Biggest Barrier to Implement Changes

Ecological and Economical problems from overfishing are prevalent.  The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that 80% of the world’s fisheries are exploited or depleted in some way by industrial fishing.  This causes major problems including the loss of species which translates into the loss of entire ecosystems and a risk of losing food for ourselves which affects aspects of our culture such as social, economical, and dietary reasons.  All three are connected and a balance must be accepted in order to maintain an equilibrium.  This is a challenge.  In order to implement change, three things are essential to transformation which is scientific understanding of the ecosystem, funding for the transition, and sound management.  The actions that must be done are safe catch limits, controls on by-catch, protection of pristine and important habitats, and monitoring and enforcement.  Restrictions and observations must be put in place.

In order to implement these changes and make them effective, the fishermen must be accepting because the backlash is the biggest concerns.  Fishermen do not want to adapt to changes as they would create less of a haul and less of a profit, so the risk and cost of a walkout, strike, or quitting is high. Without their approval, shady habits would certainly continue.  Since there is no incentive for fisherman to adapt, enforcement would be pivotal.  The cost of enforcing would be expensive because the fishermen who are affected are not going to be on board.  They desire a situation from the government that is short-term profit with long-term health of the resources.

What you can do to help: Support your local fisherman. Support fish that are easily sustainable and have high populations. Support other foods that are not animals in danger. Support the cause and dedicate. Fish are in danger and continually depleting our sources will eventually lead to extinction.

Sources

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16979976

http://www.chron.com/sports/outdoors/article/Pike-How-to-fix-overfishing-isn-t-easy-2001242.php

http://overfishing.org/pages/what_can_I_do_to_help.php

http://overfishing.org/pages/why_is_overfishing_a_problem.php

http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/06-07/fishing-cycle.gif