Sustainable Fisheries Definition
The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization defines sustainable fisheries as resources that can be harvested to meet the needs of today’s generation without compromising the ability of future generations to harvest fish for their needs. A sustainable fishery requires the conservation of fish stocks and the preservation of the marine environment but still allows the fishing industry to remain economically viable and fishing communities to maintain their social and cultural heritage.
Other People Are Reading
-
The Threat of Overfishing
-
During the second half of the 20th century, the fishing industry developed a range of technological advances. Smaller boats were equipped with better engines, mechanical fishing equipment and sonar units that allowed crews to spot schools of fish swimming below the water's surface. At the other end of the spectrum, factory trawlers, which are massive vessels able to catch, clean, process and refrigerate huge amounts of fish, began operating in oceans throughout the world. As more and more fish were caught, populations of many species began a serious spiral of decline.
The Sustainable Fisheries Act
-
Congress passed the Sustainable Fisheries Act in 1996 to stop overfishing and ensure the future of U.S. fisheries. The National Marine Fisheries Service, a federal regulatory agency that oversees commercial and recreational fishing, was required to define overfishing for each species based on historical catch records and current landing data. Fisheries service officials then developed management plans to conserve species that were defined as over-fished. The Sustainable Fisheries Act also required federal regulators to develop measures to protect essential marine habitats.
-
Managing a Sustainable Fishery
-
Fisheries service officials passed several types of regulations to manage and conserve fish. Minimum size and length rules were adopted to ensure fishermen were not landing juvenile fish, particularly females, before they could reproduce. Fishing boats were banned from parts of the ocean during spawning seasons. Catch limits or quotas were set for many species. In some cases, rules that limited the number of days a boat was allowed fish each year were established.
Effect of Sustainable Fisheries Regulations
-
Many of the regulations adopted to create sustainable fisheries have succeeded in rebuilding fish populations. New England haddock, which was once considered a collapsed species, is now harvested without limits. However, the effects of these regulations on coastal communities where fishing has been the base of the economy has been devastating. Fishing families have seen their incomes drop significantly. Businesses that support the fishing industry with sales of fuel, gear, ice and other supplies have also suffered major losses. And because fishing boats are slowly disappearing from many harbors, many communities are suffering a loss of tradition and identity.
Sustaining Fishermen
-
The National Marine Fisheries Service has overseen several financial assistance programs for fishermen who have suffered financial losses as a result of regulations meant to create sustainable fisheries. Some programs help fishermen move from fish harvesting to aquaculture, or fish farming. In addition to those types of assistance, different organizations have offered alternative career programs for fishermen who feel sustainable fisheries no longer offer them a legitimate livelihood.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit fish for sale image by elmgrover from Fotolia.com
