Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Michael McIntyre

Urban Regional Extension Agent

Natural Resources/Home Horticulture

February 17, 2009

Fishing Forever

Fishing in this article does not refer to recreational fishing, but fish as a substitute to buying beef or chicken.  One of the main points that must be emphasized is we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy fishing as recreational or employment, as much as or even more than we do.

Let us consider a couple of statistics, not only in this global economic situation, but all the time. The United Nations reports that all 17 of the world`s major fishing areas have reached or exceeded their natural limits. The World Conservation Union listed 1,081 fish world-wide as threatened or endangered.

One of the most important resources along the Gulf Coast is fisheries. This industry provides employment for hundreds of people either directly or indirectly.  It is therefore important regardless of the economic status that we protect the waters that sustain fish species and manage the fishing operation in order to have a continuous long term supply. If these resources are left unmanaged, fish will be of limited use to humans. Good management of the fisheries industry will foster a larger harvest, however too much management can destroy the industry.  It is sometimes difficult to balance economic and ecological policies; however, in this article I’ll be outlining a couple of economic principles for consideration while we are fishing. 

We have to understand that the fishing industry is different from a farm or other business where property is purchased, rented or taxed.  Fishing is done on common property in an open space, where there is no ownership.  License, boats, nets, sonar equipment, rods, etc., are purchased; however, in fishing your harvest can be very large with little input from you to replenish what you have removed.  Unlike a farmer who can amend his soil with nutrients, lime and compost to get a larger harvest the following year.

The first principle to bear in mind is that an increase in effort; time spent and the technique used, gives us a higher harvest in the short run but reduces our harvest in the long run.  The cost of fishing usually increases with the scarcity of fish. Sometimes when fishing it takes a long time before you get a catch.  In such a case, you may want to invest in new and improved equipment to increase your chances of a larger harvest. Yes, new equipment may increase your catch but most critical is that younger and more fish species may also be caught increasing the scarcity.  In the open water, there is no ownership and the fisherman continues to fish until the cost of fishing is covered by the harvest. This scenario may sometimes cause overfishing and possible extinction. 

In conclusion, fishing is an activity we can enjoy for a very long time, whether done for food or recreation.  However, it is a resource that can become extinct if not managed properly. Whether you are a reader or a fisher, we can act as advocates educating the fishing industries to fish responsibly, keeping future generations in mind and knowing that our fish resources are being depleted.  We can reduce water pollution and soil erosion, which increases sediments in fish habitat.  Fishers can also improve their fishing techniques so that they harvest only what they need with little effect on other species that are not ready for harvest. By doing all of this we can reduce fish kill and increase the fish population.

Water Catchment Systems

Workshop and Demonstration

There will be a Rain Water Catchment Workshop and Demonstration on March 10th from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and March 11th from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Mobile County Extension Office.  Please call LaTanga or Mike at 251-574-8445 or 251-259-1265 for more information and to register.  Registration deadline is March 5, 2009. This is a free workshop.

Email address: mnm0001@auburn.edu

Phone: (251) 937-7176

February 12, 2009

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M and Auburn Universities) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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