Solution to Global Overfishing By Mark Davin

In recent years there has been a decline in the number of fisheries around the world. The decline in fisheries can be attributed to overfishing to meet the needs of our growing population. A recent study done by the Wildlife Conservation Society has determined that co-management is the key to protecting fisheries around the world. Co-management is an effort of governments, local communities, and conservation organizations to work together to stop overfishing. The study has concluded that co-management has been very successful not only to protect fisheries but to also continue to meet the needs of people around the world. One of the scientists who took part in the study, Dr. Josh Cinner, later went on to say "we found clear evidence of people's ability to overcome the "tragedy of the commons" by making and enforcing their own rules for managing fisheries." The conclusion is that with guidance from organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, people can manage fisheries with their own rules and not over fish. After surveying fisherman more than half agreed that co-management is successful in maintaining fisheries and improving peoples lives. The researchers also compared co-managed coral reefs against not co-managed coral reefs. The findings showed that co-managed coral reefs were half as likely to be overfished which helps maintain ecosystems.

This topic relates to the course because we have disussed overfishing, tradgedy of the commons and about the importance of maintaning ecosystems. My personal opinion on this topic is that we must make a strong effort to stop overfishing. I believe that co-mamagement is an important step in doing so. It is not easy for everyone around the world to stop overfishing but by working together fisheries and ecosystems can both be resored. If overfishing does not decline than more fisheries will dissappear and entire ecosystems will be destroyed.

Source: Wildlife Conservation Society. "One solution to global overfishing found." ScienceDaily, 19 Mar. 2012. Web. 26 Mar. 2012

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163807.htm

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