The earth contains various natural resources. Oil, fossil fuels, iron, air, etc., all of these resources allow us to survive and prosper throughout our daily lives. In some cases when these resources are so readily available, problems arise. Humans become blinded by their own self-interests to the point where they completely ignore what is best for the environment. Currently, this is the issue surrounding the oceans. For many years now, fishermen have explored the vast oceans of the world in search of fish. Over time, the problem of overfishing has developed and multiple species of fish have started to decrease consequently. There are many factors that contribute to the conflict of overfishing. Every year, politicians are faced with …show more content…
Certainly not all fishermen break the rules and use harmful fishing techniques, however, there are enough people exhibiting illegal and dangerous fishing activity to the point where changes need to be made. Some may even argue that illegal fishing is not a big deal and has very little impact on the oceans, yet data states, “Illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing is worth up to $25 billion a year. A study for the House of Lords in the United Kingdom reported that 50% of the cod caught in the North Sea was illegal” (Murray). Many times, fishermen look to make a greater profit by fishing for more fish than allowed. This is illegal, yet fishermen are easily able to get away with it. Not only do fishermen hunt for more fish than they are allowed, but they also use various methods to catch more fish with less hardship. For example, some fishermen practice cyanide fishing. This approach “ . . . is an increasingly popular method of fishing that uses cyanide to temporarily stun fish in exotic areas, such as coral reefs. Once stunned, the fish are easily collected, then sold either as aquarium pets or as live fish in restaurants” (“Overfishing”). When cyanide is used, it is easier to capture fish, however, most fish die from being poisoned and the cyanide remains in the water, harming other aquatic species (“Overfishing”). Additionally, most commercial fishing companies use large …show more content…
Whether they eat salmon, haddock, sushi, or crab, “Worldwide, humans get an average of sixteen percent of their dietary animal protein from fish and shellfish” (“Commercial fishing”). For the most part, consumers are the ones that dictate the fish that fishermen and fishing companies go after. Many times, we do not pay careful attention to the fish we are eating. We know that it is healthy for us, but usually that is about it (Murray). While this may not seem like an issue that would contribute to overfishing, it is. The seafood industry has developed over the years and evidence shows that, “With human populations ever increasing, the demand for and marketing of seafood has steadily increased, rising over the last half of the twentieth century to about 125 million tons (113 million metric tonnes) per year” (“Commercial fishing”). As a result of many consumers being uneducated on the various species of fish, the fish are suffering. Many people choose to eat fish such as salmon and tuna because they contain Omega 3 fatty acids and are good for one’s health, however, there are other options that are just as healthy or even healthier. Sardines, for example, are just one of many alternative options of fish for people to consume and although they are small, they are rich in protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. Consumers typically choose to eat what is popular, causing them to push smaller, more unfamiliar fish like sardines aside. A lot of
Overfishing may have some benefits to it, but does it out way the negatives? By fulfilling our demand we can wipe out our whole oceans! Not just the fish, but water mammals too. Sure it can create jobs, but as what cost? It can help bring up our economy, but at the same time it can bring it down with many fish companies closing down due to lack of profit. Fish is a great source of nutrients, but too much can kill you! In other words, fish can be both beneficial and harmful to not only humans, but everyone and everything surrounding fish. There are three things people can do to help with overfishing, the first thing is to be aware of what you are eating. Is the fish on the fear of extinction list? Also asking yourself is the fish you’re about to eat really the fish you intend to eat? Another thing to ask is, was it shipped over seas? If it was it doesn’t benefit anyone, it won’t help the economy or you. Many fish shipped from a long ways creates pollution and may have lost its nutrients value from the long voyage. One last thing to do is if you see a sewer with a sign leading to the ocean, try not to leave trash near it, or better yet don’t litter at all! All the litter left out on streets or near sewers can cause pollution in oceans, lakes, and rivers which is very harmful for marine life. You can still enjoy fish, but not at such a high demand as
In the late 1990s fishermen were getting stressed and many of them turned in their boats. This is because the government made new rules and regulations for the fishing industry. These rules are supposed to help endangered fish, although some are not helping at all. The government allows small boat fishermen to catch only 500 pounds of cod per day and requires them to toss any extra overboard before they reach shore.
Earth's oceans make up over 75% of the Earth as a whole. With that being said, it is vital to understand the significance on the contents of the oceans. Since fish and marine products make up a large portion of our diet, fishing practices need to be properly managed. In this essay, overfishing will be defined, its consequences will be revealed, and plans for proper fish distribution will be executed.
One of the sectors facing the largest impact is the seafood industry. Fish products are prevalent in pet food products as well as human diets. Given such a high demand on the seafood industry,
Overfishing is defined as a form of overexploitation where fish stocks are brought down to unacceptable levels. In the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s 2 yearly report (SOFIA), it states how over half of the fish stocks, worldwide, are fully exploited. Other research has shown it only takes 10-15 years of industrial fishing to obliterate a tenth of the intended species. Overfishing causes a ripple effect that hurts the entire ecosystem. The balance of the chain depends largely on the interaction between the predator and the prey.
To fish or not to fish is a personal choice. The fact that the oceans are being overfished is a growing concern for individuals, organizations, and governments throughout the world. In this paper I want to discuss the effects of overfishing on the restaurant industry, and possible solutions to solve the problem. Fishing is an ongoing source of food for people around the world. In many countries it is a food staple in their everyday diet. In more modern societies eating fish has become a sensual experience, and not just for the wealthy. It hasn't been until population explosions in the last century that the demand for seafood has led to more effective fishing techniques and technologies. Now the demand for popular fish like the salmon, tuna, sea bass, cod and hoki, which is the key fish in McDonalds filet o' fish, is diving wild populations to dangerously low levels. The methods used to catch the amount of fish demanded by the industry do not leave sustainable populations in the wild. In an attempt to preserve the fish population, governments have set limits on the minimum size that may be harvested and how many of each may be taken. Boundaries have been set up saying which areas can be fished and which ones should be left alone. A number of smaller fisheries have gone out of business because of the limits imposed by the government. This leads to even less fish being harvested and brought to market. Therefore the amount and varieties of fish at markets are smaller and can cause shortages for wholesalers and restaurants. Some restaurants will no longer have the variety on their menus that they used to enjoy. If a restaurant thrives on its seafood menu they may be unable to cope with the shortages and will go out of business. In the ...
Overfishing is a harmful practice, that will eventually lead to the collapse of aquatic ecosystems, if it’s not dealt with promptly. Overfishing emerges from the combination of our over consumptive society mixed with the great profits that come from hauling in a good catch. The consumers demand for fish in Japan seems to be at an increasingly high rate due to the enjoyment and cultural values that arise from sushi and other traditional dishes involving seafood. Approximately 23 percent of Japan’s protein intake comes from the ocean, and as a nation consumes 7.5 million tonnes of seafood annually. CITATION
Although whaling is illegal, some people still do it
People believe aquaculture can circumvent the toxins found in wild-caught fish, but “studies have repeatedly shown that farmed salmon has significantly higher levels of PCB's [(polychlorinated biphenyls)] and PBDE's (another environmental toxin) than wild-caught salmon.” (Ryan). Ryan claims that “the problems with wild-caught fish are fundamentally problems with our oceans. Decades of relatively-unchecked environmental pollution have left our oceans dangerously polluted by a number of toxic industrial byproducts.” (Ryan) The reason why they are not as edible as before is because of the pollution humans have made. He also gives advice on how you can choose safe wild-caught fish. He suggests to look at the fish’s trophic level, size, and which ocean it came from. “Fish caught in the Atlantic Ocean generally show higher levels of PCB's and mercury than Pacific fish (although this is not always the case).” (Ryan). In the article “Which Is Better: Wild-Caught or Farmed Fish?”, by Lea Basch, Basch also acknowledges that eating wild fish has its downsides, but overall claims, “wild-caught fish are often healthier, with less contamination from man-made toxins because they feed on a natural diet of smaller fish and algae and come into contact with less bacteria
With the population surpassing seven billion people and a larger percentage relying on fish as their source of protein, the demand for seafood has increased exponentially. In order to satiate societies hunger, the fishing industry continues to expand their fishing fleet and area. In 2011, the global fishing industry harvested approximately 178 million tons from the ocean. Approximately 2.5 trillion fish were har...
Overfishing is the most major problem related to oceans, but it is also the most overlooked. Fishing has been going on for thousands of years, and fish have always been seen as a renewable resource, that would replenish itself forever for our benefit. But around the world there is evidence that fish are not recove...
The first cause of the marine extinction is coming from over-fishing and commercial fishing. According to Marine Extinction and Conservation, commercial fishing has
Fishing industries pull up their nets and see all kinds of species. All the fish that are unwanted get thrown back dead or barley living. About 1,500,000 unwanted fish are caught by nets and killed every year. Finally, “Ghost nets” or forgotten nets get left in the waters and kill many species. Every year there are about 640,000 tons of nets left in the water. This is even worse because many of them never get out of the water. Divers try to get the nets out of the water, but it takes many trips and some can weigh 10,000 pounds. It is also bad for fisherman because when they cast and reel in there lures can get caught and they won't get them back. Bycatch and net fishing is a growing problem. It's ruining our environment. It doesn't benefit anyone, including the fisherman because it’s killing their stock and taking anglers fishing lures. It also a danger to the divers. The people who fish, and take more than the bag limit can harm the future of fishing.
Asia accounts for sixty percent of the world’s fish production with the developing countries in the continent accounting for 75% of the production. Furthermore, Asia accounts for 34% of the world’s exports of fish and a staggering 87 percent of all fishery and aquaculture employees. Producing five million tons of fish products every year, members of the Association of Southeast Asian countries account for a quarter of the annual world production. Asia has the highest fish consumption in the world and there is high likelihood that fisheries and aquaculture will continue playing critical role in providing livelihood, trade and food security in the Southeast Asian region. The global demand for fish and its product...
With the advent of planning in India, considerable attention has been devoted to reduce individual as well as regional income disparities. The allocation of resources for fisheries sector in each successive five year plan has been increased with a view to augment marine fish production and to improve the socio-economic conditions of fishermen.[5] Fishing has been one of the oldest economic activities of human race. It comes next only to agriculture. Fish and other sea food constitute an enchantingly integral part of a wholesome food provision. Specially, fishes of several varieties serve as tasty and healthy food with rice protein and fat content. The ‘omega’ a chemical element found in fish has immense medicinal value. Experts believe that such properties of fish could be consumed even by persons having heart problems.[6]