Evaluating the effectiveness of eco-labeling schemes in promoting sustainable fishing practices

Abstract

Fish are an important ecological component that aids in the distribution of marine production among terrestrial creatures. Phytoplankton contributes 45–50 Gt C year-1 to global net primary production, which is half of global net primary productivity. In contrast, 1.9 Gt C year-1 of net primary production is contributed by the world's coastal vegetation. Ocean life is sustained by this enormous productivity, which is distributed among higher order creatures through energy transfer and trophic interactions. Fish store a large amount of this energy, which humans then eat. Fish are so crucial to the cycling of nutrients and energy between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. To guarantee a sustainable marine fishery, it is crucial to comprehend the structure of marine ecosystems and the energy transfer at the trophic level. Initiatives to encourage sustainably managed fisheries and draw attention to their products are known as eco-labelling. The goal of eco-labelling product claims is to meet the public's increasing need for environmentally friendly goods. Life-cycle assessments are typically used by eco-labels to ascertain a product's environmental impact "from cradle to grave." The underlying premise of all eco-labelling programs is that consumers' purchase decisions are influenced by factors other than price and required quality and health criteria. Instead, customers' considerations of product features can be related to both economic and social goals as well as ecological and environmental goals