Exploring environmental impact methodologies to quantify fish stock exploitation and seabed impacts of fishing : evaluating LCA and non-LCA approaches

This report evaluates methods from Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and fisheries science concerning the impacts of fishing on exploited stocks and the seabed, using three case studies to assess feasibility and make recommendations for the European Footprint (EF) development. For fish stock exploitation, both fields offer suitable methods, but challenges remain in integrating them with the 16 EF indicators. The LCA method adopts an "Intrinsic biodiversity" approach, considering each kilogram removed as impactful. In contrast, the fisheries approach uses an "instrumental approach," viewing fishing as sustainable if stocks are not overfished, aligning removals with biomass renewal. The report highlights integration challenges and suggests consulting stakeholders to choose the best-suited approach for EF applications. Regarding seabed impacts, the LCA method lacks maturity and global data support for EF use, but this may improve. Meanwhile, the semi-quantitative approach from fisheries science is recommended for inclusion as a new characterization factor, having been successfully applied to the case studies and suitable for all EU seafood products. Lastly, a qualitative approach combining letter grades for stock depletion and seabed impact is discussed as a contingency, intended as a third and second option, respectively, for resource and seabed evaluations.