How lessons from fisheries management could help us govern Earth's orbital space
The space industry is rapidly expanding. About 20,000 satellites already circle Earth, a number that could reach 100,000 by 2030. They bring growing environmental costs: space debris, collision risks, atmospheric pollution from launches and reentry and interference with astronomi
As the space industry continues to expand at a breakneck pace, concerns about the environmental and safety implications of this growth are mounting. With thousands of satellites already in orbit and many more on the way, the risk of collisions, space debris, and interference with astronomical observations is increasing. This is where an unlikely field comes in: fisheries management. Researchers are now drawing parallels between the challenges of managing fish populations and those of governing Earth's orbital space.
The key insight here is that both fisheries and orbital space are common-pool resources, meaning that multiple stakeholders have access to them, but their overuse or degradation can have far-reaching consequences. In fisheries management, scientists and policymakers have developed tools and strategies to prevent overfishing, monitor fish populations, and enforce regulations. Similarly, in the context of space governance, lessons from fisheries management could help inform the development of sustainable practices, such as implementing regulations to prevent overcrowding in certain orbits, establishing monitoring systems to track space debris, and creating incentives for responsible behavior.
As the space industry continues to evolve, it's crucial to watch how policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders respond to these challenges. Will we see the establishment of international agreements or regulations to govern the use of orbital space, similar to those that exist for fisheries management? How will the development of new technologies, such as satellite de-orbiting systems or advanced propulsion systems, impact the sustainability of space activities? By examining the parallels between fisheries management and space governance, we can better understand the complexities of managing common-pool resources and work towards a more sustainable future for all.
Originally reported by phys.org. LearningWire adds analysis for science & discovery readers.