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All the Atlantic cod fisheries in Canada were to be closed except for one in southwestern Nova Scotia, and strict quotas were placed on other ground species. Canadian cod was not yet biologically extinct, but it was commercially extinct-so rare that it could no longer be considered commercially viable. Just three years short of the 500-year anniversary of the reports of Cabot's men scooping up cod in baskets, it was over. Fishermen had caught them all."
~ Cod, by Mark Kurlansky (pg. 186)
Sources (from Left to Right): NOAA; Alaska Fishing; NOAA
"It's time for leadership on global fisheries issues. It's time to act," says Dr. Pauly, Director of the Fisheries Centre at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. "We don't need more science. This is a message that's different from many of my colleagues. Of course we need to learn more about fish. But research is often publicly funded on the grounds that this is an alternative to other political action. We know enough to act to prevent the continued decimation of global fisheries" (Qtd. Hooked on Fishing).
The Problem and the Answer
Problem statement
The use of over-efficient fishing technology, the lack of sufficient scientific
data regarding the oceans, the ignorance and apathy of humanity towards this
oceanic crisis, and insufficient implementation of existing maritime agreements
are resulting in a decrease in the biodiversity of the ocean, changes to ocean
chemistry, changes in the genetic composition of marine species, disturbances
to the food web and ecosystem, collapse of fish stocks, and irreparable damage
to marine ecosystems and to the fishing industry (including all people
dependent on fish for sustenance, income, and cultural value).
Our Solution
Our solution is to preserve the ocean ecosystems global fisheries by ending
overfishing, preserving marine ecosystems, and developing alternative measures
to meet the nutritional needs of the international populace.
Implementation
We will achieve this solution through the implementation of an eclectic and
socially sensitive educational campaign, international diplomatic measures, and
the promotion of healthy ecosystems through sustainable fishing as defined and
achieved by several implementation areas (i.e. aquaculture, technology
restrictions, etc.).
Our Vision
We are scientists developing the best possible solution to save global fish
populations and marine ecosystems from collapse and provide sustainable global
fishing. We must speak for the fish and the solution above all else: while our
solution focuses on saving the oceans, it will be debated, altered, and
implemented by political figures with the needs of humanity as a priority.
Thus, a solution that is ocean-centered will be implemented to balance the
needs of both oceans and humans. However, it is important to keep in mind that
while we place our focus on fish, preserving fish populations and ecosystems
will ultimately benefit humanity the most and is therefore universally
desirable.
Brief solution outline: (feel free to edit- for main page)
As members of Mission 2011, we plan to preserve global fisheries by ending overfishing, preserve marine ecosystems, and developing alternative measures to meet nutritional needs.
In order to achieve these goals we will need to implement a multifaceted solution including improved management schemes, better technology, and a global education campaign. To end overfishing we propose the use of taxes and quotas, taxes to limit demand, and quotas to limit the total catch being made. In addition we propose to end subsidies supporting unsustainable fishing, but support those that assist the transition to more sustainable fishing methods. Along the lines of technology we advocate using equipment that reduces by-catch and minimizes damage to the oceanic habitat. We also support the use of GPS tracking systems on fishing boats to monitor fishing activity and enforce fishing regulations. We recognize the importance of marine protected areas in order to end the over-exploitation of fisheries and aim for ten percent of the oceans to be designated as MPAs. Finally we realize the importance of education in the implementation of any plan and therefore call for a large scale public awareness campaign in which nongovernmental organizations in particular may play an important role.
Ending overfishing is just the beginning of many necessary steps to preserve the marine ecosystems. Our support of new and less destructive technologies along with our advocacy of an educational campaign will take precedence in the recovery of not just fisheries but of the ecosystem as a whole. In addition we see necessity in the continued efforts to curb pollution and end global warming in order to diminish our negative impact, as humans, on the environment. Climate change is just one of many threats to the healthy recovery of the ecosystem. Additionally we recognize the need for accurate scientific data for optimal fishery management. Without monitoring fish populations, we will not be able to implement efficient methods to keep them at a sustainable level, thereby keeping the ocean healthy.
As a result of our plan the overall availability of food supplies will be reduced, therefore requiring new ways to provide necessary nutrition. Although we recognize that there is a serious debate over the merits of aquaculture, we conclude that it may be necessary to implement in order to meet these nutritional needs. Therefore we will endorse the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly aquaculture facilities. Also, while this can only serve as a small portion of our solution, we encourage attempts to find ecologically sound substitutes for fish protein.
As we continue to develop better solutions to the problems of the marine ecosystems we see the necessity for more research. Not enough is known about the depths of the oceanic world, but with more scientific data we will be more able to make better management decisions and implement more effective solutions. In addition, with more information about marine species such as migration, distribution, and behavior we will better know how to protect these species. With the reduction of cost of fish tracking technology, this goal will become more achievable. Lastly, we must continue to monitor the ocean and fish populations to detect changes related to global climate change in order to adapt our plan accordingly.
This plan represents a culmination of a semester's worth of research and idea development. Unfortunately we cannot see which areas of our plan need tweaking without feedback from initial implementation. It is important to note that in our plan we have also incorporated ways to try to deter negative consequences for those whose lifestyles are reliant on the fishing industry. This however must come second to saving the ocean, considering having a healthy and sustainable marine ecosystem will be what is best for both human and sea in the long run.
Works Cited
(17 February 2006). Hooked on Fishing, and We're Heading for the Bottom, Says Scientist. EurekAlert. Retrieved on 21 November 2007, from the World Wide Web: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-02/nsae-hof021706.php.
The Problem and the Solution
Problem statement
The use of overly efficient fishing technology, the lack of sufficient scientific data regarding the oceans, the ignorance and apathy of humanity, and the insufficient implementation of existing maritime agreements is resulting in a decrease in the biodiversity of the ocean, changes to ocean chemistry, changes in the genetic makeup of marine populations, disturbances to food webs, collapse of fish stocks, and irreparable damage to marine ecosystems, the fishing industry, and all people dependent on fish.
Our Solution
Our solution is to preserve the ocean ecosystems and global fisheries by ending overfishing, preserving marine ecosystems, and developing alternatives to fish to meet the nutritional needs of humanity.
Implementation
We will implement this solution through an eclectic and socially sensitive educational campaign, international diplomatic measures, and the promotion of healthy ecosystems through sustainable fishing as described on the pages listed under "A Better Way." !aquarium-sea-dragon-large.jpg|width=444,height=339!Source: eveandersson.com (Could the same thing as mentioned above be done with these?)
Sources (L to R): Elbert County School District; South Atlantic Fishery Management CouncilScienCentral News. (11 November 2006). No Fish by 2050. Retrieved 21 November 2007, from the World Wide Web: http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?type=article&article_id=218392867
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