Aichi Biodiversity Target 6 addresses various elements of sustainable fishing, including fishing of target stocks, as well as minimizing and eliminating impacts on other species and ecosystems. This report analyses the needs and challenges associated with the reporting and assessment of the different elements of Target 6. It also provides knowledge and lessons in setting future goals and targets, with associated monitoring and reporting frameworks, related to fisheries and biodiversity.
The report indicates Target 6 is not likely to be met by the end of 2020. However, it has led to certain benefits such as increased awareness of the link between fisheries and biodiversity, and increased dialogue between the fisheries and biodiversity communities.
In addition, progress has been made on the development and implementation of measures aimed at achieving the mutually reinforcing goals of sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.
Although Target 6 will not be achieved, it’s critical to learn lessons from progress made thus far, as the global community sets future goals and targets for biodiversity.
The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity has been recognised as setting the global framework for priority actions on biodiversity.