Saturday, July 05, 2008

Fish thrive in no-fishing zones

In the "duh" category, fish are thriving in a no-fishing zone in Australia. After looking at graphs, the 10 year old son of one of the scientists said if you stop fishing, don't you expect to find more fish? Uh...yeah.

Coral trout are increasing by up to 68% in areas where no fishing is allowed after just two years of a fishing ban in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Meanwhile, in surrounding areas where fishing is allowed, coral trout numbers are unchanged. The no-fishing benefit for fish is obvious and showing up faster than expected.

Despite the obvious gains, the no-fishing zones were "opposed by many sport and commercial fishermen, fearful that their hobbies and livelihoods were threatened" according to the New York Times.

No-fishing zones are good for fish. And, as I was told by eminent fisherman and conservationist Frank Moore "take care of the fish first, and fishing will take care of itself." Amen.

3 comments:

Danny Escabarte said...

YES WE NEED FISH SANTUARY!

There is a growing trend now from coastal-fishing communities to declare a portion of their seas as "Fish Sanctuary".

Over-fishing and other illegal methods of catching fish has contributed to the depletion of fishes on our seas.

That's why I go for the creation of fish sanctuaries. Prohibit fishing especially when its spawning season. Villagers can declare a fish sanctuary (ies) to protect their source of livelihood and ensure sustainable fish supply for everyone.

Let's campaign for this.

Max said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Max said...

Your last line reminds me of advice that people often give in the aquarium hobby: Take care of the water first, and your fish will take care of themselves just fine.