The concept of sustainable development highlights the necessity for all human development to meet present needs without compromising the abilities of future generations to meet their own needs. Consequently, the long-term effects of our present interventions must be taken into account so that future generations can also satisfy their needs.

Sustainable development, therefore, requires a long-term structural change in our economic system and society to adapt our consumption of resources and environment to a sustainable level while preserving a thriving economy and a cohesive society. To fulfill our material and immaterial needs, we thus require a prosperous economy and a society that is harmonious both with humans and nature.

In the sectors of the blue economy, including fisheries and aquaculture, sustainability is crucial. It demands the rational exploitation of marine resources, allowing them to regenerate and reproduce at economically profitable yet ecologically sustainable levels. Just fifty years ago, the marine environment and its fisheries were considered inexhaustible, and it was believed that we could use them without concern for the future. Even today, we continue to overexploit the sea and use it as a dumping ground for the waste generated by human, industrial, and agricultural activities. Over 30% of fish stocks are overexploited. The most aggressive fishing gears on marine fauna and flora continue to be deployed, and several coastal developing countries still experience poaching and illegal fishing.