Fisheries/Fishing Issues

 CNN Video Clips

 "Fish Farming": Environmental Science 6th Ed. CNN Ed (1:37 min)
Aquaculture, the process by which fish are farmed or raised, has increased dramatically due to the growing demand for seafood.  Up to 40,000 farmed fish are typically bred in one pen and harvested 2 ½ years later.  This process reduces the cost, and farmed fish are typically sold for less than ⅓ the cost of wild salmon.  The way in which fish are farmed or raised has some environmental groups concerned.  Opponents criticize fish farming for polluting nearby waters and exposing fish to harmful amounts of waste and debris.  Others are concerned that the antibiotics fed to the fish to prevent diseases might be counterproductive and that farmed salmon can carry higher levels of toxins and contain less omega-3 fatty acids.  The worksheet includes the URL to the USDA website.  (Student worksheet provided on CD)

"Fishery Management": Environmental Science 7th Ed. CNN Ed (2:07)
A recent study by the Journal of Nature indicates that predatory fish populations have decreased by nearly 90% over the past 10 years. Fish populations of tuna, marlin, swordfish, and sharks have declined due to advances in fishing technology, which allow fishermen to use sensors and satellites to locate and catch fish populations. Fishermen who participated in the study indicated that long line fishing previously yielded approximately 10 fish per 100 hooks, but now only yields 1 fish per 100 hooks. The study concludes that fish populations could recover if certain fishing grounds were placed off limits and quotas were enforced, but if fishing practices continue undeterred, then certain species may be driven to extinction.  (Student worksheet provided on CD)

"Overfishing": Environmental Science 7th Ed. CNN Ed (2:39)
In recent years, advances in technology have made it possible for commercial fishing to become extremely effective. Now, at least 86 different species of fish are classified by the government as overfished. Fish species that are currently overfished include haddock, cod, Atlantic sea scallops, and bluefish. Along with overfishing, ocean pollution is threatening fish species. In some areas, such as the Gulf of Mexico, runoff pollution from the Mississippi River has created a dead zone, which is an area completely void of nearly all marine life except for jellyfish and bacteria. In addition, the farmland in the U.S. is also shrinking. From 1982 to 2001, the U.S. population grew by almost 60 million individuals, while available cropland in the U.S. dropped from 420 million to 370 million acres, with farmland disappearing most rapidly in states such as Texas, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Illinois. Experts warn that the ramifications could be severe if changes are not made.  (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Articles
"Counting the Last Fish" Pauly, Daniel and Watson, Reg. Current Issues in Biology. Scientific American, Inc. July 2003. 62-69.
The current techniques employed for fishing is draining the fish populations worldwide. This article explores the effect this will have on the current tropic levels. It also states some ideas to help fisheries become sustainable. The article is followed by a short quiz and critical thinking questions.

Articles in "Taking Sides"

"Are Marine Reserves Needed to Protect Global Fisheries?" Easton, Thomas. Taking Sides: Environmental Issues, eleventh edition.

 YES: Professor of marine ecology Robert R. Warner argues that marine reserves, areas of the ocean completely protected from all extractive activities such as             fishing, can be a useful tool for preserving ecosystems and restoring productive fisheries. (from: "Marine Protected Areas", Statement Before the Subcommittee             on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans Committee on House Resources, United States House of Representatives, May 23, 2002) NO: Sean Paige, a fellow at the market-oriented Competitive Enterprise Institute, argues that marine reserves are based on immature and uncertain science and that they will have a direct and detrimental effect on commercial fishermen. (from: "Zoned to Extinction", Reason, October 2001).

"Are Marine Reserves Needed to Protect Global Fisheries?" Easton, Thomas. Taking Sides: Environmental Issues, twelfth edition.

Yes:  Professor of marine ecology Robert R. Warner argues that marine reserves, areas of the ocean completely protected from all extractive activities such as fishing can be a useful tool for preserving ecosystems and restoring productive fisheries.

NO:  Professor Michel J. Kaiser argues that although the use of marine protected areas can be beneficial, limiting fishing effort is a more effective way of achieving sustainable fisheries.