News

Are our marine ecosystems shaped by a handful of corporations?

Published on May 28, 2015

Our marine environment used to be healthier. Overfishing has changed this. The EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform is an opportunity to go Back to the Future. This is the theme of this year's European Fish Week being held around Europe from June 4 - 12.

A new study by a team of scientist from the Stockholm Resilience Centre reveal that up to 40% of the world’s largest and most valuable fish stocks are controlled by a handful of corporations

The research shows that 19-40% of the largest and most valuable fish stocks and 11-16% of the global marine catch is controlled by 13 corporations. The authors refer to these companies as ‘keystone’ corporations of the global seafood industry as they have the power to critically shape the future of marine ecosystems.

“The new study makes an analogy between the largest companies in seafood industry and keystone species in ecological communities. Keystone species in nature have a profound effect on the structure and function of the ecosystem and disproportionately determine the prevalence and activities of other species.” The study stresses the need for these corporations to step up and take responsibility at the global scale.

To learn more about the research findings please see pdf and links below.