Trawl fisheries produce nearly 20 million metric tons of harvest annually, representing a globally important animal-sourced food system. Yet, growing concern over habitat damage, bycatch, waste, and negative public perception regarding bottom trawl fisheries has increased pressure to improve these food systems. Brooklyn College’s Aquatic Research and Environmental Assessment Center (AREAC) Director Suresh A. Sethi and Professor Brad Harris from Alaska Pacific University recently co-chaired a working group at the 2024 World Fisheries Congress in Seattle to assemble fisheries managers, fishing industry participants, ocean conservation organizations, and fisheries scientists to synthesize knowledge needs required by policymakers to operationalize advancements in trawl fisheries sustainability. The group identified key knowledge gaps currently facing trawl fishery decision-makers, and identified over 50 recommendations to operationalize trawl fishery sustainability advancements moving forward. This effort has solidified an international network spanning science, management, and conservation professionals seeking to develop solutions and advance action to improve bottom-towed fisheries sustainability. Support for the workshop was provided by the University of Washington Center for Sustaining Seafood and by the Alaska Pacific University Fisheries, Aquatic Science, and Technology Lab.
