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For centuries, Mankind has fished the Earth’s waters as if it was an infinite bounty. While we originally did not possess the scientific knowledge to know better, today we are well advanced in the field of aquatic sciences to know right from wrong and therefore have no excuse not to give aquatic resources the attention they deserve.

This is not to say that our knowledge of aquatic ecosystems is complete. Oceans hold more secrets than findings. Being extremely complex and highly dynamic, these large-scale systems are constantly bringing in new challenges for our experts to solve. Predicting how oceans will respond to exploitation has proven itself to be challenging, but it is a known fact that excessive fishing has the power to trigger trophic cascades and wide-range ecosystem regime shifts, leading to abnormal outbreaks in algal and gelatinous plankton, and fisheries collapse.

Unfortunately, less often than we think does being aware of the problem give rise to an attempt to actually solve it. Still, many are those who have the will to make a difference and put an end to the unsustainable practices carried out by the seafood industry. This project was therefore intended to provide such individuals with the knowledge and power needed to spur change. While I strongly hold to the belief that the fisheries and aquaculture system ought to change from the top down in order for large-scale and long-term ameliorations to succeed, I also believe in the power of the consumer – the power to pressure the overarching seafood industries to rethink and remodel their schemes in order to fit popular demand.

I believe that educated actions are most powerful, which is why I attempted to provide consumers with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at stake. Understanding how the biology, ecology, range and life cycle of a species determine its level of vulnerability to overfishing, and understanding the way and extent to which different harvesting techniques affect ecosystems and species gives individuals the power to make a difference. Lastly, understanding why a certain fisheries is in danger or has collapsed helps to prevent the repeat of past mistakes and avoid future harm.

 

Pollution, invasive species and climate anomalies (both anthropogenic and natural) also contribute to the weakening of our seafood resources. In an age of growing populations and rampant increase in both affluence and poverty, the weight of these factors are bound to increase. It is therefore of uttermost importance that such factors be taken into consideration when quotas, size limits and harvesting techniques are decided upon and labeled with the term sustainable.  Adequate monitoring programs and guidelines under constant revision are crucial to the sustainable exploitation of our aquatic resources. Proper management of these resources must be established to ensure the long-term health of our lakes, rivers, seas and oceans and secure the persistence of our food source for generations to come.

 

Last updated: April 2010

 

 

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