FISHING FOR STABILITY
As geopolitical instability, armed conflicts, and climate change disrupt food systems worldwide, one of the industries that plays a key role in combating hunger and fostering global stability is fisheries. By providing a healthful, sustainable source of protein, the fishing industry is becoming essential in addressing the growing global food security crisis.
Food is no longer just a basic necessity—it has become a tool of global politics. Disrupted supply chains, rising prices, and restricted food access are increasingly being used as leverage to pressure vulnerable regions. The consequences are severe: worsening famines and forced migration, all of which contribute to destabilising fragile areas.
In the face of this crisis, sustainable fisheries are proving essential. By securing the ability to supply high-quality fish—a vital source of protein—to regions facing food shortages, the fishing sector is crucial in preventing food from being weaponised in international power struggles. Packed with high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, fish provides affordable food, particularly in regions where other animal proteins are limited or expensive. For many food-insecure nations, especially in Africa, fish remains one of the most reliable sources of nutrition. Polish long-distance fisheries play a vital role in supplying this protein, with Polish long-distance ship operators—members of the High Seas Fish Producers Organization—exporting enough fish to provide approximately 300 million meals annually to African nations.
Polish fish contributes to resilience in food supply chains in distressed areas
As a member of the European Union and currently holding the EU Council Presidency under the motto “Security, Europe,” Poland is emphasising the importance of food security in fostering stability. Polish fisheries, operating as part of the EU’s broader commitment to sustainable fishing, are implementing responsible and eco-friendly practices that contribute to European and global food security and stability. By exporting high-quality fish to regions in need, Poland is demonstrating how fishing can help feed the world in an environmentally sustainable and future-focused way. Fish has a lower carbon footprint and requires fewer resources compared to other forms of protein production, making it a smart and sustainable solution for feeding a growing global population.
Polish fisheries are contributing to improved food security in countries where a stable food supply cannot be guaranteed. They are helping reduce social and political tensions, prevent conflict, and alleviate migration pressures. These efforts align with the priorities of the Polish EU Presidency, which highlights the critical connection between security, stability, and access to food.