Fisheries Bright Future |
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Recent reports on the status of world fisheries paint an incomplete
picture of the ocean |
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In Nature, two Canadian scientists, Ransom Myers and Boris
Worm suggest that only ten percent of large open ocean fish remain in
the sea. This week, the Pew Oceans Commission and environmental groups
released reports that say our oceans are in crisis. The fact is most
major US stocks which make up 99% of US landings are fished sustainably.
The 16% of major stocks that are overfished are either recovering under
rebuilding plans or otherwise protected by federal law. |
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As Dr. Sissenwine, Chief Scientist from the National Marine Fisheries Service, pointed out in a recent National Public Radio interview, “I think it would be unnecessary to overreact to simply the warning that these problems exist without understanding that in fact there are lots of measures being taken, a very aggressive U.S. regulatory program as well as worldwide, to try to address them.” Ransom Myers who also participated in the interview agreed, “I think Mike is right in terms of the U.S. In many areas aggressive management has worked. When fisheries management is used and used effectively, there is not a concern about the biomass reducing by a factor of 50 or even 60 or even probably 70 percent.” Over the past few years, there have been many “oceans in crisis” reports that overstate concerns to gain public attention. The release of the Pew Oceans Commission report offers the potential to move from crisis to constructive dialog, but industry leaders anticipate more of the same. Efforts to improve science-based management are needed. The sensationalism and public confusion created by many ocean campaigns are not. What is often overlooked is the progress that has been achieved by the thousands of dedicated fishery scientists and well-established national and international programs in place to assure sustainable management of the oceans. The recovery of North Atlantic swordfish, New England groundfish and scallops; the success of cooperative industry management and research partnerships in the North Pacific and Atlantic fisheries; and the remarkable progress with endangered sea turtle recovery and reduction of shrimp fishery bycatch in the Gulf of Mexico demonstrate that our system of management is working. There are challenges to overcome with overcapacity in some fisheries, and illegal and unregulated fishing, but there are also proven solutions for these problems that showcase what sustainable fishing practices can achieve. There is no doubt that we haven’t seen the last fish crisis headline. Still, I’m optimistic about the future of the oceans. Thor J Lassen is president of Ocean Trust, a non-profit foundation bringing science, conservation and food communities together for the sustainability of the oceans.
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