cut the tens of billions of dollars in government subsidies that contribute to overfishing.
  • Promote market incentives for sustainable fishing, such as the Marine Stewardship Council, a new initiative designed to label seafood from independently-certified, well-managed sources.
  • Establish new marine parks and reserves to safeguard threatened species and their habitats.
  • Improve the management of existing marine protected areas.
  • Designate no-fishing zones to safeguard marine ecosystems, to serve as an "insurance policy" against overfishing, and to give depleted fish populations a chance to recover.
  • Reduce pollution and habitat destruction by developing coastal management practices with local communities and other stakeholders.
  • Take individual action by participating in beach cleanups, recycling, lobbying politicians on marine conservation issues, and otherwise supporting marine conservation organizations and activities.