The Ocean. Fishing & Whaling. Sustainable? Illegal? Over fished?

1679111214

Comments

  • oftenreading
    oftenreading Victoria, BC Posts: 12,856
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.

    What about the practice of salmon "ranching"? Do you consider that part of sustainable fishing practices?
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
  • PJ_Soul
    PJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,668
    edited August 2018
    I get the impression that the oceans are in WAY worse shape that most people think. I firmly believe that there is a shitload of denial going on about it, because it's just too big a problem for people to accept or tackle. Ignorance is indeed bliss.

    Good example: I watched this surprisingly interesting documentary about jelly fish a while back... well, giant jelly fish are completely wreaking havoc on the Japanese fishing industry now - really, really bad problem - and the problem stems from climate change and pollution and fishing, and is spreading damn fast.
    Check this out: http://slowfood.com/slowfish/pagine/eng/pagina.lasso?-id_pg=172

    Domino Effect: The Jellyfish Example

    Disequilibrium in Ecosystems


    The threats facing the sea, all serious in their own right, are also combining to create new dangers. One surprising example is the proliferation of jellyfish, whose populations are increasing around the world, causing problems that go far beyond annoyance to swimmers.

    Natural jellyfish predators are disappearing. Bluefin tuna have been overfished almost to the point of extinction. Sea turtles, particularly leatherbacks and loggerheads, are also caught but mainly they are suffocating on all the plastic bags infesting the seas.

    Meanwhile, jellyfish are finding increasingly abundant food sources. The agricultural fertilizers pouring into the sea from farms are encouraging the growth of plankton, while overfishing is depleting the stocks of small fish like sardines which would normally also feed on plankton.

    In the absence of predators and competition for food, jellyfish populations are growing unchecked. The trend is amplified by climate change and increasingly warm waters. The latest scientific research has shown that in certain zones, such as along the coast of Namibia, the biomass of jellyfish has already exceeded that of fish.

    The jellyfish example shows how attacks on the marine ecosystem disturb the delicate equilibrium of the food chain, with cascading consequences making it very difficult for humans to find suitable solutions. The problem of marine resources must be tackled from many different angles.



    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    PJ_Soul said:
    I get the impression that the oceans are in WAY worse shape that most people think. I firmly believe that there is a shitload of denial going on about it, because it's just too big a problem for people to accept or tackle. Ignorance is indeed bliss.

    Good example: I watched this surprisingly interesting documentary about jelly fish a while back... well, giant jelly fish are completely wreaking havoc on the Japanese fishing industry now - really, really bad problem - and the problem stems from climate change and pollution and fishing, and is spreading damn fast.
    Check this out: http://slowfood.com/slowfish/pagine/eng/pagina.lasso?-id_pg=172

    Domino Effect: The Jellyfish Example

    Disequilibrium in Ecosystems


    The threats facing the sea, all serious in their own right, are also combining to create new dangers. One surprising example is the proliferation of jellyfish, whose populations are increasing around the world, causing problems that go far beyond annoyance to swimmers.

    Natural jellyfish predators are disappearing. Bluefin tuna have been overfished almost to the point of extinction. Sea turtles, particularly leatherbacks and loggerheads, are also caught but mainly they are suffocating on all the plastic bags infesting the seas.

    Meanwhile, jellyfish are finding increasingly abundant food sources. The agricultural fertilizers pouring into the sea from farms are encouraging the growth of plankton, while overfishing is depleting the stocks of small fish like sardines which would normally also feed on plankton.

    In the absence of predators and competition for food, jellyfish populations are growing unchecked. The trend is amplified by climate change and increasingly warm waters. The latest scientific research has shown that in certain zones, such as along the coast of Namibia, the biomass of jellyfish has already exceeded that of fish.

    The jellyfish example shows how attacks on the marine ecosystem disturb the delicate equilibrium of the food chain, with cascading consequences making it very difficult for humans to find suitable solutions. The problem of marine resources must be tackled from many different angles.



    Exactly and well put, Allison.  We are in deep shit, way more than most people know or are willing to look at.  The oceans are our alpha and our omega.  We might be pushing ourselves to the brink faster than we realize.  But as soon as someone like me says something like that, a chorus of "Doomsayer!" rises through the fog of denial and the messenger is shot down. 

    More than the hellacious fires raging through North America, more than climate change, more than the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch, more even than rapid overall species extinction, my own belief is that ocean death is our biggest looming catastrophe and well ought to be our biggest concern.

    I don't tell people what to do or what to eat but I would love to hear someone say to me, "Yeah, I'll join you in abstaining from eating ocean fish and all seafood other than sea vegetables."  That would make my heart happy.
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • lastexitlondon
    lastexitlondon Posts: 14,895
    I just read all this thread and it's wonderful . We as a world need change. I watched a programme  on sewage and the amount that is pumped 1 mile off shore that is not fit to drink after partial purification is horrible.  


    this song is meant to be called i got shit,itshould be called i got shit tickets-hartford 06 -
  • mike86
    mike86 Posts: 161
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.

    What about the practice of salmon "ranching"? Do you consider that part of sustainable fishing practices?
    https://seashepherd.org/campaigns/virushunter/

    here's a lin thats really interesting and talking about that topic. 
    Follow the Strangest Tribe
  • Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • tempo_n_groove
    tempo_n_groove Posts: 41,359
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    mike86 said:
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.

    What about the practice of salmon "ranching"? Do you consider that part of sustainable fishing practices?
    https://seashepherd.org/campaigns/virushunter/

    here's a lin thats really interesting and talking about that topic. 
    Last year we went down to S.F. to meet and great the crew of the R/V Martin Sheen that is working that campaign.  What a wonderful, dedicated group of folks!  Some of the crew had taken off from their regular work for a year to volunteer.  The ships cook left her work to volunteer full time permanently with the R/V Martin Sheen crew. 


    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • Meltdown99
    Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    One would think so, but according to this article they rank about in the middle:

    My step daughter just started a new job in Alaska as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Ketchikan Alaska, so it's an almost sure thing we will visit up there next year- my first time!  Ketchikan sound s like a cool (as in weather and culture) place to visit.  looking forward to it.

    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • Meltdown99
    Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    brianlux said:
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    One would think so, but according to this article they rank about in the middle:

    My step daughter just started a new job in Alaska as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Ketchikan Alaska, so it's an almost sure thing we will visit up there next year- my first time!  Ketchikan sound s like a cool (as in weather and culture) place to visit.  looking forward to it.

    That shows you what I know.  Maybe Alaska has an abundance of wildlife and fish because it is the lowest populated state ...
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    brianlux said:
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    One would think so, but according to this article they rank about in the middle:

    My step daughter just started a new job in Alaska as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Ketchikan Alaska, so it's an almost sure thing we will visit up there next year- my first time!  Ketchikan sound s like a cool (as in weather and culture) place to visit.  looking forward to it.

    That shows you what I know.  Maybe Alaska has an abundance of wildlife and fish because it is the lowest populated state ...
    Yes, and it has such huge expanses of wilderness.  I just hope that the most habitable parts of that state don't become over-run in the not-to-distant future.
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • Meltdown99
    Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    brianlux said:
    brianlux said:
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    One would think so, but according to this article they rank about in the middle:

    My step daughter just started a new job in Alaska as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Ketchikan Alaska, so it's an almost sure thing we will visit up there next year- my first time!  Ketchikan sound s like a cool (as in weather and culture) place to visit.  looking forward to it.

    That shows you what I know.  Maybe Alaska has an abundance of wildlife and fish because it is the lowest populated state ...
    Yes, and it has such huge expanses of wilderness.  I just hope that the most habitable parts of that state don't become over-run in the not-to-distant future.
    Over - run by people?  I do not think that will happen, if that's what you mean.  If not I apologize.  Alaska is to cold for most people, which is why people flock to California ... mostly nice weather.
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • Meltdown99
    Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    I'd live in Alaska over California ... less people.
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    brianlux said:
    brianlux said:
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    One would think so, but according to this article they rank about in the middle:

    My step daughter just started a new job in Alaska as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Ketchikan Alaska, so it's an almost sure thing we will visit up there next year- my first time!  Ketchikan sound s like a cool (as in weather and culture) place to visit.  looking forward to it.

    That shows you what I know.  Maybe Alaska has an abundance of wildlife and fish because it is the lowest populated state ...
    Yes, and it has such huge expanses of wilderness.  I just hope that the most habitable parts of that state don't become over-run in the not-to-distant future.
    Over - run by people?  I do not think that will happen, if that's what you mean.  If not I apologize.  Alaska is to cold for most people, which is why people flock to California ... mostly nice weather.
    Most of the state, not likely because of the weather and very short winter daylight.  But some of the southern town and cities I do believe will become over populated as people move north because of drought, fires and crowding in places like California (and more recently Oregon and Washington).

    I'd live in Alaska over California ... less people.
    We're actually kind of mulling that over possibility.
     
    And not to offend or be that nagging grammar policed but it's "fewer people".  :smile:
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • Meltdown99
    Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    brianlux said:
    brianlux said:
    brianlux said:
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    One would think so, but according to this article they rank about in the middle:

    My step daughter just started a new job in Alaska as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Ketchikan Alaska, so it's an almost sure thing we will visit up there next year- my first time!  Ketchikan sound s like a cool (as in weather and culture) place to visit.  looking forward to it.

    That shows you what I know.  Maybe Alaska has an abundance of wildlife and fish because it is the lowest populated state ...
    Yes, and it has such huge expanses of wilderness.  I just hope that the most habitable parts of that state don't become over-run in the not-to-distant future.
    Over - run by people?  I do not think that will happen, if that's what you mean.  If not I apologize.  Alaska is to cold for most people, which is why people flock to California ... mostly nice weather.
    Most of the state, not likely because of the weather and very short winter daylight.  But some of the southern town and cities I do believe will become over populated as people move north because of drought, fires and crowding in places like California (and more recently Oregon and Washington).

    I'd live in Alaska over California ... less people.
    We're actually kind of mulling that over possibility.
     
    And not to offend or be that nagging grammar policed but it's "fewer people".  :smile:
    :angry: This place is getting just as bad as facebook for the grammar police...


    Give Peas A Chance…
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    brianlux said:
    brianlux said:
    brianlux said:
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    One would think so, but according to this article they rank about in the middle:

    My step daughter just started a new job in Alaska as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Ketchikan Alaska, so it's an almost sure thing we will visit up there next year- my first time!  Ketchikan sound s like a cool (as in weather and culture) place to visit.  looking forward to it.

    That shows you what I know.  Maybe Alaska has an abundance of wildlife and fish because it is the lowest populated state ...
    Yes, and it has such huge expanses of wilderness.  I just hope that the most habitable parts of that state don't become over-run in the not-to-distant future.
    Over - run by people?  I do not think that will happen, if that's what you mean.  If not I apologize.  Alaska is to cold for most people, which is why people flock to California ... mostly nice weather.
    Most of the state, not likely because of the weather and very short winter daylight.  But some of the southern town and cities I do believe will become over populated as people move north because of drought, fires and crowding in places like California (and more recently Oregon and Washington).

    I'd live in Alaska over California ... less people.
    We're actually kind of mulling that over possibility.
     
    And not to offend or be that nagging grammar policed but it's "fewer people".  :smile:
    :angry: This place is getting just as bad as facebook for the grammar police...


    LOL,  it's just that I used to mix up "few"  and "less" fairly often and now my wife has me trained on that one.  And it only took me 15 years to get it right.... most of the time.  :lol:
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • tempo_n_groove
    tempo_n_groove Posts: 41,359
    brianlux said:
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    One would think so, but according to this article they rank about in the middle:

    My step daughter just started a new job in Alaska as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Ketchikan Alaska, so it's an almost sure thing we will visit up there next year- my first time!  Ketchikan sound s like a cool (as in weather and culture) place to visit.  looking forward to it.

    OK when it comes to fishing Alaska does a great job in conservation and sustainability.

    I've mentioned this before and I'll repeat it.  Here is what started it all.

    Alaska had all but fished out Alaskan King crab to the point of 10% of it's population in the late 70's.  It was so low that they never thought that it would replenish itself.  Because of this Alaska wrote into their constitution sustainability so that the travesty of the King Crab loss would never happen again.

    Alaska had developed quotas and have observers on fishing vessels to track the fish population whether it be fish or crab.

    I got to see this as I was working up there in the fishing industry for 2 years. 

    It truly is amazing in what they have accomplished.

    Salmon still have free run there with the hatcheries that help promote population.

    There are two fish species that thrive in Alaska that have been all but fished to extinction in the Atlantic.  Those are Cod and Salmon.

    I always praise Alaska for what they have done with their fishing industry and maintaining sustainability.

    Tuna is the next fish species that should be protected.
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,662
    brianlux said:
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    One would think so, but according to this article they rank about in the middle:

    My step daughter just started a new job in Alaska as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Ketchikan Alaska, so it's an almost sure thing we will visit up there next year- my first time!  Ketchikan sound s like a cool (as in weather and culture) place to visit.  looking forward to it.

    OK when it comes to fishing Alaska does a great job in conservation and sustainability.

    I've mentioned this before and I'll repeat it.  Here is what started it all.

    Alaska had all but fished out Alaskan King crab to the point of 10% of it's population in the late 70's.  It was so low that they never thought that it would replenish itself.  Because of this Alaska wrote into their constitution sustainability so that the travesty of the King Crab loss would never happen again.

    Alaska had developed quotas and have observers on fishing vessels to track the fish population whether it be fish or crab.

    I got to see this as I was working up there in the fishing industry for 2 years. 

    It truly is amazing in what they have accomplished.

    Salmon still have free run there with the hatcheries that help promote population.

    There are two fish species that thrive in Alaska that have been all but fished to extinction in the Atlantic.  Those are Cod and Salmon.

    I always praise Alaska for what they have done with their fishing industry and maintaining sustainability.

    Tuna is the next fish species that should be protected.
    I hope you're right about that but I'm still boycotting all sea food all the time for the rest of my life.  Like my Pop used to say, "I'm a stubborn Dutchman."
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • tempo_n_groove
    tempo_n_groove Posts: 41,359
    brianlux said:
    brianlux said:
    Fishing, when done right, like in Alaska, is sustainable.
    Choosing to miss the point.
    I guess you missed mine in that if done right the fish population can still be saved. 

    Good points.  Alaska seems to do a good job at conservation.  Alaska is a fascinating State.  It's on my bucket list of destinations.
    One would think so, but according to this article they rank about in the middle:

    My step daughter just started a new job in Alaska as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Ketchikan Alaska, so it's an almost sure thing we will visit up there next year- my first time!  Ketchikan sound s like a cool (as in weather and culture) place to visit.  looking forward to it.

    OK when it comes to fishing Alaska does a great job in conservation and sustainability.

    I've mentioned this before and I'll repeat it.  Here is what started it all.

    Alaska had all but fished out Alaskan King crab to the point of 10% of it's population in the late 70's.  It was so low that they never thought that it would replenish itself.  Because of this Alaska wrote into their constitution sustainability so that the travesty of the King Crab loss would never happen again.

    Alaska had developed quotas and have observers on fishing vessels to track the fish population whether it be fish or crab.

    I got to see this as I was working up there in the fishing industry for 2 years. 

    It truly is amazing in what they have accomplished.

    Salmon still have free run there with the hatcheries that help promote population.

    There are two fish species that thrive in Alaska that have been all but fished to extinction in the Atlantic.  Those are Cod and Salmon.

    I always praise Alaska for what they have done with their fishing industry and maintaining sustainability.

    Tuna is the next fish species that should be protected.
    I hope you're right about that but I'm still boycotting all sea food all the time for the rest of my life.  Like my Pop used to say, "I'm a stubborn Dutchman."
    @brianlux Please do me a favor and read up on the King crab biomass loss in the late 70's.  What is happening now is purely amazing with the catches now.

    I actually own the NatGeo magazine that discusses the crab crash.

    When I was in Alaska there were certain ships that were transformed into fishing boats rather than crab boats.  There were a bunch of vessels that made the change from crab to fish because there was no crab to catch.  Cod, salmon or pollock was the way to go to still make money.

    It is such a fascinating subject to me.