Why are ocean fish stocks declining and what can be done to protect them?

Answer 1

There are several reasons and all should be addressed if we are going to do something about it.

* Human population is ever increasing and this figure is only bound to increase from about 7 billion now to .an estimated double digit figure in 20 more years. * With an ever increasing human population there is , of course, a greater demand for fish as food. * The ocean size remains the same

* With fishermen leaving traditional fishing methods like small boats etc and with the emergence of large ocean going fishing vessels, often in fleets, the rate of fishing is simply increasing and unabated.

* From coastal waters of years ago, to international waters now, the fishing rate could have increased in excess of 1000 % compared to 50 years ago. 1000% is considered conservative. * With increasing competition among the fishing population and vastly improved fishing methods , a single catch can exceed several tons of fish . The daily fish catch globally is not known.

* Fishing fleets go out daily .

* The various fish populations do not have enough time to breed and replenish numbers.

* Added to this, toxins and all kinds of pollutants are being discharged into rivers and other waterways....all leading to the seas and oceans. * What many forget is that large shipments are not necessarily disposed of through sale within hours of docking. The fish catch is subject to preservatives , even formalin, to make fish appear fresh.

In order to enable fish stocks to increase we should :

Promote and support sustainable fishing. It is easier said than done.

* Promote the development of large fish farms along coastal waters all over the world, wherever possible.

* All governments must agree to the international fishing boundaries and enforce anti poaching.

* These are only some of the measures to be taken. I am sure others will add to the list.

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