Forging Stronger Partnerships in the Fisheries Sector

In a bold call for action, Dr Tom Pickerell, Global Director of the Ocean Program at the World Resources Institute (WRI), highlighted the urgent need to scale up sustainable fisheries management during a panel discussion on strengthening partnerships within the fisheries sector.

His remarks underscored how adopting a 100% sustainable management approach can serve as a political and financial catalyst, aligning global stakeholders toward a shared commitment to ocean sustainability.

Dr Tom Pickerell is a marine biologist with over 20 years of experience in ocean sustainability, including fisheries and aquaculture, climate change impacts, and policy development. Photo by Ivan Utahenua/Honiara Summit.

Dr Pickerell highlighted the transformative potential of the 100% Alliance, a global initiative established to promote 100% sustainable ocean management. This initiative provides a clear and actionable framework that enables governments, donors, and investors to direct funding in line with national ocean priorities.

This approach ensures policy coherence and promotes long-term investment in ocean sustainability by forging stronger linkages between Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), UN agencies, and multilateral agreements—such as the High Seas Treaty and the World Trade Organisation’s subsidies reform—directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water.

While progress has been made, with 37% of global fisheries already under sustainable management, Dr Pickerell stressed that the remaining 63% presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Achieving 100% sustainable management is an environmental, economic, and political necessity.  By ensuring all fisheries are effectively managed, nations can safeguard marine biodiversity, enhance food security, and support the livelihoods of millions who depend on the ocean.

To further this vision, the 100% Alliance was launched in September last year, aiming to extend the approach to all coastal and island nations.

The initiative provides technical and financial support to nations striving for comprehensive and sustainable fisheries management, demonstrating the power of international collaboration.

Dr Pickerell concluded his address by inviting nations, industry stakeholders, and conservation organizations to join the 100% Alliance.

"We invite you to join us in this endeavor and commit to 100% sustainable ocean management, reinforcing the need for collective action in addressing the pressing challenges facing the world’s oceans,” he said.

With growing global momentum and increasing recognition of sustainable fisheries' economic and environmental benefits, the 100% approach is poised to redefine ocean governance.

By fostering stronger partnerships and aligning political and financial efforts, stakeholders can drive meaningful change and ensure that future generations inherit a thriving, resilient, and productive marine ecosystem.

Dr Tom Pickerell is a marine biologist with over 20 years of experience in ocean sustainability, including fisheries and aquaculture, climate change impacts, and policy development.

He is the Global Director of the Ocean Program at the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Head of the Secretariat for the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.