The importance of our oceans

We live on a blue planet, with oceans and seas covering more than 70% of the earth’s surface. Our ocean is responsible for feeding us, regulating our climate, cycling of carbon, and generating most of the oxygen we breathe. The ocean gives many of us jobs in fisheries, trading, shipping, tourism, and travel.

The problem of overfishing

The world‘s appetite for fish is increasing yearly, increasing pressure on fish stocks worldwide. Overfishing – taking too many fish out of renewable natural capital is one of the biggest threats to our marine ecosystem and associated livelihoods. Although around a third of all fish stocks are already overfished, intensive fishing continues where techniques and legislation are still poorly regulated, leading to many fish being caught as bycatch or destruction on the seabed.

How Switzerland contributes

With 97% of the rising fish consumption being imported, Switzerland as a landlocked country is a contributor to overfishing. In Switzerland, tuna is considered as the most popular and highly consumed edible fish, where already three out of eight species are threatened with extinction.

Increasing Communication and Awareness in Switzerland

Improved communication is necessary to increase awareness of Swiss Fish Consumers who do not recognize the issue of overfishing in Swiss supermarkets. The rising fish consumption in Switzerland needs to be reduced and a switch to sustainable fishing practices should be enabled. By changing the packaging of imported tuna products, and creating additional regulations for selling fish products, businesses are forced to be more transparent.

Stakeholder Map (pdf)

Problem Map (pdf)