After figuring out the impact of overfishing, the next thing we want to do is determine by what methods the problem of overfishing can be solved without hurting man’s supply of food as a repercussion. There are, in fact, an abundant amount of ways humans can help solve our overfishing predicament and bring order back amongst the wildlife of the oceans. Some options include:
o Removal of Subsidies and Individual Right: By removing subsidies and giving fisherman a right to part of the catch, these fisherman are given incentive to sustain their fisheries and make them the most productive as possible, making overfishing less likely.
Despite having all of these options and methods of solving the world’s overfishing problem, such a task is not an easy one and will certainly take some time. There will always be people who will be trying to cut corners to make the most profit. If waters are closed to fishing, people will exploit marine areas elsewhere. It is a tough battle to win, and in order to achieve such, people must cooperate across national boundaries. With a combined effort, we as humans can make a difference and protect and sustain Earth’s marine ecosystems. We can maintain what has historically been one of our most important food sources.
- Regulation of Fishing Vessels: One of the main failures in this area is the lack of restriction on the number of vessels. Because of this, more and more vessels engage in fishing, therefore leading to overfishing. If restrictions are placed, fewer vessels will be in operation, so fewer fish will be caught.
- Effective Fishery Management:
o Removal of Subsidies and Individual Right: By removing subsidies and giving fisherman a right to part of the catch, these fisherman are given incentive to sustain their fisheries and make them the most productive as possible, making overfishing less likely.
- Marine Protected Areas: This would include the establishment of areas of the oceans where fishing is not allowed or at least restricted.
- Seafood Choices: With popular consumption of some species driving them to near extinction, a good way to remedy this problem associated with overfishing is to choose fish that are sustainable and abundant.
- Aquaculture: Otherwise known as farming of ocean creatures, this involves a number of controlled methods of raising marine animals for consumption. While some are very beneficial, a number of the practices do have other repercussions.
- Government Intervention: By limiting the amount of fish allowed to be caught per day and hours of accessible fishing, one can drastically cut back on the amount bycatch caught and have a reasonable measurement of just how much fish are being caught on a daily basis. With these regulations in place, governments can easily monitor and control fishing companies. With more accurate data, they can observe just how much fish populations are being affected and apply more or less regulation as they see fit.
Despite having all of these options and methods of solving the world’s overfishing problem, such a task is not an easy one and will certainly take some time. There will always be people who will be trying to cut corners to make the most profit. If waters are closed to fishing, people will exploit marine areas elsewhere. It is a tough battle to win, and in order to achieve such, people must cooperate across national boundaries. With a combined effort, we as humans can make a difference and protect and sustain Earth’s marine ecosystems. We can maintain what has historically been one of our most important food sources.