Sustainable fishing implies leaving enough fish in the sea, avoiding overfishing, in this way its population can reproduce adequately and continuously, without exerting a negative impact on other species within the ecosystem, including people. It also makes possible to achieve The Sustainable Development Goal # 14, which seeks to conserve the oceans, seas and marine resources sustainably.
The opposite phenomenon to sustainable fishing is overfishing, and it is the main threats to the planet's natural resources. Because it's catching fish and shellfish in excessively high quantities, and then the species do not have enough time to recover, and their populations are increasingly reduced. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United says: “This practice has compromised the survival of 33.1% of commercial species and there has been a 20% increase in overfished fish stocks.”
The main species affected by overfishing are those most consumed in the market. However, this phenomenon also has a knock-on effect on other species, which are caught accidentally, often because the fishing gear used is not selective. These catches are discarded by fishermen and thrown back to the sea, dead, contributing to increase the imbalance in the ecosystem.
It is important to bear in mind that in some methods such as trawling, up to 42% of the fish caught are thrown back into the sea already dead, while in artisanal fishing the percentage drops to 3%.
Main characteristics of sustainable fishing:
It does not use indiscriminate fishing methods with fish species or catching juveniles or overfished species.
It does not discard any dead or dying marine life: they are used (even if it is to manufacture fish meal) or returned to the sea if they are still alive.
It does not include more than 10% of discards in each catch.
Furthermore, it does not use destructive methods such as explosives, trawling, poisons, toxic products on board or refrigerants which deplete the ozone layer.It is a major source of employment and income, as approximately 59.51 million people depend on it for their livelihood.
Benefits of sustainable fishing:
Protects marine wildlife: Respects marine ecosystems and matches the reproductive fish rhythm to maintain balance and ensure survival.
It uses selective methods: It rejects the indiscriminate capture of endangered species or those with no commercial value.
It avoids waste: In sustainable fishing, dead fish are used to produce meal and minimize food waste.
Contributes to food security: Small-scale sustainable fishing accounts for 66% of all catches destined directly for human consumption.
It certifies the sustainability of catches: International seals determine whether a fishery is sustainable and whether it is being properly managed.
Types of sustainable fishing:
Longlines that measure the depth according to the species to be caught, and the type of hook do not catch turtles or other species.
Pots and traps: more selective, with appropriate measures for catches of, for example, lobsters, octopus, etc.
Hook and line: less stress on the fish and more selective.
Regarding the sustainable artisanal fishing fleet that predominates in Venezuela (my native country), there are two types:
Coastal artisanal distance fleet: within this segment are the vessels called tres puños, the hieleros and the campañeras.
Artisanal coastal shore fleet: This type of fishing mainly uses vessels such as the “peñero” (small boat), motorboat, dugout canoe, and barges. Most of them are small and made of wood, although today the majority of existing boats are made of fiberglass and epoxy resins.
- The "peñeros” are the most frequently used in almost all the coast. Their dimensions range from 4 to 10 meters in length; 1 to 2.5 meters in beam and 0.5 to 1 meter in depth. According to the region, there may be variations in line and design. Propulsion is provided by one or two outboard gasoline engines.
- The boats are similar to the peñeros, without a cabin but with a deck, built with thicker or stronger pieces. Their dimensions range from 8 to 12 meters in length, 2 to 3 meters in beam and 1 to 2 meters in depth. They are propelled by a central diesel engine. This type of boat is the one we usually use to go out fishing, sometimes to prepare our Sunday family lunches.
When we go out we respect all the safety measures required by the regional authorities and during the fishing we always find some dolphins that sometimes get close to the boat to “say hello”.
Why should we always support and carry out sustainable artisanal fishing?
Because it is the basis for the development of small fishing communities. Sustainable fishing generates less waste, minimizes energy consumption and reduces the use of chemicals that damage the ozone layer. At the same time, it means leaving enough fish in the sea, avoiding overfishing, so that their population can reproduce properly, renewing itself continuously, staying healthy and productive.
My final advice.
Remember to always buy in local markets, whose producers are 100% committed to the conservation of the environment and also the price of the products will always be lower thanks to the direct relationship between the producer and the consumer without intermediaries.
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