Why does the most cited fisheries scientist in the world call modern fisheries a global Ponzi scheme?

Welcome to part two of our dive into the future of oceans, where my focus is still on the pathways we can take to preserve ocean ecosystems and fisheries for the future, but this time I’m putting my questions to Daniel Pauly.

Daniel is Professor of the Institute of Oceans and Fisheries at the University of British Columbia, and Principal Investigator of the Sea Around Us Project, winner of the 2023 Tyler Prize (the "Nobel prize for environmental achievement") and author or co-author, over his distinguished career, of more than 1,000 science papers, articles, books and book chapters.

And he does NOT pull punches.

In this brutally honest conversation about the state of our oceans and the impact of modern fishing practices, Daniel speaks plainly about:

• The beginnings of the technologically-enabled “War on Fish” in 1880
• Current global trajectory for overfishing
• The absurdity of having one-third of commercial fishing value subsidized, allowing unprofitable operations to continue despite dwindling stocks
• How ending subsidies would be a giant step towards a fix
• Marine sanctuaries: government promises versus enforcement inaction
• How modern technology could easily be used to enforce regulations
• Distinctions between sustainable and highly destructive forms of aquaculture
• The devastating ecological consequences of changing ocean currents
• Why deep-sea mining must be stopped

Take a moment to meditate on Daniel’s insights, then share them. Our oceans are so vastly important to our future, and yet most people spend NO time thinking about them. All the technology to preserve our oceans exists. The solutions are clear. The only missing piece is the will to implement them.

======
As always, additional commentary and takeaways and the full transcript will be on the Future Bites page soon. More on my work as a Futurist Speaker, and why I do what I do, at www.brucemccabe.com

How do we feed another 2 billion AND preserve the future of ocean ecosystems?

In 2025, over three billion people rely on seafood as a significant source of protein. Over 80% of the world's biodiversity comes from oceans. A multitude of ocean ecosystems are in crisis mode.

By 2086, the global population is projected to increase by another 2.2 billion (from 8.1 today to 10.4 at peak). How can we feed them and make future fisheries sustainable?

This is a topic of VAST importance in determining our future, and yet most of us know almost nothing about it!

Join me in Vancouver, Canada, for an insightful and wide-ranging discussion with William Cheung, Director and Professor of the Institute of Oceans and Fisheries and Principal Investigator for the Changing Ocean Research Unit at the University of British Columbia and one of the world's foremost experts on this subject. Professor Cheung explores the current state of the oceans, threats to ocean ecosystems, the key trade-offs in managing and conserving marine resources, the impacts and advantages of different types of aquaculture, and of course the positive pathways we can take to shape a better, more sustainable future.

Professor Cheung considers it fundamental to strengthen public connectedness to ocean ecosystems, which is what this episode is all about!

Enjoy the podcast!

======

As always, additional commentary and takeaways and the full transcript will be on the Future Bites page soon. More on my work as a Futurist Speaker, and why I do what I do, at www.brucemccabe.com

How do we create a happier future? What are the factors that influence happiness? What can we do as managers and leaders to enhance happiness, and why is this fundamental to achieving ALL our goals?

Join me for a deeply insightful discussion with John Helliwell, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of British Columbia, and editor of the World Happiness Report 2025.

They can be no more universal theme than this. Happier organizations are more productive. They are more innovative. They are more resilient. Happier societies are safer and healthier and more giving. A deeper understanding of the factors helps us make more effective personal and professional decisions. Happiness benefits EVERYONE. With laughter and good humour and vast knowledge of his subject, John shares a ton of actionable advice for leaders.

If you only listen to one FutureBites episode, make it this one.

And when you're finished, I urge you to download and read the report.

Because we CAN influence happiness, and because moving happiness back to centre-stage in our measures of progress is one of the surest pathways we can take to a better future.

Enjoy the podcast!

======

As always, additional commentary and takeaways and the full transcript will be on the Future Bites page soon. More on my work as a Futurist Speaker, and why I do what I do, at www.brucemccabe.com