Orbital Space Governance Could Benefit from Fisheries Management Lessons
The rapid expansion of the satellite industry, with approximately 20,000 satellites currently orbiting Earth and projections of up to 100,000 by 2030, is raising significant environmental concerns. These include space debris, collision risks, atmospheric pollution from launches and reentry, and interference with astronomical observations, according to a report by Phys.org.
The article draws parallels between the management of shared fish stocks and the need for collective governance of orbital space. Currently, international law provides weak regulation of space activities. The proposed solution involves establishing orbital space management organizations, akin to regional fisheries management organizations.
These organizations would be responsible for independently assessing orbital environments, setting environmental limits for crowded orbits, monitoring compliance, coordinating access, and sanctioning noncompliance. Potential policy tools include orbital environmental budgets, permits, orbital-user fees, and deorbiting bonds, which could incentivize the use of technologies like deployable drag sails to mitigate debris.
Supporting data from the European Space Agency (ESA) highlights the urgency of addressing space sustainability. The ESA reports that over three intact satellites or rocket bodies reenter the atmosphere daily, while approximately ten new payloads are launched each day. The ESA's Space Environment Health Index saw a dramatic increase from about 4 to 50 in 2025, indicating a significant deterioration in orbital sustainability.