In recent weeks, the World Economic Forum released its 2022 Global Risks Report, flashing warning signs on government and corporate dashboards. He cites the loss of biodiversity and the collapse of ecosystems as a major concern. In addition, life insurance giant Aviva has pressured companies saying it expects those in its global asset management portfolio to meet new targets aimed at preserving biodiversity.

But how do we ensure that our seas and oceans feed on fish, other animals and plants? New research by myself and a team of colleagues in institutions around the world highlights the need for sustainable fisheries management. There are examples of good practice, including here in Scotland, that we can learn from.

Our analysis looked at where trawling takes place and mapped it against the state of the seabed and the communities it supports. We looked at different habitats and different types of trawl gear.

We found that intensively trawled regions had low habitat status compared to others, the worst of which was the Adriatic. However, we have also found that when fisheries are managed sustainably, the wider environmental impacts are considerably lower. In the UK we have examples in Shetland, the Isle of Man and the English Channel of management plans which allow for the sustainable exploitation of fish and shellfish stocks. These plans promote less time at sea and less disturbance on the seabed as well as reduced carbon emissions.

This research advances understanding and enables better risk assessment. The hope is that our study highlights areas in need of more effective management to reduce exploitation, improve stock sustainability and the environmental state of the seabed. With a healthy seabed, we can protect and enhance biodiversity and address the nature crisis facing our world.

An important aspect of our study is that high quality data is needed so that we have a better understanding of local situations. Mapping trawl footprints requires accurate information on where and when vessels are in operation. In most countries, this detailed data is not publicly available.

The lack of high resolution trawl effort data or, for confidentiality reasons, where it is kept private needs to be addressed. The benefits for public policy at national and international levels would be immense. Management plans could be co-designed with local fishing interests to help bring together environmental, commercial and community interests.

Bottom trawling provides about a quarter of the marine catch, making a substantial contribution to global food supply and livelihoods. So, on the one hand, we have to protect our environment, but on the other hand, we have to support coastal communities and human nutrition.

I have to talk about this subject to Expo 2020 Dubai this Thursday. This is an urgent question. Maintaining “life below water” is one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By improving access to data, there is a better chance of developing specific local sustainable management plans to sustain our fisheries.

Michel Kaiser is Professor of Fisheries Conservation and Chief Scientist at Heriot-Watt University