Only 13 Corporations Control Up to 40 Percent of the World's Most Valuable Fisheries

Did you know that just 13 corporations control 19 to 40 percent of the largest and most valuable stocks of fish and 11 to 16 percent of the global marine catch? Scientists have taken a closer look at the division in fishing and have found that keystone corporations are in charge of the world's seafood.

In this latest study, the researchers examined the distribution of fish between various companies. They found that the average annual revenues of the 160 largest companies in 2012 exhibited a distinct keystone pattern. The top 10 percent of the companies accounted for 38 percent of total revenues.

Keystone species in nature have a huge impact on the structure and function of the ecosystem. They also disproportionately determine the prevalence and activities of other species. For example, just a few sea otters can determine urchin populations.

In this case, 13 companies shape very large marine ecosystems around the world and are involved in both wild capture fisheries and aquaculture. Their combined annual revenues correspond to 18 percent of the global total revenue of seafood production in 2012, which was about $252 million.

"The phenomenon of keystone actors is an increasingly important feature of our human-dominated world," said Henrik Osterblom, one of the researchers, in a news release. "Active leadership in sustainability initiatives by these corporations could result in a cascade through the entire seafood industry towards improved management of marine living resources and ecosystems. Increased demand for seafood has contributed to a global fisheries crisis with consequences for marine ecosystems around the world."

The findings are important when it comes to managing fish stocks. Because these keystone actors exist, they need to be aware of how their actions may impact entire ecosystems.

The findings are published in the journal PLOS One.

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).