Exploitation of Fish
Overview
Learn about the exploitation of fish in local, country, and global entities and how you can combat the issue.
Cause for Concern
Global fish exploitation is a complicated, composite problem that has a big influence on water bodies and their ecosystems. The fishing industry, the aquarium trade, the food industry, and medical applications are just a few of the various ways that this exploitation occurs. Aspects of ecology, society, and economy can all have an impact on water bodies, both locally and globally. Ecosystems may suffer from a number of negative repercussions from fish harvesting, including a decline in biodiversity. The decline and extinction of endangered species can be caused by overfishing and the trade in wild fish, which can upset food chains and ecosystem functioning. Fish exploitation may also have an impact on certain ecological imbalances. Fish populations that are declining have the potential to upset environmental balances when key predators go extinct or when too many species arise without enough predation. Fish farms have the potential to pollute water supplies, eutrophicate the environment, and have negative ecological effects.
Exploitation of fish in our global ecosystem
Fishing and aquarium trade
Fishing is one of the main ways in which fish are exploited, overfishing is one of the biggest threats to the world's waters. Overfishing can lead to species decline and even extinction, upsetting the balance of the ecosystem. In addition, fishing methods can be damaging, such as bottom trawling, which can damage the seabed and other habitats. The aquarium trade can affect the wild stocks. Poorly managed trade in aquarium fish contributes to the decline of wild-caught fish stocks and the disruption of ecosystems.
Food industry
The consumption of fish is significant in all over the world. Fish farming is a growing industry all around the world. However, the need of farmed fish can cause eutrophication and pollution of global waters. If fish farms are in sensitive ecological areas, that will increase the pollution of waters even more. Also, fish farming is a growing sector of the food industry, and it covers a wide range of fish. Fish farming is usually done in controlled environments such as ponds or sea decks, while in developing countries it can be more decentralized and traditional. Fish farming include many environmental pressures such as and pollution or waters.
Impacts of exploiting fish on our water
Overfishing can lead to the collapse of certain fish populations, which in turn affects other species and the balance of the ecosystem. For example, if large predatory fish are overfished, their prey populations can grow out of control, which can disrupt the entire food chain. Fish farms can cause eutrophication (Eutrophication is a general term describing a process in which nutrients accumulate in a body of water, resulting in an increased growth of microorganisms that may deplete the water of oxygen) of waters as fish waste and excess food increase the nutrient content of the water. In addition, fish farms may use pharmaceuticals and chemicals to control diseases, which can lead to water pollution. Certain fishing methods, such as bottom trawling, can damage the seabed and other habitats such as coral reefs and kelp beds. This can lead to species loss and ecosystem degradation. Fish are sometimes used as translocated species to new water bodies, where they can become harmful invasive species. These species can compete with local species for resources and food, which can lead to the decline of local species. Fishing and fish farming can also contribute to the impacts of climate change on water bodies. For example, overfishing can reduce the genetic diversity of fish, which can make them more vulnerable to climate change impacts such as rising temperatures and acidification.
Global entities
Efforts have been made to enhance maritime domain awareness through tools like SeaVision and partnerships with organizations like Global Fishing Watch. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a challenge, especially in the face of limited exposure to sanctions for foreign entities and the complex nexus between IUU ( Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing) fishing and other illicit activities like human trafficking and drug smuggling. China plays a pivotal role in global seafood production and consumption, making its participation crucial in countering IUU fishing. While China has taken some actions to address the issue, such as accepting the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and implementing regulations to promote sustainability, further commitments and international cooperation are needed to make significant progress. Moving forward, investments in maritime domain awareness technologies and enhanced capacity to respond to illegal fishing activities are essential for combating IUU fishing effectively. With coordinated efforts and international cooperation, there is hope for making measurable strides in countering IUU fishing in 2024.
Exploitation of fish in the U.S.A
These gilled creatures are not only integral to the health of our oceans but also serve as the backbone of coastal economies, supporting an estimated 1.7 million jobs in the United States alone. However, the 2020 Status of Stocks report from NOAA Fisheries reveals concerning trends for U.S. fisheries. Despite historic successes in sustainable fisheries management, there has been a recent increase in the number of overfished stocks, with eight stocks reverting to overfished status after previously successful rebuilding efforts. This underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining long-term fisheries sustainability, particularly in the face of climate change-induced shifts in fish populations and extreme events like marine heat waves. While the Magnuson-Stevens Act (The Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (2007) is the primary law that governs marine fisheries management in U.S. federal waters) has been instrumental in guiding fisheries management, there is still much work to be done to prevent further depletion of fish stocks and ensure their recovery.
The 2021 Status of Stocks report by NOAA highlights the ongoing efforts to rebuild and sustain U.S. fisheries, with over 90% of stocks not subject to overfishing and 80% maintaining sufficient population sizes. However, there are concerns as the number of overfished stocks slightly increased to 51 in 2021. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted seafood landings, which decreased by 10%, and overall seafood consumption dropped to 19 pounds per person. NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad emphasizes the importance of sustainable fisheries management amidst climate change challenges, acknowledging the United States' role as a global leader in this endeavor. Sustainable U.S. fisheries not only contribute to the economy but also support marine ecosystems and communities, emphasizing the importance of ending overfishing and prioritizing stock rebuilding efforts.
The issue of overfishing in the United States is further compounded by the global problem of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which has gained recognition as a threat to national security and marine ecosystems. Despite increased awareness and efforts to combat IUU fishing, measurable improvements on a global scale have been elusive. The 2023 IUU Fishing Risk Index showed a slight deterioration in overall scores, indicating a lack of notable progress. In response, the United States has taken steps to address IUU fishing, including leveraging the Global Magnitsky Act to sanction individuals and entities involved in illegal fishing activities.
Exploitation of fish in Utah
History
Since the beginning of pioneers moving into Utah there have been major changes and impacts that humans have had on the environment and species that call the state home. Oftentimes these settlers would resort to eating fish when crops failed or hunting was unsuccessful. The first documented commercial fishing in Utah was in the spring of 1848 when settlers formed Eutaw Fishing Company and provided fish from Utah Lake to starving people in Salt Lake City. As word spread of the abundance of fish in both Utah Lake and the Provo River more fishing companies began harvesting fish to feed hungry settlers. By the 1860’s the fishery was in decline and eventually eliminated in the 1890’s. While people depleted the natural resources including fish the biggest impact may have been the introduction of grazing animals. By 1885 Utah had 200,000 cattle and over a million sheep grazing the landscape. Ten years later these numbers had grown to 400,000 cattle and 3.8 million sheep. These animals devoured natural resources and had a negative impact on all wildlife. Over use of grasslands led to poor water quality and animals trampling waterways destroyed natural habitats for fish.
Improvement
When Utah became a state in 1896 The Department of Fish and Game was established and things began to improve. The state's residents realized they needed to be stewards of the land if they wanted to see wildlife populations survive. The first fish hatchery was opened in Salt Lake City in 1899 in an effort to restore fish numbers to depleted waterways. The process of replenishing fish numbers throughout Utah has been a long process but has ultimately been successful. Fish stocking has a number of benefits. For starters it provides aquatic biodiversity and helps maintain healthy waterways. It provides anglers with great opportunities for fishing. The most recent studies show that in 2018 fishing in Utah contributed $1.1 billion dollars to the economy and added over 7,000 jobs. A good portion of fees from hunting and fishing licenses go towards improving Utah’s wildlife populations and habitats making it good for the environment and people.
Where fresh and saltwater meet
Interconnected
Most information on overfishing is focused around exploiting species of the ocean. There is an overlap though for a number of species. In North America Salmon return to the rivers for spawning. They may spawn at various times of the year depending on the species. During spawning they return to freshwater rivers and tributaries and lay their eggs to be fertilized. Once this process is complete the mature Salmon die and provide nutrients to the freshwater ecosystem. Eggs take several weeks to months to hatch and the baby fish are called fries. The fries will stay in the rivers for a few hours to years depending on species before beginning the journey to the ocean. The fish then transition in estuary locations to adapt to the saltwater environment before swimming into the ocean. Adult Salmon will spend one to six years in the ocean before returning to the rivers they were born and starting the cycle all over.
Importance
It is crucial for these freshwater spawning grounds to be preserved so that Salmon can live on as an important piece of the ecosystem and a healthy food supply. Pollution, damming of rivers, overfishing, and excessive water use all threaten these waterways which the Salmon rely on to survive.
Current solutions
The draft bill proposed by Reps. Jared Huffman and Ed Case presents an opportunity to strengthen fisheries management efforts by addressing issues such as chronic overfishing and advancing climate-ready strategies. Additionally, the Biden administration's involvement in promoting healthier and more resilient fisheries, coupled with NOAA Fisheries' initiatives to gather public input on climate adaptation, will be crucial in securing the future of our fisheries. It's a critical moment for action to safeguard the sustainability of our oceans and the livelihoods they support.
Combatting the exploitation of fish is crucial for maintaining the health of our oceans and ensuring sustainable fisheries for future generations. Here are several solutions that can help address this issue:
1. Implementing and Enforcing Sustainable Fishing Practices: Governments and fisheries management organizations can establish regulations and quotas to prevent overfishing and ensure that fishing practices are sustainable. This may include setting limits on catch sizes, enforcing seasonal closures, and implementing gear restrictions to minimize bycatch.
2. Promoting Responsible Consumption: Consumers can play a role in combatting fish exploitation by choosing sustainably sourced seafood. Certification programs such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) label seafood products that meet certain sustainability criteria. Encouraging restaurants and retailers to source seafood responsibly can also make a significant impact.
3. Supporting Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing MPAs can help protect critical habitats and allow fish populations to recover. These protected areas can serve as breeding grounds and refuges for marine species, contributing to overall ecosystem health.
4. Investing in Aquaculture: Sustainable aquaculture practices can help reduce pressure on wild fish populations by providing an alternative source of seafood. However, it's important that aquaculture operations are managed carefully to minimize environmental impacts such as habitat destruction, pollution, and disease transmission.
5. Educating Communities: Raising awareness about the importance of sustainable fisheries and the impacts of overfishing can help garner support for conservation efforts. Education initiatives targeted at fishermen, policymakers, and the general public can promote responsible stewardship of marine resources.
6. International Cooperation: Many fish species migrate across national borders, making it essential for countries to collaborate on fisheries management. International agreements and organizations such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) can facilitate cooperation and coordination on issues related to sustainable fisheries management.
7. Research and Innovation: Investing in research and technology can lead to new approaches for monitoring fish populations, reducing bycatch, and improving the efficiency of fishing practices. Innovation in fishing gear, such as the development of more selective and environmentally friendly gear types, can help minimize the negative impacts of fishing activities.
8. Reducing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Strengthening enforcement mechanisms and increasing transparency in the seafood supply chain can help combat IUU fishing, which undermines efforts to manage fisheries sustainably. This may involve improving monitoring and surveillance capabilities, enhancing traceability systems, and imposing stricter penalties for violators.
9. Ban Fishing Subsidies
- Target subsidies for fuel, gear, and vessel construction, which incentivize overfishing by reducing the operational costs for fishing companies. These subsidies often benefit large-scale fishing operations, indirectly encouraging the use of fuel-intensive fishing methods and destructive practices such as deep-sea trawling.
- The WTO's Fisheries Agreement, secured in June 2022, aims to curb harmful subsidies. It restricts support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities and overfished stocks. The agreement allows subsidies only if they contribute to rebuilding fish stocks to a biologically sustainable level. It also emphasizes enhancing transparency and accountability in how governments subsidize the fishing industry.
10. Adopt Rights-Based Fishery Management
- Rights-based management (RBM) allocates fishing rights to entities, such as individuals, communities, or companies, while imposing catch limits and other regulations to ensure sustainability. Catch-share programs, a form of RBM, allocate harvest allowances to individuals or companies, incentivizing smarter and more sustainable fishing practices. These programs help balance the needs of people, the ocean, and the economy while ensuring healthier fish populations and ecosystems.
11. Apply Regulations on Fishing Nets
- By-catch, the unintended capture of non-target species, is a significant issue exacerbated by certain fishing gear, such as large nets. Implementing regulations on fishing gear, such as lowering the top end of nets, can effectively reduce bycatch. For example, lowering nets by two meters has been shown to reduce the mortality of marine mammal bycatch by 98% in some areas like the Indian Ocean. These regulations help maintain healthy marine environments and reduce the ecological impact of fishing activities.
More sustainable management of fish stocks and the preservation of marine ecosystems can be achieved by combining these tactics and encouraging cooperation amongst stakeholders at the local, national, and international levels.
References
Barlow, J. (2017, December 7). Fish in Utah Lake and the Provo River Saved Utah’s Early Settlers from Starvation. JacobBarlow.com. https://jacobbarlow.com/2017/12/07/fish-in-utah-lake-and-the-provo-river-saved-utahs-early-settlers-from-starvation/
Cole, J. (1994). Utah history encyclopedia. Utah Education Network. https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/w/WILDLIFE_MANAGEMENT.shtml#:~:text=Fisheries%20were%20also%20exploited.,essentially%20eliminated%20by%20the%201890s.
DWR stocks more than 10 million fish throughout Utah in 2023. (2023, December 14). Utah DWR. https://wildlife.utah.gov/news/utah-wildlife-news/1821-dwr-stocks-over-10-million-fish-in-utah-in-2023.html#:~:text=Over%20time,%20the%20DWR%20expanded,a%20new%20Loa%20Fish%20Hatchery.
Fisheries, N. (2022, December 28). Status of Stocks 2021 | NOAA Fisheries. NOAA. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/sustainable-fisheries/status-stocks-2021#:~:text=NOAA%20Fisheries%20manages%20460%20stocks
Huffman , P. T. (2021, July 26). Huffman, Case Introduce the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act, Legislation to Update Federal Fisheries Management | U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman. Huffman.house.gov. https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/huffman-case-introduce-the-sustaining-americas-fisheries-for-the-future-act-legislation-to-update-federal-fisheries-management
Igini, M. (2023, February 22). 7 Solutions to Overfishing We Need Right Now. Earth.org. https://earth.org/solutions-to-overfishing/
NOAA Fisheries. (2019). Understanding Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing. NOAA. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-illegal-unreported-and-unregulated-fishing
LOA State Fish Hatchery. (2022). Utah DWR. https://le.utah.gov/interim/2022/pdf/00001164.pdf
Raimondo, G., & Friedman, B. (2021). Status of Stocks 2020 Annual Report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries. https://media.fisheries.noaa.gov/2021-05/2020%20Status%20of%20Stocks%20RtC_5-18-21_FINAL.pdf?null#:~:text=At%20the%20end%20of%202020
Salmon Life Cycle and Seasonal Fishery Planning. (2022, October 6). NOAA. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/sustainable-fisheries/salmon-life-cycle-and-seasonal-fishery-planning