MaryAnn Gaffuri
Science Daily, March 19, 2012.
In this article, titled “One
Solution to Global Overfishing Found”, the findings of on one study by the
Wildlife Conservation Society, ARC Centre for Excellence in Coral Reef Studies,
are discussed. The team of scientists from 24 nations worldwide studied 40
coral reef regions in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, to test the practice
of “co- management” as a solution to overfishing in these reefs. “Co-
management” in this regard refers to a mutually beneficial working relationship
between local communities who depend on fishing for their livelihoods,
Conservation groups who are concerned for the Reef and fish population and
sustainability, and governments, who benefit from both locally and in a
globalized market economy. The scientists and researchers found very successful
results in both maintaining the livelihoods as well as protecting the fish. The
only places where they did not find as great success were the areas and regions
which more heavily involved with the globalized market in contrast with those
communities who sold the fish within their own nations or cities.
Fish
are a vital part of all aquatic ecosystems and are also vital to humans.
Overfishing is a major problem because millions of fish, a lot of them
predators on smaller prey, are instrumental not only in maintaining the balance
within those ecosystems, but also because they are one of the largest food
sources for humans. The majority of the world’s population live on the coasts
or on water, and their livelihoods, from jobs to food, depend on fishing.
I think
that it is great to hear about some kind of success in fisheries management,
but I do not think these attacks the largest problems. Programs like these
still only benefit the richest members of communities, and while not
necessarily hurting poor groups, no benefit is accrued either. I do think it’s
important that overfishing in the reefs is a large problem and understand why
they tackled (no pun intended) these areas first but large fisheries in other
areas are a huge problem as well, and I am eager to find out how they deal with
the areas not designated to one nation or community.
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