Fish(eries) management on the third rail: Defusing and advancing the dialogue on hatcheries and stocking for enhancement, conservation, and restoration through an innovative roundtable

ABSTRACT This feature reports on a roundtable session on aquaculture-aided fisheries enhancement, restoration, and conservation that was held at the 2024 Ninth World Fisheries Congress. The session aimed to foster constructive dialogue on the use of hatcheries and stocking programs for conservation purposes, a topic sometimes referred to as the “third rail” of fisheries management. The standing room-only session drew participants from around the world and a wide variety of aquaculture contexts. Using pre-session reflections, in-session discussions, and real-time feedback tools, the session encouraged open discussions on key challenges and promising practices and policies within ­aquaculture-aided enhancement, restoration, and conservation. Participants identified both established challenges and novel perspectives, particularly with respect to the sociocultural aspects of hatchery practices and the need for policies that acknowledge local contexts. The organizers considered the session to be a step forward in developing a robust and diverse community of practice interested in aquaculture-aided approaches.