Question

Explain why conservation of fish has become necessary.

Answer 1

Fish, like all living things, have a limited capacity for regeneration, even though they lay thousands of eggs. For a long time, sea fisheries were thought to be limitless, and people believed that human activity could not affect fish stocks.

• In the past:

  • The world population was smaller.
  • Fishing methods were simple.
  • The rate of fishing was slower than the rate of fish regeneration, so stocks remained stable.
• In the 20th century:
  • Rapid population growth increased the demand for fish.
  • Modern technology (mechanized trawlers, large nets, sonar) made fishing faster and more intensive.
  • Immature fish were also caught, reducing future stocks.
  • As a result, fish resources began to decline severely.

Today, fish catches are falling sharply in many regions. Fishermen are forced to travel farther out into the ocean to meet their needs. Moreover, marine pollution (oil spills, waste disposal, plastics) has further damaged fish habitats and reduced their numbers.