Solutions
This is a very big problem that the world is facing but there are still things that we can do to make things better. One solution could be that in at least some areas we could lower fish quotas so that people can only legally take a certain amount of fish. This means there are more fish left in the sea to reproduce and regenerate.
An even better idea could be that in some areas in the sea could be ‘no-go zones’ and in these zones, fishing would be strictly illegal, that way, the fish in that area will have time to mature and breed without being caught. Banning nets with small mesh holes allows smaller adolescent fish to escape to breed.
Boats could be allowed to fish only on certain days of the month. Fish would become dearer but it is the same with every other desirable product world wide.
Decommissioning would help. Instead of fishermen being forced to continue for financial reasons they could retire earlier by getting compensation for their old boats.
Exclusion zones could be extended to off limits for certain nationalities at certain times of the year.
Managing eater’s behaviour and demand is a key in reducing pressure on overfished species. Buying your fish and seafood from companies that use non-destructive fishing techniques sends out a clear message to the companies that don’t as they wouldn’t be able to sell their fish. MSC has a website that identifies companies who deal in safe fishing practices. In New Zealand shops John West, Independent, Sanford and Sealord are given a positive rating. Fish marked with MSC labels mean it is safe to eat. The fish have come from a sustainable source and are not polluted with something such as mercury which is also a big problem.
Fish farming is a possible solution but it takes between 5 and 100 kg of fish feed to raise 1kg of salmon. This means it can create as many problems as it solves.
Your opinions and thoughts and thoughts count, send your concerns to the government and industry leaders.