Embedded Files
What Is the Solution for Overfishing?
Less than 1% of the oceans are protected from any type of fishing. More marine protected areas like no-catch zones should be established for ecosystem recovery and climate change. Applying the catch shares system is also a way to solve the overfishing problem. Catch shares is a system of fishing management that allows fish stocks to replenish while saving the livelihoods of fishing communities by preventing a sudden collapse. A total allowable catch is established, using scientific data about the health of fish stocks and the environment in a certain area, and catch shares are licensed out to each fishing business telling them exactly how much of each seafood species they’re allowed to catch. This system can prevent overfishing.
A hot issue, emerging to prevent overfishing, is strengthening sanctions and regulations in certain areas where overfishing is active. At the government level, it is necessary to persuade people not to break the restrictions by providing compensation and resources to fishermen affected by the expansion of marine reserves.
Regulations that may help prevent fishing are:
Rights-Based fishery management
Sustainable fishing
Traceability standards
Declaring Marine protected areas
Fish farm standards and reforms
International fishing regulations
Overfishing education
Fishing subsidy reform
Protecting essential predator species
As a customer myself, I can help solve the overfishing problem by:
Avoid big fish
Buy local
Go wild, not farmed. Avoid fish farmed in big nets
Use seafood guides such as the Seachoice and Seafood Watch pocket guides.
Ask the restaurant if the fish is sustainable, and what seafood they have on their menu that is sustainable.
Page updated
Report abuse