What is sustainable fishing? Education resource for teachers

Summary

The script paints a vivid picture of life by the sea, highlighting the bond between a fisherman and his oceanic environment. It delves into the challenges of sustainable fishing, the importance of preserving marine ecosystems, and the global impact of overfishing. The narrator's father, a fisherman, exemplifies responsible practices, emphasizing the need for scientific knowledge and careful management to ensure a future where the sea continues to provide for generations to come.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The sea is described as wild, vast, and ever-changing, reflecting the life of a fisherman.
• 🐟 A fisherman's life is deeply connected to the sea, with skills and a love for the sea often passed down through generations.
• 🛥 The work of a fisherman is dependent on nature and the weather, requiring them to work closely with the elements.
• 🎣 Fishermen like the narrator's dad face the challenge of finding fish in the vast ocean, often likened to finding a needle in a haystack.
• 📊 A fishery is a designated area for commercial fishing, which can be defined by geographic boundaries or agreements among countries and fishers.
• 🔬 Modern fishing relies on both the accumulated knowledge of experienced fishermen and advanced technology for locating fish.
• ⚠️ Fishing is an ancient and essential job, but it also carries risks of accidents and loss at sea, necessitating strict safety measures.
• 💰 The livelihood of fishermen can be unpredictable due to the fluctuating availability of fish species and market demands.
• 🌐 Overfishing and bycatch are significant threats to marine ecosystems, with almost a third of global fish stocks currently overfished.
• 🐠 Sustainable fishing involves responsible practices that ensure fish populations remain healthy and marine ecosystems are preserved.
• 🏷️ Certification by independent organizations helps consumers identify sustainable seafood options, promoting responsible fishing practices worldwide.

Q & A

What is the speaker's relationship with the sea?

The speaker has a deep connection with the sea, having lived by it all their life due to their father being a fisherman. They share their father's love for the sea and its ever-changing nature.

How does the father prepare for his fishing trip?

The father is refreshed by the salty, tangy smell of the sea as he walks down to his boat, which prepares him for the day's work. He then gets ready to go out to sea, relying on his skills and love for the sea passed down through generations.

What is the main challenge faced by the speaker's father and his crew when searching for fish?

The main challenge is finding a gigantic shoal of herring in the vast ocean, which can be likened to looking for a needle in a haystack due to the size of the fishing area compared to the small size of their boat.

What is a fishery and how does it relate to the speaker's father's work?

A fishery is an area designated for commercial fishing or a collection of fishing boats agreed upon by countries and fishers. The speaker's father's boat is part of a herring fishery, which focuses on catching herring.

Why is fishing described as both an exciting and dangerous livelihood?

Fishing is exciting due to the freedom, closeness to nature, and working with the elements. However, it is dangerous because fishers can be lost at sea or have accidents on the boat, necessitating careful planning and adherence to safety rules.

How does the unpredictability of fish populations affect fishers' livelihoods?

Fishers rely on certain species of fish being available at the right time of year. If fish populations decline or become unpredictable, it can negatively impact their earnings and livelihoods.

What is the significance of fish in global food and employment?

Fish is a crucial source of animal protein for a billion people worldwide, and around one in ten people depends on fishing for their livelihood. Additionally, 200 million people are employed in fishing and seafood production globally.

What is overfishing and why is it a problem?

Overfishing occurs when certain species of fish are caught in such large quantities that they cannot reproduce and maintain a healthy population. It is a problem because it leads to a decline in fish stocks, threatening the sustainability of the fishery and the livelihoods dependent on it.

What is bycatch and why is it a concern in fishing?

Bycatch refers to the unintentional capture of fish and marine animals that are not the target species or should not be taken. It is a concern because it can harm non-target species, including endangered ones, and disrupt the balance of the marine ecosystem.

What does sustainable fishing mean and why is it important?

Sustainable fishing means catching fish in a responsible way that maintains fish populations at levels where they can reproduce and grow faster than they are caught. It is important to prevent overfishing, protect marine ecosystems, and ensure the long-term availability of fish for future generations.

How can consumers identify sustainable seafood products?

Sustainable seafood products are often certified by independent organizations and carry a label indicating that the fishery is operating at a healthy level, not damaging marine life or habitats, and working to safeguard ocean life.

Outlines

00:00

🌊 Life by the Sea and the Fisherman's Challenge

This paragraph introduces the narrator's deep connection with the sea, having lived by it all their life due to their father's profession as a fisherman. It describes the allure of the sea's ever-changing nature and the narrator's fascination with the life of a fisher, working in harmony with the elements. The paragraph also delves into the concept of a fishery, explaining it as a designated area for commercial fishing or a collective of fishing boats. The narrator's father and crew are preparing to catch herring, a task likened to finding a needle in a haystack due to the vastness of the sea. The importance of experience and technology in locating fish is highlighted, as is the inherent risk and unpredictability of fishing as a livelihood.

05:00

🐟 The Importance of Sustainable Fishing Practices

Paragraph 2 discusses the global significance of fish as a food source and the fishing industry's impact on fish populations. It emphasizes the ancient nature of fishing and its current status as a major industry, with millions of people employed worldwide. The paragraph addresses the issue of overfishing, which has led to a decline in global fish stocks, and introduces the concept of bycatch, where non-target marine species are inadvertently caught. The narrator ponders the consequences of a world without fish and the livelihoods dependent on them, then explains the principles of sustainable fishing, which involves responsible practices to maintain fish populations and protect marine ecosystems. The role of scientific research in determining the 'Maximum Sustainable Yield' and the importance of understanding fish behavior and ecosystem dynamics are also covered.

10:07

🌐 Global Efforts in Sustainable Fishing and Consumer Awareness

The final paragraph focuses on the global aspect of sustainable fishing, highlighting the contribution of fisheries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to the world's seafood trade. It underscores the collective responsibility of fishers worldwide to fish sustainably to ensure the health of fish stocks and marine life. The paragraph also touches on the methods used to minimize bycatch, such as specific fishing times and selective nets. The importance of certification by independent organizations to verify sustainable fishing practices is mentioned, as is the role of consumers in making informed choices to support sustainable products. The narrator concludes with a reflection on the future of sustainable fishing and the collective actions needed to preserve marine ecosystems for generations to come.

Keywords

💡Sea

The sea is a vast body of saltwater that covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface. It is central to the video's theme as it represents both the setting and the livelihood of the people, particularly the narrator's father, who is a fisherman. The sea's characteristics, such as being 'wild and vast' and 'ever changing,' are highlighted, emphasizing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of life and work at sea.

💡Fisherman

A fisherman is someone who catches fish, typically as an occupation. In the video, the narrator's father is a fisherman, and his profession is a key element of the narrative. The term illustrates the traditional livelihood passed down through generations and the connection between people and the sea, as well as the skills and love for the sea that come with it.

💡Fishery

A fishery refers to an area or industry where fish are caught for commercial purposes. The concept is integral to the video's message about sustainable fishing practices. The script explains that fisheries can be defined areas of the sea or a collection of fishing boats, and that different fisheries exist for different fish species, such as the herring fishery mentioned in the script.

💡Herring

Herring is a type of small, silvery fish that is abundant in certain parts of the ocean and is the target of the fishery in the video. The herring serves as an example of a species that can be sustainably fished due to its large numbers. The script describes how herring swim near the surface at night, making them easier to catch, and how the father and his crew are preparing to catch herring.

💡Sustainability

Sustainability in the context of the video refers to the practice of fishing in a way that maintains fish populations and does not harm the marine ecosystem. It is a core concept in the video, emphasizing the importance of responsible fishing methods to ensure the long-term availability of fish and the health of the oceans. The term is used to describe the practices of the narrator's father's fishery, which avoids overfishing and protects marine life.

💡Overfishing

Overfishing is the practice of catching fish at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to a decline in fish populations. The video discusses overfishing as a significant problem affecting global fish stocks, with almost a third being overfished. The script warns of the consequences of overfishing, such as the potential disappearance of certain fish species and the impact on marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of people who depend on fishing.

💡Bycatch

Bycatch refers to the unintentional capture of non-target marine species during fishing activities. The term is used in the video to highlight another challenge in fishing that can harm marine life, including seabirds, sharks, turtles, and undersized fish. The script explains that bycatch can disrupt the food web and contribute to the decline of marine populations.

💡Maximum Sustainable Yield

Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) is a scientific calculation that determines the maximum amount of fish that can be caught without causing long-term harm to the fish population. The video mentions MSY as a tool used by fisheries to ensure sustainable fishing practices. It is an example of how scientific knowledge can guide responsible fishing and maintain healthy fish stocks.

💡Quota

A quota in the context of the video is a limit on the number of fish that can be caught by a fishery in a given period. Quotas are used to prevent overfishing and are part of sustainable fishing practices. The script mentions that the father and his crew fish for a certain quota of herring each year, illustrating the implementation of sustainable fishing strategies.

💡Sustainable Fishing

Sustainable fishing is the practice of catching fish in a way that ensures the long-term health of fish populations and marine ecosystems. The video emphasizes sustainable fishing as the solution to the problems of overfishing and bycatch. It includes various strategies such as knowing the fish and their ecosystem, following quotas, and using fishing gear that minimizes bycatch.

💡Certification

Certification in the video refers to the process by which an independent organization verifies that a fishery is operating sustainably. The script mentions that the narrator's father's fishery is certified sustainable, which means it meets certain standards regarding fish population health, ecosystem protection, and collaborative efforts to safeguard marine life. The certification is symbolized by a 'little blue label' on products, indicating to consumers that the seafood is sustainably sourced.

Highlights

The sea's ever-changing nature, from choppy and stormy to calm and still, is highlighted as a central theme.

A life-long connection to the sea is established through the narrator's father, a fisherman, and their shared love for the ocean.

The daily routine of a fisherman is described, emphasizing the sensory experience and the preparation for a day at sea.

The narrator imagines the vastness of the sea and the challenges of working in such an environment.

The concept of a fishery is introduced, explaining it as a commercial area for catching fish, with different fisheries for each species.

The difficulty of finding fish, likened to 'looking for a needle in a haystack', is discussed in terms of the vastness of the sea.

Technology and experience are presented as essential tools for modern fishermen in locating fish.

The narrator describes the bridge deck as a spaceship, with screens providing vital information for fishing.

Fishing is recognized as one of the oldest jobs on earth, with both excitement and inherent dangers.

The unpredictability of fish populations and the impact on fishermen's livelihoods is highlighted.

The global reliance on fish as a source of protein and the economic importance of fishing are underscored.

The narrator discusses the issue of overfishing and its consequences on fish stocks and marine ecosystems.

Bycatch is identified as a secondary problem in fishing, affecting non-target marine species.

The interconnectedness of marine life and the impact of fish declines on the food web are explained.

Sustainable fishing practices are defined and contrasted with the potential destructiveness of poor management.

The concept of 'Maximum Sustainable Yield' is introduced as a scientific approach to sustainable fishing.

Strategies for reducing bycatch and ensuring the health of marine ecosystems are discussed.

The importance of global cooperation and certification in promoting sustainable fishing practices is emphasized.

The narrator concludes with a call to action for consumers to be aware of the sustainability of the seafood they purchase.

A hopeful outlook for sustainable fishing is presented, with the narrator's father as an example of responsible fishing practices.

Transcripts

I love the sea

It's so wild and vast. It's ever changing from  choppy and stormy to calm and still.  

I've lived by the sea all my life, because my  dad is a fisherman. Like me, dad loves the sea.

The salty, tangy smell hits his nose when he  walks down to his boat, refreshing him before  

he prepares to go out to sea. I try to  imagine what it'd be like to work out there  

in the wild with nothing but space around you.  Working with nature, dependent on the weather. 

For most fishers including my  dad it's a livelihood passed  

down from generation to generation. They  inherit the skills and a love of the sea. 

I can hear the engine running, the  ropes are loosening, the boat is leaving 

and as I wish him goodbye, I think about  the challenge of searching for the fish  

he and his crew need to find in the  vast ocean before he returns home.

My dad and the crew are getting ready to catch  herring - a small, silvery fish. Herring swim in  

huge numbers and come near to the surface  at night making it easier to catch them,  

but will my dad and his crew find a  gigantic shoal of herring tonight?

Even though herring can group in huge  numbers the fishery my dad operates in  

covers an even bigger area. So what is a fishery? 

A fishery is an area where fish are caught for  commercial purposes. It can be a defined area  

of the sea or a collection of fishing boats  that's been agreed by countries and fishers. 

You often have different fisheries for each fish  so my dad's boat is part of herring fishery.

My dad has described trying to find the fish  they need can be a bit like looking for a  

needle in a haystack. In comparison to the  sea their boat is a tiny dot in the ocean. 

Because of this, the captain of the  boat like my dad needs to rely on the  

knowledge they've gained through years  of experience to find the right fish,  

as well as use the right technology. Dad's bridge deck makes me feel like  

I'm on a spaceship. All these screens tell him  everything he needs to know to catch the right  

amount of fish from informing him about the  weather to picking up where the shoals of fish  

are. Tonight the herring are so plentiful  that it doesn't take long to find them.

Fishing is one of the oldest jobs on earth,  making it both an exciting and dangerous  

livelihood to have. As well as the freedom  and closeness to nature fishing brings,  

there's also the risk fishers can be lost at sea  or have accidents on the boat itself. Because  

of this lots of careful planning and safety rules  have to be followed to make sure the fishers stay  

safe while they work. Catching fish for a living  is an essential part of many people's lives,  

but my dad says fish aren't always plentiful  and earning from fishing can be unpredictable. 

Fishers rely on certain species of fish  being available at the right time of year,  

but some fish species are now under  threat. This can have a huge impact.

A billion people around the world rely on  fish as their main source of animal protein,  

while around one in ten people depends on fishing  for their livelihood. I think fish is delicious  

and it's healthy too. It's one of the most ancient  wild protein sources that everyone can enjoy

and fishing is a big industry. Two hundred million  

people are employed in fishing and  seafood production across the globe.

Fish is the most traded food in the world  above tea, coffee, bananas and sugar.

For thousands of years people  have fished in a balanced way,  

but they didn't catch beyond what they needed  to eat or sell. But the increase in scale of  

fishing and more global demand for fish mean that  fishing can result in the decline of fish stocks.  

Fishing itself isn't the problem, as there are  fisheries that fish responsibly and sustainably,  

but without good management  fishing can be destructive.

When a certain species of fish, usually one  which people like to eat most are fished  

too much they are unable to reproduce their  numbers back to a healthy number and begin  

to decline. This is called 'overfishing'.  Now almost a third of global fish stocks  

are overfished. That's a lot of fish  for us to lose! If nothing is done to  

be prevent this decline there's a risk  that some species will be gone, forever.

Overfishing is not the only reason for  this decline, another problem is bycatch.

Bycatch is when fishing boats accidentally catch  fish and animals that they don't really want or  

shouldn't take. It can be other species of  marine life like sea birds and other marine  

creatures like sharks and turtles. Bycatch  can also include young or undersized fish  

that are not really big enough to eat  so should be left in the sea to grow.

So what happens to marine animals when  species of fish decline or disappear?  

All sea life is connected in a  food web of prey and predator,  

each reliant on the other to survive. If  predators such as cod, seals, sharks and  

dolphins lose one of their main sources of  food then they too will begin to disappear. 

I wonder what would a world be like without  fish and animals like seals, sharks and turtles,  

and what about the many people from countries  around the world who rely on fishing as their  

main source of food as well us to earn a  living? What's the solution to overfishing? 

I know my dad's fishery makes sure they don't  overfish the species they catch and take care  

of the ecosystem. My dad says they fish  'sustainably', but what does this mean?

Sustainable fishing means fishing in a responsible  way, making sure fish populations do not drop  

below levels where they cannot reproduce and grow  faster than they are caught. It's also important  

to make sure fishing doesn't damage marine life  and their ecosystem, but how do they do this? 

Firstly, fishers need to know as much as they  can about the fish and shellfish they catch  

and the ecosystem they live in. Fisheries work  with scientists to understand how the fish and  

shellfish population grows and shrinks over time.  This is controlled by births, migrations in and  

out of the fishery and deaths. This information  can show them how much fish they can catch without  

overfishing. This scientific calculation  is called the 'Maximum Sustainable Yield'. 

Fishers can use this information to  choose a particular type of fish to catch,  

each fish has a role in this ecosystem and they  vary in how plentiful they are at a given time.  

Taking this into account can help fishers decide  if fishing is sustainable or not sustainable. 

My dad fishes for herring because they are  plentiful in the ocean where he fishes,  

and they only fish for a certain number  of fish or a 'quota' every year. Working  

with nature and not against it helps prevent  unnecessary impact on marine life. Choosing  

the time of day or night to fish can avoid  bycatch as different fish species come up  

close to the surface or swim down to the  ocean depths at different times of the day,  

so sometimes you can find a time and place  where you will only catch the fish you want.

Fisheries can also use nets that ensure  smaller fish and sea creatures can escape. 

Some boats use bright coloured flags on  their fishing lines to scare seabirds away,

but what about other fisheries across the world? The sustainability of our fish is a global issue.  

Half the world's trade of seafood  comes from fisheries across Africa,  

Asia and Latin America. Many of them are working  towards or are already fishing sustainably.  

The more people that fish in a balanced,  sustainable way the more fish stocks can  

return to a healthy level so the ocean will be  able to sustain more livelihoods in the future.

Fishing sustainably is a global challenge that  many fishers are tackling. No matter how far  

away seafood is caught it ends up in our shops,  restaurants and supermarkets for us to buy and  

eat. That makes us part of this challenge too. So how do we know which products in the shops  

are sustainable and which are not? My dad's  fishery is certified sustainable by an independent  

organisation which checks a few things - whether  the fishery is catching fish at a healthy level,  

whether marine life and their habitats  are being damaged and whether fishers  

are working together to safeguard life in  the ocean. Once all these checks are done,  

fish and seafood products get a little  blue label on so everyone knows.

It's a new day.

The crew are getting ready  and the sea awaits them.

My dad is a fisherman, like many across the world

because he fishes sustainably he knows there will  be fish to catch day after day, year after year

and generation after generation.

What can we all do to make sure  our oceans are sustainable?