Beyond growth: Reshaping fisheries for a wellbeing economy

Kelling, Ingrid, Bennett, Nathan, Barclay, Kate, Jeffs, Andrew, Pita, Cristina, Krogh-Poulsen, Birgitte, Troll, Tobias, Micha, Evgenia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5697-3317, Weston, Julia Cirne Lima Weston, Black, Iain, Lawan, Ibrahim, Leeper, Alexandra, Pouw, Nicky, Siggs, Melanie, Wakita, K. and Wiese, Katarina (2026) Beyond growth: Reshaping fisheries for a wellbeing economy. Marine Policy, 183. doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106898

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Text 15304 Kelling, Bennett, Barclay, Jeffs, Pita, Krogh-Poulsen, Troll, Micha et al (2026) Beyond growth - reshaping fisheries for a wellbeing economy.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

Contemporary fisheries have been shaped by a paradigm of perpetual growth, characterized by increasing global production and consumption. While this growth has driven economic benefits and technological progress, it has jeopardized the sustainability of marine ecosystems, with implications for the long-term livelihoods and wellbeing of fishers, consumers and resource dependent coastal populations worldwide. This paper advocates for a shift beyond growth towards a wellbeing economy. It considers how five fundamental principles intrinsic to a wellbeing economy - purpose, nature, fairness, participation and dignity - can help reorient the fisheries sector. The paper then provides ten actionable recommendations for reshaping the composition and structure of economic activity in fisheries to enhance societal wellbeing and equity within ecological boundaries. In a world grappling with the consequences of unchecked economic growth, this paper offers insights into fostering a regenerative fisheries system that safeguards human prosperity and environmental integrity.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Sustainability; Ocean equity; Marine ecosystems; Regeneration; Systems
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General) > S900 Conservation of natural resources including land conservation S Agriculture > SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > Countryside and Community Research Institute
Depositing User:	Anna Kerr
Date Deposited:	10 Sep 2025 09:51
Last Modified:	15 Sep 2025 17:15
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/15304

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