Inland fisheries are a key ingredient to reaching Sustainable Development Goals

Inland fisheries make substantial contributions towards achieving the SDGs, particularly No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Life on Land (SDG 15) according to a recent analysis by eight InFish members. For more, see the full article and our “Behind the Paper” post with the Nature Community.

Local Brazilian fishers hauling in an arapaima (Arapaima sp.) in Piagaçu-Purus Sustainable Development Reserve, State of Amazonas, Brazil. Photo credit: G. Stokes, U. of Florida.

Abstract

Inland fish provide food for billions and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide and are integral to effective freshwater ecosystem function, yet the recognition of these services is notably absent in development discussions and policies, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). How might the SDGs be enhanced if inland fishery services were integrated into policies and development schemes? Here, we examine the relationships between inland fish, sustainable fisheries, and functioning freshwater systems and the targets of the SDGs. Our goal is to highlight synergies across the SDGs, particularly No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Life on Land (SDG 15), that can be achieved with the inclusion of these overlooked inland fishery services.

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