What is sustainable fishing? Education resource for teachers
Summary
TLDRThe 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
- š The sea is described as wild, vast, and ever-changing, reflecting the life of a fisherman.
- š A fisherman's life is deeply connected to the sea, with skills and a love for the sea often passed down through generations.
- š„ The work of a fisherman is dependent on nature and the weather, requiring them to work closely with the elements.
- š£ 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.
- š A fishery is a designated area for commercial fishing, which can be defined by geographic boundaries or agreements among countries and fishers.
- š¬ Modern fishing relies on both the accumulated knowledge of experienced fishermen and advanced technology for locating fish.
- ā ļø Fishing is an ancient and essential job, but it also carries risks of accidents and loss at sea, necessitating strict safety measures.
- š° The livelihood of fishermen can be unpredictable due to the fluctuating availability of fish species and market demands.
- š Overfishing and bycatch are significant threats to marine ecosystems, with almost a third of global fish stocks currently overfished.
- š Sustainable fishing involves responsible practices that ensure fish populations remain healthy and marine ecosystems are preserved.
- š·ļø 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
š 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.
š 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.
š 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
š”Sea
š”Fisherman
š”Fishery
š”Herring
š”Sustainability
š”Overfishing
š”Bycatch
š”Maximum Sustainable Yield
š”Quota
š”Sustainable Fishing
š”Certification
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 changingĀ fromĀ choppy and stormy to calm and still.Ā Ā
I've lived by the sea all my life, because myĀ dad is a fisherman. Like me, dad loves the sea.
The salty, tangy smell hits his nose when heĀ walks down to his boat, refreshing him beforeĀ Ā
he prepares to go out to sea. I try toĀ imagine what it'd be like to work out thereĀ Ā
in the wild with nothing but space around you.Ā Working with nature, dependent on the weather.Ā
For most fishers including myĀ dad it's a livelihood passedĀ Ā
down from generation to generation. TheyĀ inherit the skills and a love of the sea.Ā
I can hear the engine running, theĀ ropes are loosening, the boat is leavingĀ
and as I wish him goodbye, I think aboutĀ the challenge of searching for the fishĀ Ā
he and his crew need to find in theĀ vast ocean before he returns home.
My dad and the crew are getting ready to catchĀ herring - a small, silvery fish. Herring swim inĀ Ā
huge numbers and come near to the surfaceĀ at night making it easier to catch them,Ā Ā
but will my dad and his crew find aĀ gigantic shoal of herring tonight?
Even though herring can group in hugeĀ numbers the fishery my dad operates inĀ Ā
covers an even bigger area. So what is a fishery?Ā
A fishery is an area where fish are caught forĀ commercial purposes. It can be a defined areaĀ Ā
of the sea or a collection of fishing boatsĀ that's been agreed by countries and fishers.Ā
You often have different fisheries for each fishĀ so my dad's boat is part of herring fishery.
My dad has described trying to find the fishĀ they need can be a bit like looking for aĀ Ā
needle in a haystack. In comparison to theĀ sea their boat is a tiny dot in the ocean.Ā
Because of this, the captain of theĀ boat like my dad needs to rely on theĀ Ā
knowledge they've gained through yearsĀ of experience to find the right fish,Ā Ā
as well as use the right technology. Dad's bridge deck makes me feel likeĀ Ā
I'm on a spaceship. All these screens tell himĀ everything he needs to know to catch the rightĀ Ā
amount of fish from informing him about theĀ weather to picking up where the shoals of fishĀ Ā
are. Tonight the herring are so plentifulĀ that it doesn't take long to find them.
Fishing is one of the oldest jobs on earth,Ā making it both an exciting and dangerousĀ Ā
livelihood to have. As well as the freedomĀ and closeness to nature fishing brings,Ā Ā
there's also the risk fishers can be lost at seaĀ or have accidents on the boat itself. BecauseĀ Ā
of this lots of careful planning and safety rulesĀ have to be followed to make sure the fishers stayĀ Ā
safe while they work. Catching fish for a livingĀ is an essential part of many people's lives,Ā Ā
but my dad says fish aren't always plentifulĀ and earning from fishing can be unpredictable.Ā
Fishers rely on certain species of fishĀ being available at the right time of year,Ā Ā
but some fish species are now underĀ threat. This can have a huge impact.
A billion people around the world rely onĀ fish as their main source of animal protein,Ā Ā
while around one in ten people depends on fishingĀ for their livelihood. I think fish is deliciousĀ Ā
and it's healthy too. It's one of the most ancientĀ wild protein sources that everyone can enjoy
and fishing is a big industry. Two hundred millionĀ Ā
people are employed in fishing andĀ seafood production across the globe.
Fish is the most traded food in the worldĀ above tea, coffee, bananas and sugar.
For thousands of years peopleĀ have fished in a balanced way,Ā Ā
but they didn't catch beyond what they neededĀ to eat or sell. But the increase in scale ofĀ Ā
fishing and more global demand for fish mean thatĀ fishing can result in the decline of fish stocks.Ā Ā
Fishing itself isn't the problem, as there areĀ fisheries that fish responsibly and sustainably,Ā Ā
but without good managementĀ fishing can be destructive.
When a certain species of fish, usually oneĀ which people like to eat most are fishedĀ Ā
too much they are unable to reproduce theirĀ numbers back to a healthy number and beginĀ Ā
to decline. This is called 'overfishing'.Ā Now almost a third of global fish stocksĀ Ā
are overfished. That's a lot of fishĀ for us to lose! If nothing is done toĀ Ā
be prevent this decline there's a riskĀ that some species will be gone, forever.
Overfishing is not the only reason forĀ this decline, another problem is bycatch.
Bycatch is when fishing boats accidentally catchĀ fish and animals that they don't really want orĀ Ā
shouldn't take. It can be other species ofĀ marine life like sea birds and other marineĀ Ā
creatures like sharks and turtles. BycatchĀ can also include young or undersized fishĀ Ā
that are not really big enough to eatĀ so should be left in the sea to grow.
So what happens to marine animals whenĀ species of fish decline or disappear?Ā Ā
All sea life is connected in aĀ food web of prey and predator,Ā Ā
each reliant on the other to survive. IfĀ predators such as cod, seals, sharks andĀ Ā
dolphins lose one of their main sources ofĀ food then they too will begin to disappear.Ā
I wonder what would a world be like withoutĀ fish and animals like seals, sharks and turtles,Ā Ā
and what about the many people from countriesĀ around the world who rely on fishing as theirĀ Ā
main source of food as well us to earn aĀ living? What's the solution to overfishing?Ā
I know my dad's fishery makes sure they don'tĀ overfish the species they catch and take careĀ Ā
of the ecosystem. My dad says they fishĀ 'sustainably', but what does this mean?
Sustainable fishing means fishing in a responsibleĀ way, making sure fish populations do not dropĀ Ā
below levels where they cannot reproduce and growĀ faster than they are caught. It's also importantĀ Ā
to make sure fishing doesn't damage marine lifeĀ and their ecosystem, but how do they do this?Ā
Firstly, fishers need to know as much as theyĀ can about the fish and shellfish they catchĀ Ā
and the ecosystem they live in. Fisheries workĀ with scientists to understand how the fish andĀ Ā
shellfish population grows and shrinks over time.Ā This is controlled by births, migrations in andĀ Ā
out of the fishery and deaths. This informationĀ can show them how much fish they can catch withoutĀ Ā
overfishing. This scientific calculationĀ is called the 'Maximum Sustainable Yield'.Ā
Fishers can use this information toĀ choose a particular type of fish to catch,Ā Ā
each fish has a role in this ecosystem and theyĀ vary in how plentiful they are at a given time.Ā Ā
Taking this into account can help fishers decideĀ if fishing is sustainable or not sustainable.Ā
My dad fishes for herring because they areĀ plentiful in the ocean where he fishes,Ā Ā
and they only fish for a certain numberĀ of fish or a 'quota' every year. WorkingĀ Ā
with nature and not against it helps preventĀ unnecessary impact on marine life. ChoosingĀ Ā
the time of day or night to fish can avoidĀ bycatch as different fish species come upĀ Ā
close to the surface or swim down to theĀ ocean depths at different times of the day,Ā Ā
so sometimes you can find a time and placeĀ where you will only catch the fish you want.
Fisheries can also use nets that ensureĀ smaller fish and sea creatures can escape.Ā
Some boats use bright coloured flags onĀ their fishing lines to scare seabirds away,
but what about other fisheries across the world? The sustainability of our fish is a global issue.Ā Ā
Half the world's trade of seafoodĀ comes from fisheries across Africa,Ā Ā
Asia and Latin America. Many of them are workingĀ towards or are already fishing sustainably.Ā Ā
The more people that fish in a balanced,Ā sustainable way the more fish stocks canĀ Ā
return to a healthy level so the ocean will beĀ able to sustain more livelihoods in the future.
Fishing sustainably is a global challenge thatĀ many fishers are tackling. No matter how farĀ Ā
away seafood is caught it ends up in our shops,Ā restaurants and supermarkets for us to buy andĀ Ā
eat. That makes us part of this challenge too. So how do we know which products in the shopsĀ Ā
are sustainable and which are not? My dad'sĀ fishery is certified sustainable by an independentĀ Ā
organisation which checks a few things - whetherĀ the fishery is catching fish at a healthy level,Ā Ā
whether marine life and their habitatsĀ are being damaged and whether fishersĀ Ā
are working together to safeguard life inĀ the ocean. Once all these checks are done,Ā Ā
fish and seafood products get a littleĀ blue label on so everyone knows.
It's a new day.
The crew are getting readyĀ and the sea awaits them.
My dad is a fisherman, like many across the world
because he fishes sustainably he knows there willĀ be fish to catch day after day, year after year
and generation after generation.
What can we all do to make sureĀ our oceans are sustainable?
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