'It just makes so much sense:' UBC economics expert continues push for high seas 'bank' to protect fish, ahead of UN conference

We set aside money in the bank for retirement or for education, but what about saving up for food security in a fish bank?

The idea is for countries to agree to stop commercial fishing in international waters so that dwindling fish populations can renew for future generations — what experts call a high seas bank.

UBC economics professor and author Rashid Sumaila, who published a study on the fish bank concept a decade ago, will address the third United Nations ocean conference in France next week.

Sumaila, who has a PhD in economics and is the joint winner of the 2023 Tyler Prize for environmental achievement, spoke to Postmedia about the idea on Friday, ahead of World Oceans Day Sunday.

World Oceans Day is an annual global event held on June 8 to recognize the role oceans play in su