Fishing Forever By Michael McIntyre, Urban Regional Extension Agent, Mobile County

People have enjoyed fishing for centuries and we want to make sure that the next generation continues to enjoy this recreational or economic pursuit for many more years to come. But first, let's consider some global statistics that make it clear why protecting the fishing industry is important.

The Fishing and Aquaculture Department of the United Nations reports that 27 major fishing areas have been established in the world to date, and many of these areas have already reached or exceeded their natural limits. Furthermore, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, also known as The World Conservation Union, recorded 1,275 fish on their Red List of Endangered Species. Diminished fish supplies can pose economic challenges even for areas like Alabama's Gulf Shore region.

One of the most important resources along the Gulf Coast is its fisheries. The fishing industry provides employment for thousands of people either directly or indirectly. It is therefore important, regardless of economic status, that we protect the waters that sustain fish species and manage fishing operations in order to have a continuous and long-term supply of fish. If these resources are left unmanaged, fish will no longer be beneficial to humans. However, good management of the fishing industry helps to foster a larger harvest, while too much management can destroy the industry. The trick is learning how to balance economic or ecological policies.

The fishing industry is different from a farm or other business where property is purchased, rented, or taxed. Fishing is usually done on public property in an open space. Fishing licenses, boats, nets, sonar equipment, and rods are purchased, yielding a $45 billion profit in retail sales (ASA, 2008). However, unlike a farmer who can amend his soil with nutrients, lime and compost to get a larger harvest the following year, a fishing harvest can be very large with little input to replenish what has been removed.

An increase in effort, time spent, and the fishing technique used, yields a greater harvest in the short run, but reduces the harvest in the long run. The cost of fishing usually increases when fish are scarce and it might take a long time before you actually get a catch. In this case you may want to invest in new and improved equipment to increase your chances of a larger harvest. Although new equipment may increase your catch size, younger and additional fish species may also be caught, thus further reducing the fish supply. In the open waters there is no ownership and fisherman continue to fish until the cost of fishing is covered by the harvest. This scenario may sometimes cause overfishing and/or some fish species to become extinct.

In conclusion, fishing is an activity we can enjoy for a very long time whether as a profession or for recreation. However, fishing is a resource that can diminish if not managed properly. Whether you are a reader or a fisher we can act as advocates to educate the public to fish more responsibly and to avoid depleting future fish supplies. We can reduce water pollution and soil erosion, which increases sediments in fish habitat. Fishermen or women can also improve their fishing techniques to harvest only what they need with little effect on other species that are not ready for harvest. By taking these steps, we can reduce fish kill, increase the fish population, and allow the sport of fishing to be enjoyed for years to come.

Fishing Fisheries and Aquaculture Department. (2009). CWP handbook of fishery statistics standards: Section H: fishing areas for statistical purposes. Concepts, Definitions and Classifications Fact Sheets. Retrieved April 27, 2009.

Groombridge, B., & Jenkins, M. D. (Eds.). (2000). Global biodiversity: status of the earth's living resources in the 21st century. United Kingdom: World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. (2008). Table 1: Numbers of threatened species by major groups of organisms (1996-2008). 2008 IUCN Red List. Retrieved April 27, 2009.

Sterner, T. (2002). Policy instruments for environmental and natural resource management. Washington, DC: RFP Press.

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